The Synapse Connections of a lifetime

For the first time after a while, I felt the sense of hopelessness.. Nearly all the patients that I’ve seen in the oncology ward did not have a good prognosis.. It is as if cancer had been a death sentence for them. My emotions were shaken throughout the time I was in the ward. This began with one of the first patient that I’ve seen. It is remarkable on how some people viewed their life even though they don’t have much time left. There was a patient that had a very positive view of his life, and he seemed well composed throughout the session. Even though the doctor explained that he was at the end of the treatment regime, he remained calm. He even considered donating his heart. His concerns on that consultation were ultimately not on himself, but rather on other people’s life. I could see the disappointment in his eyes when he was told that he is not an eligible candidate to be a donor. I could feel the pain in the eyes of his wife, who broke into tears during the consultation. I could imagine myself in her position, having to let go someone that she loved for such a long time.

This scenario was repeated again with another patient, whose wife was initially unwilling to accept the fact that her husband were down with cancer. Hearing it straight from the doctor herself, she finally could accept the fact, even though tears flowed. During this time, I felt like I had to leave the room for some time to get myself together. The professionals at the oncology wards were indeed strong willed men and women, as they were able to handle and cope with such strong emotional issues involved in oncology.

The visit to the oncology clinic is one of the experiences in the medical line that had made such an impact on me. One important lesson that I’ve learn is that to treasure life as we live it, and not to take anything we have now for granted. Having talked to a man with cancer once, he had thought me a great lesson of taking things positively until the end.