I learned from that visit that my health care professionals usually do not laugh when they visit with their patients. "That's too bad," I thought. "There is so much humor in this whole cancer treatment thing. Let's make the most of it."
It was then that I had an insight. No everyone is like me. I know, pretty deep.
Other things I learned at Huntsman:
- Taking Valentine's Day gifts to medical staff gets you TONS of smiles. I made many friends that day.
- Attempting flying side karate kicks in the waiting room does not happen very often, and when I did it, it got discussed by EVERYONE in the clinic.
- People appreciate it when you remember their names.
- When attempting set up an IV, and the patient's veins are not cooperating, nurses wrap the patients (especially their arms) in warm blankets to help the veins participate.
- If you tell your doctor that you are lightheaded, the PA may suggest you are dehydrated, then the doctor may suggest giving you fluid for an hour. So think twice about mentioning the lightheadedness.
- Many, many generous people donate free things to patients and Huntsman.
- Everyone is struggling with something. So be kind.
