Death is Part of Our Job

David and Caitlin join us today to discuss how cancer invades our lives, moving from our professional life into our personal space. Caitlin shares how her father was diagnosed with three different types of cancer and how she felt about the overnight transition from visiting her husband at work for lunch to regularly visiting the clinic as her father’s caregiver. We discuss how our role as medical oncologists can impact how we handle death in our personal lives and how David and Caitlin talk to their children about death and dying, the uncomfortable convergence between our personal and professional lives when someone we know and love is diagnosed with terminal cancer, and what it’s like when we need to take care of a colleague\’s family member. They also share their memories and experiences of involving hospice care, how grief and the grieving process impacts people differently, and how Caitlin’s father passing away impacted their perspectives on death and dying. Born and raised in Marshalltown, IA, Dr. David Groteluschen is a Medical Oncologist at Green Bay Oncology, treating many types of cancers and adult blood disorders. He is board certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology and holds a degree in Chemistry from the University of Iowa. David attended medical school at the University of Iowa College of Medicine and completed his internship, residency, and oncology fellowship at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. He has authored multiple trials in lung and pancreatic cancer and co-authored many in lung and gastrointestinal malignancies. When he’s not working, Dr. David enjoys playing basketball, tennis, and skiing, traveling and attending concerts, and spending time with his family. David’s wife, Caitlin Groteluschen, is a Registered Dietician and Certified Lactation Counselor. She has experience working in private healthcare practices and hospitals, including as a Registered Dietician at UW Health. In 2004, Caitlin earned her Bachelor’s degree in Dietetics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. “Your relationships strengthen in different ways, and you just embrace that.”– Caitlin Groteluschen This week on Cancer Covered:How aware Caitlin was about the death and dying aspect of David’s job before her father’s diagnosisHow Caitlin’s father was diagnosed with three different types of cancerTransitioning from an oncologist’s wife to becoming a cancer patient’s caregiverThe emotional and logistical challenges David faced following Caitlin’s father’s diagnosisHaving open conversations with children about death and dyingThe emotional drawbacks of compartmentalizing deathWhat it was like for Mitch to care for David’s father-in-lawThe emotional turmoil that occurs when we know that better treatment options are on the horizon but are still too far out of reach for our loved onesHow patients cope differently with hope and determining when enough is enoughWhat it was like to involve hospice care and watching a patient or loved one pass awayHow grief impacts people differentlyHow physicians offer support and comfort to terminally ill patients and grieving familiesHow Caitlin’s, David’s, and Mitch’s attitudes and perspectives about death and dying changed after Caitlin’s father passed away. Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones.Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/ We’ve Got Cancer…Covered.Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeartBe sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.