Monday... During of afternoon session ICM we sat down for a session with a Geriatrician and a counsel of elders who talked to us about what it is like to get older. Our guests were 74, 80, and 90. They were all aging VERY well. Honestly, the woman who was 90 shocked us all when she disclosed her age. It was great to be able to ask them candid questions about their experiences in life, with their health, and other things like how their decision making might have changed as they got older when choosing doctors.
Tuesday... During the oncology session of ICM we had a visit from a woman who is currently being treated for stage 4 adenocarcinoma of the lung. If you follow me on twitter, you might have seen a quotation that her oncologist/our teacher told her that would be important for the first weeks after her diagnosis, "People are either protons, neutrons, or electrons. Surround yourself with protons." This session was humbling in so many ways in that it put a unique perspective on a diagnosis that no one wants to get. She seemed as though she had mastered the skill of maintaining a positive outlook on life despite what is going on. And we all could see the manifestation of that mindset in the fact that although her first physician had given her 30 days from her diagnosis, it has been almost more than 2 1/2 years. Take THAT cancer.
Wednesday... During our afternoon session ICM of the week we had specialty diagnosis for ophthalmology. Just like with ENT we got to practice some of the basics in the field on each other. I wasn't too eager to volunteer for an elective procedure this time, so I declined to have my eyes dilated - among others...lol Our hosts were opthamalogy residents and they all seemed to love what they do. IU is completing the state of the art Glick Eye Institute, and it was pretty sweet to get to tour the new building. Did you know that a cataract surgery can take as little as 3 minutes to complete?! Craziness...
Here is the video of a surgery, but DISCLAIMER: DON'T WATCH IF YOU ARE SQUEEMISH.
Friday... Neuro web exam this weekend, so that's going to be the highlight of my Friday evening. Keep me in your prayers!
