Our Friend, Dr. Rod

This diagnosis has been hard on everyone. Jaidyn doesn't really understand whats going on. She knows she's sick but has no clue exactly what is going on in her body and the seriousness of this disease. Being positive in front of her is very important at this time, it is however, a huge challenge.


Something that has made is easier is that Jaidyn, myself and our family have been blessed with such amazing care over the last few days. care from the nurses, the volunteers, the different doctors,but most importantly her doctor. Dr. Rod Rassekh.


Dr. Rod has brought many tears to our family as he was the one that had to break the news to us of Jaidyn's diagnosis. Where he too, was floored that her bone marrow was as full with cancer as it was. Like I posted before he was sure that Jaidyn had a virus since her blood was clear of an abnormal cells. Apparently, Jaidyn is a special case, in that there was only one other girl that had the same scenario. 


In the same breath, Dr. Rod has also brought many smiles to Jaidyn and our family. He is a fun loving, light hearted, young guy with a lot of schooling under his belt which puts our hearts at ease. He knows what he is doing and he answers all our questions with great explanation. He is more positive than anyone about Jaidyn's diagnosis, which is more than anyone could ask for. 


It has taken some time for Jaidyn to warm up to Dr. Rod since she doesn't like when he comes in and we talk about her diagnosis and her treatment. This leaves me to believe that maybe Jaidyn does know more about her illness than we think she does. She would always be pretty shy when Dr. Rod would come into the room, but it always made me laugh when he would leave. She would perk up and wave goodbye, knowing there would be no more talk about her and her Leukemia. Im sure her shyness will go away soon.


Thank you Dr. Rod for your smiles and laughter that you bring to my daughter during this tough time. 


A little bit about Dr Rod courtesy of:


http://www.dm.bcchf.ca/oncology/doctor.php


Also from: www.bccanceragencyconference.com 

Dr Rassekh grew up in Vancouver and then went east for a Microbiology & Immunology degree at McGill University. He returned to Vancouver for medical school graduating in 2000. He completed pediatric residency in 2004 and was chief resident in his 4th year. He then went on to do a fellowship in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at BC Children's Hospital completing this and starting on faculty as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/BMT in 2007. He completed a Masters of Health Science in epidemiology in 2007. His clinical interests are in infant CNS tumors, as well as supportive care.