Simple Pleasures
Today, a patient I adored died. No, she didn’t die from Covid. She died from cancer. And not a good cancer. A cancer that makes it impossible to eat. Impossible to rest comfortably.
We take these things for granted, eating and resting. But they really are the cornerstones of our lives.
We’d like to think that more important things would be the cornerstones of lives; like love and family, friends and passions. And they are important. However, we celebrate those things with~~food. And we can rest comfortably because we are safe inside of those things.
Feeling safe has a lot to do with feeling comfortable. At end of life, we often say, it’s time to make them comfortable. Some even call it ‘comfort care.’ Many see it as withdrawing care, however, that rings false. We are not withdrawing, we are stopping treatment that will not cure nor prolong life. At least not in any meaningful way.
I’ve heard families say, let’s not give up. And that is admirable. And some patients choose to fight right to the end, seeking treatments and procedures. And I support their wishes. It is, after all, their life. Their end. If this makes them feel safe, then this is their comfort care. And should be honored.
And most want two things during this time; the ability to eat. And the ability to rest. And we want those things for them too.
So, tonight, while you are enjoying your meal or glass of wine, while you sit comfortably on your couch, with your favorite pillow, in front of the fire, remember my patient and appreciate the simple pleasures that your life now allows.