Dr. David Nozick Obituary

Obituary Print David, aged 79, passed away peacefully after he fought the good fight. He is pre-deceased by his parents Roy and Mary Nozick. He leaves to mourn his sons Jason (Nicole), Gregory, and Daniel (Michelle), his six grandchildren, his brother Stanley (Sandra) and his sister Jo-Anne , Gail Krochmalnek , Andrea Krochmalnek (Tim) and Jon Krochmalnek (Alison), his niece, nephews, cousins and many friends. David was a devoted and passionate clinical psychologist blessed to have practiced for 52 years. An insightful, perceptive and energetic man, David always had a positive attitude. He loved people and accepted and valued people for who they were. He enjoyed being a volunteer seniors’ visitor for Jewish Family Services and teaching ESL to new immigrants. He treasured significant relationships with a multitude of people from all walks of life. Well-travelled and well read, he loved writing his memoir and his personal blog. He loved baseball, and the highlight of his baseball “career” was playing together on the same team with his sons, in the Ottawa Jewish Men’s Baseball League. He enjoyed curling and golf and devoured the news and engaged in current events and politics. David was a mench, an honourable man. He had a rich spiritual life. In his honour, and at his specific request, please be kind to each other. A Funeral Service will be held Friday, July 25, 2025, at 11:00am in the Cwinn Chapel at Jewish Memorial Gardens, 6549 Herberts Corners Road, Greely. Interment to follow. Following the interment, Shiva will immediately commence at the West Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 150 Woodroffe Avenue, Ottawa. Shiva will continue at the West Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry on Sunday, July 27, 2025, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm and 6:00pm to 8:00pm with services at 6:30pm. David's family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the wonderful care he received from the staff at Bruyere-Saint Vincent Hospital. Donations in David's memory to the Ottawa Kosher Food Bank or the Canadian Cancer Society would be greatly appreciated by his family. For those unable to attend in person please view the livestream here.

DYING WITH DIGNITY

Dr. Harvey Chochinov, a Winnipeg psychiatrist, pioneered " dignity therapy" as a way of caring for the dying.A leader in palliative care, Chochinov, developed an intervention called "dignity therapy" In a 30 to 60 minute session patients answer open ended questions, getting a critical opportunity to talk about their lives or what matters most to them. The transcript is then given to their loved ones to keep. What follows is my personal transcription that I have given to my children in the hope that they will better understand me. Question 1: So tell me about your life history, particularly the parts that you think are the most important If I have done anything well in my life it's being a father. I am very proud of my 3 sons,and my 6 grandchildren. My sons are fabulous fathers to their children,each in their own way. I am also close to my grandchildren. About 10 years ago when my oldest grandson was 12 years old I was driving around Vancouver with only him in the car. My grandchildren call me Zaidi. I'm in my car and I say to my grandson, Jackson, you know you can tell Zaidi anything you wanna tell me and I will not tell your parents.He proceeded to talk to me for 2 hours straight. Jason, my oldest, is a counsellor like me. He has a lot of the same characteristics that I have. He is warm,empathic,and caring.I would call him a wise old soul.My middle son, Greg, was a golf professional.At present he works as a golf superintendent. Greg,is devoted to his 10 years old daughter. and has been her primary caretaker.Greg is passionate about life,caring and considerate of others and has a strong moral compass. My youngest son,Daniel, has an MBA, who tends to keep his emotions in check. He is a man of actions.So when it was time to clean out my suite Daniel was the man who took action. My wish for him is to broaden his horizons and see more of the world. I'm 79 years old, I'll be 80 on December 5.I have a friend of mine, we talk about hitting 80, living 4 score years.Anything over 80 is considered overtime.One of my goals has just been reached,namely today is June 5/2025 and now I'm officially in my 80th year.I realize that I am on borrowed time.I try to live one day at a time.easy to say but hard to do. My eldest son, who had a bypass in his early 40's, has learned to live one day at a time.Recently there was a festival in Vancouver where a driver drove into the crowd killing 11 people.My son, was there, 10 minutes before this happened.He knows how valuable is life I respect him for learning to live one day at a time.Regarding my legacy, it is important to learn and to grow everyday.It is important to be open to life experiences.to ideas,and not be judgemental I tell everybody that my mom told me that I have 2 ears and 1 mouth.If you listen twice as much as you talk you will learn a great deal about life.The reason I wanted to complete this legacy project is to give a gift to my children and grandchildren. Question 2: Are there specific things that you want your family to know about you? If you want a good life,you need to get to know yourself.You need to know what is important to you, what your values are, and live life according to your values.I got into trouble in my life when I broke my own values. My affair when I was in my mid 40s; I fundamentally broke my own value system. It took me years for me to forgive myself and it caused a lot of pain to my famiy.I have severe regrets about it. Question 3 What are the most important roles you have played in your life? Why are they so important to you and what do you think you accomplished in these roles? Being a father, son, brother and grandfather are important roles that I highly valued. Being a psychologist and having a rewarding career was also important to me. I think the best advice I can give to my children and grandchildren is do what you love in life and you will never work a day in your life.I have been blessed to be able to work 52 years as a psychologist. I consider that a great accomplishment.In addition I am proud of lobbying for over 3 years to get a psychologist on the Cardiac Heart Institution. I consider that one of greatest accomplishments.Is there any moment that you look back as a parent that you're proud of. After going through a difficult divorce I made it my intention to do what was best for the children, including buying a house close to their mother so that the children could continue to go to the same school. I'm proud of myself, it was the right thing to do, a selfless act on my part that I feel good about . Question 4: Are there things that your loved ones would want to know about you? I think this document will go a long way in that regard. I am very open to my children,I feel I did my best with them.I made mistakes in my life but I learned from them. Question 5: What are your hopes and dreams for your loved one? Love, laughter, adventure to enjoy life and live in the moment. I wrote a book several years ago called "Life Lessons". One of the lessons in the book is we all live in a box.What differentiate one individual from another is the size of the box we live in, the larger the box the more experiences and opportunities you will have.It sounds like your kids are very different in personality.Daniel, my youngest son, tends to be a homebody.I wish he would explore more of the world, but that not my call. My secondest son, Greg, has gone through a rough separation. I wish for him to be in a meaningful relationship. My eldest son Jason, is a free spirit, and lives life to his own beat. Question 6: Are there any words that you would like to offer your family to help them prepare for the future? To live a good life you need to have a balance between meeting your needs and being available to others. It is your values that will determine your sense of self.True happiness is being able to find your values and living by them.One of the things one can do is to filter out information that does not meet with your values.Your values will determine who you are and your sense of self. Love David Be kind to each other Mind the golden rule Treat others as you would like to be treated

