Ok, so first off... I know it's been a long time since my last post. I can explain.
I have moved out of my house, had no internet/roommates/furniture/cable for a month or so, and have been scrambling the last month to get a good hold on my life and future. All while working 2-3 jobs.
And today's blog is going to be a bit different than my previous ones. There is just something I really want to write about. Something that has moved me in a way I dont know if I can properly explain.
But I'm going to try.
I've said it a million times. I never evvvver thought I would be working in the health care industry. In any way, shape, or fashion. I dont like blood, dont like grumpy people, and hate doctors offices. Buuuuut, straight out of college when I was offered a legit position for TN Oncology being a receptionist, I was just happy to have a good job and accepted.
I had never personally dealt with cancer, had any friends whose family members had dealt with cancer, and basically knew nothing about it. I was expected to understand diagnosis, procedures, and prognosis's immediately upon hire. I honestly just didn't know what to expect. I thought, sadness, depression, and tears was what I was going to be faced with on a daily basis and really dreaded starting the job.
What I got was exactly the opposite. I have NEVER met so many amazing people in one place. I dont think I will ever see human nature in such a positive form ever again. The nurses are such special people, and the Doctors are indescribably great. Seriously. But, I'm tearing up just thinking about the patients that I will never see again and how wonderful they are. The positive attitudes, the can-do spirits, and the fight that I have witnessed with stay with me forever.
I'm a people person and enjoyed getting to know everyone. However, the ones you get to know most are the patients that come and see you weekly or monthly, which is obviously not a good thing. I saw 2 of my favorite women die after there 2nd battle with breast cancer, and years and yearrrrs of chemo treatments. Both times I thought they were the strongest women I have ever met. Never complained, and always smiled when they saw me. Those are the ones you can't help but wonder how life is fair. There are success stories too though, and those were special. The changed people that now truly appreciate life can really rub off on you. I left work many days with a smile in my face after seeing theirs. Laughter in the chemo room was one of my favorite things. How a group of people, faced with such a grave situation could be cutting up and laughing as a whole is such a hard thing to fathom. I made many friends... one of which referred to me as 'Sex in the City' everytime she saw me... because she thought I resembled one of them? (I was too scared to ask which one), one who tried to hook me up with her son, and many who just baked sweets to bring in to us or just stopped at my desk to have conversation. One amazing woman who was lovingly referred to as the 'bread lady' who baked banana bread every Wednesday to bring to the patients and just give them an upbeat smile and a hug. A few of which gave me their business cards and numbers, and I honestly want to keep in touch with.
Today was my last day working there, and I just wanted people to understand what it is really like to be in an Oncology office. You dont see the fluid retention that makes someone look pregnant it is so bad, you dont see the visible tumors, or places they used to be. And you certainly dont see the bald heads anymore... you see amazing people. And I am beyond thankful to have met them.
So... Just in case you want to volunteer or know someone who might... just a couple of resources
https://www.minniepearl.org/
http://www.cancer.org/
Who knows, I might just be the next bread lady :)
