A conversation today with a patient in England, around 60 years old, who is battling cancer:
“Last June I discovered a growth under my right jaw, on my neck. I had surgery in December, but the doctors couldn't identify the source of the illness and the operation did not help. The wound only recently healed, and I then went through another operation.
Afterwards I began chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Before I started radiation treatment, the doctors told me: ‘Since you won't be able to swallow food, we need to fit a tube into your stomach.’ I refused at first, but after my first radiation session I asked them to fit the tube myself, because I could no longer swallow anything at all. A strong pain and burning sensation had set in.
I can't even drink water — my tongue dries up and sticks to my palate. All I can do is rinse my mouth. For two months I haven't eaten or drunk anything, or bought any food. I gave away everything in my fridge and freezer to my neighbour.
The doctor gives me water, which I take through the tube. The cancer itself doesn't hurt, but the treatment is merciless, extremely painful. I live alone and tire very quickly. Even walking for two minutes exhausts me — the radiation treatment is deeply weakening.
One of my daughters lives nearby, but I last saw her six weeks ago. My other daughter lives in New Zealand. I go to the hospital by myself and then come back to my empty house.
The joy of eating is gone. I used to love food, it was a large part of my life, but it's been two months now since I've eaten anything. The doctors say I may never be able to eat again. Only God knows how much time I have left.
My mother and my brother also died of cancer, but their illness was extremely painful. They were on the highest doses of morphine. My brother's heart could not bear the pain, and he died of a heart attack.”
Dear friends, this true story forces us to think deeply. We often forget that health is our greatest wealth. Breathing freely every day, drinking water, tasting food, walking without pain — these seem like ordinary things, but they are in truth the greatest of blessings.
We need to understand that feeling the beauty around us, being able to talk with the people we love, even doing the simplest everyday tasks — all of this is immense happiness.
We must recognise how surrounded we are by blessings in our lives, and be grateful for them. For life itself is a miracle, and cherishing every moment of it, never being ungrateful, is our foremost duty. Let us give thanks for every healthy day we are given, and share warmth with those around us.
Sardor Otayorov, psychologist at Mirzo Ulugbek Samarkand State Technical University.
Photo: prepared by the Information Service using artificial intelligence.
