Yesterday, we
went for a walk with Denis as we decided to do daily already for two weeks. We
are fortunate to live in a town where there are many fields around. On our way
we pass through a recently harvested wheat field. Hundreds of birds nest in
this field, especially crows and pigeons.
When the birds
are busy feeding of grains left by the harvesters, the atmosphere is relaxed,
just like in this painting by Vincent Van Gogh.
Wheat Field with Cypresses
But in a
moment, something can go wrong and the harmony is broken, the birds take flight
in panic. I immediately thought of "The Birds" by Hitchcock. Suddenly
tightness gripped my heart. There is something similar to this with cancer. As long as the daily routine of the
disease is smooth - oncologist visits, blood tests, chemotherapy and drugs – I feel
secure and optimistic: I'm on the right track.
On
Wednesday, the balance was undermined. My blood test results were not good. My White
blood cells were too low for me to get
the second chemotherapy the next day. Immediately I felt the anxiety level
rises. How can that be? After all, I feel great! My body can so deceive me? The
mere thought of postpounding the treatment made me shudder. What? Let my
nervous cancer raise its head? It is unthinkable! I spoke with Tammy the nurse
of the breast unit - a very charming
lady - and she told me that sometimes there are surprises and I should come to the hospital the next day as planned and
repeat the test. Naturally I agreed and decided to go to a yoga class that
evening. I came back home much more relaxed.
So I did a new
blood test and then, bingo! What a relief! My white blood cells increased dramatically and I was given permission to receive the chemo! I jumped into the arms of my friend Sigal that came to replace Denis had to give
a lecture at a symposium.
Denis
returned by then and we met Susanna the nurse that will take care of my
treatment from now on. She also is an excellent professional and reallu nice
lady. The treatment went well and without pain at all.
Since then, I
feel just great! Despite forecasts of severe side effects after the second
treatment due to the cumulative effect, I feel good. What a relief! I was
afraid the kids will be sad to see me completely worn out. Especially since
they are so pleased with the changes that have taken place: I'm at home a lot, I'm cheerful an d patient, we are playing a
lot more.
This cancer
urged me to modify my lifestyle. I work less and therefore the main cause of
tension was significantly reduced. My wonderful team at work took on a lot of
responsibility that I imposed to myself and I understand now that my managerial
style was too centralistic. I changed my diet, I walk an hour walk every day, I
do yoga and meditation three or four times a week. I read a lot.
In particular
I benefit from greatly from "ANTICANCER everyday habits of mind and body
health" by Dr. David Servan Schreiber. This book highlights how habits
such as meditation, physical exercise and a healthy diet can improve the
efficiency of conventional therapies in that they increase the Immune system's
natural potential.
I highly
recommend English to watch this video in which he explains the journey he made.
Servan Schreiber talks a lot about the importance of family and friends to
strengthen the sick person. In my case I feel surrounded by love. It's amazing
how it makes me feel good to get emails and calls of many friends here and abroad!
I was so touched
when my friend Nicky sent me a link to a
Google Docs where families and school community volunteered to prepare our Shabbat
meals during the entire period of treatment! I cried with excitement! Yesterday,
Sarital, Arbel, Marina and Karni cooked our week-end meals! Warm thanks
to them!
A last update:
My hair is still on my head! My sister Yvonne gave me a nice short haircut.
Wish you a
great week!!
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