How to Handle Overwhelm in the Hospital

In this deeply personal episode, I share what it was like to get Gavin admitted to long-term cancer care—and the whirlwind that followed. From internal medicine to palliative care, social work to surgical consults, the first few days were a blur of faces and emotions. One moment stands out: the unprofessional and dismissive physician assistant who reduced my husband’s unimaginable strength to a judgment about his inability to handle radiation. That moment helped me realize I couldn’t—and wouldn’t—leave him alone in this system. I had to become his advocate, his translator, his buffer. This is the story of how I found my footing in the chaos. It’s about learning to trust your gut, speak up, and show up when someone you love is most vulnerable. If you're a caregiver, I'd love to hear from you. Reach out to me at https://carrieseverson.com/home/ or follow me at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarrieseverson/