Cancer Patients and Universal Tests: Perspective Amidst Life’s Trials
A cancer patient reflects on dealing with home repairs and other life challenges in the face of a serious illness.
Cancer, Health Insurance, Home Repair, Radiotherapy, London, UK
The water spread, like my cancer did. The cancer started in my bowel. It went to my liver and stomach lining.
A “drying out man” broke tiles in my shower. This was to help the wall dry faster. He enjoyed using a crowbar, it seemed. I wondered if I could try it too. Now I worry about fixing the bathroom later. I have five tiles and a code to find more. I don’t know if they still sell them though.
I have many unanswered questions in my mind. A healthcare worker’s words keep coming back. He told me the universe tests us. This whole mess feels like a test to me. I told insurance about the leak last May. Repairs only started now, almost a year later.
Normally, this would stress me. Last summer I was also waiting to hear about radiotherapy. Radiotherapy would mean hospital trips every weekday. If the drying happened then, I could stay in a hotel near the hospital. That would be useful, at least.
Last fall and winter I worried about a hernia operation. Having cancer gives you a new perspective. Water damage isn’t as bad as cancer, that’s true. I understand floods destroy family things, which is sad.
A bad play I saw in 2023 was worse than cancer, though. It was at an outdoor theater after my diagnosis. My family disagrees with me on this. The play featured a boring professor talking about tragedies.
Also, a brownie in London was truly terrible. It was flourless chocolate and from a coffee shop. Perspective matters, especially when life is hard.