I'm Still Here

I have been negligent in keeping up on this blog. My Apologies. Yes, I have been busy at church. Yes, I don't have as much energy at the end of the day as I used to. And, yes, I have simply not been diligent in maintaining the narrative of my journey. I had a call a few days ago from a friend in Washington. A mutual friend in California had called him worried that I might have died and that's why the blog is not up to date. I assured him that my death would be immediately posted in the blog. I am feeling well these days, no pain and a very positive attitude. I do need to walk more and get back to the gym before I put back the weight that my illness removed as a side benefit. Since my last entry (Ouch! Over a month ago) I have had an appointment with a Radiation Oncologist who briefed me on the course of radiation which will be forthcoming (yet to be scheduled.) An intensive external bombardment of the prostate tumor will require eight weeks of five day-a-week radiation sessions. I have also interviewed three Naturopaths to explore nutritional and supportive therapies to nurture my body through the period of radiation and beyond. Now I am working on the difficult task of discerning which of the three, all highly recommended and competent, will be an appropriate match for me. A week ago Marilyn and I spent the better part of a day at The Fred Hutch for my three month scans. Marilyn read and did crossword puzzles while I rested for varying periods of time on the narrow pallets of four impressive, and rather massive machines. First I had a Dexa scan to check my bone density, then a CT scan of the chest and abdomen. That was followed by an MRI of the same general area and finally a bone scan of the whole body. I requested and received a CD of all the scans and have had fun looking inside myself. Unfortunately I can't tell one organ from another in the body slices of the MRI, except it is clear that I have a single kidney rather than a matched pair. All in all it was a restful day and I was introduced to some new technologies. Life moves at a little more leisurely pace now that I am limiting myself to 40 hours of work a week. I probably would be in better shape today if I have moved in this direction years ago. The discipline forces me not to follow every idea and possibility that comes my way, but to question which are the most important tasks for the church at this time. I am enjoying preaching and the planning of Advent worship. It is a beautiful season for the church and our new sanctuary is made more elegant with quilted banners, dozens of poinsettias and a large Christmon tree. Favorite creches are taken out of storage and placed around the church and our Fireplace Room has a lighted tree and electric candles in the windows. This year Marilyn and I bought a four foot lighted wreath which is hung in the round window of the church bell tower. At night, the church is quietly festive. This is a season of magical beauty, a time when each morning offers delicious surprises. May your days be full of joy. Posted by Donel at December 2, 2004 07:50 PM