“Hey, long time no see.”

“Hello Doctor, how are you?”

“I’m good, how are you doing?”

“I’m sleepy and tired, that’s what I do. I sleep most of the day and the night.”

“Do you have any pain?”

“No, the pain is well controlled. The urine is still bubbly. Why is that?”

“Your cancer has caused a connection between your bowel and bladder. It’s called a fistula. It’s a sign that it is getting worse.”

“Yes, I am getting worse. I felt so unwell the other day. I thought that my end had come. I just felt so deeply tired. I couldn’t get out of bed for two days. My family and the hospice staff thought I was going to die.”

“Then you woke up again today?”

“Yes, and I’m going to spend some time at home. How long have I got left?”

“I don’t know. I thought you were days away from dying a few times over the past weeks. You keep on proving me wrong, over and over again. You’re stronger than most humans. I think you’re the strongest person I have met in my 15 years of working in palliative care. I don’t know how you do it.”

“I don’t know either. I feel so tired, but I keep on hanging on.”

“You’re being yourself. I wish I could be more accurate with your timeline. You are deteriorating but your willpower is still strong, but your body is fading.”

“Yes, my memory has gone, and I talk to people who are not there, sometimes for a long time.”

“Is that distressing you?”

“No, it isn’t too bad. I can handle it but I get irritated sometimes.”

“Let us know if it gets too annoying, and we can adjust your medications.”

“Okay.”

“You enjoy your time at home. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Thanks Doctor.”