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Chaplain Roger Boss on patients as encouragers
Cancer Is a Disease that Other People Get
“Cancer is a disease that other people get. I never expected or thought it would be me.” This is a comment made by many cancer patients as they begin their journey toward healing. The journey takes them to a new awareness of life and their spirituality. A cancer diagnosis turns their world upside down. It seems life becomes centered on health care procedures. It is as though the patient no longer has a life of his or her own. Life is out of control.
What did I do to bring this on? What is happening to me? Where is it going to end? All these questions and a multitude more flood the mind of the patient. A quest for spiritual renewal begins. Who am I? What is the purpose of this in my life?
The journey is intimate and private. The experiences cannot be adequately described with words. Emotions surface giving evidence of the deep unspoken concerns of the heart. The loss of health creates one of many grieving experiences. Each person responds in the uniqueness of his or her spirituality. The resources of family, friends, faith and social groups are very important in providing a compassionate and loving presence. Physicians are the trustees of the patient’s future. Faith and hope are the greatest assets of the patient. Listening is the greatest asset of the caregiver.
A sunset, sunrise, blades of grass, pedals on a flower bring new meaning to life. Nature nourishes the soul. Relationships take on new significance. Priorities are rearranged. The spiritual dimension of the person becomes accentuated. The patient expressing himself/herself becomes a very important part of the healing process. “Listen, listen, love, love” becomes the caregiver’s motto.
Many patients express gratitude and appreciation for the journey. In ways beyond their understanding and mine, their life has been changed. New inner resources are being discovered which bring renewed abilities to cope. A greater sense of the Transcendent encourages a belief in a Higher being that is expressed in hope and faith.
Patients often become the encouragers. Openness in sharing their life journey bonds relationships and offers support to the caregivers who may feel helpless. Courage, determination and perseverance are characteristics the patient displays so admirably.
Roger Boss is a Staff Chaplain at St. John's Hospital and Clinics, Springfield, Missouri, serving oncology in-patients and out-patients (Radiation, Chemotherapy and Radiosurgery). He is an Elder and Commissioned Stephen Minister at Redeemer Lutheran Church. He received his undergraduate degree from De Paul University, Chicago, and his Masters in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University, New Orleans. He is married with four children and two grandchildren.
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