Recently, I lost a dear patient to cancer after an extensive work up. On top of the mourning, there was a jarring cessation of follow up.
I also recently had a sweet patient I suspected had cancer recover completely. Besides the celebration, there was a jarring cessation of follow up.
My teammates toasted the life of our cancer patient with the dog's Mom and the bar manager. They talked about Dog as a Baby Dog and Knowing When Your Heart is Ready Again. The story brought tears to my eyes. I was so proud - and happy to know Mom was hanging in there.
And then...nothing.
Kelly called the family of the recovered dog a couple of times to make sure she was still doing well. She was.
And then...nothing.
In the worst of cases and the best of cases, it is a difficult transition to make from almost daily communication and care to none at all.
I miss you both, and I miss your families I pray for new/continued happiness. I look forward to the day I see your families again.