CHEMOTHERAPY

 As I arrived on the fourth floor of the Irving Greenberg Cancer Centre I was greeted warmly by a receptionist who tagged me, DOB,Name, and gently placed a wristband to identify me. I was officially a cancer patient. Asked to take a seat, I was soon escorted by an oncology nurse to Pod A and asked to choose between a seat or  a recliner . In additional to taking my vital signs I was interviewed as to my symptoms and state of health.

 Despite my anxiety I managed to pass my vital signs. Unfortunately there was a problem with my blood tests., It seems my blood test had been taken 10 days ago, outside the 48 hour window before starting chemotherapy After a lengthy delay my oncologist gave his approval to proceed.

 In my  opinion, to have a  successful chemotherapy infusion one must learn to relinquish control. Essentially you are acknowledging that the nurses and Doctors know what their are doing. One nurse, commenting on my calmness remarked. "You must be a healthcare professional." I take that as a huge compliment. 

 During my 3 hour stay on the fourth floor I had an opportunity to talk to my neighbour, a veteran of chemotherapy. She was on her eleventh treatment and had lots of words of wisdom to convey.  

At this early stage of treatment(I have had 3 treatments),I have learned that you do not develop all of the side effects that they warn you about. In my case,fatique, and  sensitivity to cold are my main side effects. During my second treatment I was envious of another patient who was given a popsicle after treatment.

 Fortunately I have been well enough to continue with my work, a true blessing to me.

 In addition to my physical symptoms, psychologically I have become more emotional and more aware of my blessings.

 Thank you all for your support and concern as I continue my journey.

 David

MY CANCER JOURNEY

 Recently after having a CAT SCAN,2 MRIs and a Bone Scan, I learned my urethra cancer had metastasized to my pelvic area. After meeting with my oncologist we decided that the best treatment option is chemotherapy. If all goes well it will take place ever 2 weeks for a total of 24 weeks.

 I know I continue to face a rough journey as this is my third occurrence and most threatening. At this point my pain is manageable and I plan to continuing to practice as long as I am able. When I start my chemotherapy I will attempt to see clients every 2 weeks.

 Like anyone facing a life threatening disease I plan to get my affairs in order. 

I continue to receive much love and support from family and friends.

 Indeed I was shocked when my urology surgeon told me I was one of the nice guys and he was sorry.

 Recently I travelled to my hometown of Winnipeg where I had the opportunity to revisit my childhood homes and schools. It has been 17 years since I last visit Winnipeg. I noticed many changes including increased poverty and many issues of safety in many areas of the city, On a positive note the recently built Human Rights Museum is a must visit while in Winnipeg.

 As I await my chemotherapy treatment I try to live each day fully. It is a lesson for all of us.

 Thanks for support. 

David

 

 

 

MY CUTTING EDGE EXPERIENCE

Yesterday ,at the age of 77, I indulged myself by having my first pedicure. For a man of my vintage,

 this was a big deal.Age,health issues now prevent me from doing this myself.

 A friend of mine has been doing this for years and recommended a very nice Asian woman who was located in South Ottawa.

 Although initially hesitant, I faced my fears and anxiety and drove to the mall. Before entering, I observed

 that the spa served mainly woman.

 As I entered the spa I was greeted warmly by the woman I had spoken to on the phone.  

 

She asked me to sit and remove my shoes, socks and brace. I was seated on an elevated chair, with my pants rolled up and my feet soaking in  a warm, soothing footbath. During the next 30 minutes I was priviledged to have a pedicure. Simply stated it was heavenly. As a person whose sciatic nerve is partially dead. it served to help my circulation immensely.  

I rate my new cutting edge experience an A+ and strongly recommend it for those of you who are looking to pamper yourself.

 Stay healthy

 David

       

 2022 YEAR END REVIEW

 2022 has truly been a difficult year both personally and in society. On a personal level, on Feb5 I underwent a 13 hour operation for ureathea cancer, a very rare cancer. Fortunately the operation was a success thanks to the skill and diligence of the surgeons.Unfortunately,6 weeks later I developed a severe infection which had to be drained. During the procedure, I believe the nerves leading to my sciatic nerve were damaged, resulting in my present day mobility problems. As a final insult, I contacted COVOID despite all of my precautions. Fortunately the 5 vaccines I had taken resulted in  mild symptoms.

 From the perspective of society 2022 brought continue Sirois(Yiddish term meaning troubles).COVOID and other respiratory diseases challenging our health care system as well as our patience(pun intended).Inflation, including high food prices, resulted in many families having to make sacrifices,

 For me,2022 can't end soon enough. Like all of you I am ready for a new year, a new beginning.

 However I must acknowledge,2022 has not been without it's success. Namely, I am still here, cognitively intact with most of my executive skills that allow me to continue to practice my craft.,

 I feel truly blessed to be able to do so.To all my clients who are willing to trust me with their most inner  secrets I say thank you. I feel blessed for the support from, my partner,family,and friends as well as the medical community. I have truly been blessed with surgeons who demonstrated the highest skills but equally important, turned out to be menches(Yiddish term  meaning honourable person). 

I feel spiritually renewed and ready to face the physical challenges that face me.I know it will require a tremendous effort on my part.

 May the New Year bring  to you and yours,good health,innerpeace and warm and loving relationships. David