she:
wasted.
starving.
cancer is leaching her body of everything it needs to look and feel well.
the eye sockets tell it all.
hollow.
he:
hands - wringing
knuckles - white
legs - wound tightly. like DNA
foot - swinging urgently
eyes - tearing
brow - furrowed
worried - sick
one cancer. two patients.
heartache all around.
she: 'can i smoke pot...for the nausea...for the misery?'
me: of course
i hope they both smoke it.
maybe i should have given them a prescription for Doritos.
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8 comments:
Heartbreaking. Very true.
Thanks
I find the depth of the partner's sorrow sometimes the saddest part of it all. You are so right, there are two patients, were one goes the other must follow.
littlema said it so very well...I think the doritos is a great idea....you said this so eloquently.....thank you for your kind words on my blog today
cheers
How true it is that cancer affects so much (and many) more than just the one person with it. How wonderful it is that you see that as their nurse. How wonderful it is that you are sensitive to their needs together. Well done.
In their misery they are fortunate to have you - and those like you - to help them over.
I can't help but think of Sarah and Derek as I read this. 1 disease, 2 victims.
This brought tears to my eyes.
As a long term patient i know my Husband as struggled and suffered sometimes more then I have.
Having been a caregiver to others with cancer family and friends. I know what that feels like. I know the side of the patient all to well to.
It takes it to a new level and understanding to read what you write.
We try not to feel like victims in fact I hate the word. Its people like you who help us switch in to the survivor mode..and adjust along the way.Your right there are two patients and seeing that takes someone awesome to see it as such.
Thanks
Hope
I became a cancer widow at the age of 29; that's been four years ago now. You're right -- I was as much a patient at that time as he was. I didn't lose my hair or physically experience the relentless pain, but I slept with it right next to me. This post is the first time I've seen the connection expressed so eloquently. Thanks for that.
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