Everyone is fighting their own battles; some internally, some externally; some alone, some with support. If someone is having an off day, remember they may be fighting a fight you know nothing about. We all deal with things in our own way, and it is important to remember that we should be supportive and thoughtful of those around us who could be barely hanging on.
That being said, not many people know the battle I faced over the past year. Having health problems since birth, I always had to deal with doctors and testing to ensure I was functioning properly. However, this past year was different, and I had no idea what would become of the ordeal.
With so many changes that happened in every aspect of my life, between losing my boss to brain cancer, purchasing a new house, getting engaged and married (in the same year), overcoming some mysterious health issues, and helping my step daughter transition to high school, this year has flown by. It seemed as if so many things were happening at once, and to top it off, I found out this past summer that there was a chance I had cancer. Fortunately, there were doctors and a support system placed in my path who were able to help me through this process with ease (trust me, I had my moments though).
Today, I had my thyroid removed and finally got answers after months of tests and waiting. I did in fact have Papillary Thyroid Cancer. The surgeon said it was confined inside the nodule (which I often jokingly referred to as my Adam’s apple due to its size and appearance) and she was able to remove it and confirm that the surrounding lymph nodes were benign. I am blessed for it to have been caught it in an early stage with little complication.
As I lay in the hospital bed thinking about this past years events and everything that led up to this point I can’t help but to feel grateful to be alive and have such wonderful people who care about my life.
I must also reflect briefly upon how people act in their profession. If you don’t want to do the job, please let someone else do it. How is it fair to someone who just got out of surgery to have them wait five hours to get any pain relief, go hours without checking on them, not respond to the call buttons when clearly the patient hasn’t been able to get to the restroom, not offer any food, assume they know what their lab results are without telling them when it could be detrimental without the knowledge? It’s not a reflection of the hospital, but of the individual on duty at that particular time. I’m grateful to have a husband who stepped in and ensured I was taken care of while we waited for someone who cares about people’s well-being to step into the position. When someone personally delivers the food you waited three hours for it makes a difference.
Overall, my take away from all of this, treat others how you want to be treated, try to understand you may not always see the battles another person is facing. Pray for those who may not treat you how you feel is appropriate. Love one another, and yourself.
-A Guardian of Memories