Update: These last days have continue to be good ones for me. The effects from the first round of chemo last Monday has not been anywhere near as severe as previous times. We will continue to thank God for good days. Next treatment is scheduled for next Monday, October 28th.
Meanwhile, here is one of the many lessons that I have learned from my cancer journey. You never know what the person standing, sitting or driving in the car next to you is going through. Two years ago when we were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, we realized that we wanted to be in this for the long haul. (duh) Diane instantly took over the role as care-giver, doctor, therapist, and especially as pharmacist. Medication makes all of the difference in how we act and react to the side affects of the disease. In order to help her with that, we chose a pharmacy that we thought that would provide help with that. We have been at that pharmacy the entire time, and the sad truth is, they have not been able (or willing) to provide the help that we needed. There are many instances that prove this out, but the details don't matter.
Today I went into the pharmacy myself. I spoke to them in a very controlled, low tone of voice. I shared our perception of their service, attitude and just plain apathy on behalf of the staff. When I finished, they asked me if there was anything that they could do. As far was we are concerned, we can do business in other places. So as I shared with the folks today, this was for them, not for me.
I reminded them that when folks walk up to their window, that person has a real need. The staff has no way of knowing that this person might be a wife who has left her struggling husband at home in pain just long enough to go get some medication. They don't know if that person is a mama or a daddy who is scared to death concerning something wrong with a child. They don't know if that person himself or herself just received dreaded news from the doctor that very day. They don't know - but no matter what the situation, that person needs to be treated with love, compassion and respect.
The same goes for you and for me. Sometimes there is no way of knowing what a co-worker or a stranger is going through when we have an encounter with him/her. If we did, would we treat that person differently? Maybe.
Lord, let it begin with Jerry
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