Cancer in a Cold Climate

by Enid O'Dowd

  ‘Closing Luke’s is a crying shame…’

  Our father James O’Toole who is 73 has stomach cancer and was recently discharged from St Luke’s where he was an inpatient in Ward D. He was able to have a single room which he greatly appreciated as he’s an incredibly private person who values his peace and quiet and privacy so much. We do think he is finally coming to terms with his illness and all that he has been through.

  It’s been a godsend to have such a quiet and peaceful place for him to recuperate in, and to continue with his treatments. The nursing staff are wonderful; they are kind and considerate.

  It’s only a pity that our dad was not strong enough to go out and see the gardens as they are absolutely amazing and it is a credit to the gardeners of St Luke’s. For people that are undergoing treatment for cancer and have a lot of stress and worries in their life due to their illnesses it must be an absolute joy to roam the peaceful and tranquil gardens of St Luke’s. The gardens are amazing with the undulating pathways through leafy walkways and mature flower beds and outdoor seating.

  We come from a family of nurses and we have all worked in many hospitals both in Ireland and abroad. I (Sandra) have worked in St James’ Hospital in a clerical capacity and Carmel now works in Blanchardstown Hospital. St Luke’s has a unique qualify about it; the camaraderie between the patients, the beautiful kept gardens and the rooms that are pristine.

  If St Luke’s is divided and separated and the services sent to St. James’s and to Beaumont the ethos of St Luke’s will be lost. They will become numbers in the system and will not be able to get a bed when they need it like our father did.

  We think that closing St Luke’s is a crying shame and we would be advocating for it to be kept for its uniqueness and a place where cancer patients can go and see other people who are in the same boat as them.

  As a nurse I (Carmel) understand the idea of centres of excellence but Luke’s is already a centre of excellence. What has Beaumont got? Very much a concrete jungle as far as I can see with none of these facilities.

  Sandra O’Toole and Carmel Mooney

  Dublin

  ‘In normal times the people of Ireland would rise up and save St Luke’s. A state of paralysis seems to have gripped the country. The Minister for Health has seized her opportunity to close the hospital.’

  It was late lunchtime when I opened my hall door. I had been exercising my dogs down at the river. The phone in the hall was ringing. I got the dogs inside, closed the door and answered the phone, looking at caller I.D. first. I saw my doctor’s number coming up and immediately knew it was not going to be good news.

  Four days before I had gone to my doctor for blood tests. The results were due in about two weeks. As the results had come back so soon I knew they could only be bad.

  My doctor had suggested having blood tests done on a previous visit as a routine matter as I am in my mid fifties - a bit like an MOT particularly the PSA blood test. For men who are over 50 years of age the PSA blood test in particular is recommended as it is likely it will show up prostate cancer if present — it might be the only way of knowing that cancer is present — in a lot of men there are no physical symptoms. It is extraordinary that this test is not widely promoted.

  Some of my symptoms were relatively minor. For several months past I had had to get up two or three times a night to go to the loo. The more serious symptoms (the cancer having moved on into bone and other areas) I had put down to my psoriatic arthritis with which I had been diagnosed some years before getting much worse — much more pain, tiredness and fatigue. I took anti inflammatory tablets to deal with it.

  I had looked up prostate on the internet and found that most prostate problems were not cancerous and were usually to do with an enlarged prostate. I thought maybe some pills might fix it. But I knew from the results coming through so quickly that it was something far more serious.

  I went to see my GP that evening who over the course of an hour and in such a kind way explained that I most likely had prostate cancer. The PSA test was over 5 — extremely high. He made an appointment with an urologist for the following day in Blackrock Clinic. He got me in for tests over the next few days. His immediate prognosis was most likely that it was prostate cancer. All the test results came through and my urologist confirmed that I had prostate cancer — advanced stage 3 - metastasized into bone and lymph nodes. He arranged an appointment with an oncologist.

  A few days later a letter arrived from the oncologist with a date and time for the appointment. There were three choices of venue for treatment — St Vincent’s, the Beacon or St Luke’s. For me it was a no brainer — I immediately opted for St Luke’s. I knew of St Luke’s reputation. I had been on a march a couple of years previously in support of saving it.

  I have to go to hospital for treatment on a regular basis — to be going to an ordinary hospital would put me in a state of fear and panic. I am not the kind of person who rushes to my doctor — I usually can find any reason not to go — I also suffer from ‘white coat syndrome’.

  The moment I go through the gates of St Luke’s I feel at ease. There is a welcome everywhere. Blood tests are done in a calm relaxed atmosphere. In most hospitals you go in, take a number and wait. It might be number 87 currently servicing number 25 - you have no choice but to sit and wait on a plastic chair for an hour or two. St Luke’s has a number system too. Take a number, but within two or three minutes a friendly head comes out to say they are ready for me now or it will be another four or five minutes at most — never too long, always being looked after.

