Susan A. ShekelleL.M.S.W was a truly remarkable person.   One of her pupils, Stephanie K. Cashion, L.M.S.W. said it for all of us.   "There are some very special people who come into your life and leave a lasting impression on the heart and soul of who you are and know you continually evolve to be."  Sue was that kind of special person for all of us at Baylor's Geriatric Medicine Associates, the service component of Baylor's Huffington Center on aging. 

Sue, our social worker, was one of the founding members of the team that initiated Baylor's Geriatric Medicine Associates and gave if its initial form and substance.  She was one of those people who was never too busy to assist a student or colleague.  She has tough when she had to be.  I am from the "slap em around school of social work" she used to say.  No matter, she was also kind and understanding and her patients loved her.

Sue developed a particularly malignant form of mouth cancer.  I was with her when the diagnosis was made and when she learned of the development of metastases, which meant that her hopes for a cure were dashed.  I was also with her during "her nightmare", described below in her words.  She desperately wanted to change the the rigid rules by which many ICUs operate.  She wanted this story told.  This piece on our Web Page is a partial answer to her plea.

Sue eventually recovered sufficiently to enjoy tranquil months of life with her husband Rick in southern California.  She died peacefully in her sleep, knowing she was going to die but only after "putting on her face" and enjoying a beautiful evening meal and a California sunset with Rick and her friends.

When you read this you will know more about Sue and about some of the difficulties very sick ICU patients undergo.

-Dr. Robert J. Luchi

Features

Chili Cook-off

VA Collaboration

HCOA's 10th Anniversary

John P. Woods, Ph.D.

John Glenn

Frank Sinatra

George Bush

Ronald Reagan

Tom Lane

Iris Cox

Sarah Delaney

Elvis Presley

Lindsay Lee

Nightmare