Illness is frightening. When you receive a diagnosis, it can be both terrifying and isolating.
Last fall, I was diagnosed with a highly aggressive form of colon cancer. I needed to have surgery imminently to remove the tumour on my large intestine—and I am glad it was here, in my home of Victoria, that I would receive treatment.
I hadn’t been feeling well in the weeks leading up to my diagnosis. I was sent for several tests, one being a colonoscopy at Victoria General Hospital. I had no idea it was going to be anything but routine.
During the procedure, the gastroenterologist came over to me, took my hand and said, ‘I’m so sorry. You have cancer.’ He had tears in his eyes, he was just so empathetic. Dr. Dustin Loomes was thoughtful and kind. He even called me at home the next
night to see if I was okay. I so appreciated that.
That’s the kind of care that comes from the hearts of our hospital staff.
The next few weeks were a flurry of tests and appointments and learning about my condition. So many equipment pieces played a hand in this—I became extra aware of this. I met another wonderful doctor, who would become my general surgeon. The first time I met Dr. Heather Emmerton-Coughlin was in the exam room. ‘Just call me Dr. Heather,’ she smiled. She put her hand on my arm and said, ‘I’m going to take care of you.’ She was caring, warm, informative, honest and direct. All the things that I really appreciate in medical care.
When my scheduled surgery day arrived at Royal Jubilee Hospital, I was not stressed. My husband and my daughter were by my side and understandably worried. I, on the other hand, had a sense of calm come over me, and I think it was because Dr. Heather helped me fully understand what the surgery entailed.
I believe attitude is everything in life. I know bad things are going to happen to people from time to time, but life is truly what you make of it. I have been blessed in my life—having a great husband and family, and Victoria to call home. I knew I could face the road ahead with their support, and in this very place.
Post-surgery, I spent a lot of time in recovery. I ended up in a room with three other patients, all of whom had different healthcare journeys. I received amazing support from all the nurses—truly. I say that understanding they deal with so much on a daily basis. Two of the nurses got me dressed and on my feet that afternoon.
When Dr. Heather came by to check on me, I was relieved to hear the surgery had gone well and that I would be able to recover at home. Dr. Heather said she was able to remove the entire tumour, which provided profound relief. I continued with chemotherapy in January to reduce the risk of recurrence. I just completed that treatment this summer.
I realize I have had an amazing journey despite the circumstances of the disease. The doctors will monitor my condition going forward, and I have full faith in their expertise.
The care I received was nothing short of remarkable.
I owe this to the doctors and the technology we have access to in our hospitals.
We have so many wonderfully trained doctors and surgeons in our community. The fact that on top of their expertise, they profoundly care for the patient is a gift. I strongly believe it is our duty as community members to support them.
I share my story today with the full understanding that it’s not always easy right now in our current healthcare landscape. I have to say, however, that once you’re in the system, the hospital care provided locally is brilliant. The doctors, surgeons and all the hospital staff are excellent. I would even say: we have some of the best medical professionals in the country, right here in Victoria.
I share my story, too, because I believe we need to come together to support our hospitals and healthcare workers. We need to wrap around them to ensure they are equipped with the latest tools and resources, so that they can in turn care in the best possible way for everyone we know who may need their expertise one day.
I am a proud donor to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation. I believe in their mission, and in their drive to equip our caregivers with the priority tools they need to deliver the best care. To bring the latest technology to our hospitals, including robotics, is of utmost importance for the wellbeing of all.
Join me in supporting surgical excellence in our Victoria hospitals. We are all in this together.
— Shirley Hunter,
Grateful Patient