  There is an extraordinary feeling about St Luke’s. You get an immediate feeling of a calm, serene, relaxed, laid back atmosphere. The treatment you get is absolutely first class — premier league as it has been referred to. To go in for tests, have a gap and then treatment later on gives an opportunity to rest in the peaceful rooms in the hospital — there are so many places where a patient can just sit and ‘put their feet up’. On a fine day there are the grounds- gardens to walk in, a little stream, a gazebo, little walks here and there ensuring every time you find something new.

  These are the things that make you feel better. These are the things that when you are having treatment that is going to be repetitive makes you feel you want to go on. The owners of the shops and restaurants in Rathgar village are so familiar with the accents of people from all over the country — the village being a short stroll away.

  One of the ‘high tech’ medicines I receive can only be given by infusion. This involves having blood tests done the day before and then going in and having the infusion done which normally lasts about 40 minutes. Cancer has spread to a lot of my bones so I receive infusions of a glue type substance which sticks to my bones and is designed to make it difficult for cancer cells to survive. This means I have to sit quietly when having the infusions. Every time I have it done and am sitting there staff members who are just passing by come and talk to me. My favourite time is when a kind person from the kitchen is passing by with her trolley. She will chat about everything and insist on giving out lovely freshly made soup and sandwiches. The forty minutes passes so quickly. I look forward to the next time I go in.

  I was only diagnosed with cancer four months ago, so I have not had that many visits to St Luke’s to date — but the kindness, the affection, the goodwill, the laid back atmosphere that permeates the hospital from all the staff working there is already so ingrained on me.

  It is probably not correct to call St Luke’s a ‘hospital’ — it is an institution made up of the place and more importantly the 500 people who work there. What those 500 people make happen every day — what they do — comes about as a result of 50 years of an evolving culture that is the institution of St Luke’s. Now this could be lost forever.

  In normal times the people of Ireland would rise up and save St Luke’s. Probably because of the world economic downturn and in particular due to the recklessness of our government, our banks and property developers, we are not
living in normal times. It seems that most people are living in a state of bewilderment and hopelessness and this is the reason so little action to save the hospital has happened to date. A state of paralysis seems to have gripped the country. The Minister for Health has seized her opportunity to close the hospital.

  Everyone I talk to has a connection with St Luke’s. Everyone knows someone who has been there. When friends heard I was going to have treatment there they said be sure to say hello to such and such a person who works in the hospital - I just lost track of all the people I have to say hello to. Everyone is shocked when they hear of its impending closure — usually disbelief — how could they do that to St Luke’s?

  If we do not act now, it will soon be too late. They, the government will have won again - another victory for them over the ordinary people of Ireland. The time is NOW to save St Luke’s.

  Tom O’Dowd,

  Ranelagh, Dublin

  ‘My oncologist says the grounds and environment of St Luke’s are integral to the care of cancer patients.’

  It was back in July 2001 that I was diagnosed with Cervical Cancer. Some shock to the system, but with little choice other than to go through what had to be done! My surgery entailed a radical hysterectomy with the hope that all would be clear after that. However, the results of the histology revealed that some of the removed lymph glands were cancerous; hence radiation and chemotherapy would be necessary.

  St. Luke’s was the hospital to which I was referred. At that time, alone the name St. Luke’s put a shiver down my spine. I had no idea what the hospital was like, but me in my ignorance could only envisage what people ‘whispered’ in relation to St. Luke’s many moons ago!

  My first encounter with St. Luke’s was the day I was discharged from The National Maternity Hospital. To be honest I was in no fit state but had to go there in order to get ‘my name in’ for treatment. My sister drove me and when we approached the entrance gates and entered the grounds I felt a sense of calm, peace and security. My sister did most of the talking and I, in a bit of a daze with weakness, studied the wonderful environment and the caring way the staff dealt with each patient. Already I knew there is something very special about St. Luke’s Hospital which I would learn more about once my treatment started.

  10 Weeks Later……..

  In the meantime I met my two consultants, namely Dr. Ian Fraser and Dr. David Fennelly and their teams. The simulation was done and my ‘tattoo’ markers were in place. All was ready to go; just the phone had to ring! And it did ring when I least expected it and the five week journey began.

  Looking Back……..

  Nine years later my time in St. Luke’s is still very vivid in my mind, and for all the right reasons. Yes, understandably treatment took its toll on me. However, the environment, care and support were fantastic. Due to The Friends of St. Luke’s the wonderful gardens were a joy to relax and reflect in, complimentary therapies and occupational activities were great for body and mind, sitting rooms gave spaces to retreat to. Every member of staff was a brick of support; as was the peer support of fellow patients. Basically, St. Luke’s remains a very positive place in my mind even though I celebrated my 40th Birthday there.

  Regrets……..

  I had been offered a room in the lodge, but then decided to stay with my sister and her family for the duration of treatment. At that time it seemed to be the right decision and I thank them for putting up with me! Nevertheless, I do regret that I didn’t stay in The Lodge. Over the weeks I realised that peer support is most important to come to terms and cope with cancer. This is why The Lodge is a unique asset thanks to The Friends of St. Luke’s.

