HER JOURNEY

Fifty-one year old “Sam” suffers from lung cancer. She was diagnosed about a year ago and has had a slow decline. Sam was admitted to hospice three months ago as she was bedridden, eating very little and weakening. The family and hospice all believed that Sam had only a few weeks to live.

Sam’s sister, “Vicky”, moved in with Sam to help out. Vicky took a leave from her job in order to be available to her sister. Sam’s only other family is her son, “Brian”, who lives in the home with his wife, “Abby” and their two daughters. Brian works and is available on the weekends.

About a month ago, Sam started to slowly get stronger. With her increased energy, she was able to sit up more in the living room, initially using her wheelchair as a walker. During this time, she has improved enough to get out of the home and enjoy her life. She no longer needs a wheelchair or walker, but does say she still gets tired easily. She says she has gained weight because she is eating a lot more.

Sam has hope for her future. It appears that she may be in remission from her cancer. Her doctor ordered a scan in order to see the status of her disease. Today, I heard that her cancer has spread to her liver and glands. The doctor now predicts a sudden decline prior to Sam’s death.

The news saddens all of us, but Sam has had so many joyful days believing that her cancer was receding. I see her experience as a powerful lesson to us all. Embrace today as that is all that any of us ever have. Each day is a precious gift. This is a strong reminder at how precious that gift is. Life is so fragile and none of us know where the journey will lead us.



HER JOURNEY
　

Each of our journeys have twists and turns.
Some corners we choose to go around;
others we don’t see coming.
In the end, we all are surprised more often than not.

Her journey had been fairly calm and routine
until cancer came to call a year ago.
She revised a new course; picked up the speed;
altered her route around the obstacle on the road.

There was a slow decline like predicted.
To no surprise, she became weak and bedridden.
Family rallied around to give support.
Everyone thought it wouldn’t be long.

Then suddenly, things began to change.
She is now getting stronger day by day.
She’s eating more and gaining needed weight.
She is enjoying her life once again.

Hope is now a word in her vocabulary.
There is a small light at the end of the tunnel.
She is making plans and getting out more.
A long, healthy journey is now in her prayers.

A routine scan surprised everyone.
The cancer is still growing and spreading its wrath.
The doctors say her decline will be quick.
Her journey has taken another surprising turn.

She is teaching us all a valuable lesson.
Enjoy today as that is all that we ever have.
There are no guarantees for a tomorrow.
Embrace your journey,
          no matter where it leads you.