“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” Philippians 1:19
It’s understandable when people go through chemo that the “usual” hospital food doesn’t hit the mark as appetites rise and fall. It is no way a criticism as hospital catering for years has been trying to improve its quality but because the needs are so great amongst patients it’s often so hard to deliver good quality, wholesome food. I remember towards the closing stages of Jude’s life when she needed a pain killer on her tongue thirty minutes before a meal only to find the meal was not suitable. I requested drinks from the dietician and basically hand fed Jude as much as possible, to keep the calories going in.
For many months of Jude’s hospital stay I would daily take in a lunch bag containing sandwiches she liked, wholesome drinks and a selection of snacks that would change according to how she was feeling. She would have runs on Cherio’s, cheese and onion crisps, Cheddar crackers etc etc.
In addition, Jude’s feet broke open and I sourced some foot balm which helped. Then there was the various lotions and balms for her face and skin. Then, when she couldn’t shower there was the dry shampoo cap which was brilliant. I didn’t realise the visits I made when possible would equip me to be a beauty therapist!!
With covid some of the services were restricted. Jude never got her wig although she wasn’t desperate and she ended up with a nice short cut anyway after the chemo finished. The Macmillan girl dressed her feet lovely one day. Before this, Jude had shown some concern for some of the services which went against her faith; I admired her for that.
One of the strangest things that happened was suddenly her fingers began to peel and were very painful. Nobody said anything or offered a remedy but I applied the cream and trimmed the skin off as it was folding back.
Jude never really complained and she would say that she, “had not suffered as much as her Saviour”.
It was such a privilege to care for Jude, I would do it a million times over…!!
Prayer
Father, I understand in our busy hospitals that it isn’t always easy to be provided with the meals we really do enjoy to eat at home. We are humbled that we have food to eat while in some countries they have neither hospital nor services.
I pray for those whose appetite and body are greatly affected by chemo and that all the necessary means for sustenance and care are provided, even if necessary through the family.
It can be a stressful time to see those you love suffer in such a way and yet we are reminded of the cross and how Jesus Himself also had the feelings of our infirmities, so we look to Him for comfort in times of distress knowing He too suffered bodily anguish.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Jude Gray 