It’s been said that it takes a village to raise a child, and through my overuse of creative license I have opined that it also takes a village to support a cancer patient. During my monthly visits to the clinic for regular maintenance (oil change and a lube; Dara and IVIG), I see a lot of dynamics at play - medical, technological and familial.
Now that the majority of the most stringent interaction and distancing Covid limitations have been lifted (though with so many immuno-compromised patients, the clinic represents a true highly protective environment), I see a return to the pre-pandemic level of companions coming with their loved ones for treatments. Mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, grandsons and grandfathers, partners pushing partners in wheelchairs - a patient "posse" adding an extra set of ears and arm and legs to the treatment team. These companions’ eyes show the signs of fear and hope and resignation and concern, but behind their masks I’m imagining a smile of encouragement for their loved one and gratitude for the cadre of caregivers at the clinic.
Don't get me wrong, there are still many people who come alone (present company included) who are truly content and duly supported in ways that I may not be able to observe - so I can only imagine that their safety net is as powerful as mine. That said, it’s heartwarming to me to see this devotion and commitment to being here (in anticipation of a usual 3-4 hour session), for likely nothing other than hand holding, casual chit-chat, sharing tuna sandwiches and snack-packs of Oreos along with the rest of us at lunch time, or maybe just watching their loved one take a nap. Whatever succor they offer, it all makes a difference, and is appreciated by the patients and nursing staff alike.
