It's been a sad week, tears have flowed from many. Working in a Cancer Center is a wonderful job but it has its moments. Early this week, we lost a favorite patient of mine. Mr. Kelly was a husband, father, grandfather, teacher, principal, friend.......I've know Mr. Kelly since I was about 13, he was the assistant principal in the junior high at the time. A fair man and liked by students, teachers, and parents alike. I scheduled him when I worked in the Infusion Center and he would bring me coffee every time he came in, when I left that position I made sure my replacement knew him and would take care of him as I had. I then met up with him again in the Cancer Center. Cheri-his doctors' scheduler in the Cancer Center, Debbie--my replacement in the Infusion Center and myself always called him "my boyfriend". We didn't need a name we each knew who the other was talking about. No matter how he was feeling he always had a smile and kind word for everyone. I knew the end was coming but still....This community honored him after his funeral service at a reception, where many memories were shared. Heaven has another angel for sure.
We have lost 9 patients this week -- higher than normal. Most were over the age of 70 which at least you can understand as they have lived but the last one, early this morning was a classmate of mine. Barb was only 56. She has 3 children, 2 still in high school. I've known Barb for years as her cousin was my best friend and neighbor growing up. It was a huge extended family as Barbs dad was one of 7 or 8 kids so there was many cousins and they all lived here in the village and we all grew up together. Barb and I graduated together, she tried to fight but her cancer didn't respond well to chemo and she was diagnosed a little too late.
What I take away everyday from working in a Cancer Center is I'm there to have hope, to share smiles, tears, my shoulder and of course my heart. Yes some days, even weeks like this one are not good, but knowing I made someone smile, shared some great news with someone, gave my shoulder to a patient or a family member is what keeps me going. The nurse in me loves this part of my job. When I had to give up working the floors due to my shoulder injury I kept looking for and changing jobs to keep myself with patients. I love my job now.
HUGS to all.............
1 comment:
Karen,
To those you reach each and every day, you are an angel too. You've made a difference in their lives - a loving, caring difference.
Prayers for all who don't win the battle, and for their family. But praying for hope as well, to all who are fighting, because if we don't have hope, those battles can be rough.
Karen, you are a blessing. And I would have to bet that everyone whose life is touched by your compassion, and smile, and belief in what you do knows that they are in the care of someone very special.
Hugs my friend,
Sue
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