The shock and uncertainty of facing a serious medical condition
I had a CAT scan for back pain, leading to a series of urgent medical appointments. A scan reveals a concerning issue, prompting immediate action and hospitalisation. I reflected on life as I waited for further tests and results while in the hospital. The poem captures the shock and uncertainty as I faced a serious medical condition and the impact it had on my life and relationships. This poem is Part 4 of a series about my journey with cancer. Beverley Joy
A CAT scan of my lower back
Then off to work, there’s money to earn
A back brace relieved some pain
I was biting behind a forced smile.
The next morning, the receptionist rang
‘Doctor wants to see you as soon as you can
‘I can’t come today, I have plans I can’t change’
Is it about the results of the scan?’
The doctor looked concerned as he read my scan
‘Something is terribly wrong with your back
It could be a tumour, it’s a mystery
An MRI is an urgent need.”
He called me on Saturday
A surgeon called me on Sunday
“It’s urgent, you visit the Emergency.’
It was the strong message they forced on me.
The next morning, I hobbled
To the Emergency at the hospital
To my shock, I was told I could not go home
Nor should I walk around on my own.
In a wheelchair, I was pushed to my new abode
Backs, hips, legs and broken bones
Orthopaedic – a new word in my world
‘It’s total bed rest or your back could collapse.’
I cried as I informed my daughters
They rushed to my side, wondering why?
How long? What’s going on?
All day we waited for an MRI.
I’ve only stayed in hospitals
For the birth of my children and a minor op
I’ve lived life fast and adventurous
Like there’s no tomorrow, no time to stop and wallow.
The sun shone into my room with a view
Greeting a new day as I wait for news
The nurses started their morning rounds
My senses were indulged with new sights and sounds.
Blood tests, biopsy and MRI
My daughter arrived as the Doctor came by
He called for patience for their reply
So I settled into hospital life.
Three restless nights anticipating
Identification of the alien
Growing within my Lumbar three
And what treatment that would mean.
Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry © 2023 All Rights Reserved.
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