In July 2009 we spent a few days (or years, depending on your perspective) at a hospital about an hour away. The surgery was successful but we were still facing cancer. By this time we were both thinking, "When is this nightmare going to be over?" Other than having four babies, Shannon had never had a hospital stay and I've never been an overnight patient in a hospital at any time in my life.
One thing you'd better learn in a hospital is patience, and you'd better learn it in a hurry. It's not anything like being at home. You can't run down to the refrigerator and grab a snack. Privacy is unheard of (and, by the way, 70% of the people who pass by an open hospital room door look in; 100% of those who look in think it's strange when an occupant in that room waves at them). Obviously the sleeping arrangements are different as are the smells, the sounds and even the television. It's a different world and BOTH the patient and spouse have to adapt.
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Mike and Shannon Gifford
An Introduction
Our foray into the world of cancer began on May 27, 2009 when we learned that Shannon had a rare, uterine sarcoma. Through the surgeries, hospital stays, visits to doctor's offices, and all of the other trappings of cancer, we have found strength in each other that has helped us both not only cope with this disease, but conquer it. To the end that other couples dealing with cancer can benefit from our thoughts and feelings we dedicate this site and intend to make regular, if not daily, updates to it.