Friday, June 19, 2009

Update from Dan

 

Today’s Madison weather is humid and warm, perhaps the beginning of a pattern, in contrast to the chilly spring that went before — Something like coming out of a long tunnel (or maybe a sewer)

 

My own health condition feels somewhat like that: I've been in a long tunnel, beset with one health issue after another – and now I feel like I am emerging from that tunnel.  We'll see. (!)

 

Consider:

•  
• 2 daughters
• 2 sons
• 2 sons-in-law
• 1 daughter-in-law
• 7 grandchildren
•  
• Living in and being aided by Oakwood Retirement Village, which has been devoted to elder care for 60 years.
• Being part of a vibrant and caring congregation.
• Having visits and emails from friends, many of whom don't even live in Madison,
• Enjoying operas, movies, concerts and special shows at Overture Center.
• Having 2 grandchildren graduate from college:
  • Nathaniel from Beloit College in philosophy,
  • And Catherine from Wellesley College in computer science – specifically in  modifying computers and their programs so when humans interact with them (and who else does interact with them?)  Well, they sometimes interact with themselves.)  The point is to design computer programs that not only cooperate optimally but also provide options the user wouldn't have thought of.
• Still being alive!!!!  I don't take that for granted --
• especially since (in my life-long search for my identity), my identity feels more and more like that of an infirm old infirm man. 

There was the original brain tumor that started all this just over a year ago, and the surgery to remove as much of it as could be safely removed. Before I could leave the UW Hospital, I spent 2 ½ weeks in their Acute Rehab Unit.  That was very beneficial to me. Then there was the radiation treatment that fatigued me so, together with  a mild course of chemo capsules; When the course of radiation was complete. The chemo doses increased significantly – but my various blood counts suffered, so that phase of the treatment had to be stopped. I continued through the autumn generally tired and fatigued, attributed to the lingering effects of radiation. In the new year, my prostate decided it had carried off enough urine and stopped letting it through. That got me referred to the urologist and their favorite recourse – the catheter – NOT fun!! The urology folk taught me how to insert a catheter on my own – but I don't recommend it!  That has to be a form of torture still waiting to be included in the Geneva Convention prohibitions.  The Oakwood Aide Staff are well acquainted with catheters; they service the necessary changes efficiently and effectively. That’s quite a list of woes.  I believe my urinary issues wiped me out overall more than any others – made me chronically more fatigued.   There have also of course been many blessings during this year:Being closely and lovingly attended by my family – It is now Sunday June 28: Nothing has happed to me in the days since I started this update to cause me to alter any of it.  I seem to myself and others increasingly unsteady standing and walking: More time in the wheelchair being pushed from place to place.  Pushing MYSELF IS VERY TIRING!   I and family went last evening to see the movie "State of Play."  I ENJOYED IT (an intriguing story) mostly because I could follow it -- which isn't always the case with the way most movie-editing today jumps back and forth in time  with no warning.   My affairs and family affairs are on an fairly even course just now.  More updates later.