Tales from a Fighter

“Aren't you in pain?” the doctor asks. “You mustn't worry about the price of the medication. You must take the medication if you are in pain.”

“Who is in pain?” Pong replies, shrugging her shoulders and gazing around the room to avoid eye contact with the doctor.  

Doctors are befuddled by Pong’s perseverance and strength. And most of all, her insistent refusal to take pain medication during recovery. Even during surgery, Pong prefers to be awake and aware of her surroundings and as opposed to put to sleep with a heavy dose of medication. While in recovery, Pong declines drugs that temporarily alleviate the pain that emanates throughout her body. When the doctors removed the IV port from her neck before her release from the hospital, Pong felt every inch of the chord as it left her body. During the surgical procedure she once again declined morphine.  

         

The port that transport medicine
throughout the body,
located on Pong's neck because of her
unique and complicated health condition

Pong believes that taking additional medication to relieve pain leads to dependence, which is dangerous and damaging to one’s physical and mental health.  Pong wants to be able to feel her body, and pain medication masks these natural sensations.

"Move on and move forward," she advises.  "If we are grateful and kind to others and have a positive outlook on life, we will live well."

Without fail, I am continuously amazed by Pong's fortitude. As we chat together at the hospital, there is limited discussion of the past, of what could have or should have occurred differently while in the hospital. She wisely understand that looking back on mistakes and reliving painful experiences encourages negativity and impedes our ability to continue living well.  

"Life is so important!" she explains, "I have to carry on with my life!"  

Time after time, Pong is granted another opportunity to live again. Her ability to maintain an eternally positive attitude, internalize the daily pain she suffers with and put on a vibrant, cheery smile is incredible. Pong is a source of boundless happiness and strength for others in her life, spreading her energy to others and encouraging them to enjoy the life we are given just as she has done.