MY STROKE

Approximately at 8am on Saturday May 17, a2025 I suffered a severe stroke that completely incapacitated me.The Doctor was so concerned for my survival that she called my son,Daniel in Victoria, as well as to call my Rabbi to meet my spiritual needs. Daniel was woken at 5am and told the situation was dire. He immediately came to Ottawa to be with me. Although I was semi-conscious during the stroke I vaguely remember some events. Namely, the attending physician asked me if I wanted to go to the Ottawa Hospital to receive treatment. I recall that I refused treatment. In conversation with one of my nurses who was on duty during my stroke, he noticed I had facial paralysis on the right side of my face, with the right side of my body being prone.The nurses had to turn me every 2 hours. I couldn't speak, or raise my hands or legs. Sunday morning when Daniel arrived at the hospital he placed a sheet of paper before me with :"Yes" and "No" written on it. He wanted me to point to the correct answer which I was able to do.Several family members phoned that day but I was unable to respond verbally. Monday. I am gradually beginning to recover. I was able to lift my arms and legs and had a rudimentary form of speech. At this stage, some 4 weeks later, I still have some residual effects of my stroke. My speech is moderately impaired, my upper body strength is noticeably weaker and I easily tire. The Doctors have indicated that the stroke was on the right side of the brain. They marvel at my recouver.They have told me that they have neither seen anybody recover to my extent without receiving treatment. I am thankful for my recouver and for the medical care I have received on 5 South St. Vincent Hospital. G-d bless the health care workers on 5 South. David

5 SOUTH PALLIATIVE CARE ST.VINCENT HOSPITAL

I have now resided for over 3 months on 5South Ward, St. Vincent Hospital.On February 13/2025 I was taken by ambulance to the Ottawa Hospital Emergency Department.After a Cat scan was administrated I was told by the Doctor that the colon was completely blocked.Further consultation with the surgeon indicated surgery would be an e3xtremely risky with danger it would rupture  the bowel line..I was given 2 weeks to live. 

 It was decided that the most appropriate placement was in the palliative care unit at the 32 bed unit at th St. Vincent Hospital.This decision was taken, after consulting with the palliative team.The decision was made to enable me to get the best possible medical care  

After waiting 2 weeks for a bed I was admitted to 5 South Ward on March1/2025.As a palliative care patient  the mandate was too kept me comfortable until my demise. 

During my stay at St. Vincent I have had 3 blockages and a severe stroke.Miracolous ,due to the medical care I have received I have managed to survive. The care, compassion,of all the staff, orderlies.health care aids,nurses and physician has been exempty. I am truly thankful for their services and feel blessed to be here.Above all I feel safe in their care.

 The staff is highly professional, offering services in a very calm and control manner. 

To give you some examples of the care and compassion the staff demonstrates on a daily basis I refer to one on the palliative Doctors who are available on a daily basis.Ater consulting about my medical needs the Doctor asked if I wanted something and proceeded to get me an ice cream.When I suffered my stroke the Doctor immediately spoke to my family to indicate the series on the stroke and in addition spoke directly to my Rabbi that I needed spiritual help.I literally owe my life to the care I am receiving here.

 Another example that just occured today.I was in the hall getting ready to wheel myself downstairs when one of the nurses stopped me to adjust my tubing so i wouldn't be exposed.A simple act of kindness that demonstrates the compassion and care the staff bring to each and any ever patient on 5 South Palliative Ward.

 I am in the end stage of my life, trying to say goodbye to my family and friends.I feel blessed to be in a safe and secure environment. 

