Robert Parkman
Dr. Robert Parkman's life changed in Sept. 2002. Diagnosed with colon cancer, Parkman came to BAPTIST HEALTH Medical Center-Little Rock to have surgery. This is where his journey began.

Surgery went well, and doctors were able to remove the cancer from Parkman's colon. Chemotherapy was recommended after the surgery to ensure the cancer would not return.

Parkman and his family returned to Magnolia to begin chemotherapy. Things were fine until Parkman began his last treatment. "Robert had a terrible reaction to his last chemotherapy treatment. We couldn't believe it. He had severe vomiting, diarrhea, his blood pressure bottomed out and he became dangerously dehydrated. We didn't understand what was going on," said Dorothy Parkman, Robert Parkman's wife.

Parkman was brought to BAPTIST HEALTH Medical Center-Little Rock where he was admitted to surgical intensive care with kidney failure, dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea and dangerously low blood pressure. Eventually Parkman had to be placed on the ventilator because fluid had built up on his lungs from a condition known as Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome, causing his left lung to collapse.

Physicians first thought that the cancer may have returned. A CAT-scan did reveal a small spot on Parkman's lung, but the biopsy was negative for cancer. Eventually, Parkman began to show marked improvements. He began breathing on his own again after the fluid was drained from his lungs, and he was taken off the ventilator. His kidneys also began functioning properly.

"Robert's physician explained that some people lack an enzyme that helps to break down the chemo, and there is just no way they could have predicted this type of reaction," said Dorothy. "We have been truly blessed that he has recovered as well as he has."

Three weeks after Parkman was released from SICU, he came to BAPTIST HEALTH Rehabilitation Institute to begin rehabilitative therapy. "This really has been a combined effort. We know all of the doctors, nurses and therapists by name. They have all been so wonderful, not only to me, but to my family as well. Being a physician, I know how hectic things can get but everyone here has been encouraging and kind," said Parkman.
Sheena Lairamore, a BHRI physical therapist, explained how far Robert Parkman has come. "He is so motivated. I remember the first day we began working together, he asked if there were exercises he could do on his own when he wasn't attending therapy that would help him. That is why he has done so well, his determination. My goal for Mr. Parkman is for him to be completely independent again, and he is well on his way," said Lairamore.

It's been a long journey for Parkman, and he is ready to return home to Magnolia and begin his life again. " I'm looking forward to being at home. This has changed my life drastically, and I've had time to reflect on what I've done in my life. There are fine doctors here. I was a breath away from death and the physicians here resurrected me," said Parkman.