Memories Without Photos

No Pictures

Many cancer patients document their journeys either by writing in their journals/blogs or by taking pictures of themselves while going through treatments.
An ex-boss of mine always used to say "document everything because if it is NOT documented, it did not happened."

Well, I have to say, I didn't do neither. I didn't write about it nor I took pictures of myself while in treatment. Yet, I know it did happen. I have the memories and the scars.

Until recently, I didn't think about it. It was until my friend, Rebecca Aguilar, asked me if I had pictures of me at the hospital while getting chemotherapy and radiation. I had to think for a second, and it dawned on me that I had none.

Three Photos

Picture #1~ Wristband

I went through my photo albums and I found only three pictures documenting the most horrible dark time in my life.  I found a picture of the wristband that was given to me every time I had to get radiation treatment, which was everyday for seven weeks.  I have exactly 35 wristbands.

The second picture I found really warmed my heart.  It was a picture of my husband  in the waiting room of the hospital, where he sat everyday for 35 days waiting for me to get my radiation treatments.

Picture #2 ~ My husband Freddie

The third picture was of the office of the Department of Radiation Oncology at the NY Presbyterian Hospital.  A place that became like my second home for 35 days.  I got to know every doctor, every nurse, every receptionist and every technician.

Memories for a Lifetime

I guess these three pictures tell a story, but memories of my journey are embedded in my mind and in my heart. I remember what it took to get out bed every single day, I remember every machine used on me, I remember every needle that went through my body.

Picture #3 ~ Dept. of Radiation Oncology

Looking back now, I kind of  regret that I did not take any pictures, but at the time it wasn't even a thought.  I was fighting a battle.  Pictures, journals, blogs can be destroyed or lost, but your memories will live with you for a lifetime.

"For some, life lasts a short while, but the memories it holds last forever." ~ Laura Swanson


Editor's Note:  This post was written by me and posted on my other blog, The Voices of Two Mujeres, awhile back, but I wanted to share it again.