93 Downslope

24 June

The real trick in getting older and coping with the inevitable downhill slope is to make it as easy as possible like riding a bike downhill. Drugs help of course but I am coming to the end of my daily half dose of steroids that I have been on for the past week. I have been very productive on the medication and find that I just keep working on the long job-list from (before) dawn till dusk but I haven't slapped anyone, - yet! That drug holiday now comes to an end and hopefully there will have been some good healing as a result.


26 June

As expected, stopping the steroids has been quite unpleasant. Today I am in survival mode but each day should be a little better. One good distraction is my complete stock of Star Trek episodes downloaded by son Michael. What a great gift and it should keep me entertained until I am feeling better. In 1969 during our first year of marriage I watched Star Trek every night after we got home from work while Cheryl cooked dinner. You are right in thinking that this caused some friction in our relationship!




30 June

One of Cheryl's favourite sayings is "It won't last".  It's a good for dealing with problems like pain, hunger, a losing lottery ticket, a rainy day etc.. Another of her favourites is "One day at a time".  This one fits really well with my philosophy of living in the moment and not mentally roaming in the unalterable past or the non-existent future. Our cat Blaze is a shining example of these two sayings. He never ruminates about the past or future. All his energy is focused on satisfying the needs of the moment. These are food, going out, coming in, tummy rubs, chasing the laser pointer, having his head scratched, sleeping on our bed and more food. Cats can teach us so much!


I mention these ideas because I am feeling better this morning. I still need a few extra shots of morphine but I am over the worst of the steroid withdrawal.

For those of you who are still working I hope you have some good holidays during the next few weeks, and for those of you who are retired, I hope you are well enough to enjoy our continuing holiday!

92 Steroids

Steroids

11 June
One week ago I was fortunate to get an appointment with the pain management team of the oncology department. They made some changes in my medication routine and put me on steroids for a month. The instant result was that my constant flow of mucous and coughing almost completely stopped. I also have much more energy although I am finding that I should not use all that drive but continue to get good rest. I can only stay on the steroids for a month but it's a bit like having a holiday! It will also be like the post holiday blues while I am weaning myself off the medication! The results suggest that my throat is still recovering from the radiation damage so it could be quite a while before I am able to eat again.

I am certainly enjoying the Summer weather and getting out on my motorcycle as much as possible. I have accumulated almost 3,000km of local riding so I am getting comfortable with managing the beast. I am still making some most enjoyable modifications to the engine, controls and suspension so it is perfect for my needs. Cheryl & I are walking regularly and doing short bike rides together so I am keeping fit.

Katherine will be home in a week for about 6 weeks  along with her cat. We have been a little concerned for her safety living in Qatar but she reassures us that it is all OK and her flights home are not affected. The first two weekends she is here Mike will also be home, likely with his girlfriend Moira. So we are quite excited to have all the family together again.