Dear Cancer Patient,

Dear Cancer Patient,

     Last Wednesday evening we spoke briefly while you were getting your IV for your upcoming CT scan. You were joking with the nurse about how you really didn't want to be doing "this" and I got the impression that you are early in your battle. I was sitting in a chair across the room from my son, Trace, where he had already gotten his IV and was also waiting for his CT scan. I know you were just wanting to talk and I am glad we got to talk, brief as it was.

     It appeared to me that you were having a bad day, a "why me" kind of day...and I am so sorry. We all have them from time to time...and as a cancer patient, I do believe it's your right to have those days. It's OK to have a "I hate all this!" kind of day, an "F-U" kind of day.

    You said, "this sucks and this is not how I planned on spending my day."

    I said I was sorry and that "yes, it does suck...a lot."

    You then asked if I had cancer. I said no and pointed to Trace sitting across the room and said "but my son did."

   You ask "how old?" I say, "12."

   You were speechless.

   Then you said, "It's not fair."

   To which I replied, "No, it is not."

    I did NOT expect the expression of regret and sadness on your face as you said, "well, I think I will keep my mouth shut now." I then told you how well Trace was doing and that he was beating it and it brought a smile to your face. I hope that Trace's spirit and fight rekindled your light to fight with everything you have. You looked amazingly like the comedian Kevin Nealon and that brought a smile to my face.

     I hoped and prayed that you had some family there with you for support however, when I saw you walking out later in the day outside MDA, you were alone. Carrying the large tote bag that we all carry with medical records and getting into your car alone...

....continuing your fight, your battle, your journey against cancer.

     I wish you luck.

Sincerely, woman in CT holding room at MD Anderson with her 12 yr old son.