This past week has been relatively uneventful.
I have managed to play tennis most mornings and also kept up with things at the bridge club.
There are a few days where I could have used a rest and did not get it, but generally things are good.
Anything not good? Hmmmm...some back and neck pain from the car accident, some neuropathy in the fingers, a little fatigue.
On the positive front, Dr. Patel told me that about 50% of his patients show no improvement after 4 sessions of chemo after a recurrence ( I went three months and then the cancer returned) and clearly the petscan showed decent improvement. Also, he indicated that the two shots that I received to boost my white blood cell counts were responsible for clearly up my mouth sores. My count jumped from 1.9 to 4.9.
I was able to get an appointment with Moffitt Cancer Center for tomorrow (Thursday) and I am looking forward to it. I spent 2 hours this evening answering a lengthly questionaire and then reading instructions to prepare for my visit..
The instructions included questions that one should ask during the appointment and I have come to the conclusion that Moffitt personnel may be miracle workers. I was instructed to ask "Will I be able to have children after my treatments?" If they answer yes to that, I will be impressed.
This week I have been reading a book called "The Cancer Conqueror." I read it many years ago and I have often recommended it to others. I realize that it has helped form my attitude to cancer. It focuses on the ability of the mind to influence what happens.
Negative emotions like fear, guilt and anger have a heavy negative influence on your health. Love, joy and peace obviously have a positive effect.
Right now I am reading about the importance of playing each day. I buy into that big time.
We all need to take control of what is happening in our lives and our treatment.
No summary would do justice to the book which is written as a parable of sorts. I highly recommend it. It is written by Andersen and is available on Amazon. I am somewhat interested in studying this book with others. Let me know if you would be interested. It is good for everyone, in my opinion.
One of the things that should be avoided is stress. I will have to develop strategies for things in my life to achieve this. For example, when I receive coin change from a purchase in the store, do I put the change in the coin holder in the car or do I bring it home and put it in the coin jar on my desk? Maybe I should always pay by debit card?
So......tennis players and bridge players........it would help my health if I could always win and not suffer the stress of losing I am just saying,
It is getting late, I need to go and have my relaxation, detoxing soak and then get to bed. Oh rats, I will have to decide whether to sleep on my left side or my right. Stress is everywhere.
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