Thanks for following along my A to Z Challenge memoir posts. We’re almost to the end. — Stacy
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| As close as I could get to an X. Photo by Tracy S. Williams |
X is for X-ray
I never saw the film. I didn’t have to. I could tell.
Breathing labored. Mucus discolored, dark. They added up to pneumonia before the X-ray machine ever clicked.
The hospital ordered an X-ray almost once a week to see whether Jimmy’s lungs fell victim to another infection. Pneumonia was like a bully always there to harass him after his brainstem stroke.
“You need to step outside,” the tech told me after I helped him pull Jimmy’s body forward to drop the X-ray plate behind his back.
They always asked me to leave, so I didn’t soak up the harmful X-rays that Jimmy did.
“If it’s bad for me,”I asked one day, “what happens to him.”
The tech shook his head. “Well, you don’t want to do it all the time.”
Several times a month and sometimes several times a week, Jimmy had an X-ray taken. The portable machine always followed Jimmy’s reports of “trouble breathing” and heavy mucus being sucked from his lung, since he couldn’t do this for himself.
His X-rays became so frequent during one month, I decided to quit my job. I grieved that decision, but knew I had to make it. We often learn we can’t have everything. I wish we could, but sometimes there is an X in the equation we just can’t fill.
catherinemjohnson.wordpress.com
You are amazing you know that. Sad, sad, story.
Stacy S. Jensen
Y is a funny one Catherine. 🙂
Karen S. Elliott
This is so poignant. “…sometimes there is an X in the equation…” How true.
Laura Marcella
Hello, Stacy! This is sad 🙁 I’m sorry about Jimmy. Wishing you many blessings.
Have a lovely weekend and happy A to Z!
Susanne Drazic
Hi Stacy! What a sad story.
clarbojahn
Yes, agree with the other comments but it’s well writen. May find time to go back and read the others. to get to know you better. You are an amazing woman, Stacy.
Susan Oloier
So poignant, Stacy. Once again, I’m taken in by your writing.
My five-year-old has had many x-rays, but I am starting to refuse. I know they’re meant to help, but also so harmful.
I look forward to reading your memoir.
Beverly Diehl
All this is so sad, and yet, your’e such a beautiful writer, I still want to read the whole thing. What an amazing journey you’ve lived (so far).
Bethie
The X is hard in health care because we want to have an explanation for our patients but sometimes we just don’t, no matter how much technology. X-rays are a good example of you might be able to do it, but should you?
Beth Stilborn
My heart goes out to you when I read these posts, Stacy. When I think what you — and Jimmy — went through. *Hugs*
Debbie Maxwell Allen
What a difficult time that was. I’m so glad you’re recording the journey you took.
~Debbie
Robyn Campbell
Stacy, you are such a strong woman. I am proud to call you my friend. I cannot wait till your memoir is published so I can sit down and read it from cover to cover. Praying, girlfriend. (((hugs)))