Skip to content
  • About
  • Contact
  • Contribute
  • Book
  • Careers
  • Podcast
  • Recommended
  • Speaking
  • All
  • Physician
  • Practice
  • Policy
  • Finance
  • Conditions
  • .edu
  • Patient
  • Meds
  • Tech
  • Social
  • Video
    • All
    • Physician
    • Practice
    • Policy
    • Finance
    • Conditions
    • .edu
    • Patient
    • Meds
    • Tech
    • Social
    • Video
    • About
    • Contact
    • Contribute
    • Book
    • Careers
    • Podcast
    • Recommended
    • Speaking

The inspirational journey of an 82-year-old WWII veteran battling cancer

Debbie Moore-Black, RN
Conditions
June 21, 2023
Share
Tweet
Share

He was 82 years old when he came into our ER, writhing in excruciating abdominal pain. After an ultrasound and a subsequent CT scan, the devastating diagnosis was revealed—end stage pancreatic and liver cancer.

Despite enduring a pain level of 10, he managed to maintain his sense of humor, joking about “biting the bullet.” However, he admitted that the pain had become unbearable.

This resilient individual was not just any patient; he was a decorated veteran of the U.S. Army, a hero who had served in World War II. Recognizing the severity of his condition, the ER MD made the decision to admit him to the ICU. There, he would receive oxygen support and a morphine IV drip to alleviate his suffering.

As I accompanied him to our ICU, I took the opportunity to introduce myself. He extended his hand and said, “Call me Jeb.” And so, from that moment on, Jeb it was.

Between the intervals of morphine drips and the presence of an oxygen mask, Jeb expressed his wish to be a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate), emphasizing his desire for comfort rather than aggressive medical interventions. There would be no Whipple procedure, no major surgeries, no chemotherapy—just oxygen and a morphine drip to ease his pain. It was only a matter of time before he would be transferred from our ICU to the comfort care unit.

Yet, I found it difficult to let go. Jeb and another patient in the unit were considered low acuity, making my assignment relatively easy. I assisted him during mealtimes, ensuring he was comfortable and repositioned when needed. Jeb mentioned that he would enjoy a short game of solitaire, and I gladly obliged, knowing I had the time to spare.

Jeb’s family members came and went, including his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His wife of 61 years visited him faithfully every day. Whenever he spoke about his wife, a radiant glow enveloped him. He had proposed to her and hastily married before enlisting in the Army during World War II, from 1942 to 1945. Throughout his service, he carried her picture tucked in the inner pocket of his army uniform. His love for his wife, his family, and his country, the USA, was undeniable. His eyes welled up with emotion as we engaged in our brief game of solitaire.

Intermittently, Jeb recounted stories from World War II. He vividly described the liberation of concentration camps in Germany—the stench of decay, the rampant infections, and the haunting sight of emaciated prisoners with hollow eyes. He spoke of their frailty and starvation, detailing the atrocities they endured. And yet, he never regretted his decision to join the army, although he could never forget those harrowing experiences. He expressed his deep pride and gratitude for his life, his family, and his beloved country, the USA. I listened to his accounts with a mix of horror and profound respect for the man before me.

Jeb had a fondness for telling corny jokes, knowing that laughter served as good medicine for both of us. However, the day arrived when it was time to transfer him out of our ICU. My patient, my friend—we shared moments of laughter and tears together.

Reluctantly, I bid him farewell, not wanting to let go. With a tight grip on my hand, he thanked me. And in response, I said, “No, thank YOU.”

As the medical staff wheeled him down the hallway to his new room, he called out, “Goodbye.” In his characteristic humorous manner, he turned to his wife and playfully remarked, “That nurse enjoyed flirting with me,” followed by a hearty roar of laughter.

He was not just a patient, but my buddy—the one who excelled at solitaire, the one who never complained about his pain, the one who faithfully shared his WWII stories while I listened attentively. I felt immense gratitude for this hero and for all the brave men and women who fought and continue to fight for our country, past, present, and future.

Three days later, Jeb took his final breath, surrounded by his loving family. Tears streamed down my cheeks, yet I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the privilege of being his nurse.

ADVERTISEMENT

Debbie Moore-Black is a nurse who blogs at Do Not Resuscitate.

Prev

Patients with chest numbness following mastectomy may experience lower quality of life

June 21, 2023 Kevin 1
…
Next

Breaking barriers in health care: the power of cultural competency training [PODCAST]

June 21, 2023 Kevin 1
…

Tagged as: Critical Care, Nursing, Oncology/Hematology

Post navigation

< Previous Post
Patients with chest numbness following mastectomy may experience lower quality of life
Next Post >
Breaking barriers in health care: the power of cultural competency training [PODCAST]

ADVERTISEMENT

More by Debbie Moore-Black, RN

  • What money can’t fix: the scars left by a friend

    Debbie Moore-Black, RN
  • A retired ICU nurse’s brunch conversation sparks a life-changing moment

    Debbie Moore-Black, RN
  • Wisdom for new nurses: lessons from a 30-year ICU veteran

    Debbie Moore-Black, RN

Related Posts

  • Is social media a friend or foe of science?

