Presently I am a 3 year survivor of stage 2 colon rectal cancer. After 2 surgeries,brief chemotherapy,and 25 sessions of radiation, I am considered by my health providers to be in remission.
As is the right of any cancer survivor, I chose to be monitored in the wellness program run by the Ottawa Cancer Clinic.After a brief orientation I was to met with my nurse practitioner ever 6 months as well as to have a Cat scan ever year.The nurse is part of an oncology team that has 2 oncologist associated with it.
As part of my biyearly wellness visit ,I am required to take a blood test that indicates inflammation in the blood stream. It is often an early indicator of cancer.However the test is also prone to false positives.Unfortunately,during my May/2018 visit my blood levels were elevated.
As I have written elsewhere about this highly traumatic period of my life,I will not repeat it here
.Suffice it to say,after a PET scan, and a MRI, the doctors believe the test results are related to an inflammation of my prostate caused by surgery and/or radiation.
July 2019,I went for my biyearly wellness check and learned once again that my blood levels are .elevated.My first reaction was total devastation and the belief that I faced a life threatening situation.
However,after having time to process this information,and regain my composure,I realize it is far to early to come to that conclusion. Once again, further tests, will prove definitive.
How does one cope with this potentially devastating news..As always,I believe strongly in a higher power.If my destiny is short lived,it is my destiny. I truly believe I have not completed my mission on earth.I plan to continue to practice my chosen profession.
Secondly,I am blessed with a supportive family,friends and partner who have always been there for me.Thirdly I remain positive and hopeful of the best case scenario,ie: this is simply a manifestation of my prostate problems.
In the meantime,I plan to walk the walk.I tell all my clients that good mental health means living in the present. I intend to try to live those words.
Have a healthy,safe, and meaningful summer.
Wednesday, July 31, 2019
Thursday, July 25, 2019
Travels With Dr David
Just back from beautiful Vancouver Island where I spent a very enjoyable week with my family at a gorgeous ocean side resort in Parksville,2 hours north of Victoria. Parksville is known for it's temperate winters(10C)and dry warm summer temperatures.An ideal climate to hike,golf and swim.
Our 2 hour drove north from Victoria,took us through the Coquuihalla highway, a treacherous mountain road connecting the south side of the island with the north.The summit, some 1244 meters high,is challenging in summer but under winter conditions trucks must chain up to be able to climb the mountain.
During the week I was blessed to be with my family,we stayed in spacious well appointed cottages close to the ocean. The first picture taken during high tide shows the shallowness of the water.
This was an opportunity for me to spend quality time with my children and grandchildren.We hiked,golf,swim and played tourist visiting the nearby sanctuary where we saw rescued bears,birds and other wide life.
Meals were a cooperative adventure,with all families participating in the barbecues.Our 4 cottages were close to each other affording me the opportunity to experience living in close physical proximity to my children and grandchildren.I had a chance to observe my grandchildren interact with each other and was pleasantly surprised how well they played together.
One of the.highlights of the trip was golfing with my 3 sons.Like all good athletes they make the game look easy, hitting the ball a country mile.Unfortunately, my best golf is long a memory, and despite my best efforts, I now play like an old timer. Nevertheless, I did have one brief moment of reclaimed glory when I sank a long chip for a birdie.Another highlight was the picnic to a favourite local river where the grandchildren swam,rafted and sunbathed.
All too soon the week was over and each family dispersed to their respective homes.We caught a ferry to White Rock, where we spent a beautiful July 1 with my brother and sister -in-law, walking the boardwalk and enjoying the festivities on the ocean.It was a welcome change from the chaotic and crowded Ottawa we usually experience..
A relaxing ,casual dinner, a ride to our hotel and soon we found ourselves flying east to a hot,humid Ottawa we call home
Our 2 hour drove north from Victoria,took us through the Coquuihalla highway, a treacherous mountain road connecting the south side of the island with the north.The summit, some 1244 meters high,is challenging in summer but under winter conditions trucks must chain up to be able to climb the mountain.
During the week I was blessed to be with my family,we stayed in spacious well appointed cottages close to the ocean. The first picture taken during high tide shows the shallowness of the water.
This was an opportunity for me to spend quality time with my children and grandchildren.We hiked,golf,swim and played tourist visiting the nearby sanctuary where we saw rescued bears,birds and other wide life.
Meals were a cooperative adventure,with all families participating in the barbecues.Our 4 cottages were close to each other affording me the opportunity to experience living in close physical proximity to my children and grandchildren.I had a chance to observe my grandchildren interact with each other and was pleasantly surprised how well they played together.
One of the.highlights of the trip was golfing with my 3 sons.Like all good athletes they make the game look easy, hitting the ball a country mile.Unfortunately, my best golf is long a memory, and despite my best efforts, I now play like an old timer. Nevertheless, I did have one brief moment of reclaimed glory when I sank a long chip for a birdie.Another highlight was the picnic to a favourite local river where the grandchildren swam,rafted and sunbathed.
All too soon the week was over and each family dispersed to their respective homes.We caught a ferry to White Rock, where we spent a beautiful July 1 with my brother and sister -in-law, walking the boardwalk and enjoying the festivities on the ocean.It was a welcome change from the chaotic and crowded Ottawa we usually experience..
A relaxing ,casual dinner, a ride to our hotel and soon we found ourselves flying east to a hot,humid Ottawa we call home
.
Wednesday, May 29, 2019
Reflections on Father's Day 2020
A special day to honour our fathers.Young fathers, including my 3 sons,"get it." They intuitively know it is important to be part of their children's lives.Somehow with all the demands placed upon them they find the time to be there.I kwell(take great pride) in my sons,who all have thrived as fathers, each in their own unique way.
Today is also a day for me to pay tribute to my own father,Roy Nozick,who had a tremendous influence on me.The values I learned from my father are values I have tried to integrate and pass on to my children, so they in turn , can pass them on to my grandchildren.
Who was Zaidi Roy and what are those values he taught me?My Dad was a charismatic short, stocky man who commanded attention and respect when he entered a room.A high school drop-out, he had a creative and brilliant mind who was not afraid to think outside the box.As a training psychologist I used him as a subject while attempting to learn how to administer intellectual tests.An experience he truly enjoyed and excelled.at.
The youngest of 3 sons of Joe and Ann Nozick,he was a product of a conservative businessman and a card carrying communist mother.Although his parents were borne in Canada they became a part of the Jewish immigrant experience in North End Winnipeg.The North End in the 1920s and 1930s was a melting pot where Jews who came from all walks of political life felt free to live their life.
Roy Nozick was a free thinking man who believed one had to put forth one's best efforts whether it be in school, business or sports.A very active businessman he devoted much of his time to helping others whether through personal deeds or working with service clubs.My father loved organizing parties to raise money for social causes. I recall one such party for the March of Dimes where people were fined money for sitting too long or not drinking enough.
A gifted athlete, he once had a try-out for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, His passion for golf influenced 3 generations of Nozicks. He would have loved that 2 of his grandsons became professional golfers.
I onced asked my Dad,"What does it mean to be Jewish?' His response, "To be a Jew is to be a good person and to do good deeds." Similarly he once told me," after you accumulate $1 million dollars you have an obligation to give back to society."
So what are the values I have learned from my father that I hope to pass on to future generations of Nozicks. Namely, be yourself and be true to your values, be passionate about what you do,care about your neighbour and community,and find meaning in your life by performing the Jewish mitzvah(blessing) of Tikun Olam(to repair the world.)
Today is also a day for me to pay tribute to my own father,Roy Nozick,who had a tremendous influence on me.The values I learned from my father are values I have tried to integrate and pass on to my children, so they in turn , can pass them on to my grandchildren.
Who was Zaidi Roy and what are those values he taught me?My Dad was a charismatic short, stocky man who commanded attention and respect when he entered a room.A high school drop-out, he had a creative and brilliant mind who was not afraid to think outside the box.As a training psychologist I used him as a subject while attempting to learn how to administer intellectual tests.An experience he truly enjoyed and excelled.at.
The youngest of 3 sons of Joe and Ann Nozick,he was a product of a conservative businessman and a card carrying communist mother.Although his parents were borne in Canada they became a part of the Jewish immigrant experience in North End Winnipeg.The North End in the 1920s and 1930s was a melting pot where Jews who came from all walks of political life felt free to live their life.
