I find this fascinating. On one level, it affirms the courage, strength and stamina it takes to endure cancer treatment, or any other chronic, debilitating illness. It also shows the power of music as therapy. But as I look at the video I cant help but notice that absent the nurses, the patient is alone. And unfortunately, the sense of isolation one feels is quite palpable. As the inevitable depression most experience during treatment worsens and deepens, its only natural that even your closest loved ones and friends become frustrated with you. Because you are unable or unwilling to do the right things. Eat the right things. Believe the right things. Cancer and its treatment are insidious. They sap your very life force. They leave you visibly diminished and youd be surprised at the wide berth most people give you on the street or in public. As if what you have is highly contagious. The depression that comes from fighting an uphill battle leaves one feeling isolated and abandoned. And the people in your life who really do care about you can get discouraged when youre unable to do the right things. They have to leave, even if only temporarily, to maintain their own sanity. Heres my unsolicited advice to caregivers: - Support those you love. - Give advice judiciously, and dont be upset if that advice isnt acted upon. - Do not judge. - Give when you can, but keep safe borders. Protect yourself. Because two sick people do not make one healthy person. - And try to keep hope alive, especially when the patient has lost hope. Thanks.
Posted on: Fri, 26 Sep 2014 22:27:42 +0000