Cancer

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 22 Feb 2007, 00:09

Tonght I went to see the father of a friend who is in the Western General and doesn't have long. I've known them both for 40 Years and although I felt compelled to visit. I was filled with trepidation, to be honest it was fear. The last time I was in that ward was 20 years ago to see my dad, who died there. The two men worked at Leith Docks for many years.

I had to walk up 4 flights of stairs and I wished each step took me further away from what I was going to see. Every step took me back 20 years. I had been warned that I may not recognise him and I was prepared for the worst.

Instead of a negative experience, I was pleased to see the same character, lying there very ill but with so much dignity it brought tears to my eyes and I had to turn away momentarily. I got a private moment with him and he asked me how his beard looked because he was worried he didn't look good. Most of the family were there at some point, one of his granddaughters was there and her natural care and attention was beautiful to behold, she is only 19. There was none of the brave-faced shenanigans, just a strong group of people who recognise that any show of weakness in them would have a negative effect on a proud man.

It would be wrong to say that I left with a spring in my step but I feel I buried a personal demon and I'm so glad I visited him whist he still had a twinkle and something to say. I hope its a long time before I have to go back there, in fact never would be good.

SoupDragon · Post by **SoupDragon** » 22 Feb 2007, 01:04

Very moving , Porty.

I know most people will know of someone or have family members fighting the Big C.
Thankfully the treatmant and pallative care has improved dramatically in recent years.

Epykat · Post by **Epykat** » 22 Feb 2007, 09:30

A close friend of mine died of cancer in Marie Curie last year and I felt exactly the same as you did Porty when I went to see her for the last time. However, we had a brilliant laugh and she was basically the same person I'd known for 20 years. When I left I was so glad I had gone because I can remember her for that day.

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 22 Feb 2007, 09:47

Epykat wrote: I left I was so glad I had gone because I can remember her for that day.

Nail on the head Epykat, thanks.

Sandra · Post by **Sandra** » 22 Feb 2007, 10:25

Everyone knows someone who has/has had cancer.

Good you went to see him Porty and left with good memories.

Izzie · Post by **Izzie** » 23 Feb 2007, 16:49

This time I have been lucky again and the cancer is still not back,so it looks like one of my kidney's is failing.
k is ok now so we are both just getting on with it.

Poppy · Post by **Poppy** » 23 Feb 2007, 17:56

All the very best to you and k, Izzie.

SoupDragon · Post by **SoupDragon** » 23 Feb 2007, 21:04

Best wishes to you both, Izzie

teddygirl · Post by **teddygirl** » 23 Feb 2007, 21:10

You always sound so cheerful, Izzie, I really admire you for that.

Hope all goes well for you and K.

Sandra · Post by **Sandra** » 24 Feb 2007, 00:01

hope everything goes well Izzie

arachnid · Post by **arachnid** » 24 Feb 2007, 12:02

As everyone else has said, my thoughts are with you and hope things turn out well for you and K. in the days, months, years ahead!!!!