Like most of us, cancer has touched my life in innumerable ways. Fear of it, treatment for it and death. I have been a caretaker, a supportive family member and the grieving.
Cancer is the reminder that we all die. Sometimes well and often horribly. What amazes me in these many journeys are the physicians. They are very smart, kind and willing to serve you on the journey where you are. And with some prodding, on the journey you should consider to be on.
I reflect on there doctors do they meet our mortality every day and do their damn jobs in the best way possible. And sometimes, the best way is to help a patient acknowledge the end. I have sat in those conversations multiple times, and it is the most intimate interaction one has with another person. A moment of humanity and finality. We should all be privileged to have those moments.
I don’t know if I will get cancer and I don’t know that I won’t get cancer. I do know that I will die. Maybe well but probably horribly. I remind myself frequently that today may be my last day. And in doing so, I remind myself to make the most of it. No easy way.