SO POSITIVE

The hospice nurse and I met “Carrie” and “Ted”, to admit Carrie to hospice.  Carrie, fifty-four years old, was diagnosed with breast cancer a little over four years ago.  She underwent chemotherapy and radiation at that time and did quite well for several years.  She recently found out that her cancer has returned and has spread to her liver and bones.  She has chosen no more chemotherapy as the side effects are so difficult. 

Carrie and Ted have been married twenty-three years.  They have three sons, who are very supportive and involved.  Ted respects Carrie’s decision not to undergo any further treatment.  His focus is to totally support Carrie her way.  He became appropriately tearful several times during out visit.  I so admire and respect those who are not afraid to show their emotions.  Ted so naturally expressed his grief in a way that worked for him. 

Upon meeting Carrie, it quickly became clear at how positive she is about life.  She is real about the hardship her cancer is causing, but focuses on the positives about it all.  It was so clear at how difficult this is for both of them, but they always sought out the light; the positive.  They both used humor to cope and had us laughing along with them. 

Carrie so appreciated our support and, as we were leaving, tearfully thanked us.  But, it is I, who can never find the words to express my thanks in return.  Thank you doesn’t even come close, but it is the only words I know.  I feel so honored to have met Carrie and Ted.  I wish them well.

SO POSITIVE

 

She had just turned fifty years old

when her doctor informed her,

“It is breast cancer, but not to worry;

there is treatment available for you.”

 

She underwent chemotherapy and radiation.

She did well for several years,

but then, just months ago, she heard,

“The cancer has spread to your liver and bones”.

 

She chose no more chemotherapy

as the side effects were dismal.

She wants her quality of life,

even if it is only a few more months.

 

She is now on continuous oxygen.

She is becoming weaker with an unsteady gait.

She is eating so much less

                    and losing a lot of weight.

 

“The doctor made me happy

making this hospice referral.

Yes, I truly got gypped, but then,

I am putting it in God’s hands.

I have accepted all of this.”

 

Her husband appropriately became tearful,

but he, like her, was so positive.

“Life has a purpose.

One day, hopefully, we will all know”.

 

She so thanked us for coming,

but I hugged her and softly replied,

“You have given us so much more in return.

All I can say, so simply from my heart,

is a deep and profound;

                    Thank you.