We become cancer patients and are told that it is now all about us. I suspect that all chronic disease patients are told the same thing. It is a way to make us feel less guilty about our condition. We are an instant burden to those around us. And Lord knows there is a lot [...]

Not easy.
I have spent a lifetime helping others with no expectations. I have not been the centre of attention. In spite of how extroverted I appear to be, I am not comfortable being the centre of attention. I started doing the family laundry at the age of 15. I would help my mother vacuum. Wash [...]

It’s all about me now. Life has never been all about me. It has always been about others with me playing a supporting role. But it is all about me now. Not necessarily because people love me all the more, but because they have little choice in the matter. And I feel guilty about it. [...]

Life was measurably improved following the Saturday letdown. All my H1N1 symptoms are now over. My arm is no longer hurting. I am very glad I got the vaccine a week before the chemo treatment. The separation ensures no confusion of symptoms.
Sunday proved to be a good day. Janet went to the office in the [...]

I am often asked if people can visit. The answer is always the same, call me before you leave home to make sure I am OK. Don’t call me the day before because I will not know how I will be doing the next day. And even then, there will be surprises. Visits are also [...]

I came  up with an interesting concept last week. Guilt Free Sleep.
We have been conditioned to sleep at night. We feel guilty if we don’t. We feel as if we have not slept after a restless night. I am not sure why this is. But a lot of people have trouble sleeping at night. You [...]

The night before chemo, and the emotions are running amok. Not much to be done but try to keep them in check and move forward.
I have decided to give up on the sleep problem. I will sleep whenever the urge hits. That is all there is to do. No guilt, and no attempt to sleep [...]