A visit with a patient who just learned he had terminal brain cancer
As I entered the room there was a deafening silence. For a hospital... this was out of the norm. At any other time there are nurses shuffling in and out, IV's chirping, TV's blaring, custodians rattling carts. Here, there was a erie quietness that made me stop and wonder what was missing. James was lying in his bed. His sheets were pulled over his head . Only his fingers... holding the corners were visible. The linens outlined his body like a cadaver. I called his name "James" He lowered the sheet to his chin "Why do you have the sheet over your head?" I asked. "The light is bothering my eyes" The room was dark. Only a faint light strained through drawn blinds. His eyes were moist. "Im chaplain Thomas here at the VA. I came by to see how you are doing". "Not too good.... I have a tumor on my brain. They're going to operate tomorrow and try to relieve this pre