Drive to the hospital. Give a sigh. Take a right into the lot 

Go to valet parking. Give them your keys. Take a ticket

Walk into the cancer center. Give them your destination. Radiation Oncology. Take your temperature

Turn to the reception desk. Give them your license/destination. Radiation Oncology. Take a sticker 

Proceed to the elevator. Give a masked smile. Take 2 lefts then a right to Radiation Oncology

Pass JC and Sue. Give a greeting. Take 2 rights and enter the changing room

Grab a hospital gown from the shelf. Give a sigh. Take your clothes off on top

Find an empty locker. Give your purse and clothes temporary shelter. Take the key

Sit and wait. Give a nod to another cancer patient. Take a few deep breaths

Proceed to the treatment room. Give up your hospital gown. Take a small towel to cover yourself

Lie down on the treatment table. Give your name and date of birth. Take the towel off the right side

Put your arms overhead. Turn your face. Give a sigh. Take a deep breath and “Hold it..Hold it..Hold it..” 

Stand up. Give a thank you and “I’ll see you tomorrow.” Take the hospital gown again

Fetch your clothes. Give up the gown and key. Take your purse

Return to valet parking. Give them the ticket. Take your car back home

Drive to the hospital. Five days a week. For a month

Give a look at your skin turning dark brown and patchy. Take some smelly ointment and rub it all over

Your last day! Give thanks. Take the completion certificate. Hope you never have to come back

A month later. Another MRI. Give your name and date of birth. Take a deep breath and hold it…

Cancer again. Surgery again. Radiation again

Lie down on the treatment table. Give your name and date of birth. Take the towel off the left side

Put your arms overhead. Turn your face… 

Kim Downey, PT, founder of Stand Up (for) Doctors!, is a physical therapist, three-time cancer survivor, and fierce advocate for physician well-being. As an Ambassador for Medicine Forward, the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation, and the Clinician Burnout Foundation, she brings deep insight into both the clinical and human sides of medicine. She amplifies the voices of doctors and patients, addressing challenges like burnout, moral injury, and loss of autonomy. Kim’s mission is to foster connection and advocacy for healthier doctors and a stronger healthcare system.