When I told the nurse what we were doing, she smiled big. Then she started tearing up and, with her voice choked up, asked quietly,"You want to leave these for the patients?"
As I saw her fighting back the tears, I almost forgot to answer her question. I had not anticipated that reaction from her.
We were delivering our Chemo Care Packages that we made during a previous "Penny of Time" to a local oncology center. (Packages filled with helpful items for those going through chemotherapy. Post on Making Chemo Care Packages)
Just a mom and two small boys overloaded with striped, crinkly packages crowded into her small open window in the waiting room. The TV in the room was blasting away. The room was very crowded but extremely quiet for the number of people there, waiting.
Even though the boys had practiced what to say before we arrived, they become shy, overwhelmed with the needs they saw around us, and asked me to explain it all to her.
She gathered our names and the fact that we were donating in honor of a family member who has cancer; she smiled widely and quietly expressed her thanks. In the end, we went out the door quickly so she could take care of the line that formed behind us.
This adventure was the quickest one for us, yet. For me, though, it was one of the most meaningful. I am not sure what kind of day that nurse was having. You really never can predict how your actions will affect others. You cannot predict how your behavior will affect those witnessing your actions.
I am not sure why our chemo care bags brought out such an emotional response for her. But, it will stay with me. Although we complete a "penny of time" each day to help teach our kids, it is teaching us, teaching me, as well.
Of all the things that I do with my children, serving with them, involving them in serving others---those are the experiences that I am finding that I enjoy and cherish the most. Teach children to serve.
That is fantastic! I can't wait to read all about the things you've done!
ReplyDeleteSo impressed at the "Kids for Kindness" focus that you have going! Great stuff to each all of our kids!
DeleteWhat did the kids include in the package? Would love to do this w/ my kids.
ReplyDeleteOncology nurses are the best. The receptionists at my oncology office have huge hearts also. I have seen them cry after calling to remind a patient of an appointment and finding out they had passed away. It is not a journey I ever wished to be on, but they sure have made it easier. Karen in Tn
ReplyDeleteKaren, after reading your comment, we have been talking about how to show special care to oncology nurses. Thanks for your inspiration!
DeleteThank you Karen.....I was truly meant to see your blog.....I am a mother of four who is trying to instill giving to others....and with having a family member in stage four cancer.....this is the best idea ever. I will be posting my results. Thank you again.
ReplyDeleteMelissa
Lissa, I would love to hear your results. Making these kits has really helped my boys understand what their grandfather is going through . . . which is even hard for adults to understand. Thanks for coming by!
DeleteI think this is an amazing idea. I am wanting to create a "kid friendly" version of this and take it to my local children's hospital oncology clinic. Thank you for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteYou and I totally are on the same wave length!! I have a "kid friendly" version that we are sharing with several oncology nurses to get feedback. So far, they really like what is in them. I hope to get some made and to the local hospitals soon.
DeleteOncology nurses are truly very special, empathetic, and caring people. They get emotional because they see the strength waning in the people that come through the doors. They'd know that some people have a great support system, but others are alone.
ReplyDeleteI received chemo while I was pregnant with my daughter, almost 4 years ago. My son was a little less than 2 when she was born. Even though he saw me carry around my pump (I got my chemo over a 3 day period to protect my baby) and lose my hair; he just didn't understand. After my daughter was born, I had more chemo. My husband and I would bring both the children sometimes and just let my gregarious little boy talk and smile at the other patients. To this day, when I have an appointment, I still try to bring at least my daughter. The nurses glow and get emotional as they see how healthy and happy she is. She is the office's mascot and always brings joy to the doctors, nurses, and patients.
Even going through chemo myself, I never really thought of putting together a chemo survival pack like you did. What a wonderful idea! As a survivor, I have a couple of suggestions though. Nausea is by far one of the most common side effects of chemo. So, I think the erbs ginger and peppermint are effective for calming that symptom. However, many patients also experience 'super-tasting',so avoid things that are really heavily flavored. Muscle aches and joint pain are also quite common, so if you made some rice & sock heat able compresses to put in the kit it would probably be great too.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience, Erika! Congrats on beating the odds of the situation and being able to manage cancer and a pregnancy at the same time! I am glad to have your insights here. From what I understand, chemo can affect people differently---So, it is great to have your feedback and your story. I will definitely be adding in your suggestions to the next update. We are currently working on project ideas to help families going through chemo treatment at the Pennies of Time group on Facebook--Feel free to join there and add your voice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/420426464682821/
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