My mother has been diagnosed with cancer. The last month and a half has been filled with tests, Doctors visits, and excruciatingly pain filled visits to the Emergency Room.
My mother is a nurse so she is acutely aware of everything medically that is happening to her. So, when our visit to a surgeon ended with her being told she was not a surgical candidate, she knew exactly what that meant. She was too old to be treated surgically. But, the hope of treatment was given to her by an Oncology Physician. The visit to this physician ended with him promising her chemotherapy to start in two weeks.
When we arrived at the office the day chemotherapy was to commence, she was told it had been cancelled. No explanation was given. She was told the Doctor would speak to her and explain.
We both thought that she was going to be denied treatment. Fear’s cold tentacles took hold of our hearts and minds. We had to wait a tortuous ten minutes for the Doctor to come into the treatment room. The fear of the unknown made my mind take off like a race car. What could I say to make this situation better? What words do I have to comfort her? What other alternative treatments are there? On and on my mind raced around the course at a dizzying pace looking for words.
Then I remembered what my mindfulness training recommends – SILENCE. So I didn’t race to fill the void of that ten minutes with chatter or to verbally jump to the wrong conclusion. We just sat in silence and I think we both took some comfort from being together in silence.
This post does end happily – the Doctor came in and was just delaying the treatment for another week because of an unrelated issue.
Namaste,
Bernadette
Prayers for you and your mother. You have a long road ahead. So sorry you are going through this.
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Silence. It is something I must cultivate and be mindful of. I fill in the void with words too often when my silent presence is what’s needed. Blessings on you and your family.
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What you say about silence is so powerful. I am thinking about your mother and her journey.
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We forget the power of silence especially in times of confusion and the unknown. Breathing and listening within, finding space and filling the void. Namaste indeed. Thank you for sharing this Bernadette. Hope and prayers to you and your mom.
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Thinking of you and your mom – bravo for taking a moment to be mindful when it must have been so very hard.
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It is hard to quiet the mind .. good for you for picking an excellent time to be silent. Good luck to both of you with her treatments.
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Thoughts and prayers are with you and your mom. Sometimes silence is best even though it is difficult at times to do so.
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Oh, I’m thinking of you and your dear mom. How smart of you to calm your inner voice with silence. Wishing only the best for both of you going forward.
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“Fear’s cold tentacles took hold of our hearts and minds.” What a perfect description for the unknown before us. I’m glad it was just a postponement rather than denial. Prayers for you and your mother during this difficult time.
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Wise decision, wise words. What a heart-felt, moving post. Will include youo both in my prayers.
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