Roy Nozick was a free thinking man who believed one had to put forth one's best efforts whether it be in school, business or sports.A very active businessman he devoted much of his time to helping others whether through personal deeds or working with service clubs.My father loved organizing parties to raise money for social causes. I recall one such party for the March of Dimes where people were fined money for sitting too long or not drinking enough.
A gifted athlete, he once had a try-out for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, His passion for golf influenced 3 generations of Nozicks. He would have loved that 2 of his grandsons became professional golfers.
I onced asked my Dad,"What does it mean to be Jewish?' His response, "To be a Jew is to be a good person and to do good deeds." Similarly he once told me," after you accumulate $1 million dollars you have an obligation to give back to society."
So what are the values I have learned from my father that I hope to pass on to future generations of Nozicks. Namely, be yourself and be true to your values, be passionate about what you do,care about your neighbour and community,and find meaning in your life by performing the Jewish mitzvah(blessing) of Tikun Olam(to repair the world.)
Saturday, March 16, 2019
TRAVELS WITH DR DAVID
Hola from the beautiful,sunny Costa Del Sol.Yesterday,we arrived in Torremolino ,2 planes and a local train ride after leaving Albufeira,Portugal..Portugal ,where we spent the previously 2 weeks in Lisbon and the Al grave, was a perfect place to start our month long retreat from the cold ,winter in Ottawa.
After a long overseas flight to London,we quickly run through terminal 1 at Heathrow airport to catch our 2 hour flight to Lisbon. On arrival,we were met by Fredrick, our driver who would prove to be a valuable resource,in helping us negotiate the mazes, that is the old city of Lisbon.
After a good night sleep, we were ready to explore the sights and sounds of Lisbon.We choose to go on a 5 hour walking tour which proved to be one of the highlights of our trip.We meet our fellow travelers from Toronto,England and Belgium at Rossio square, the main square in Lisbon. Our guide Pedro, an anthropology graduate from the University of Lisbon,was a major source of stories and information,that allowed us to learn the culture and history of Lisbon.
As a Jew I was particularly interested in the history of the Jews in Portugal.Apparently after the 1492 inquisition in Spain, many Jews migrated to Portugal.Unfortunately 2 years latter, when the king married a zealous Catholic woman,The Jews were exposed as pretending to practice Catholicism,and subsequently murdered. We saw a very moving
monument dedicated to the Jews who were slaughtered in 1494.
Other highlights of the city were the palace, the magnificent cathedral and the old city.
After leaving Lisbon,we rented an automatic car and visited Sintra,Obidos and the medieval town of Evora before taking the superhighway to Albufeira which is the most southern part of Portugal .
Before commenting on the warm ,humanistic nature of the Portuguese people I'd like to comment on driving in Portugal.The superhighways are simply marvelous, with well marked signage,clean rest spots with quality food.Traffic is sparse because of the tolls,which is a major controversy in Portugal.Driving through the narrow streets of the towns is quite a challenge, as is the art of negotiating the nerve racking round abouts..
The people of Portugal are simply marvelous. One example is worth noting. On our first night in Lisbon we were hungry and not sure where to eat. We decided on a pizza.Unfortunately when it arrived, it came with ingredients that were against my strict diet.I offered to pay for another one but the owner refused to take my money and insisted on making me another pizza free of charge.
The Algrave,where we spent a week, boasts of 300 days of sunshine a year,excellent food and pristine beaches set against the cliffs.all at a reasonable price, a fraction of what you would pay in Florida.The people of Portugal are warm, engaging and proud to share their culture and land with visiting foreigners The country is clean safe and easy to find your way around.Renting a car was inexpensive(120Euros for 9 days)and allowed us to explore out of the way villages and beaches. On one drive we travelled to St. Vincent to see the famous lighthouse guarding the Atlantic Ocean. .
Having visited over 60 countries worldwide Portugal is highly recommended as a destination to counter our cold Canadian winters.
After leaving Portugal and arriving in Torremolina in the heart of the Costa Del Sol,we quickly settled in our 4 Starr hotel on Playa del Bajondillo..Mornings we walked the 7 km boardwalk;with the occasional trip up the steep slope to the Plaza Costa del Sol,followed by a leisurely afternoon taking the sun.Three days we booked excursions to Gibraltar,Granada and Malaga.
