With thanks to Pirogov

This blog is dedicated to the people at The A.A. Maximov Hematology and Cell Therapy Department of the National Pirogov Medical Surgical Centre in Moscow Russia. I cannot give enough praise or truly show my gratitude to every single person that we encountered during Aaron’s 29 day stay.

Aaron and the amazing Dr Fedorenko

I am so very thankful and forever indebted to the amazing Dr Fedorenko for his professional, attentive, compassionate and caring bedside manner. He has an amazingly gentle nature that he shows without fault daily - the man always has a smile on his face and his eyes are always so bright and full of knowledge and wisdom. He truly has a special quality that I cannot describe. At no time during Aaron’s stay at Pirogov did he make me feel removed or disconnected from Aaron’s care, I was never uninformed or misinformed about the treatment and in particular what Aaron was experiencing. Any time if I had questions, fears or doubts he would take the time to talk to me one on one to assure me or inform me the best he could – a perfect example of how he always goes above and beyond caring for carers as well as his patients. Dr F also kept Aaron informed at all times and visited him and all his patients daily (he told us once he was taking a day off to visit another hospital for lectures and we still saw him that day on his rounds!) During Aaron’s two days of Apheresis (Stem Cell collection) Dr F was never far from Aaron’s side and was a reassuring and calming presence. Those two days were hard for both of us with Aaron experiencing Heart irregularities that created worrying times on a few occasions – we could see the concern and care on Dr F’s face and in his eyes. He was constantly informing us how things were going and was in touch with other specialists constantly. All the while still staying near Aaron and reminding me he had it under control and everything would be alright. Again during the Transplant Dr F was right there reassuring us and keeping us informed on the procedure as it happened. We know Aaron was one of Dr F’s 430ish patients but we never at any time felt like a number or a statistic. He treats his patients as individual cases and at all times reminded us that he can only do part of the work with the procedure, Aaron has the hardest part during the recovery. His support during the application process, the month of treatment and by email since we returned home has been second to none. THANK YOU DR F!!

Aaron & Anastasia - HSCT Warrior's!

Then there is the absolutely delightful and all round wonderful Anastasia – I cannot find the words to describe this wonderful lady! Not only is she an inspiration to anyone considering HSCT (she was a recipient of the treatment herself in May 2012). She also shows true dedication and devotion to HSCT, Dr F and her patients. Anastasia has the same work ethic as Dr F and cares more about her patients than she admits – she too works tirelessly and was seen on her day off at the hospital as well as “dropping in” to welcome new arrivals on her “days off”. Without Anastasia the entire experience would not have been as seamless. From confirming and co-ordinating initial booking dates, arranging airport pickups and drop-offs, drivers for day trips, being a translator at all times of the day and night whether in person or on the phone, always ensuring every patient and any carers are all happy that everything is ok and that they don’t need anything (and ‘finding it or sourcing it if so!). To being a great hugger and a shoulder to cry on or being a dance buddy at New Life Birthday celebrations; Anastasia is a breath of fresh air and is worth her weight in gold! I hope that one day we can repay her somehow J Big Hugs and love to you lovely lady xoxox 

The beautiful Anastasia and I
out the front of the hospital one evening.

As with any well organised institution that has strong and effective leaders there are the cogs that keep the hospital moving. Huge thanks to ALL of the caring, compassionate, gentle, kind, and hardworking nurses, food ladies, cleaners and maintenance staff at The A.A. Maximov Hematology and Cell Therapy Department of the National Pirogov Medical Surgical Centre in Moscow Russia. Every single one of them went out of their way to make our entire stay in Pirogov as well as the HSCT experience as smooth and seamless as possible. All of them were nothing but kind, polite and understanding at all times. Whenever they were needed the staff tried to help us the best they could and as professionally as possible. Even with the language barrier sometime causing interesting dialog and some days after they had been working 24hr shifts! I am sure it was not in their job description that they would be required to nurse so many non-Russian speaking foreigners. I doubt that 12 months ago they thought they would be learning to communicate in English. During our stay most of them tried at least one English word if not more and some of them even helped us to learn a few new Russian words and phrases. We are so grateful to them for their patience and compassion on what was a long journey for a very tough month of treatment. I only hope the myriad of Wrigley’s and Cadbury’s gifts we left for them may have given them a slight indication of our appreciation! 

~Our Infinite thanks!

A simple thank you doesn't seem to be quite enough to show our appreciation I only hope my words express our eternal gratitude to everyone mentioned above.