Coping with a cancer diagnosis is never easy. Hearing the words “you have cancer” shakes us
awake to the world around us. It might
be such that for the first time we lose control over a life well planned and fully
lived. At times our patients have the “deer
in the headlights” stare as they try to navigate the tsunami of new
information, schedules and medications and try to understand the foreign
language of oncology. Radiation,
chemotherapy and surgery are often gateways to healing yet, they too, can bring
on anxiety and uncertainty. Their body
that had once been healthy, has suddenly decided to take them on a journey they
did not expect, filled with uncertainty, change and fear.
And journey it is. As
a chaplain in oncology I see my role is one of accompaniment. Walking alongside individuals we talk of
faith, family, relationships and dying.
We put words around the unknown and hold the space for those who are
grieving the loss of hair, energy and jobs.
Chaplain’s help people get in touch with their own inner resources and
make room for new inspirations and encourage ways to see hope in the chaos they
may be experiencing, even if only for a moment.
Cancer patients and their families are most often some of
the most courageous people I have known.
They realize in short order what
is important in life but coming to grips with living with cancer takes
time. Along with a physical treatment
plan, it is vital for persons to have resources that provide emotional and
spiritual support and at the Tri Cities Cancer Center you will find precisely that:
a compassionate network of professionals to journey alongside you. I look forward to sharing some of the stories,
thoughts and insights that our patients shed light on as they cope with their
disease because ultimately, ultimately they become the greatest blessing of our
work.
Chaplain Rainy Larson M Div., BCC
Tri Cities Chaplaincy
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