Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Both sides now.

42 year old gentleman. Had nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) 20 years ago and was treated with radiotherapy.

Last year he developed cancer of the neck, probably as a result of repeated & prolonged exposure to the radiation treatment for the NPC. He has had 3 surgeries to remove the growth on his neck & this has left him with a hoarse voice, unable to swallow properly and partially disfigured.

Today, he needed to have a feeding tube surgically inserted into his stomach to facilitate nutrition.

And then, some one I know well complained about the prices of Chinese New Year cookies.

Ironic.

I've looked at life from both sides now
From up and down and still somehow
It's life's illusions I recall
I really don't know life at all


Both sides now (Joni Mitchell)

2 comments:

mun said...

42 is still considered young. His family must be in no mood for CNY.

doc said...

Mun,

the kids aren't even in school yet.

in this light, we should stop sweating the small stuff.