The following are TRUE stories! The names have been changed to protect the innocent? LOL
The first character I met at chemo is an elderly woman who comes in occasionally and Blows the harmonica like nobody's business! She REALLY gets into it! She rocks and stops her feet!!! I'd guesstimate her age to be 80 (so sorry if I'm wrong)! She gets permission and plays for the room. Everyone is clapping and smiling! What a wondeful upbeat way to use her time and gift of music!! She's had a lifetime of practice and IT SHOWS!
Then, when I get chemo at the cancer center it's just an open room and everyone sits together. There is a lady that comes in after me every week. Her and her friend sit like ladies and eat their snack and talk dainty talks.
BUT... as SOON as they put in her IV and start giving her the pre meds.. she starts giggling.. then out right BELLY LAUGHING! You can tell she is embarassed but she just CAN'T HELP herself!
Needless to say the laughter is contagious! Before you know it the entire room (12 paitiens and their 'helpers' plus the nursing staff) can't help themselves! The room is happy and upbeat! EVERYONE is laughing!
After about 15 minutes she starts to fall asleep...but for a while.. everyone forgot chemo/ cancer/ treatments and just bonded!
When she wakes up she's glad it's over and her and her friend resume their 'dainty talks' and eat their lunch!
Ahhhh.. the Characters of Chemo!
~Kibbie
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The Characters of Cancer (Giggle)!!!!!
- By kibbitzqueen
- Posted October 16, 2009 at 9:18 am · 14 replies
- In What, me worry?
- Shared with the public
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- By tex2step
- Posted October 16, 2009 at 12:15 pm
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Those are wonderful stories! I so enjoyed reading your post.
Stacey
- By katelynsmamaw
- Posted October 16, 2009 at 12:45 pm
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Me and my sister used to have the best time at chemo. I know that sounds odd, but I swear we giggled the whole time! No so dreading the treatment itself, just the side effects. Might as well have fun! When you feel like bursting out in laughter, DO IT! It IS contagious. And puts everyone in a better mood! Now if I could just learn to play the harmonica..........
- By kennebec
- Posted October 16, 2009 at 1:13 pm
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Those stories are hilarious. Makes me laugh to read them. Thanks for sharing them.
- By MAG
- Posted October 17, 2009 at 9:53 am
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Thanks for sharing!
My mom would always come to chemo with me. She is 84 (breast cancer survivor). They would give her the pillow and blanket - she would nap most of the day but be with me in support. She would also make her rounds in the room stopping every now and then to swipe a goodie bag - pretzels, cookies, graham crackers, etc.
I found most of the people in chemo to be pleasant and wanting to share their stories - but some were just plain grumps - complaining about every single thing that was going on. Ahhhh......such is life I guess.
- By kibbitzqueen
- Posted October 17, 2009 at 10:48 am
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MAG,
Yes, I agree that most people at Chemo are pleasant and nice. BUT...
There's one (or two) in every crowd isn't there? Good thing there are one or two of EACH KIND or the world would be a VERY boring place!
Speaking of that... once when my daughter was about 14 and going through her 'larval stage' she was worried about boys and her looks and the usual things.
I told her 'Honey, for every Jack there's a Jill' . After a few minutes into another discussion she piped up 'Mom, where are the Nun's Jacks?'
In my infinite MOM wisdom I thought quick and came up with 'They're Preists'! LOL
Have a good day!
~Kibbie
- By Cheryl4Teal
- Posted October 17, 2009 at 12:21 pm
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These are great stories. I enjoyed reading your posts. Most of the people where I go are great. And you pass the time away by talking and having fun with people.
Thanks for sharing those.
- By esther3kids
- Posted October 21, 2009 at 12:21 am
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Kibbie,
They do say, "Laughter is the best medicine". Thanks for sharing with us.
- By Milashka
- Posted October 24, 2009 at 9:12 pm
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We had one patient once with a really bad reaction to benadryl of all things, she was in a lot of pain and was taken off the IV and they had to call 911. It was very traumatizing to all of us, and a bad situation for that poor woman. But we all cheered up when the first responders burst through the back door - all very handsome young firemen from the fire station across the street. You should have heard the old ladies talk!
Although I had some rough times during administration of treatment, strangely I now only have the fondest memories. I met many nice people there, and we had so much fun.
- By kimfromaugusta
- Posted October 25, 2009 at 1:25 am
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You know you've been in treatment a long time when you walk in and have a "Norm!" moment. You know from " Cheers". Where everybody knows your name. It makes you feel like a celebrity. Even if for just that moment or day.
- By abbaschild
- Posted October 25, 2009 at 7:33 am
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I have fond memories of the ladies and guys in the infusion room...and being a big open space you really got to see everything!
Like one group that came....they all always put sodas in their purses as well as chips, cookies, granola bars..we always chuckled...the snoring..more giggles...
I have to share this...it made me think of it when you said how the whole room started laughing with one person starting to giggle...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jedd2FiZTqM
Blessings and hugs!!!
- By kennebec
- Posted October 25, 2009 at 9:05 am
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Milashka, I wish I'd been there that day. Sigh!!!!! (giggle)
- By MaryW
- Posted October 25, 2009 at 12:34 pm
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Abbaschild,
The youtube video was too much! Laughed myself silly. You're an angel for me today- just what I needed! Mary
- By amsterling
- Posted October 26, 2009 at 6:09 pm
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aww i wish i had that kind of environment for my chemo ):
- By CountryGirl46
- Posted October 26, 2009 at 8:22 pm
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I love the hermonica, I wish I would of been there. To see this old lady playing and rocking out would be great.
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