Don't end up alone lying in the hospital surround by the smells of disinfectant.
BY Ryan Hamner
PUBLISHED April 25, 2018
Ryan Hamner is a four-time survivor of Hodgkin lymphoma, a musician and a writer. In 2011, he wrote and recorded, "Where Hope Lives" for the American Cancer Society and the song for survivors, "Survivors Survive" used in 2015 for #WorldCancerDay. Currently, he operates his website for those affected by cancer, 2surviveonline.com and drinks a ridiculous amount of coffee per day.
Being in the ICU alone can really suck, trust me. Lying in a bed that never seems to get warm enough, often groggy and surrounded by the smells of disinfectant – with a brain that is overactive and inundated with questions and worry – is an experience you want to avoid.
Usually, the ICU hasn't been a solo event for me, but there have been the few exceptions.
Usually, the ICU hasn't been a solo event for me, but there have been the few exceptions.
Last year, after a terrifying incident, caused by years of cancer treatment from long ago, I ended up in the ER. Once stabilized in the emergency room, I went straight to the ICU - alone. It wasn't the first time. Unlike other stays however, this stay was much shorter, three days. Not too bad when I considered what all went down.
While lying in the hospital by myself, I often thought about what it would actually be like to have to take on cancer alone. It wasn't the first time this thought had crossed my mind. It's a scary thought. It's also reality for some, unfortunately.
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