Tag Archives: medical

Stage Two – Chemotherapy

Health, