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.

Wonderful Holiday Present

Today was the best present of the season...Sunny and 50 degrees. I walked 9 holes of golf (without exhausting myself) and scored 48 (which I haven't done in a long time.) Came home to the wagging tail and adoring eyes of my Sophie and she and I had a long walk. I must admit that I am having a difficult time with transferring her main home to Lynda, but know that is best for her.

May you holiday be filled with sunshine, warmth and the love of family and friends.

Happy Hanukkah

While I was in Portland this weekend, I celebrated Hanukkah early with each of my children and their families. We had a wonderful low-key time, being together and enjoying watching the grandkids with their new toys.

As I light the candles this week, I think about the inner light and energy that we all have. May it burn brightly for years to come.

Happy Holidays to all!

My apartment in Portland

I spent the weekend setting up my new apartment in Portland. Although I am missing some things (rugs, more art for the walls). It is a comfortable and warm living space with a wonderful view. I can't believe how welcoming the whole Willamette View community is and how quickly I felt comfortable being there. It is just a quick drive to my kids homes and I can see myself running over there often to see the grandkids or just to help out. I originally thought this would be a place for me to be during treatment, but with my partial remission, it is turning into a place for enjoying living!

My week at Commonweal

This past week was very intense and very rewarding. I think that Louise, a 2003 participant in the Cancer Help Program, summed it up well in her poem (slightly adapted for my experience):

When my friends ask, "How was Cancer Camp?" I will say...

While you were fighting the freeway traffic, I was walking in the woods admiring new green shoots and thinking of the cycle of life.

While your were listening to news of Iraq and the euro crisis, I was hearing birds sing, the ocean waves pounding, and coyotes baying at the full moon.

While your were complaining of your aches and pains, I was being pampered with a massage given by loving hands.

While you were racing through the mall madly shopping for the holidays, I was meditating, learning yoga and playing in the sand tray.

While you were calling around to find someone to go to the movies with, I found seven new friends to share thoughts with, to laugh and cry with.

While you put your Lean Cuisine in the microwave, I was feasting on homemade soup and gourmet vegetarian fare!

I have cancer - you don't. But who had a better time this past week - you or me?

Commonweal

I have been accepted to spend a week at Commonweal Retreat Center in Bolinas California,( http://www.commonweal.org/programs/cancer-help.html) founded by Jim Lerner and Rachel Naomi Remen (author of two wonderful books, Kitchen Table Wisdom and My Grandfather's Blessings). I will be with 8 other cancer patients for an intensive week of intentional healing. Should be interesting experience.

I was very interested in attending this program when I first got melanoma, but when Stef got sick as well, it never happened. I became reacquainted with the program last February right as I began IL-2 therapy. I thought that it might be something that I could really benefit from and so I applied. Over the last 10 years I have discovered much of what they address on my own but felt that there is much more that I can do for myself and for others with cancer. I am going with an open mind to see what I can learn.

The side effects from the radiation seem to be minimal, fatigue, some tingling and pain down my arm, and swelling and soreness in my neck. Very manageable with ibuprofen...hopefully this will be all.