Last weekend, I watched the movie “Wonder” again — for probably about the fifth time. The first day it was released in South Africa, I sat in the cinema crying my eyes out. Since then, I have watched it whenever I have spotted it showing on the television, as…
When someone with a chronic illness says they are tired, they don’t simply mean, “Oh, I could probably do with a nap.” They mean that their body is beyond exhausted, that they can’t keep their eyes open, and that doing simple daily tasks is just too much. Recently, I had…
“I’m going in for chemotherapy.” That was my response when people inquired about my treatment plan. “But you don’t have cancer.” That was the reply I got from most of them. “So it can’t be that bad. I mean, it can’t be real chemo, can it?” How do you determine…
Last year, I had a port fitted. This is a small medical device placed under the skin just under the collarbone. It allows for drips to be set up without nurses having to dig around for a vein. It also frees up my hands and allows me to easily…
For the past two years, pipes have been sticking out of my chest. I have had a port beneath the skin just under my collarbone. Many treatments have caused me to catch numerous infections floating around, so I have had to wear a medical mask when in public. I have experienced…
It has been a while since I have written a column. So much has been happening, but at long last, I am able to sit back on the couch and not immediately pass out from absolute exhaustion. So, I thought it would be a good time to write a little…
When I see someone for the first time in a while, they sometimes ask me if I am better. I have to pause before answering. Being chronically ill means that this is a long-term condition and that I may never be “better.” A chronic condition is a disorder or disease that…
Lately, I have been pushing myself beyond my limits. While I’m aware of this, I don’t want to miss out on anything. We recently moved, confronted major life events, and have been crazy busy at work. I haven’t been prioritizing my health, and yesterday, it all came to a head. I…
When you live each day unsure if it will be your last. If you fear that the next time you walk outside and look up at the sky to feel the sun’s warmth on your face, it’s the final time you will do so unaided. Or if you don’t know…
This past weekend, I attended my doctor’s “special patient day,” a morning event with tea, snacks, and entertainment by local musician Joshua na die Reën. The staff from my doctor’s office was there, including the nurses who take care of me during day treatments and chemotherapy, administrative staff, and the women who assist…
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