Watch out for pain medicines

Just a note of caution about the class of oxycodone drugs that are so readily prescribed after surgery. The side effects can be life threatening. I just took care of a friend who had back surgery and they gave her a huge supply of Percoset (Tylenol and oxycodone) to deal with the pain. The advice was to take it regularly to keep ahead of the pain. So she did and also followed the protocol to prevent the side effects. But she (and now I hear lots of stories of others) suffered severe and potentially life-threatening side effects of intestinal blockage and then hemorrhaging, and mental disorientation and hallucinations. Luckily she is now recovering from what is turning out to be successful back surgery. So if you must take these painkillers, get yourself off of them as soon as possible and make certain that you have a support system in place if you do suffer the side effects.

Happy New Year

What better way to bring in the New Year than drinking champagne with good friends, watching fireworks, and driving a golf ball off the 10th tee (a yearly tradition at our country club)!

I spent some time today reading my posts of the last year and frankly am totally amazed that I made it to January 2012! Not only made it, but I am feeling better than I have in three or four years. I could not have done it without the love and healing care of family, friends, and my doctors and nurses at Providence Cancer Center. I am extremely grateful to all of you.

I am beginning 2012 with renewed hope that my good health will continue and am looking forward to a year of travel, golf, and spending more time in Portland enjoying time with my grandchildren.

My next scans are at the end of February so I don't expect to be posting as often. So you devoted readers only need to check every several weeks.

I wish for you all a very happy and healthy 2012.