Cancer in Pregnancy; A Young Mother Fights for Her Life

by Larry Puls @larrypulsauthor

Pregnancy and Cancer

Even now, I still remember the unspeakable sadness and the tragic outcome. It was twenty years ago, and counting. The events still flash back into my mind every time I walk onto the floor where the saga culminated... And ended... The beginning of the two-year journey started something like this--as my mind remembers it anyway: A colleague called and asked me to see a patient she believed had cancer... And was thirty-six weeks pregnant. 

Within an hour, a young woman walked into our facility. She was graced with beautiful long blonde hair, a subtle trace of a German accent, and a very gravid abdomen. Her pleasant smile and handshake could not hide the trepidation I sensed was trickling through her veins. I'm just sure that that morning when she woke, her life had felt so full of promise. And now in the blink of an eye, it was marked with a growing sense of uncertainty.

A Gun in the Hospital; A Shooting

by Larry Puls @larrypulsauthor

Medical School, Fear

Kaboom... Kaboom... Kaboom...

A tsunami of terrified people running in every direction, some left, some straight, some right. We suddenly see them bounding into our hallway packed with gurneys, equipment, and injured human lives. Twenty or so people, fleeing towards us into a "safe" zone. Who could possibly know how safe it would prove to be? The wave of frantic runners was stirring up increasing chaos. Panic that stimulated more panic. All the frightened individuals were now engaged in a game of musical rooms, trying to secure safe places for themselves. Someone bad must be stalking the ER and we were all in harm's way. Fears forced the treatment room doors open. People dove in, and then barricaded themselves inside respective fortresses. My first patient was no exception, flying off his table as well, with his stitch and needle swinging from his arm. Desperation was plastered on his face, on every face.