Ah, the loud, annoying beeps that reminds you that you’re still alive. That sound echo’s in the infusion room. No more watching Grey’s Anatomy or The Good Doctor. Seeing those machines on TV make it too close to home.

Heartbeat, pulse – oh so rapid.

That shortness of breath was for real. Lovely how the infusion nurse says to take long, deep breaths and relax. Why is the machine turned?! “Show me the numbers!!!,” I say in a Jerry Maguire voice. Turns out, pulse was rapid, heartbeat rising. No wonder she only turned the machine after appearing to calm down.

Why does the cord and line to the port always get tangled? I don’t want to tango with you. My dance card is full.

by Megan-Claire Chase

How would you respond to the writing prompt, reduced to vital signs?

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This writing comes directly from one of our participants in our Unspoken Ink Creative Writing Group for young adult cancer survivors.  The participants meet for 2 hours each week, for 8 weeks during our Winter 2018 session.  This writing has not been edited since its original creation, showing the wonderfully raw and powerful prose coming from the courageous writing group participants each week.  If you’d like to sign up for future sessions, please email info@lacunaloft.org or sign up on our interest form.