MY JOURNEY WITH CANCER

 Recently I had a screening, CAT Scan, Bone Scan, and MRI ,where I learned that my cancer had not metastasized  to the liver. Chemotherapy, while hard on my body, has proven to be  highly effective.

 At this time the plan is to stop chemotherapy to give my body a chance to recover and to monitor me closely by scanning me on a regular basis. Neuropathy in both my fingers and feet has been particularly problematic. 

Despite these side effects and with the help of two blood transfusions, I have more energy. Indeed for the first time  in 7 months I have begun to see friends in person.

 I plan to continue practicing my craft, albeit on Zoom, as long as my health continues to improve.

 As my energy increases and my side effects are reduced I am hopeful of travelling to the west coast to see my family.

 It takes a village to deal with cancer. I am grateful for the excellent medical care I have received. In addition I appreciate immensely the support I have received from my family and friends. I especially feel blessed by the support I have received from my clients.

 Thank You.

 G-d Bless.

 DAvid

LIVING WITH FOURTH STAGE CANCER

 After a recent CAT and Bone Scan I learned that my chemotherapy treatment has been effective in reducing the tumors. However as I have stage 4 cancer I will need chemotherapy for the rest of my life. The challenge is finding the balance when to have treatment and the need to have a recovery period of time. Essentially it is a quality of life issue that will need to be closely monitored.  

As I am now aware that time is limited, I intend to use it to see people and activities I really care about. This includes offering psychotherapy to my clients as long  as my health permits.

Thank you for your support and love.

 David

2024 New Year Thoughts

 2023 was a tough year, highlighted by the return of my cancer and chemotherapy treatment. Earlier in the year I was able to travel to Toronto and Winnipeg.my first out of town trips since March/2020. 

At present I am limited in my travels because of my chemotherapy treatments. Following completion of my treatments I am hopeful I will be strong enough to travel to Vancouver and Victoria to see my grandchildren.

 Having completed 9 chemotherapy session, because of intense side effects I have had to take a prolonged break from my chemotherapy treatments. On the positive side treatments seems to be effective, A CAT scan and a BONE SCAN will be done to verify this information.

 During 2023 I was blessed with several visits from my children and grandchildren. In addition I was able to continue to practice my craft for 52 years, albeit by zoom  

 During my illness I have received incredible support from my partner, family, friends, and especially my clients. I feel profoundly blessed and can not express enough appreciation for those blessings.

 I am hopeful 2024 will allow me to return to good health, and enable me to continue to practice, and travel and explore this beautiful world.

 Wishing you all a healthy, happy, and peaceful New Year. Once again, thank you for your continues support during  this difficult period of my life.

 G-d bless

 David

UPDATE -MY CHEMOTHERAPY

 I have recently received my 6th chemotherapy session,50% of the required treatment. Although  it is too early to celebrate it is a good beginning.

 Chemotherapy follows a familiar pattern. Ever second Friday  I travel to the IRVING GREENBERG CANCER CENTRE, located on the Queensway Hospital campus. I head to the fourth floor where I am greeted by a friendly receptionist who tags me as a cancer patient. Soon the oncology nurse escorts me to my assigned pod where 3 hours latter I am successfully infused. As I leave the clinic I am given a small bottle attached to my port which further infuses me for an additional 42 hours.

 Sunday at promptly 1:30 pm I arrive at an community out-patient clinic where the nurse removes my bottle. I am free again for another 11 days.

 During the course of the first week I experience a myriad of side effects including heartburn, indigestion, intestional upset, and extreme sensitivity to cold. In addition I have fatigue.

 These symptoms  range from mild to severe and at times can completely incapacitate me. During the first week I keep my activities to a minimum. By Thursday or Friday I have regained enough strength to see a few clients.

 By the second week I am able to see a full complement of clients. With my immune system revitalized I am able to do some minor chores and attend all the necessary medical appointments. At this time I do not intend to socialize until I receive  my seventh CO_VOID vaccination in December.

 Essentially the process repeats ever second Friday until I reach 12 chemotherapy sessions. 

Thank you for your support during this difficult period of my life.