Thursday, February 13, 2014

Waiting To Ring The Bell

[FROM PETER!]


This morning I walked through 8 inches of snow to get to the U. of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, where I'm about to get my 14th out of 20 daily outpatient radiation sessions. If all goes according to plan, I'll head home, after the 20th, on Friday, 2/21. The docs say you can make up missed sessions, but that would delay a return to NC. I appreciated the staff who came to work under bad weather conditions so that patients like me could be seen.


When I started getting the treatments two weeks ago, I had to remove a necklace with a "charm" on it. The charm says "STAX" with the logo of a hand in the finger-snapping position. STAX was the Memphis record company and home of Booker T and the MG's, Isaac Hayes, Sam and Dave, Otis Redding, Johnny Taylor, the Staples Singers, Rufus and Carla Thomas, et. al. I attended the Durham Blues Festival about four years ago and was able to stand within 30 feet of Booker T and the MG's. Usually I'm not starstruck in the presence of famous people, but this time was different. Guitarist Steve Cropper was the co-writer of "Knock On Wood", "In The Midnight Hour", "Sitting On the Dock of the Bay", et. al., and the proximity to him was almost overwhelming. I look forward to putting the necklace back on for the indefinite future.

Another thing I look forward to is ringing the bell in the large waiting room of the radiology clinic. It's a custom here for a patient to ring the ship's bell loudly upon finishing the last scheduled session. Everyone applauds loudly, happy for and envious of the ringer. I've seen this done at UNC-Hospital, where a large gong is rung.
For people new to the blog....the reason I'm here is that my cancer was re-detected 4 months ago. Duke, where I'd been treated for the past two years, was unable to offer me much besides chemotherapy. Proton beam radiation, a specialized approach, is available at only ten sites or so around the country, and the hospital here is close to several family mermbers where I'm staying.
This space provides a good opportunity to publicly thank a lot of people. Susan continues to be there for me in all her roles: organizer of my medicine supply; reminder-er that I need to drink a lot of water; communicator with hospital persoonel; sender of warm clothes (I would never buy or wear fleece-lined pants on my own); keeper of our farm. Re: the latter, yesterday Susan, who is alone at the farm, put the blade on the tractor, fed 7 dogs and cats, tried in vain to to get Cledus the Mule out of the snow and into a shed, brought loads of firewood into the house, etc. Many friends are standing by to help, especially if there's a bad ice storm.
 
Art Axelbank, M.D., my family doctor in Hillsborough, has been a superb diagnostician and caregiver. Two years ago he referred me to specialists who confirmed his suspicion of cancer and recently he made the right call about pneumonia. He demonstrates the  best qualities you'd want in a doctor--a smart, caring, kind doc. I'll mention other folks in subsequent messages.


Don't forget to attend the Murphey School Radio Show on Saturday, March 1. The seventh in a series of shows over the past three years,it's a comedy/musical/theatrical production in the format of a live radio show. Along with core cast members--singers Jennifer Evans and Stella, musicians Robert Griffith, Rick Keena, Lesley Land (and me), and various actors, the event will have initial appearances by a bunch of talented writers and musicians. 

Beneficiaries of the occasion are Meals On Wheels (Durham) and Farmers Foodshare. Go to www.murpheyschoolradio.net for ticket information. Every show, in the beautifully-restored auditorium has ended with a long standing ovation by the audience.
Love and clear blue skies to all----Peter K

1 comment:

  1. Okay, I posted on facebbook that Cledus was missing you and awaiting your return! I am thinking that is going to be SOON!!! Since you love the music of MY era, I can tell we are going to have to have a soiree! Our antique jukebox, which sits in our dining room (weird?) is full of all of the songs (45'w) that you love. I can then show you all of the dances...mashed potato and all. I do the hully-gully the best, and have taught it all over Long Island (Bahamas!). I am thankful to see that you are in good spirits. About the IV's...I had a horrible night when I was in the hospital...my IV was looking bad (and hurting!), and when they went to replace it, it took four tries, and I have good veins! Not fun at 3:30 in the morning! Then, when going to the bathroom, and dragging that IV stand, it had its way with me, and I fell, hitting my knee on the door frame. I will have to have my knee re-examined in a week or so! None of it is fun, but I can tell that your attitude and the goodness of the people who are taking care of you...you will be fine!!! Love you, Sharon

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