It’s the beginning of January, and I found myself at the United Hospital Center, The Other Day… In particular, the UHC Cancer Center. That’s right. It was time for my wife’s annual check-up! While everything went well, and my wife is still cancer-free, it is a hard ask to get me to go there with her. I do it because I love her and want to support her. However, if you have never gone to any cancer center and sat in a chair while watching the comings and goings of various cancer patients, you might not understand the mixed emotions a bystander like me might have. That’s why I say it’s a hard ask.
While visiting this time, I discussed with the cancer doctor’s nurse how difficult it is to sit in the waiting room and watch the various patients entering and leaving the office. She agreed with me. Many patients pass through those doors. They are of every shape, size, and age. They come by cane, walker, wheelchair, and in some cases, a gurney. There are adult men and women, teenagers, and even children. Witnessing the coming and going of these patients is definitely a hard ask for someone like me. I can’t get the image of their faces out of my head.
This is where I will also ask you to remember the people who service those patients. I have never met such a positive, friendly, considerate, and supportive group of personnel. Some of the staff I have met there over the years have shared with me that they sometimes find it difficult seeing patients walk in as well, knowing that, at some point, they might not see that patient again. If the staff feels that way, imagine how difficult it is to be an everyday bystander like me.
As I think of all the scenarios of dealing with the cancer center, the one person I seem to forget about is myself, and the possibility of me being a patient there one day. I hope and pray that never happens. However, if it does, I hope I can handle it with the same grace and courage I see from the majority of patients who enter that lobby when I am there.
The one thing I have learned from going to the cancer center with my wife is to never lose hope or give up. Try to live your best life for as long as you can. You need to keep your mind right. Think positive, helpful thoughts. Trust in yourself and your doctors, and lean on family and friends for support to see you through. I believe that looking for the best instead of dreading the worst can really help. I know I wish nothing but the very best for everyone who has to go through that door. God be with you and bless you all!
Hey, enough of this subject. I hope everyone reading this TOD has a wonderful day, week, month—you get the picture! Until next time, think warm thoughts. MUH!!
