What I Really Learned in Med School

Patients can find out about their cancer in some of the most unexpected ways. One patient had a neck injury and they found her bones filled with cancer on the CT scan. A few have presented with symptoms as vague as "abdominal pain" or "bloating." Several have unexplained blood clots. I can't imagine the feeling of going to the hospital for one thing and then getting blind-sighted by finding out you have stage 4 cancer.  For those who don't know (I don't blame you), a Hematologist/Oncologist is a Blood and Cancer Doctor. We have worked with patients with stage 4 breast/lung/prostate/skin/colon cancer, multiple myeloma, lymphomas/leukemias, hypogammaglobulinemias, renal cell carcinoma, carcinoid, gynecologic cancers, and cancers of the bladder/esophagus/pancreas/head and neck.  We even had patients with mesothelioma and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma of the left atrium of the heart.  We saw many genetic disorders (some I never even heard of) ...

Sault Sainte Marie, Ontario One of my favourite travel weekends was spent in Northern Ontario with our old roomie Ryan and his fiancé Hailie! We had an extra long Memorial Day weekend in between rotations so took the window of opportunity to cross the border over to Canada for a visit. So many laughs and waterfalls and outdoor activities.  Reunited! Hailie's sand creation Turn the corner on the hike to find my boyfriend in a tree... Atlanta, Georgia Flew down to Atlanta for the USMLE Step 2 CS Had some biscuits and gravy for breakfast Sat on the front porch of our hotel in rocking chairs Enjoyed the 31 degree weather Almost made me miss living in the south!

Used our day off to explore the Cleveland/Northeast Ohio area. We went to the Harry London chocolate factory, creeped on Lebron James's house, walked around downtown Cleveland, had lunch on an awesome pedestrian street, & went to an MLB game. Harry London chocolates Lebron James's house There was a security house at the front gate to the right of this pic Downtown Cleveland This park is called "The Mall" and the mall is called "The Arcade" Whatever floats your boat Cleveland... East 4th Street Pedestrian street lined with bars and restaurants I love these little areas in cities NFL Stadium and Lake Erie Waving hello to Canada on the other side of the water! Cleveland Indians vs Kansas City Royals Enjoyed the game and all the extra stuff that goes with it (like fan pitching areas and ice cream) but it feels very uncomfortable to me to hear people chanting about "indians...

Coming home for 2 months to study for Canadian and American medical boards (MCCEE and USMLE Step 2 CK) was one of our best decisions. We were productive and it was great to re-charge at home without the distractions that come with living away. But tonight we are in Ohio to continue our clinical rotations. Our road trip went well (we really have our strategy down by now), we moved into our house, and we start Monday. Hematology Oncology for me and Gynecology Oncology for Craig. I just wanted to upload some photos from our time in Nova Scotia during these past 2 months and from when we were home at Christmas. Girls day with manis and mimosas Overlapping for 2 weeks was as much as a sister could ask for! So much Tasty Treat ice cream. Backyard strolls with my lumberjack boyfriend      Coxheath Hills family hike in the fog Thanks to Craig for rallying the troops Night out with the girls! \      The happiest place on earth is bein...