No Complaining Here

As I sit here for hours waiting for Spencer's PET scan. I watch and listen to all the other's around me. We are in the imaging department so there are many different reasons to be here. Bone and joint issues, gallbladder, cancer, the list is endless. It is surprising to me that so many people complain. I have definitely had my time to complain to you but it is not the same kind of complaining. It occurred to me that this kind of attitude stems from fear. Fear of the unknown. Fear of the medical world. Fear of the future. One woman in particular, older, poor, here to look for cancer complained to her husband that there was a lack of communication in "this hospital" when the nurse asked her another question about her surgery (from a different unit) to relay to the radiologist. Little does she know she is in one of the best hospitals, part of one of the best health care corporations in the nation. I feel lucky. On days that I miss home and just wish I was at the beach my husband reminds me how lucky we are to be a part of Primary Children's Medical Center. We are home to much research, including that of rhabdomyosarcoma. I also feel lucky to be a part of the medical industry. My schooling and my desire has immensely helped me in this journey. I understand better than the average patient. I know the "language" and I have worked in the hospital for enough years to not be afraid of it. I have an increased knowledge of the way things work and a deeper appreciation for our wonderful nurses and aides. This life is not easy, especially in this "season", but I am thankful for a mostly positive attitude to help myself, my family and most importantly my son recover more quickly.