In Their Words
Patients share their Dana-Farber experience
May 1, 2007
Dr. Lisa Diller
Chief Medical Officer, Dana-Farber/Children's Hospital Cancer Care Clinical Director of Pediatric Oncology
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Children's Hospital Boston
Dear Dr. Diller,
As you may know, my son Matthew "Matty" Dubuc, lost his 2 1/2 year battle with Hepatoblastoma on March 25, 2007. I am writing to inform you of the lasting impression Matty's Fellow, Dr. Alejandro Gutierrez, will have with us forever. Dr. Gutierrez went above and beyond the call of duty when it came to Matty's care. To say that my family and I were "impressed" with him is an understatement. Dr. Gutierrez took the time to get to know Matty, his likes, dislikes, his pain tolerance, his moods, etc. Dr. Gutierrez was incredibly patient with Matty and followed Matty's cues.
As it became apparent to us that we had exhausted all means of trying to cure Matty, we had decided for Matty to not be hospitalized, but instead to be comfortable in his own home. Dr. Gutierrez worked closely with Matty's VNA nurse and pediatrician (we opted out of a hospice program). Dr. Gutierrez kept in close contact with me regarding Matty's pain control and made frequent trips to our home in Hudson, NH, when he was not working. I don't know how many doctors would do that for their patient.
On March 25, 2007, late that afternoon, Dr. Gutierrez made a trip to our home to tend to Matty's needs. He had already worked so many hours at the hospital for the week, yet insisted on spending a few hours with Matty and doing anything he could to help make Matty comfortable. Not realizing it then, but he would be the last medical professional that Matty said "goodbye" to. Less than 2 hours after Dr. Gutierrez left our home, Matty went to Heaven, peacefully in his sleep. I called Dr. Gutierrez, who, without hesitation, came back to our home to be with us.
I would think his medical record must speak for itself, but his level of compassion, professionalism, and continuous care to meet my 7-year-old son's needs, was beyond outstanding. I would not have wanted any other doctor right there with us. Dr. Gutierrez never gave up on my son!
Dr. Alejandro Gutierrez should be recognized not only for his professional skill but also for his compassion in treating children with cancer. Just knowing he was doing everything he possibly could for our son, was extremely comforting, and I'll always be grateful to him, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Childrens Hospital Boston, for doing all they could for my son!
Sincerely,
Sandra Dubuc
"Matty's Mom"
