Sometimes My Job Really Sucks!

Today I was witness to something I hope I never have to comprehend or personally understand.

I had a 25yo patient today. I had to sit next to the doctor while he explained to the patients mother that it was time to make him a No Code and focus on comfort. In this doctors opinion, this young man only has 2 to 3 weeks left before the cancer that invades his body, takes his life.

His mother was so incredibly strong. She barely shed a tear as the doctor went over the scans. The CT that showed huge melon sized tumors that had taken over his abdominal cavity. She just sat and nodded her head, acknowledging her understanding of the situation and her agreement of the doctors suggestions. She was basically working out the final details of her sons death and was able to handle it with such grace.

I later heard her talking to her two daughters about their brothers fate. They both did not handle the news well and leaned to their mother for strength. She selflessly said that although this patient was her son, that he was suffering, and she did not want to see that any more. The girls held onto her tight and then wiped the tears from their faces, composed themselves and went to see their brother.

This family is so strong. They are holding it together for their unfortunate brother who is succumbing, at such a young age, to testicular cancer. I hope they can continue to draw strength and love from each other once this young man has passed. I have a feeling that his mother, who is so incredibly poised right now, will be the hardest to fall.