Dr Stan Tsocanos -A Man I will never forget.

This is one of the hardest posts I have written… 
Two days ago, My Obstetrician passed away suddenly, an incredible doctor who truly was a gentleman. Dr Stan Tsocanos, My ObGyn since 2011. 

I have spent the last 2 days in utter shock, I have cried many tears thinking of his children and family, his colleagues and friends. I know how sad I was to learn of his sudden passing and therefore can only imagine the grief they’re experiencing. 

Being 30/31 Weeks Pregnant and learning the news, I went into panic mode…. this is the man that was to deliver my baby! The man that has diagnosed and treated every gynaecological issue I have had, a man who knows my history, understands it and had a plan in place for me…

All of a sudden we (along with all other patients) are without our Obstetrician. Something that I had never actually considered happening…. he was a fit and healthy 59 year old man, and he was gone, just like that! 

Any woman that has experienced difficulties conceiving  or had a difficult pregnancy can tell you that the second most important relationship in her life during pregnancy besides her partner, is the one she has with her Obstetrician. The bond that you develop with your doctor is one that is hard to describe.

I am putting my life and the life of my baby into their hands, they spend 9 months making sure that we are both ok, we catch up regularly and chat about our pregnancy, we ask 400 stupid questions but they answer them with a reassuring smile on their face. They call you back at 11pm when you have them paged because you’re worried about something. 

To lose the man that I always pictured in the delivery room has shaken me to say the least. 

It has taken me 2 days to truly come to terms with the fact that he is no longer here. We saw him 9 days ago, and we left it at “Enjoy your time off Stan, catch you in 2 weeks”.

I have been contacted by other patients of Stan’s, all of us in utter disbelief. 

Stan’s long term receptionist has been on leave since mid year and as a result a Temp Receptionist has been filling in, she has done such an incredible job and is handling the situation delicately and professionally. 

I started thinking yesterday who I would want in the room to deliver Little Miss if Stan is no longer with us. There was only one name that crossed my mind – Dr Joseph Sgroi – Epworth Freemasons. 

I met Dr Sgroi once about 15 months ago when I completed an embryo transfer. My mum came to that appointment on a Sunday as Adam had gone away and I remember I felt really relaxed with Dr Sgroi. He had a lovely bedside manner and a calming nature. That has stuck with me as he reminded me of Stan. 

After hearing from another one of Stan’s current Obstetrics patients I decided to call Dr Sgroi’s office to see if he was able/willing to take me on as a patient. To my relief his lovely receptionist Elise advised that he would accomodate me as a patient and would also be able to complete my C Section as currently booked. With no fees payable as we have already paid in full Stan’s fees of $5075. Dr Sgroi will make arrangements for payment to be transferred across without my involvement. A big weight lifted.

We will meet with Dr Joseph Sgroi on Monday 7th November for the first time for our 32 week check up. I already love how accommodating and professional he is and can tell that I will be comfortable in his care. I also believe that Adam will get along with him.

Adam loved Stan just as much as me. Having attended all of my surgeries, follow ups and now all ante natal appointments he had developed a bond with Stan. I think it’s important for a man to trust the person responsible for their wife and child during pregnancy and labour. They would have a laugh (often at my expense) and it was reassuring to know that it wasn’t just me who saw Stan as an amazing guy. 

Dr Stan Tsocanos

I will wrap up this post as I am starting to get emotional thinking about it and have been trying to stay as calm as possible for our Little Miss. 

Dr Stan Tsocanos will be missed by so many. A very highly regarded Doctor with so much experience. He has bought happiness to the lives of so many families. 

Seeing the photos shared of Stan holding the babies he has delivered made me cry as I realise that he will never hold our daughter 😔. I can honestly say that I owe my pregnancy and fertility to Stan and I will forever be grateful. It is truly an honour to say that he was my Doctor.

My thoughts go out to his family. 

May he rest in peace 

To Dr Joseph Sgroi- Thank You! Your understanding is much appreciated and I know that I am in safe hands. 

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