Lending an ear

I woke up with a very good attitude and was ready to face the new day. It was a freezing cold morning with a windchill of -22 celsius but at least the sun was out. Healthwise it was so-so, I had a mild chest pain this morning but after taking the pill for my hypertension, it disappeared. This afternoon I experienced a lower back pain after organizing some stuff in our closet. It really hurt so I stopped whatever I was doing and took extra strength Tylenol to relieve the pain. Aside from my prescription for my hypertension, Tylenol is the only one I can take to relieve any pains or body ache. However I am not allowed to take Tylenol if I develop a fever. Anyway I think the pain went away.

Today Sarah (not real name), my new found friend, went to the hospital for her chemo teaching. Both of us have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Her mom and my mother-in-law have been friends for years. She called me if we can see each other today. Sarah's chemo teaching (orientation) experience at the hospital didn't go well at all because of the nurse who conducted the session. The nurse was harsh and very cold. For Sarah, who is very nervous, fragile and scared of her forthcoming first chemo this Thursday, it was uncalled for. I told her to come over to our house so we can talk and I can comfort her.

I felt her pain and was mortified when I found out the teaching nurse told Sarah that two patients died as a result of the treatment. WTF, how can a nurse tell that to a breast cancer patient. That lady should not be a nurse at all.

Anyway, I tried as much as I can to comfort Sarah. I knew exactly what she's thinking and feeling prior to her first chemo because I felt exactly the same way. The uncertainty and the fear of what the chemo can do to our body was unbearable. Sarah's fears were warranted. I won't go into details but Sarah was glad to talk to someone tonight and I'm glad I was able to comfort her. I encouraged her to be strong and remain positive because it will affect how her body will react to the treatment. I mentioned it repeatedly and hopefully she will. I'll call her a few days after her chemo.

Maybe that was why I felt good this morning because I was able to lend an ear to a friend in need. :)