RETIREMENT LIVING

 Psychologically what does retirement mean. A great deal depends upon your health, and what resources you have. Health issues, and financial constraints may severely limit your options. In my case, health issues dominant.  

 Psychologically one of the biggest challenges is to be able to give up control. Depending upon               caregivers means abiding by their schedule. For example, my nurses come daily according to their schedule, not mine. Similarly I eat at designated times set by the residence.

Not being able to drive means depending on others or commercial options such as a taxicab or uber.

My limited mobility. deteriorating health and lower energy represents to me a further loss of control.

 Psychologically I know I am in the last stages of my life .Feeling this ever day, ever moment becomes especially precious. 

Currently I reside in a luxury retirement home which has all the amenities including excellent cuisine, first class programing, and sophisticated and a  well educated clientele.            

As my new permanent home it has been quite an adjustment for me.Despite being luxurious it is very much institualized. Meals are served at a set hour,seniors seat at their usual tables with their chosen seatmates. 

Given these circumstances, my attempt to integrate was no easy task.I have attempted to do so by maintaining an open non judgemental attitude, friendly to all. For the most part this has allowed me to integrate successfully.Although I partake in a limited number of activities, namely bridge and painting lessons I have the opportunity to attend many more.

Although I have integrated well, I need to be cognizant that I am living in a for profit business and that little expenses add up.eg. laundry, parking and the communication plan.

I have established an operational budget and for the most part it is working. I am well aware  should my health deteriorate further I will incur further expenses.

Retirement living has it's pros and cons. Security, safety and health issues,represent positive feature of retirement homes. I find access to my call bell brings a sense of security and well being.An important aspect of retirements homes is the opportunity to socialize, to meet new people, all of whom have extensive life experiences.

Presently I remain content with my retirement living arrangements although I must admit that visits from family and friends adds a much needed dimension.  Thank you all for your support and love as I navigate this new stage of my life,

 David

 

SAYING GOODBYE

 I am thankful that I have been given the opportunity to say goodbye to my family and friends and to thank them for their support and love. 

During what time I have left I intend to live life to the fullest. I know my energy and heath issues will wane however I intend to make more effort to socialize and try new activities at my new senior resident.

 I feel blessed that my family  has chosen to fly from the West Coast to see me. My sister also has made an effort to see me. Friends, old and new, are dropping by to visit and say goodbye.

 It is a strange feeling to live in the presence knowing that one's time is limited.

 How should I spend whatever time I have left? Clearly family is a priority. I have chosen to try new activities and to meet new people at my senior resident.

 Life at the end is a process and although I am not presently terminal, I know my time will come. Until then I intend to live my life fully.

 David

RETIREMENT-TWO WEEKS

 Officially retired 2 weeks I now know I made the right decision. This week has been filled with a multitude of medical incidents including a 30 hour stay in the ER at both sites of the Ottawa Hospital.

 I also learned as a result of non-treatment for over 5 months that my cancer has advanced significantly.

 Currently I am waiting for the results of a CAT Scan to decide whether to proceed with chemotherapy despite having 2 open wounds. Those results are known now and on the recommendation of my oncologist I have decided not to restart chemotherapy.

 In recalculating my retirement plans I don't have the time to complete a second book, instead I will attempt  to blog on a regular basis.d

 In addition I need to decide where my permanent residency will be. I realize I am too ill to return home and my only choice is a senior resident. That too has been decided. I move to my new retirement home this coming Wednesday.

Life is precious, I have a limited time to remain fully functional. I aim to use each day, each minute wisely.

 Retirement means re-aligning your priorities with the situation you face. In my case health issues take priority and I must reduce my expectations accordingly.

 Retirement for me means writing, reading and being in touch with my family and friends. I intend to attend lectures, play bridge, and continue to blog on a regular basis. 

Thank you to my friends,family and ex-clients who have been most supportive during this most difficult time in my life. 

G-D Bless

 David

 

 

RETIREMENT, IT IS TIME

   ECCLESIASTES  

 "To everything there is a season and a time to ever purpose under the heaven." 

There is a time for everything. Now is the time for me to retire after 52 years of service. It has been a pleasure and a priviledge to have served as your psychologist. 

My health has deteriorated somewhat and I can no longer be available to you as needed. 

I intend to formally retire May31. In the interim I am available to see you until MAy31. 

Many thanks for this wonderful journey of 52 years..

David

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