N E W AT B RYANL G H came to appreciate navigational help when their 82-year-old mother, Mary Bassett, experienced acute renal failure after open heart surgery in January 2011. She refused dialysis, the treatment to replace the function of the kidneys which normally serve as the body’s natural filtration system. Lisa Mansur, MD, FCCP, and medical director of “It was my view that she didn’t fully understand the palliative care at BryanLGH, presents Palliative Care ramifications of refusing dialysis,” McKellar said. Medicine — Returning the Focus of Care to You. The siblings were well aware of the consequences, though. It’s Thursday, July 14, 7-8:30 p.m. in the Plaza They knew death was imminent without it. In their state of Conference Center, BryanLGH East, 1500 S. 48th St. uncertainty and not knowing what to do, someone suggested In our high-tech world, palliative care is a return they meet with Dr. Mansur. to values associated with old-time medicine. It foShe knew it was critical to present the facts to Mary — to cuses on improving overall quality of life for patients help her understand she was recoverable and that it was just and families facing serious illness. Dr. Mansur also too early to call it quits. At the same time, Dr. Mansur and the discusses how palliative care guides families in stepfamily knew it was ultimately Mary Bassett’s call. ping back so they can help improve the end of life Dr. Mansur met with Mary and her children and period for their loved ones. formulated a plan upon which they could all agree. This free seminar is hosted by BryanLGH Mary Bassett assented to do one round of dialysis and Community Health Education and 55PLUS. counted down each treatment and the time when she would To register, please call (402) 481-8886, or log onto fulfill her end of the bargain. When the results did not yield bryanlgh.org, then click on “Classes and Screenings” machine-free kidney function, she again resolved to do no and the “Community Education” link. more. Her kidneys were improving, though, and medically, she still was recoverable. Dr. Mansur met with Mary and her children again to discuss the possible next treatment plan. Following thorough conversation, all agreed key, so all are on board with the most up-toon another round of treatment. After that date developments and plans. round plus additional treatments, her kidneys Dr. Mansur and her nurse practitioners began functioning on their own. also use the latest electronic medical “We’re not here to take a side,” Dr. Mansur record software, which helps them provide said. “We’re here to try to show patients all seamless, quality care and coordination with options. It’s what I call finding the middle the medical team from virtually anywhere. ground. And usually that’s the best place to “Our work with the patient isn’t a oneend up because the patient is comfortable ended process,” Dr. Mansur said. “It involves with his or her decision, and others can work a discussion with the patient, family and on understanding why that is.” physicians to establish appropriate goals and “Dr. Mansur got through to my mom expectations, to talk about options and then because she gave her hope — realistic hope,” get them on a path that is acceptable to all.” McKellar said. “She told her how she saw it Palliative is a big word with down-toas a doctor who works in this field. She made earth roots. It’s derived from a word that sure my mother understood and did so in a Nurse practitioners Kelli Schreiner (left) means to hug or to blanket with care, and very professional way. and Angela Johnsen use the latest electhat’s an everyday occurrence for BryanLGH’s “Mom, Michael and I felt we had a strong tronic medical record software to stay palliative care team. n advocate with Dr. Mansur — someone who linked to the patient’s care team. had credibility and who was clear and strong.” For information on how you can Currently, the palliative care team provides support palliative care at BryanLGH, please call the services at all hospitals in Lincoln. And coordination with BryanLGH Foundation at (402) 481-8605. hospital personnel and the patient’s primary care physician is
Learn about palliative care at free seminar July 14
BryanLGH Journeys 27