Tag: Childhood cancer
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Parental grief
Ellen Zhang Boston, Massachusetts, United States Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels We didn’t know the ending because this was us back then. Sometimes wanting is not enough. When the oncologist spoke. While you started to cry only because your mother did. As we cradled you gently. Beyond the singularity of such moments. There…
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The oncologist’s mask
Prasad Iyer Timah Road, Singapore H.J. Pollitt: Hypnotized. Frederick H. Evans. Early 20th century. Philadelphia Museum of Art. As a pediatric oncologist I have learned to put on an invisible mask before seeing my patients and their parents. I try to bring them some cheer and keep the enveloping darkness at bay, if only…
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Eating with my daughter and her cancer
Remco Havermans Maastricht, Netherlands “Can I get you anything to eat sweetie?” “No thanks.” “Sweetie, are you sure?” “Perhaps I’ll like an apple,” my daughter replies without looking at the nurse. That was an hour ago. She still hasn’t finished the apple the nurse brought her and I’m worried. It’s early in the evening…