    Michael Joyce, MD
  • Hormone replacement therapy is still linked to cancer

    Martha Rosenberg
  • My healer, please guide me on this journey

    Michele Luckenbaugh
  • We have a shot at preventing cervical cancer

    Lisa N. Abaid, MD, MPH
  • Caught in the middle: How health insurance companies influence cancer drug selection

    Paul Pender, MD
  • Despite progress in cancer care, cost and equity challenges still must be addressed

    David M. Aboulafia, MD

More in Conditions

  • How President Biden’s cognitive health shapes political and legal trust

    Muhamad Aly Rifai, MD
  • The emotional first responders of aesthetic medicine

    Sarah White, APRN
  • Why testosterone matters more than you think in women’s health

    Andrea Caamano, MD
  • How veteran health care is being transformed by tech and teamwork

    Deborah Lafer Scher
  • What Elon Musk and Diddy reveal about the price of power

    Osmund Agbo, MD
  • Understanding depression beyond biology: the power of therapy and meaning

    Maire Daugharty, MD
  • Most Popular

  • Past Week

    • The hidden health risks in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

      Trevor Lyford, MPH | Policy
    • How New Mexico became a malpractice lawsuit hotspot

      Patrick Hudson, MD | Physician
    • Why doctors are reclaiming control from burnout culture

      Maureen Gibbons, MD | Physician
    • Why health care leaders fail at execution—and how to fix it

      Dave Cummings, RN | Policy
    • How digital tools are reshaping the doctor-patient relationship

      Vineet Vishwanath | Tech
    • How President Biden’s cognitive health shapes political and legal trust

      Muhamad Aly Rifai, MD | Conditions
  • Past 6 Months

    • Why are medical students turning away from primary care? [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast
    • What the world must learn from the life and death of Hind Rajab

      Saba Qaiser, RN | Conditions
    • Why “do no harm” might be harming modern medicine

      Sabooh S. Mubbashar, MD | Physician
    • Here’s what providers really need in a modern EHR

      Laura Kohlhagen, MD, MBA | Tech
    • The hidden health risks in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

      Trevor Lyford, MPH | Policy
    • Why Medicaid cuts should alarm every doctor

      Ilan Shapiro, MD | Policy
  • Recent Posts

    • How President Biden’s cognitive health shapes political and legal trust

      Muhamad Aly Rifai, MD | Conditions
    • Decoding your medical bill: What those charges really mean

      Cheryl Spang | Finance
    • The emotional first responders of aesthetic medicine

      Sarah White, APRN | Conditions
    • Why testosterone matters more than you think in women’s health

      Andrea Caamano, MD | Conditions
    • A mind to guide the machine: Why physicians must help shape artificial intelligence in medicine

      Shanice Spence-Miller, MD | Tech
    • How subjective likability practices undermine Canada’s health workforce recruitment and retention

      Olumuyiwa Bamgbade, MD | Physician

Subscribe to KevinMD and never miss a story!

Get free updates delivered free to your inbox.


Find jobs at
Careers by KevinMD.com

Search thousands of physician, PA, NP, and CRNA jobs now.

Learn more

Leave a Comment

Founded in 2004 by Kevin Pho, MD, KevinMD.com is the web’s leading platform where physicians, advanced practitioners, nurses, medical students, and patients share their insight and tell their stories.

Social

  • Like on Facebook
  • Follow on Twitter
  • Connect on Linkedin
  • Subscribe on Youtube
  • Instagram

ADVERTISEMENT

  • Most Popular

  • Past Week

    • The hidden health risks in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

      Trevor Lyford, MPH | Policy
    • How New Mexico became a malpractice lawsuit hotspot

      Patrick Hudson, MD | Physician
    • Why doctors are reclaiming control from burnout culture

      Maureen Gibbons, MD | Physician
    • Why health care leaders fail at execution—and how to fix it

      Dave Cummings, RN | Policy
    • How digital tools are reshaping the doctor-patient relationship

      Vineet Vishwanath | Tech
    • How President Biden’s cognitive health shapes political and legal trust

      Muhamad Aly Rifai, MD | Conditions
  • Past 6 Months

    • Why are medical students turning away from primary care? [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast
    • What the world must learn from the life and death of Hind Rajab

      Saba Qaiser, RN | Conditions
    • Why “do no harm” might be harming modern medicine

      Sabooh S. Mubbashar, MD | Physician
    • Here’s what providers really need in a modern EHR

      Laura Kohlhagen, MD, MBA | Tech
    • The hidden health risks in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

      Trevor Lyford, MPH | Policy
    • Why Medicaid cuts should alarm every doctor

      Ilan Shapiro, MD | Policy
  • Recent Posts

    • How President Biden’s cognitive health shapes political and legal trust

      Muhamad Aly Rifai, MD | Conditions
    • Decoding your medical bill: What those charges really mean

      Cheryl Spang | Finance
    • The emotional first responders of aesthetic medicine

      Sarah White, APRN | Conditions
    • Why testosterone matters more than you think in women’s health

      Andrea Caamano, MD | Conditions
    • A mind to guide the machine: Why physicians must help shape artificial intelligence in medicine

      Shanice Spence-Miller, MD | Tech
    • How subjective likability practices undermine Canada’s health workforce recruitment and retention

      Olumuyiwa Bamgbade, MD | Physician

MedPage Today Professional

An Everyday Health Property Medpage Today
  • Terms of Use | Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • DMCA Policy
All Content © KevinMD, LLC
Site by Outthink Group

Leave a Comment

Comments are moderated before they are published. Please read the comment policy.

Loading Comments...