  Since then

  St. Luke’s is very dear and valuable to me. I have returned there for either medical reasons or just a casual visit. I always have the feeling that I am coming home. The staff treat you like ‘one of the family and not a number’. There is something spiritual and holistic about the place. I have also learned that the correct environment is paramount to the recovery of patients.

  Consultant radiation oncologist Dr. Ian Fraser has summed this up as follows;

  ‘You can’t stimulate someone to fight against cancer if they are locked into a small cubicle rather than in a nice open, breezy room.’ Dr Fraser has also said that the grounds and environment of St. Luke’s are ‘integral’ to the care of cancer patients and that it is ‘highly unlikely’ that the service provided there could be replicated elsewhere..

  Just a thought….

  Cancer is something I could have done without, but am very much the richer of. I have met so many wonderful people on the journey, have achieved a complete different outlook on life and I had the opportunity to experience what St. Luke’s Hospital is since many years and still is to-day.

  If I have one wish to make….

  I sincerely wish that this ‘wonderful oasis’ built up with hard work since 1952 and the support of the people of Ireland with fundraising will not be taken away.

  Olive Stanley-Wetzel

  Co Offaly

  V BEST PRACTICE: NO BEDS, NO FOOD

  LIVE FROM ST LUKE’S: THE PAT KENNY SHOW

  On the same day we decided to contact the President we were asked by the Pat Kenny radio show to talk to him from the grounds of St Luke’s.

  Over that weekend I liaised with his researcher Valerie Cox and agreed on three speakers from our side, myself, my husband Tom as a Luke’s patient and Joe, as our Chairman. Some supporters, including Janette Byrne from Patients Together, joined us at Luke’s but most preferred to stay at home and listen in.

  Dr Jerome Coffey, from the Cancer Control programme was interviewed by Pat Kenny on the telephone after listening to our contributions.

  Below a transcript of the programme which was broadcast on 12 July 2010:

  Pat: Health Minister Mary Harney is proceeding with plans to close Dublin’s renowned cancer hospital, St Luke’s, despite strong opposition from patients and their families. 150,000 of them have signed a petition asking the Minister to change her mind, but, the radiation oncology services will be transferred to a centre of excellence at St James hospital by 2014. Now Valerie Cox is at St Luke’s this morning to meet some of the patients and their families and she joins us by satellite link.

  Valerie, tell us the background to this.

  Valerie: Well it’s part of a national plan for radiation oncology which involves the setting up of the six centres of excellence, four large centres in Galway, Cork, Beaumont and St James, and two satellite centres in Waterford and Limerick. This was announced in July 2005 and the patients and supporters of St Luke’s have been fighting it ever since with an absolute passion. Now there are a large number of patients here this morning, some of them have come from around the country like Mary Reynolds from Maynooth, Olive Stanley-Wetzel from Offaly, Nancy Browne from Kildare, and I have also got Bart Murphy here with me who has just raised €20,000 for the hospital by walking 2,000 miles through every village in Leinster. But we are going to talk to some of the people who are very involved here. Enid O’Dowd and her husband, Tom. Now Enid got involved three years ago after she attended a public meeting and thought it was something worthwhile saving and then just seven weeks ago her husband Tom was diagnosed with prostate cancer and he has begun his treatment at St Luke’s but he doesn’t fancy the idea of moving to James’ which he says is a horrible chaotic campus.

  Pat: Alright, Tom, good morning.

  Why are you unhappy about the move because St James hospital has been improved and improved over the last few years quite dramatically?

  Tom: I think that the hospital here in St Luke’s is actually, well when I come here for my treatment I actually feel like, it doesn’t feel like a hospital at all. It feels like I am coming into a living room from the treatment that I get here and it just is a very very special place and there are also 18 acres of grounds here. When people have a little gap in their treatment they have time to go out and have a little walk around. Like a lot of peopl
e would come here now and they would have to have blood tests done and then go off for a couple of hours then come back for their treatment and there is lots of lovely places here where you can actually walk around and it all adds up to helping people get rid of their cancer. That’s the facts of it. Where St James’ hospital, on the other hand, is like a big concrete jungle out there. When you have gaps in your treatment in James, you are actually waiting in a corridor and I was talking to somebody last week who was having treatment in St James’ and she was saying that she had a gap in her treatment and she had to go out and find herself a plastic chair to sit on. You don’t have that here, you feel like you are in your home.

  Pat: What about the promise that a state of the art radiation oncology centre will be provided at St James’ because St Luke’s, I mean most of us who live in Dublin at some point or other have visited there. It is an older facility, they have, of course, up-to-date machinery but you are promised the very best for St James.

  Tom: But Pat, we already have the very best here. We have a state of the art centre here in St Luke’s.

  Pat: Is it your view then that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it?

  Tom: Exactly. If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. And why when there are so many things wrong with the health system in the country why actually change something that is working so well.

  Pat: We will talk to somebody later on who is involved in the transition but if Enid is there beside you, I’ll talk to Enid because Enid became involved in this before Tom was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Enid, good morning to you.

  Why did you get involved when, you know, there was no need to at that point, I could understand you getting involved today.