So many hearts genuinely care
for those aching, too many, but few,
in the pediatric oncology wing
as well as the pediatric ICU.
From her leukemia diagnosis,
to bidding my 13-year-old adieu.
I’d like to thank them
by sharing a story with you.
These things were our reality.
Though some will appreciate the play,
knowing I’ve no intention
to make light of it in any way.
Dialysis, like a kidney, filters the blood.
Moody is one description of this machine.
Sweet Pee and Sir Pees-A-Lot
Are the names we called it as it’d clean.
Sweet-Pee knew his job well,
Sir-Pees-A-Lot liked to moan.
One thing for sure was
it had a mind all of its own.
The ventilator helps patients breathe.
Anytime it sensed something wrong.
Ellie-the-vent, like elephant,
trumpeted loud and long.
It didn’t matter if awake,
or if the intubated patient sleeps.
Ellie seemed popular because
she even had PEEPs.
Blue Butt was a stuffed chicken.
The IV pole was BB’s nest.
It always fussed no matter
how many pumps were abreast.
While us farm girls pictured
Hens clucking, “eggs are mine.”
The IV pumps claimed differently,
they squawked, “air in line.”
The bed no more comfy
than an itchy bale of hay,
all the sores, pokes, and needles,
made it feel nasty that way.
The oscillator roared like a tractor
IV nutrition, or TPN, was the food.
Compassionate people, like sunshine,
tried to brighten the patient’s mood.
The patient you clearly imagine,
as uncomfortable as can be,
bravely lies there fighting,
something the parent’s eye can’t see.
No one deserves the hell
on Earth this disease brings.
But the hearts caring for them,
and faith reduced the sting.
We’re so grateful for the people
tending to their every need.
No matter their titles
they’re special indeed.
I cannot say I knew how heavy
a silent tear was.
Until I watched. Helpless.
Letting go of my child in love.
So, in a time when cancer treatment’s
Are as toxic as it they can possibly be.
And very few children,
once diagnosed, stay “cancer free.”
On behalf of every patient.
And everyone providing care.
I ask, “Will you join the fight?”
Let them know you’re there!
Share the word, people.
Let’s stand shamelessly united.
Curing childhood cancer, any kind,
is no place to be divided.
This post was written and submitted by Kelly May Harris. The article reflects the views of Harris and not of CURE®. This is also not supposed to be intended as medical advice.
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