Also known as: Pancreatic tumor
Former scrub nurse with pancreatic cancer who was admitted for a potential Whipple procedure (pancreatic duodectomy). She ultimately has a DNR order and dies during the episode, revealing she was brought to the hospital to die among colleagues rather than for aggressive treatment.
Also known as: Head trauma
Patient who fell down stairs while holding a nail gun, resulting in seven nails penetrating his skull. The nails are successfully removed in surgery with vision restoration, but further workup reveals an underlying brain tumor.
Also known as: Brain cancer
Brain tumor located near the hypothalamus discovered during workup after nail gun injury. The tumor likely caused his fall. Patient chooses surgical resection over radiation despite risk of memory and personality loss, preferring 5-10 years over 3-5 years with preserved memory.
Also known as: Prostate cancer
Patient requiring radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer. He initially refuses to allow Izzie Stevens to be involved in his care after recognizing her from lingerie modeling photos. The surgery involves debate about nerve-sparing technique to preserve erectile function.