Episode 20 – Everyday a gift
How do we find the special thing in every day? No matter what life brings, Don and Ethel look forward. As the season wraps, Don tells us why sharing his story was such an important part of his journey.
Entries by Emma
Episode 19 – Looking Back
Everyone has a story to tell. Sometimes, a person decides to share it with the world. This week, Don’s family and care team reflect on his story, how far he has come and what they’ve learned along the way.
Episode 18 – Final Radiation Treatment
With Ethel and his care team by his side, Don crosses a hurdle in his journey. He rings the cancer bell – a symbolic gesture that marks the completion of radiation treatment.
Episode 17 – Future of Care
Technology moves quickly – opening up new possibilities every day for people living with health conditions and, in Don’s case – a device that keeps him alive. What does the future of care look like? We dive into this question in this week’s episode.
Episode 16 – Faith and Science
Hope is everything when facing a life-altering health diagnosis. Don shares what helped him remain positive during his toughest moments – when faith and science intersect.
Episode 15 – Heart Warriors
Cardiac care doesn’t end within the QEII. It extends to the community, where programs like Hearts in Motion help patients like Don recover. This week his team of dietitians, physiotherapists and cardiologists – to name a few – cheer him on as he completes the cardiac rehab program.
Episode 14 – Radiation
Don has his first radiation treatment at the QEII’s cancer centre. We hear from Dr. Bowes and his radiation team, who are all crucial in ensuring Don’s treatment goes as planned.
Episode 13 – Preparing for Treatment
When you live with a battery-operated heart and you’re about to enter cancer treatment, it’s likely you will balance a few different medications. What does this mean for Don? What side effects will he encounter?
Episode 12 – Walking Together
Community is often what gives patients hope while in hospital. Don and fellow VAD patients tell us what it means to have each other through the journey.
Episode 11 – Destination Therapy
Ventricular assist devices were once considered a bridge to transplant, but the clinical practice around this technology has evolved. What is destination therapy and what does it mean for today’s patients?