The Costa del Sol, 300 km of beach between Malaga and Gibraltar,is saturated with resorts and hotels,devoted to foreigners looking for the warmth and sun(330 days) it brings.The Brits,Danes,, Germans and some Canadians are here.A very civilized and tourist friendly atmosphere exists with accommodation and service for all tastes.
I personally found the Costa del Sol too commercialized as well as some in the tourist service industry rude and arrogant.
Your choice whether to visit Portugal or Spain very much depends if you see yourself as a tourist or an independent travellor. The choice is yours. Safe travels.
.
After a long overseas flight to London,we quickly run through terminal 1 at Heathrow airport to catch our 2 hour flight to Lisbon. On arrival,we were met by Fredrick, our driver who would prove to be a valuable resource,in helping us negotiate the mazes, that is the old city of Lisbon.
After a good night sleep, we were ready to explore the sights and sounds of Lisbon.We choose to go on a 5 hour walking tour which proved to be one of the highlights of our trip.We meet our fellow travelers from Toronto,England and Belgium at Rossio square, the main square in Lisbon. Our guide Pedro, an anthropology graduate from the University of Lisbon,was a major source of stories and information,that allowed us to learn the culture and history of Lisbon.
As a Jew I was particularly interested in the history of the Jews in Portugal.Apparently after the 1492 inquisition in Spain, many Jews migrated to Portugal.Unfortunately 2 years latter, when the king married a zealous Catholic woman,The Jews were exposed as pretending to practice Catholicism,and subsequently murdered. We saw a very moving
monument dedicated to the Jews who were slaughtered in 1494.
Other highlights of the city were the palace, the magnificent cathedral and the old city.
After leaving Lisbon,we rented an automatic car and visited Sintra,Obidos and the medieval town of Evora before taking the superhighway to Albufeira which is the most southern part of Portugal .
Before commenting on the warm ,humanistic nature of the Portuguese people I'd like to comment on driving in Portugal.The superhighways are simply marvelous, with well marked signage,clean rest spots with quality food.Traffic is sparse because of the tolls,which is a major controversy in Portugal.Driving through the narrow streets of the towns is quite a challenge, as is the art of negotiating the nerve racking round abouts..
The people of Portugal are simply marvelous. One example is worth noting. On our first night in Lisbon we were hungry and not sure where to eat. We decided on a pizza.Unfortunately when it arrived, it came with ingredients that were against my strict diet.I offered to pay for another one but the owner refused to take my money and insisted on making me another pizza free of charge.
The Algrave,where we spent a week, boasts of 300 days of sunshine a year,excellent food and pristine beaches set against the cliffs.all at a reasonable price, a fraction of what you would pay in Florida.The people of Portugal are warm, engaging and proud to share their culture and land with visiting foreigners The country is clean safe and easy to find your way around.Renting a car was inexpensive(120Euros for 9 days)and allowed us to explore out of the way villages and beaches. On one drive we travelled to St. Vincent to see the famous lighthouse guarding the Atlantic Ocean. .
Having visited over 60 countries worldwide Portugal is highly recommended as a destination to counter our cold Canadian winters.
After leaving Portugal and arriving in Torremolina in the heart of the Costa Del Sol,we quickly settled in our 4 Starr hotel on Playa del Bajondillo..Mornings we walked the 7 km boardwalk;with the occasional trip up the steep slope to the Plaza Costa del Sol,followed by a leisurely afternoon taking the sun.Three days we booked excursions to Gibraltar,Granada and Malaga.
The Costa del Sol, 300 km of beach between Malaga and Gibraltar,is saturated with resorts and hotels,devoted to foreigners looking for the warmth and sun(330 days) it brings.The Brits,Danes,, Germans and some Canadians are here.A very civilized and tourist friendly atmosphere exists with accommodation and service for all tastes.
I personally found the Costa del Sol too commercialized as well as some in the tourist service industry rude and arrogant.
Your choice whether to visit Portugal or Spain very much depends if you see yourself as a tourist or an independent travellor. The choice is yours. Safe travels.
.
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