i took care of a 25 year old boy yesterday. he has cancer. and as part of his treatment, he got chemotherapy infused in his central nervous system (intrathecal methotrexate). sadly, a side effect of his treatment was paralysis, from the belly button down. it wasn't supposed to be a side effect; but it was. so for the last month, he has learned to be as independent as possible.
one would think that a 25 year old boy with cancer who "accidentally" became essentially paraplegic would be angry. but instead, this boy has risen to his challenge. and he is kind. and polite. and appreciative. and determined.
because life can always get worse, this poor dude also has a bad case of diarrhea. of course he does. he can't get himself to the toilet. and his nurses are all practically his age (i'm making myself almost 7 years younger!). so to avoid the embarrassment, he has learned to get himself on and off a bedpan AND to clean himself up.
so, imagine my surprise and delight when at the end of the day, this guy wanted to tell me a knock-knock joke. i wish i could tell it to you out loud. it's sort of a joke you need to HEAR. so if you don't get it, read it aloud. say it a few times. and laugh.
"knock, knock."
"who's there?"
"smell mop."
"smell mop poo?"
ha, ha, ha. i laughed hysterically. a nurse always loves a good poop joke!
get it??? smell ma poo!?!
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