The holidays were great fun and a lot of work, as they generally are. We managed to get our cards out before New Year’s, thus staying within the acceptable timetable for a "holiday" card. Santa and various friends and relatives were good to us this year, as I now have a 16-track digital recording/CD burning unit for my musical creations, as well as several new hats. I also had the pleasure of giving Tyler a red Fender Stratocaster guitar (an inexpensive Squier model that’s surprisingly playable) as he wants to learn how to play. To me, nothing says "Christmas" quite like a red Fender under the tree.) So far I’ve taught him the chords to "Wild Thing" and often I can hear him bashing away in his room from my office.
I’m also settling into the routine of taking care of myself. Last month, I underwent the first of my five-day Temodar (chemo) cycles, with about 2 1/2 times the amount I was taking during my radiation treatments. It did lay me out a bit more than before, but taking a couple of naps a month is about all I’ve had to do…and that’s normal life for a lot of people. I’m due to start another cycle in a few days, and I’ve heard that it gets easier the second time around. I have various other meds and supplements to take, and I have made a ritual out of whipping up a fruit smoothie every morning with various herbal goodies. Shaving my head every other day takes up about another 15 minutes, and I have to take extra good care of my teeth as the seizure medicine has an effect on the gums. All things considered, it takes me a little longer to get going every morning (Ellen blames the morning Chronicle) but my clients are getting used to me returning calls around 11 in the morning. It’s sort of like having a classic car that requires a bit more upkeep and an eye on the temperature gauge to keep it running, but it’s such a joy to drive that it doesn’t matter.
Speaking of driving, I’m somewhat disappointed to report that I had a couple of seizures last week. Although they were pretty minor, they were enough to keep me out of the driver’s seat for longer than I was hoping for. The rules require six months of seizure-free stability before being cleared to drive, so I’ve had to start the clock over. That’s OK though, because I’d like to feel pretty confident that I’m not prone to seizures before driving again. Meanwhile, Ellen and I have worked out an agreement that she won’t try to do more than one thing in addition to driving when I am the passenger. (When she is by herself, she’s free to drive, apply make-up, sip coffee, talk on her cell phone and update her PDA at the same time.)
As 2002 recedes in the rear-view mirror (bye and good riddance) I’m looking forward to a more rewarding 2003. Hopefully we won’t be starting a war with anyone on the other side of the world, and jobs and stock portfolios will begin to sprout like grass on the Marin hills. In a few weeks, we’ll be taking a trip I have long wanted to take…an exploration of the roots of American music (and cuisine) to New Orleans, up the Mississippi Delta via Highway 61 to Memphis. In addition to the expected destinations (French Quarter, Graceland, Beale Street) we have some interesting and offbeat things to do and places to go, such as the Blues Museum and the Shack Up Inn in Clarksdale, MI, a pilgrimage to Sun Records and hopefully, attending a service with the Reverend Al Green.
I’m just about ready to make my resolutions for the new year. But essentially, they’ll be a matter of worrying less, enjoying life more, taking care of myself as best I can and returning all the love that I receive from those around me. That seems like a good place to start.
Peace and love,
Dan
A note from Ellen:
Every day I look at Dan and thank God for how well he looks and feels. We are on this journey together and continue to see every day as a gift filled with love. I am doing my best to cook extremely healthy, fresh food and drive him anywhere he wants to go at any time, it’s my pleasure to wait on this man as much as possible.
I continue to be thankful for all your thoughts and prayers, I believe it is helping. We will continue to pray and seek healing in whatever ways possible. The cranial sacral and herbal supplements are very helpful to his continuing and ongoing healing, and also to mine.
Please note: My multi-tasking while I’m driving is not as bad as it used to be. I’m getting the hint, it’s on my resolution list.
Love and Peace to all of you and yours, and hope you all have a healthy, happy and prosperous 2003.
{:>Ellen
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