Healing
It is important to vigorously push cancer aside every now and then.
My wife and I just returned from three glorious days in Palm Desert. The weather was a perfect sunny 85 degrees everyday. The nights were cool and comfortable. The night sounds and full moon rising over the desert were spiritual blessings. Most importantly, although our two boys stayed behind in LA, we all had a break from my cancer routine.
- As a couple, we had time to just relax without my daily radiation treatments and doctor schedules piled on top of the regular family and work demands.
- I still had to deal with the side effects of my treatments, but it was easier with just the two of us. Our boys needed a break from my cancer rituals. We believe they are getting stressed and weary from watching my energy levels slip, my early-to-bed nights and needing to ice my lower abdomen every now and then. They also didn’t have to overhear me explaining to friends over the phone how things are going as they passed through the house for one of their countless snacks.
- I was able to relax and loosen up slightly on my dietary routine and enjoy a few treats. A sampling of really fine French cheeses, a few pool drinks and a reasonable dinner out made me feel as if I had won the lottery! Don’t worry, I only made two trips to the breakfast buffet on Sunday. The first trip produced half a healthy whole wheat bagel (the second half conveniently disappeared somewhere inside the darned toaster without the fire alarms sounding) and smoked salmon. The second visit yielded a turkey sausage, small blintzes and strawberries along with two miniature pastries. The pastries were a good reminder that not every temptation is worth falling for, and I made a mental note to not be fooled next time. Yes, sustained weight gain can increase chances of recurrence substantially. But a few discretionary treats won’t kill me. Talking in food terms, there is a bigger fish to fry. This morning’s trip to the scale revealed that I had gained two pounds. I am not concerned. It’s water weight that I will have off by tomorrow’s reading. (Sorry, ladies, it’s just easier for us guys.) Today, it’s back to the Jamba juice and oatmeal.
This afternoon, I will receive my next Lupron injection and will have to climb back onto the radiation table. But, I will do so with a renewed store of energy.
Overall, the weekend proved that a break in routine is an important prescription. It’s important for patients and their families to plan mental breaks–be they three hours or three days. It’s wonderfully good for the soul. And, if it’s good for the soul, it’s also very powerful medicine for the body.
My wife and I just returned from three glorious days in Palm Desert. The weather was a perfect sunny 85 degrees everyday. The nights were cool and comfortable. The night sounds and full moon rising over the desert were spiritual blessings. Most importantly, although our two boys stayed behind in LA, we all had a break from my cancer routine.
- As a couple, we had time to just relax without my daily radiation treatments and doctor schedules piled on top of the regular family and work demands.
- I still had to deal with the side effects of my treatments, but it was easier with just the two of us. Our boys needed a break from my cancer rituals. We believe they are getting stressed and weary from watching my energy levels slip, my early-to-bed nights and needing to ice my lower abdomen every now and then. They also didn’t have to overhear me explaining to friends over the phone how things are going as they passed through the house for one of their countless snacks.
- I was able to relax and loosen up slightly on my dietary routine and enjoy a few treats. A sampling of really fine French cheeses, a few pool drinks and a reasonable dinner out made me feel as if I had won the lottery! Don’t worry, I only made two trips to the breakfast buffet on Sunday. The first trip produced half a healthy whole wheat bagel (the second half conveniently disappeared somewhere inside the darned toaster without the fire alarms sounding) and smoked salmon. The second visit yielded a turkey sausage, small blintzes and strawberries along with two miniature pastries. The pastries were a good reminder that not every temptation is worth falling for, and I made a mental note to not be fooled next time. Yes, sustained weight gain can increase chances of recurrence substantially. But a few discretionary treats won’t kill me. Talking in food terms, there is a bigger fish to fry. This morning’s trip to the scale revealed that I had gained two pounds. I am not concerned. It’s water weight that I will have off by tomorrow’s reading. (Sorry, ladies, it’s just easier for us guys.) Today, it’s back to the Jamba juice and oatmeal.
This afternoon, I will receive my next Lupron injection and will have to climb back onto the radiation table. But, I will do so with a renewed store of energy.
Overall, the weekend proved that a break in routine is an important prescription. It’s important for patients and their families to plan mental breaks–be they three hours or three days. It’s wonderfully good for the soul. And, if it’s good for the soul, it’s also very powerful medicine for the body.