A song and dance for patients at the end of chemo treatment

Karen Finkbiner is an oncology pharmacist, but her patients often refer to her as a bartender.

“I think a lot of patients try to have fun with the thought of coming in for chemotherapy because, of course, it’s a pretty awful thing to think about,” she said. “So a lot of people refer to (the medication) as their cocktail.”

Finkbiner’s story is a part of KCPT and Flatland’s Cancer in KC project: looking at cancer from all angles and perspectives, from the patients to the professionals. To see more local stories about cancer or to share your story, click here.

In the video, you can see how Finkbiner and her coworkers at Lawrence Memorial Hospital send their patients off with a song after their last chemo treatment.

This story is part of KCPT’s Cancer in KC series, produced in conjunction with the PBS documentary Cancer: The Emperor of All Maladies, a three-part, six­-hour major television event from filmmaker Ken Burns, airing March 30-April 1. The series examines cancer’s impact in the metro with medical experts, cancer researchers and survivors. We want to learn more about how cancer affects our community. How has cancer impacted your life? Share your story.