Dr. Luka Kovac & Nurse Erica Carmen — “Memes for Nancy”

Quiet oncology lounge. Afternoon light. A phone buzzes softly with notifications.

Dr. Luka Kovac:
Erica, before rounds—have you seen today’s memes? Nancy asked if the internet has finally learned compassion.

Nurse Erica Carmen (smiling):
Compassion… and cats. Mostly cats. But yes. Today’s batch is gentler. Less doom-scrolling, more gallows humor with a hug.

Dr. Kovac:
Good. Her energy dips after chemo days. Laughter doesn’t cure cancer, but it sure changes the weather inside the room.

Erica:
Exactly. There’s one where a skeleton says, “Still here. Still fabulous.” It’s dark—but Nancy likes owning the darkness instead of pretending it isn’t there.

Dr. Kovac:
Agency matters. Humor gives her the steering wheel back, even if just for a minute.

Erica (scrolling):
This one too—“Your body is not broken. It’s busy.” Soft colors, no sarcasm. Very… permission-giving.

Dr. Kovac:
That’s a good frame. No blame. No war metaphors. Just work being done.

Erica:
I avoid the “fight like a warrior” stuff with her. She told me, “Some days I’m tired of fighting. Some days I just want to rest.”

Dr. Kovac (nodding):
Then rest is wisdom. Holistic care isn’t crystals and slogans—it’s listening to what today requires.

Erica:
Here’s a silly one for balance: a dog in a blanket burrito—“Doctor says I need more rest. I trust this doctor.”

Dr. Kovac (chuckles):
Prescribed coziness. Evidence-based enough for me.

Erica:
And one last—handwritten style: “You are allowed to be hopeful and scared at the same time.” That one usually lands.

Dr. Kovac:
Send that first. Then the dog. End on warmth.

Erica:
Done. I’ll tell her these are today’s low-dose memes. Take as needed. No side effects except smiling.

Dr. Kovac:
Perfect. And remind her—she doesn’t owe us bravery. Just honesty.

Erica:
Always. I’ll check in after dinner.

They share a quiet, knowing look as the phone sends the messages—small sparks of light, delivered gently.