My husband, Trevor, was diagnosed with cancer in 2000, was
treated and remained in remission until 2003. After tests, it was
determined by his oncologist, Dr. Steven Scates, that the cancer
has not only returned, but had spread. Dr. Scates offered the only
treatment he felt remained and indicated that Trevor probably only
had months to live.
My husband, Trevor, was diagnosed with cancer in 2000, was treated and remained in remission until 2003. After tests, it was determined by his oncologist, Dr. Steven Scates, that the cancer has not only returned, but had spread. Dr. Scates offered the only treatment he felt remained and indicated that Trevor probably only had months to live.
Trevor had not been feeling well and upon arising the morning of Jan. 5, was having difficulty breathing and his fingernails and toenails were discolored. I immediately called Dr. Scates and he directed me to take Trevor to the hospital, advise them to put Trevor on oxygen, determine his condition and call him at his office in San Jose. Because Trevor’s radiology records were at St. Louise, I felt it best to take him there.
Upon arriving at St. Louise, Trevor was so weak that a paramedic who happened to be at the emergency entrance assisted me in putting him in a wheelchair and bringing him into the hospital. I immediately advised the emergency room staff of Trevor’s condition and that we were there at the direction of Dr. Scates. I asked that they put him on oxygen, determine his condition and call Dr. Scates – I even gave him Dr. Scates’ business card.
One nurse started Trevor on oxygen. However, another nurse immediately removed the oxygen indicating the doctor had wanted to test his oxygen level before giving him oxygen. He never was given oxygen or any other treatment.
We were advised that Trevor should go home and “if you get short of breath, rest then continue on.” Again, Trevor was so weak that he had to be taken to the car in a wheelchair with the assistance of an emergency room technician.
On Tuesday evening, Jan. 6, Trevor was even worse so not wanting to repeat the treatment we had received at St. Louise, I wrapped him in a blanket and took him to Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital. The response at Hazel Hawkins was prompt and efficient. The doctor on call quickly determined that among his other problems, Trevor has pneumonia in both lungs and immediately admitted him for treatment.
The treatment Trevor received while at Hazel Hawkins by Dr. Mohammad S. Al-Hasan and the nurses, technicians and other staff was nothing short of phenomenal. I just cannot praise them enough and I know they did everything humanly possible to pull him through.
Even when it became apparent that he would not survive the ordeal, every single person at the hospital did everything they could to meet his needs and assure that he was as comfortable as possible. In addition to the wonderful care given Trevor, we were astounded by the genuine care and compassion that was afforded to our entire family.
I realize that Trevor’s illness was terminal. However, I, as does the rest of the family, believe he – at the least – suffered needlessly for an additional 36 hours. Those 36 hours may have been critical to pulling him through and I believe in my heart his time with us may have been lengthened with timely and proper care.
I am also appalled by the fact that I called St. Louise on Jan. 7 to relate my concern regarding his treatment Jan. 5 and was promised the matter would be reviewed and that I would hear back from the hospital by Tuesday, Jan. 13. To date, I have heard nothing.
Genevra Martin,
Hollister
