Observations From A Cancer Center

Things I learned while caring for someone with cancer

This past year, my Mother battled breast cancer.  As her main caregiver, it was an extremely stressful, and exhausting time for both of us.  She is now cancer free, and I am thankful and grateful that she is doing better.  Through her journey, we spent a lot of time at the cancer treatment center together.  As time went on, I became friendly with the medical staff, volunteers and other patients.  Truthfully, it surprised me that people were so friendly there.  After all, these are people that have to be feeling extreme stress, anxiety and fear.  And I can't imagine being a medical professional and losing a patient that you have grown attached to.  I wondered why? What makes this cancer facility different than a regular doctor's office or hospital?  Why do people act so differently than in other medical facilities? 

I think it is because these people are facing death.  When we are faced with the possibility of death, it changes our perspective on living.  We become grateful for the time that we have on this Earth rather than fighting and complaining about having to live here.  We realize that our time on Earth is precious, and not something to be taken for granted.  We also realize that the people that we love and care about are what should be our priorities rather than things that cannot be taken with us after are no longer here.   Not only do our loved ones in our life become a priority, but how we interact with strangers changes as well.  We are kinder, less judgmental and more understanding to others.  A lot of things that used to get under our skin no longer bother us because we realize that they are petty and stupid.  We look at life with a fresh set of eyes and a new attitude. 

I learned a lot from the people who were fighting cancer, and from those who were treating those people.    I learned that there are incredible, caring professionals that can stay positive and supportive even though their job must be extremely stressful.  I learned that even though the odds may be stacked against someone, the will to live is more powerful than any bad news a doctor can dish out.  I learned that laughter, a hug, a smile, and spending time with people is more important than the pursuit of material things.  Most of all,  I learned that life is to be treasured, valued and appreciated.