We all have stress in our lives that takes many different shapes and forms. Giving space to each other to feel, to grieve and to vent is part of community. It's part of friendship, family and faith that we are all in this thing called life together.
PUBLISHED September 17, 2019
Doris Cardwell received a life-changing diagnosis of inflammatory breast cancer in 2007. While undergoing treatment, she co-founded a mentor program for the cancer center treating her. She also created community events to educate, encourage and empower people regarding cancer. Doris was the first Survivorship Community Outreach Liaison for her local cancer center. She is an advocate, educator and encourager on issues facing cancer survivors. Doris is a wife, mother, empty nester, survivor of life and lover of all things coffee. An avid speaker and blogger, she is available at www.justdoris.com.
One day in the cancer center, I saw a man code right beside me. The nurses were quick to pull the curtain and get me moved to another chair. The staff worked with him and sent him up the emergency room. I never asked if he survived.
Years later, I worked at the cancer center. A dear friend of mine was getting her first infusion. While in the lobby I heard them call her doctor to the chemo suite. While he had many patients that day, instantly I knew. My feet went so fast up those stairs I got there just as he did. I guided her support person a few feet away and let her know that she was in good hands. All the while I prayed hard under my breath for a good outcome. She had a reaction and they were able to resolve it.
Another day a patient that I had come to know and love collapsed in the lobby. She was assisted immediately and rushed to the emergency room for care.
Years later, I worked at the cancer center. A dear friend of mine was getting her first infusion. While in the lobby I heard them call her doctor to the chemo suite. While he had many patients that day, instantly I knew. My feet went so fast up those stairs I got there just as he did. I guided her support person a few feet away and let her know that she was in good hands. All the while I prayed hard under my breath for a good outcome. She had a reaction and they were able to resolve it.
Another day a patient that I had come to know and love collapsed in the lobby. She was assisted immediately and rushed to the emergency room for care.
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