While I was doing my hyperbaric treatment, I looked at the person in the next tank. Usually I am there by myself and chat with the nurse. Today next to me was a small very pale woman who was quite frail. She appeared to be my age or possibly slightly older than me. Her husband looked like he was completely worn out also and very concerned.

After a little tv time I looked again and to my surprise I saw she had something around her neck which I thought could be a trach. I looked away so they wouldnt think I was staring and being rude. My next peek at her showed the same big lump like I have on my stomach. Im sure she also had a feeding tube.

When I got out of my tank they were gone. I asked the nurse and told her its ok if you arent allowed to tell me but I think that woman has oral cancer. My nurse at HBO is so sweet, she just closed her eyes and shook her head slightly and said you know there is a reason for everything. I pulled out my OCF brochure and gave it to my nurse to give to the woman and her husband. I told her its ok if you cant tell me, but I just know and I also know I can help them. That woman I saw today was me one year ago and it really opened my eyes as to how far I have come.

Im sure next week I will run into them at HBO and be able to talk to them. After all, cancer patients and their caregivers have their own secret club that only we understand. My insurance just approved 20 more dives for a total of 70 HBO treatments. Looks like Im going to make some new friends, hope they check out OCF.

Christine,

You are truly "paying it forward." I just know that they will appreciate your experience and kind words...I await your visit next week.

I am still haunted by my decision last April when we were at Moffitt CC for Bill's checkup. I noticed a younger man sitting in the waiting room at the Head and Neck Clinic and then again in the "conference room" that they took us to at our initial visit. He just had "that look" on his face...no visible sign of cancer but I just know that it was his first visit there and he was scared to death and no one was with him. I should have simply walked into that room and told him it would be OK... but I didn't for fear of being too forward or personal. I thought about it for days and still wonder how he is. I should have gone to him....I should have.

So glad you made some effort and next week, maybe some contact.

Hugs, Deb

Those cancer center waiting rooms and little examination rooms are still the terror of my nightmares! I decided early on that when I was waiting to be seen I would sit beside the most terrified person in the room and talk to them. Then I started bringing my guitar and murdering their favorite song! If asked I would tell them who I was and why I was there and that I had to try and help someone everytime because I remember my first visit and even though I had family with me I have never felt so alone in my life.
I don't want anyone to feel that way if I can do something about it.
Christine, you are a wonderful person to be so unselfish and concerned about another while you are going through you own treatment and I admire that. You have a freind you haven't met and I know you will be able to comfort her.
My best wishes and prayers are with all of you.

Mike

Awesome. And inspiring. Well done.

Donna

Good job Christine!

Christine-you truly are a wonderful person. I too have hesitated connecting with someone but often when I do strike up a conversation-people really want to share there experiences. I've given this website info to several people and hope they use it. I would not have known half the questions to ask if I had not found this place.

Sue

Thanks everyone for their support. While sitting in the HBO chamber it gave me lots of time to think about the situation. If it had been different circumstances like in a waiting room, the moment may have come and gone.

Maybe tomorrow I will get to talk to them. Hope so.