“Doc! Today is my last treatment!” Janet is a sweet petite octogenarian who underwent internal breast radiation. After this last treatment we pull out the catheter. Ever had a doc really warn you how much something will hurt? Didn’t think so. I remind her that what went in under anesthesia is coming out without. “Take some Tylenol before the last treatment later today.” She smiles, “I’ve been through so much in life, nothing phases me now”, and pats my hand. I tell her to take it for me then.
As I head to the treatment room, I pass a super senior with a large bouquet of balloons being wheeled down the hallway. “What is this, a parade?!” Junior smiles, “That’s my Mom in there getting her last treatment and Dad wanted to celebrate her, so we decided go big as we go home”. Sweet. The removal went smoothly mostly because she was brave. I head to exam room three.
I am meeting a newly diagnosed young man- a veteran exposed to toxins with devastating consequences even after surgery and rehab. He is tall and handsome and the small lovely also veteran next to him holds his hand for support. In reports they mention a significant other, but I quickly see the rings. “When did you get married?” They are surprised at the question out of the gate. “2 months ago! After the diagnosis”. Brave girl. I smile and nod to her. A tear is in her eye. They can’t believe their lives just starting are upended with days in the doctors offices and hospitals. Just wrong. “Before we get started, come with me”.
She helps him up and he leans on her even though he is a foot taller. They are a beautiful couple. I take them around the corridor and wait for Janet. She comes from the dressing room with big eyes and rosy cheeks as she spies her husband and balloons. She begins to reach for the bell pull to signify ending therapy, but then turns and helps her husband out of the wheelchair. Together they pull and make it sing throughout the center. They glow at each other and then he plants a big smooch on her! He proudly calls out “Married for 65 years we are!!” The young veterans looking on smile and cheer with the staff. The entire dynamic of our conversation has now changed. They briefly physically witnessed hope and there is no turning back from that.
A short time later, the hallway is getting crowded as the octogenarians and their family pass. They stop and see the young couple. All have their veteran hats on. The senior quickly assessed the situation and from the wheelchair reached his hand up to the young man. “Son, you got this. Stay strong.” The younger man’s speech had been garbled up until now, but he clearly and strongly says, “Yes Sir!” Right next to me, a miracle happens once again in the cancer center.