Social media brings people together in unique ways, and some patients have found it to be a great tool to share moments from their personal health journey. That has been the case for Liz Hobbs.
Liz is receiving treatment at Parkview Wabash Hospital (PWB) and Parkview Cancer Institute (PCI), and she has found that writing about her health journey has brought her new insights and comfort through her cancer diagnosis, surgery and chemotherapy.
Last month, she shared on Facebook:
“This week I am tired. Emotionally and physically fatigued. So when I headed out for my weekly blood draw (I am what they call a ‘hard stick’) I was pretty grouchy. But I put a smile on my face and walked into the hospital hoping and praying that the vein in my hand would ‘pop’ like it should so I could go back to being tired and feeling sorry for myself.
The tech who takes my blood each week is a Cubs fan, you all know I have loved the Cardinals my whole life, [and] we have enjoyed bantering back and forth these many weeks. At the end of the appointment, the tech said, ‘And today we have something just for you,’ and pulled a roll of Cardinal red bandages out of the drawer.
I know it doesn't sound like a big deal, but it's exactly what I needed today. You see, I have received nothing but excellent care from everyone at Parkview; from our first day of hearing ‘Has anyone told you how big this mass is?’ through every step and question to follow.
It isn't about who I am; everyone has been a new face for me. It isn't about who I am not; I'm ‘self-pay’ no insurance guarantee here. But it is about a group of people who serve well and who know their work is a calling and not just a job.
So tonight, as I prep my mind for tomorrow's chemo by remembering all that I have to be thankful for, I add a Cardinal red bandage given to me by someone in Cubs blue scrubs to the ever growing list. May I remember that what can seem like a small gesture may be an important part of someone else's day, and may I strive to show this type of mindfulness in my care of others.”
The gentleman in the Cubs blue scrubs is lab support services technician Jeremiah Felver, who draws Liz’s blood at PWB each week.
Liz has passed the halfway mark for her chemotherapy treatments, and she’s so grateful to Jeremiah and everyone whom she’s met on this journey.
“This story with Jeremiah is one in a long line of stories of people at Parkview who’ve cared for me,” Liz said. “There have been so many wonderful encounters and personal attention that people have given me, from the book recommendation from Dr. Pennington [Kenneth Pennington, MD, PPG – Oncology] to Netflix recommendations from the lady who is helping me with financial aid.
Everyone has been so mindful in their care. While you all do this for a living, every step is new for me, so I appreciate a little levity in the middle of a frightening situation, as they are reminders that life goes on.”