Month: April 2022

Posted on

Overdue health update

When I first started on this healing journey, we had no idea what to expect. But now that I’m a couple of months into it, I’m very happy to report the following:

  • My energy is holding steady. In fact, I’ve actually been able to maintain close to my usual schedule. Well, except for allowing extra time to rest and making sleep a priority. And except for driving to town at least twice a week for medical appointments.
  • We’ve been able to maintain the momentum of the music ministry. This Friday we’re doing a full LIVE performance of Swami Kriyananda’s Oratorio: Christ Lives! for the first time since 2019, and for the first time ever in the Temple of Light, and I’m well enough to fully participate!
  • Thanks to radiation, I’m regaining full movement of my right shoulder.
  • I’ve received so many prayers, voicemails, text messages, emails, cards, gifts, articles, suggestions, you name it — all of them filled with love and many of them very helpful — that it’s actually been somewhat overwhelming and I haven’t been able to respond as I would wish. I’m sure everyone understands, but I just want to say that, once the Oratorio is over and things slow down again, I look forward to slowly being in touch with all my well-wishers around the world!

What else can I say? Yes, I have cancer, but I am also well and strong and happy and very, very blessed.

Posted on

The view from my chair

Today was a day dedicated to some serious R&R. I’m getting quite good at it, I must say.

For example, I had not just one, but two sessions sitting outside on the patio, enjoying the sunshine and cool breeze.

These are all photos of the view from my zero gravity chair (I found the wisteria leaves to be rather mesmerizing).

Posted on

A thought for Friday

This meme caught my eye on Facebook and the melody immediately filled my brain. No matter that I hadn’t listened to or thought of it in probably three or four decades!

So today I decided to give it listen for old times’ sake and discovered (well, re-discovered, I guess) that it was a song by the Carpenters (what a beautiful voice Karen Carpenter had!).

A sweet message to kick off the weekend.

Posted on

Cheat sheets & logistics

You know the Oratorio is getting close when you’re working on cheat sheets; figuring out when the choir stands up or sits down; and sending out promotional blurbs.

And now that I can lift my shoulder again (whoohoo!), I’ll also be figuring out my flute playing logistics as well.

Exciting stuff.

Posted on

An unexpected treat

The radiation department computers weren’t talking to the radiation machine today, so they weren’t able to do any treatments.

Unfortunately, I was in a meeting and missed the call that my session was cancelled.

Since there was a slim chance that they would get it fixed in time to fit me in, and since I was in town anyway, I decided I might as well hang out for a while.

I got some lunch at a cafe and sat outside to eat while reading my book. Then I browsed the used bookstore next door.

I never did have my radiation appointment, which means my last session will be Monday instead of Friday, but it was an unexpectedly pleasant and relaxed afternoon.

Posted on

It’s working!

Today — after one full week of radiation — I was able to easily raise my arm above the shoulder for the first time in at least three or four years.

I never did have frozen shoulder; it was the presence of a tumor that was impeding my range of motion!

But who would have thought it?!?

Right now I’m appreciating radiation as a medical miracle.

Posted on

Today’s big accomplishment

As you know by now, I take my “slug” days seriously.

So I’m happy to report that my big accomplishment of the day was framing and hanging (well, Ramesha actually did the hanging!) this folk art print that I purchased from a Ukrainian woman on Etsy.

I had been looking for something perfect for this spot in our kitchen and love how it turned out.

Posted on

Two full years later…

We had dear friends over for dinner tonight.

An actual sit down and eat together meal, inside our house, for the first time since the pandemic began.

We’ve had occasional gatherings elsewhere with friends and family, but it really feels good to be able to entertain in our home once again.

Posted on

Made it…!

Yep, we (Ramesha and I) successfully negotiated the first week of daily radiation.

I know subtle but powerful changes are happening in my body as a result of the radiation, but I believe the daily drive into town is also responsible for a large percentage of the increased tiredness I feel.

One more week after this and the radiation phase of my treatment will be finished. Yay!

In the meantime, I’m really ready for this weekend!