A rough few days
This post is dedicated to my friends who don’t leave. Yesterday I came home from an unexpected trip to the emergency room followed by 4 days in the hospital to treat an infection in my colon. Colitis, or inflammation of the colon is a common side effect of my cancer medication. Along with the inflammation I had a nasty bacteria that caused me severe pain. I again benefited from the outstanding doctors and nurses at UTSW in the hospital and I feel much better.
Wednesday night I was supposed to give a presentation at a research conference at TWU. I was really looking forward to it. It is always so great to do something that does not involve me being a patient. And doing something in my profession of physical therapy brings me so much satisfaction. It is something that doesn’t happen much anymore as I live with cancer. I was having a bit of a pity party for myself in the hospital on Wednesday as I thought about it.
Then as I was discharged, there was a mistake and I thought I would have to pay $1377.66 for the meds I needed to treat the infection! It all worked out and my insurance paid for the medication, but all in all, it was a sad hard day for me. Of course, I tried to find joy and I did have a lot to be grateful for! I no longer had the abdominal pain, I was going home! I had wonderful doctors and nurses, etc. etc.
Messages from friends when I needed it.
Last night I received a text from a friend with the picture at the top of this blog post. What is significant is that this friend has been sending me texts a few times a week for about a year and a half! Some are funny, some inspirational. I initially thought she would just send me a few texts for a week or so. In fact, when she asked how she could help, she wondered what she could do for me since she worked full time. At the time I was preparing for a surgery and was in a lot of pain. I asked her to send me texts with funny or inspirational messages to distract me from the pain and get me through til surgery. What I did not know then is that she never stopped sending the messages even after the surgery!
I didn’t tell her that I had gone to the hospital, so she did not know about my hard day when she sent the picture above. Because she was prepared and already in the habit, she was there when I needed her. I think that is a wonderful example of how to be in the right place at the right time to provide the help a person needs. She was an answer to my prayer and didn’t even know it. That is how to minister to others.
Another friend texted me and asked me how I was. I told her what was going on with me and about the message I received. She said it reminded her about how when someone is dealing with a tragedy or hard time like a death in the family, there are a lot of people around immediately when it happens, but as the weeks, months, and years go by, sometimes not many people are around anymore. True friends are there for support for the long haul. They are friends who don’t leave. I am blessed to have many friends like that including the two who texted me last night.
The importance of a support system
Here is an a link that explains the importance of a support system for cancer patients. I also mentioned building a support system in this previous post about what do do after a cancer support system. It is important to find friends who don’t leave.
Surround yourself with friends who don’t leave
Surround yourself with friends who don’t leave. Friends who are there to support you anytime. This is important for everyone because we all will go through trials. Friends who you can call day or night and they will be there. Be that kind of a friend to others. Take the time to text often, call, spend time together so that when help is needed it will come naturally. A few friends like that are better than many who you only interact with occasionally, or superficially. I am grateful for all of you, my friends. You are the best gifts I will receive this Christmas.