Transitions

“Mom, I’ve gone through every imaginable emotion in the last 72 hours,” Danielle said, days after her last cancer treatment. At a time when others wanted to celebrate the end of her journey, Danielle was experiencing anger, sadness, and confusion.

I understood. I’d gone through the same roller coaster of emotions when I faced cancer. “I drove past my oncologist’s office for almost two weeks after my treatment ended because I didn’t understand how I was going to move on,” I told her. The emotions were as real as they were when I’d been diagnosed.

I encouraged Danielle to take time to grieve the end of her cancer treatments and begin to readjust to a life that did not involve monthly or weekly doctors’ visits or infusions. “This may seem strange, but in some ways you’re grieving. It’s just a different kind of grief,” I said. “I cried the first day I didn’t need to go in for treatment.”

“Thanks, Mom. It’s nice to know what I’m feeling is somewhat normal.” I heard relief in her voice.

Sometimes those we care for may need us even more during the transitions they’re facing from medical care.