HOUSTON, Texas — The way I see it about living with acute leukemia is there’s nothing good about it. Not a fucking thing.
I can run to the nurses’ station and ascertain why it takes so long to get back when the robo-beeping from the kink in the IV tube is driving him insane.
I can carry a heavy bag to the ER and back again, if they let him out, once they determine it’s not the pneumonia again and not even the flu but a virus called para-influenza that won’t kill him, today.
When he’s so cold his teeth rattle in a stifling-hot room, I can tuck the blanket around his shoulder.
If the treatments and exams are painful and scary, the time in between them is worse: it’s boring. I can’t do anything about the pain and the fear. I can sit there and be bored, right along with him.
So I watch “Live Cops” hour after hour, and I hate that show. But thank god for television on our television sets and the droning voices and scripted realities that beg our ridicule.
And sports. And golf. We watched a good six hours Sunday, waiting for McIlroy to choke at the Players.
We weren’t bored, all that time. Bored, I’m learning, is just another word for lonely.
Cheral Manke says
Thank you so much for being by his side and all the big and little things you are doing for him. We know it’s not easy but also how much he really appreciates it. You guys are helping to keep him going to know he’s not alone to keep his fighting spirit up especially thru these super difficult times. Bless you Bless Matt Bless Lee and all who are helping him survive this awful scary disease. Hugs ?
Cathy Moxley says
Bart, you are the poster child of what a friend should look like. I know how hard you fought for Scott and I am truly sorry he lost his battle. I do hope you are at peace with Scott’s passing. Remember the good times with him and carry the memories you have of him forever. Scott was fortunate to have you for a friend and he knew that………….take care of yourself.