[One Sip of a Book] Three Cancer Patients Under One Roof: "So What If We're Cancer Patients?"

Some sentences encapsulate the entire content of the book itself, while others instantly reach the reader's heart, creating a connection with the book. We introduce such meaningful sentences excerpted from the book. - Editor's note

Three family members under one roof were diagnosed with cancer. The author was diagnosed with testicular cancer at 28, his father was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer two years later, and a year after that, his wife was also diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. The author, who was diagnosed early, survived, but all his family members passed away. The book contains stories of the meaningful time the family spent amid trials. From the bewilderment and anger on the day of the first cancer diagnosis to the tearful days during treatment... It also introduces information and knowledge about treatment, as well as wisdom on how to use money and time, acquired over 10 years as a cancer patient and as a caregiver for cancer patients.

The biggest change after battling illness is the ability to take action. If I have an idea or something to do, I have developed the habit of putting it into action immediately. In my busy daily life with work, childcare, and caring for my wife’s illness, if I didn’t act on things I needed to do or thought about right away, I was likely to miss many opportunities.

That day, my son came with all the money from his piggy bank and a handwritten letter to give to his mom. Since he found out that his mom liked letters, he often wrote letters or notes to her. The letter read: “Mom, please stay healthy~ I love you~ Thank you for giving birth to me. Don’t get sick. I really, really love you~ I will give you money.” Seeing my son, who planned to give pocket money to his mom going to heaven, all the family members in the hospital room couldn’t help but cry.

If diagnosed with a terminal prognosis within a few months, one is classified as a terminal cancer patient. The best thing about hospice wards is that families can visit freely and provide more detailed care for the patient’s pain. Generally, the goal is palliative care to relieve pain without extending life, but if the pain caused by cancer is too severe even during life-prolonging treatment, it is recommended to consult with the attending physician and hospice physician and use the hospice ward. (...) The length of stay varies by hospital but is usually possible from 2 to 8 weeks. After this period, transfer to another hospital may be necessary. (pp. 306?307)

So What If You're a Cancer Patient | Written by Kim Wantae | Midas Books | 15,000 KRW

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.