Love David

 Be kind to each other

CLOSE TO THE END OF MY JOURNEY

 The bomb, within my body, has just exploded. For the past week my bowel has been completely blocked.Immediate medical attention was required. A call to the paramedics and I was almost immediately taken to the Ottawa hospital. After waiting in the hallway for about half a hour I was taken to an observation room in Emergency. 

Upon  examination the Dr. ordered a CAT scan of my abdomen as he was concerned I had a blocked bowel.As expected the Cat Scan confirmed ,

my worst fears. My cancer had spread  to my abdomen where indeed  my bowel was massively blocked.This was a life alternating event which would shorten  my life expectancy,If the blockage did not clear I had less than 2 weeks to live, 

 Discussion with the surgical resident indicated surgery to put a stent in the bowel, was high risk and not recommended. The plan was to involve palliative care to keep me comfortable.In addition, the social worker would apply for hospice care outside of the hospital.I was simply to sick to go back to my senior residence. 

The next day,suddenly my bowel begin slowly to work. My appetite returned and I was able to eat and digest normally.This was a shock to me however the surgeon pointed  out that it would have no effect on my life expectancy.

 At this stage I know I have a significantly lower life expectantly.The journey is not over,but I am close to the end of the life I have known.

 Thank you all for your support,love and prayers.

 Shalom 

G-d bless

 Love David

WAITING

 I find myself with stage 4 colon-rectal cancer waiting for the bomb to go off. I have no idea, when or where my untreated cancer will go.At this time my cancer has not hit a major organ. I realize that could happen at any time.Truth be told I am living on bored time.

 Currently I am battling an abdominal flu which has incapacitated me.. For now I have restricted myself to my room so as not to infect other vulnerable residents.Isolation has allowed me to reflect on my situation.I have resided for 8 months at this senior residence and for the most part it has gone well.I realize I need to be here for the care and support I am receiving.

 My restricted mobility,fatique associated with my cancer have all served to limit my energy. The only times I go out is to medical and dental appointments. Socially I have a few dedicated visitors but for the most part I receive very few invitations from my previous social contacts.

 I have tried to meet new people here and to attempt various  new activities. At this stage I hope to blog regularly,try drawing.to attend lectures and play the odd game of bridge. 

Financially I have budgeted well and for the most part I have not had to go into capital to reside here.

 My goal is to try to reach my 80th birthday.

My faith,compassion and empathy remain at the highest level.

 Thank you all for your support and prayers. 

David

MY 79th BIRTHDAY

:Praised are you Lord our G-d, king of the universe for granting us life, for sustaining us and helping us to reach this day." 

I didn't expect to reach this day.Having Stage 4 cancer, untreated for a year, it is very hard to predict the consequences.For the most part I'm doing well coping with fatiquie, 

As stated previously I have intergrated well into my new senior residence. 

Tonight I will have a quiet family dinner to celebrate my birthday.

 What lessons I have learned to pass on to the next generation? 

What remains to be done before my departure? 

The primary lesson is simply The Golden Rule. 

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

 That is, treat people with respect,dignity,and listen and don't judge.I believe we are put on earth to make it a better place. Each act of kindness and compassion is a blessing 

What's left to do?I have put my affairs in order and hope to spend time with family and friends.I realize my physical world has shrunk considerably but hopefully my compassionate and spiritual world is expanding.

 G-d bless and thank you for all your support and prayers.

 David

 

FYI

 FYI my sympatico Email  address is no longer active. If you would like to reach me please contact me at my new Email  address   dmnozick@gmail.com  

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

David

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

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.

 

 

 

REGRETS I HAVE HAD

 At this stage of my life, late in the fourth quarter, I am reviewing my lifetime goals and have few regrets. My career has challenged me and provided many opportunities for me to make a difference in people's lives. On a personal level I have meet interesting and dynamic people from all walks of life. 

Nevertheless like most of you I have suffered many disappointments, not the least of them the failure of my marriage in which I failed to communicate my needs and in the process of attempting to please lost my self-identity and self-respect.    

After re-establishing  myself as a single individual I had a significate relationship in which I did not have the opportunity to engage fully in that person's life as the walls were too high to overcome. For many years I mourned this unrequited love, eventually I had to move on.

 Early in my career I needed to make a decision whether to become involved in my family business or pursue a professional career. After contemplating this opportunity I chose to pursue a profession. What profession? At the time I was deciding whether to become a psychiatrist or a psychologist. Clearly psychology won out. My regret was not to pursue a medical career, but not in psychiatry but cardiology where my family had a rich history. 

 Sometimes in life you come to roundabout and impulsively take the first turn. I experienced this when I had to chose either Victoria or Ottawa in order to pursue my graduate studies. The decision to go to Ottawa has resulted in being  physically distance from my family in B.C.I decision I sometimes question?, 

 Despite these regrets, it has been a fulfilling life. Who would of thought,Dudie, a little boy from North End Winnipeg, would travel the world, write a book, and have a fascinating and meaningful career.  

 I thank all of you for your support and love that has enabled me to fight this major battle in my life.

 

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