30 October, 2014

The miracles of modern medicine

I grimaced a little a week or so ago when I realised how old I am now. Then I put it in context. I am lucky to be here, to be this old, even though it is not old at all in the context of our life expectancies these days. But after two ectopic pregnancies and a hysterectomy (without which I was bleeding to death), the only reason I am still here is the miracle of modern medicine. If I'd been born 100 years ago, I might well have been dead three times over.  Or more, because I'm not counting the things I have been inoculated against.  Or  the illnesses I have prevented by wearing long sleeves and sunscreen and insect repellent!

Of course, I'm not alone in this.  It got me thinking about how many of my family and friends have also had medical interventions we just take for granted these days.  Without these, I wouldn't still have my husband, his parents, my sisters, my mother, my littlest niece, my sister-in-law, at least one brother-in-law, and many good friends, not least all those who had emergency surgery for ectopics. Of course, any infertility blog knows that there are many important children in our lives now who would never have made an appearance without modern medicine.  

My mother is struggling at the moment, and we're hoping her current treatment will prolong and improve her quality of life. But she had this cancer 28 years ago, and it has only just returned. She has enjoyed most of those 28 years and we've had her for so much longer than we would have had without modern medicine.   I'm out of town this week, supporting her through her radiation therapy, and writing this in advance, hoping it will go well.

It is all a good reminder to appreciate what we have, when we have it.  And to remember how lucky we are to live in these times and this place.

9 comments:

  1. Mali, I'm crossing my fingers for you and your mom, wishing all the best. You're so right about modern medicine. One of my mom's elder sister died when she was 7 due to some illness. I'd like to think that in today's world, she could have been saved.

    Anyway, keep us updated.

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  2. Modern medicine is amazing -- although it does have its limits, as we are sometimes forced to realize. :( Thinking of you & your mom and hoping for good results.

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  3. Much luck to your mom - I hope the treatment is successful and she can enjoy at least another 28 years of good health.

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  4. I'm so sorry to hear your mom's cancer has returned. My thoughts are with and your family dying this time.

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  5. Modern medicine is amazing! I hope your mom handles treatment well and that she comes out of it much stronger!

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  6. Amen to that. We absolutely need to take stock of what we have, especially when it comes to medical care, and be grateful.

    Abiding with you as you support and care for your mother.

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  7. It is so easy to lose sight of gratitude. Hope your mum is handling the treatment better than expected.

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  8. dear Mali,
    many good wishes for your Mum from Europe!

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  9. Thinking of your mom and hope her treatment went well! Modern medicine is amazing!! I am appreciative of it all the time. I know if this was even 65-75 years ago, I would definitely be dead already. I thank it every day as I think of myself as living on extra time. Hope your mom's treatments go well and she can continue on with a good quality of life. xoxo.

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