STOP THE WORLD

Seventy-eight year old “Keith” suffers from colon cancer. One month ago, Keith was up and walking around. Today he is bed bound and dependent with all of his activities. Keith says that he is becoming weaker as each day passes.

Keith lives with “Melanie”, his wife of fifty-four years. Two weeks ago when I first met them, Melanie was complaining about back pain. She is a very strong, independent woman and was “toughing” it out. She was diagnosed with breast cancer eight months ago and thought she was doing well. Her doctor ordered more tests to see if her previous treatment was successful.

During my visit yesterday, Melanie’s doctor called to tell her that the cancer has now spread to her spine. He said the chemotherapy had not worked, but he did have a new treatment in mind which would require injections into her spine in an attempt to stop the tumor’s growth.

While Melanie was talking with her doctor on the phone, one could see the concern on Keith’s face. The moment she hung up the phone, he quickly asked about what was said. Melanie remained stoic while telling Keith about the conversation with her doctor, which is her way of dealing with things concerning herself. However with all others, she is very open and loving with her concern and feelings.

Melanie shared that she wished she could stop the world for just a moment to gather her thoughts and formulate a plan. Melanie is very organized and practical and she will deal with this the same way. The couple have two children who are very involved and loving. They also have multiple friends who are a tremendous support.

I know Melanie will call in her support system and she and Keith will get through this with many loving people by their side. They will never be alone.


STOP THE WORLD

His decline has been swift.
They are seeing continual changes.
He is becoming weaker
with each day that passes.

He’s in bed now and can’t get up.
She worries so much about him.
She also has her own health issues,
so he worries as much about her.

She was just told her cancer has spread.
Her doctor has a treatment plan in mind.
She knows it is something she must do soon,
but who will take care of him?

She wishes she could stop the world
if only for a little while.
Just long enough to finish her treatment.
To give her the needed time.

She is overwhelmed right now
as the news is still fresh.
She wants to be able to stop the world
to tackle one thing at a time.

She’ll reach out to her family.
She’ll reach out to her friends.
Even though her world can’t stop,
either will those who rally around.