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Wednesday, February 4, 2015

ONCOLOGY 101



"I feel like an angel,
burning up from the inside,"
my son tells me.
We're in the 
oncology ward.
Chemo is
    drip
        drip
                   dripping
into his arm.
His hair is wisps now,
across his bald head,
like when he was a baby.
His eyes are still
as blue and true.

"I view reality 
with perfect clarity,
but I've become aware 
of another dimension.
When I look into a flower,
I see the whole universe.
I can hear the earth
groaning in ecstasy
and, in my body, I can feel, 


with my heart of compassion,
myself groaning along with it.
It's a good thing," he smiles -
his unchanging smile.

The chemo
  drips
       drips
           drips
into his arm.
My son is an angel,
burning up from the inside.

for Susan's prompt at Mid Week Motif : Cancer

In 2010, my son had his first round of chemo for lymphoma. We discovered the oncology ward was not a depressing place, but was full of quiet heroes, positive attitudes, and loving smiles, everyone doing what they needed to do to get well. 

I am happy to report that my son, one of those heroes, is doing well, five years later. He had a round of radiation this past summer to manage a recurrence. But he remains his sunny, positive self, viewing treatment as a necessary, if annoying, small blip on his radar screen. He has better things to think about: like composing music and writing poetry. He amazes me. Yesterday was his 44th birthday. 44 years of his sunny smile. I have been blessed.


38 comments:

  1. That made me almost hearing the sounds of the drip, drop, drip ...

    Keep thee well

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  2. My eyes tear in rhythm with the chemo. This is a hero poem indeed. Reading it en-lightens me. Thank you.

    I knew a man who felt God throughout the treatments, felt us holding him in the light, reached a spiritual clarity. That sounds like your son. My friend did well, recovered. Then caught pneumonia and died. He was in his late 70s, though. And he was other-worldly positive and giving to the end.

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  3. Oh, so painfully clear and beautiful at the same time.

    Wishing your son continued good health.

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  4. whew....burning inside...I am sorry, cancer has touched several in my family and chemo is hard...love the comparison though..it makes it so tangible...I am glad that he is doing well after....I wish him all the best in recovery...

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  5. Your son is indeed amazing, a hero! You, and I think, the world, are blessed that he is still among the living.

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  6. As a mother, this poem resonates very deeply, Sherry.

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  7. Hmmm! i wonder where he acquired those genes that positive soulful makeup? and good for him that he's continuing his artistic creative channel, the results can only be positive no matter what stage in life we're in.

    gracias for sharing mi amiga

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  8. strong poem for a strong son! Blessing!

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  9. A precious hero Sherry. Im so glad that you have his sunny smile still.
    Yes Cancer warriors are some of the most positive people you can meet. I cant tell you how many I have held as they breathing their last of this world.

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  10. That drip drip drip is so very powerful...and tender..i can't imagine watching...but i am however pleased your son is doing well..

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  11. You are so right about cancer day wards which my wife and I used to haunt many years ago. They were happy places and the staff skilled and compassionate.

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  12. The screen in front of me becomes glassy after I finished reading this, twice. But at the same time I was feeling happy, for your son and for all those who are fighting against cancer like heroes. My prayers for them.

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  13. Such a moving poem, Sherry-- my thoughts and prayers are with you both. K. Manicddaily

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  14. His attitude is wonderful and I wish him well. Bless him.

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  15. This is a beautiful poem, Sherry. It really moved me. He knows how to make the moments count. Like mother, like son. Smiles!

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  16. My wish - more and more blessings on you both. Glad you can happily and beautifully write about it.
    He certainly is a heo.

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  17. The awareness of a new dimension. Cancer has a way of opening the eyes into a new light. I wish him continued healing in his journey. The strength to carry on is a super human drive to live. May the hero compose songs from his heart. He must take after his mother strong willed. Peace and Light my friend.

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  18. when i look into a flower i see the whole universe...i love this sherry - and glad that your son is doing good... a friend of mine just went through cancer treatment and there are indeed many heroes in those treatment rooms

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  19. Such awareness brought at such a harsh price..Sherry, it seems our children have taught us so much. They are truly beautiful gifts.

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  20. This must have been agonizing to write, but I am so glad to hear he is well.

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  21. my birthday was yesterday, too, Sheri, and I hit 50. it hit back. glad to learn of your son's spirit ~

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  22. The burning inside. so tough.. but I am glad of the postscript.. a journey indeed..

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  23. You have been blessed with this lovely son. Bet he has made a lot of people happy in his life and that is what really counts. I hope he will remain well and smiling.

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  24. Oh Sherry this is an amazing report and post. Your son sounds like he has his mother's strength and talent. What a lovely legacy you both leave to future generations. I am sure that he is an inspiration to many there at the oncology ward! God bless you both!

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  25. Glad to hear that your son is doing better Sherry. This poem really reveals that story of a fighting young angel. Great tribute!

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  26. Oh, Sherry, this made me cry. I'm so glad he's doing well.
    Hugs,
    K

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  27. You have been blessed Sherry - and in turn you bless us while sharing your son with us. Thank you for a wonderful read.

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  28. Great news! He has fought so hard-this makes me smile and want to cheer for him, for you!!
    Thank you for sharing this wonderful poem-filled with spirit and joy~

    *I can't access the old email account-email me, please~

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  29. This is a very moving poem, Sherry. I like the subtle way and words you used to touch upon a hard and painful topic.

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  30. What a loving and lovely tribute to your son! Both of my parents have survived cancer. I hope your son continues to thrive.

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  31. Beautifully written. This is powerful and loving.

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  32. I waited to read this .. a quick glance at the first few lines caused my heart to sink. Returning to read it in its entirety made my heart soar!

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