Post-Op Pain

Years ago, to the OR with enlarging nodes.

A shaky signature; relinquishing control.

Pathology sent us chasing horses gone from the barn.

Shock and fear overshadowed post-op pain.

Surgery merely a prelude to my loss-laden journey.

Now, to the OR with a deleterious gene.

A confident Hancock; seizing the reins.

Pathology confirms no foals, let alone runaways.

Predictable post-op pain defines the brief ride.

Surgery a brief interlude, this loss a gift for all my tomorrows.

- Wendy S. Harpham, MD, FACP

A Flight Beyond the Darkness of the Night

Hope and fear are marching side by side in my mind in this dark, long night.

All is about what I shall face tomorrow in the day light.

The harsh fear does not let my mind to define what is wrong, what is right

Keep asking myself: Am I winning this fight?

Is my ultimate triumph on "cancer" in sight?

Shall I be rewarded after all prayers to Lord, my heavenly eternal spiritual MIGHT?

I did do whatever was asked me to do

By my angelic doctors and nursing crew.

Tomorrow morning, when the sun is shining bright

In my "war on cancer," I wish to be called a victorious medieval knight.

In distant frontiers of my mind

Where endless imaginations are tenderly kind

Where unconditional love for life, as a prerequisite for healing

And living with comfort and dignity have a special meaning

I portrait myself to be the luckiest creature on Earth

Just like a Phoenix, walking out of ashes after a new birth.

Tomorrow, when the peace ultimately returns home to me

Resembling after a dark, stormy night, the soothing breeze comforting the sea

Although still I am surrounded by the fear

My healing hope reminds me that better days are near

It should happen all tomorrow, on that memorable day

My wishes would come true as the symphonic voice of my doctor would say:

"I do not see any signs of cancer on your chest x-ray!"

I shall be elated more than ever then for others like me I shall continue to pray

May be one day the cancer-free world for all, at last, should not be too far away!

-Ali Khojasteh, MD, FACP