CHEST Guidelines-On-the-Mend

On-the-Mend_chest
Pdf Summary
"On the Mend" is a poem by Cathy Clay that recounts her experience undergoing a myomectomy in 2006. The poem vividly describes her medical journey, starting with the invasive and archaic diagnostic tools used to assess her condition. The procedure, initially expected to last two hours, extended to six, revealing an unexpectedly high number of fibroids. The aftermath of the surgery left her with a stapled belly and required several days of hospitalization. <br /><br />During the recuperation period, despite the pain, hallucination-inducing painkillers, and prostrate rest, she slowly returned to a semblance of normalcy. Her recovery journey included virtual shopping, tentative steps around her home, and a gradual re-immersion into everyday activities, such as decorating her space. A significant project was refurbishing an unsightly gold Victorian chaise with crimson velvet, symbolizing her resolve and perseverance in reclaiming her life and space.<br /><br />The poem highlights the cathartic power of poetry, serving both as a testament and an emotional release for the author. This transformative experience is framed by her hope-filled acknowledgment of life continuing as normal, summarized by the reassurance of a sunny March day. Cathy's ability to find beauty and rhythm in life's challenges is captured in her narrative of physical and emotional healing, leaving the reader with an optimistic outlook.<br /><br />Overall, the piece reflects on recovery not only in physical terms but also as a means of personal empowerment, using the motif of healing spaces—both the body and her surroundings—as an allegory for reclaiming control and celebrating resilience in the face of medical adversity.
Keywords
Cathy Clay
poem
myomectomy
medical journey
fibroids
recovery
painkillers
emotional healing
personal empowerment
resilience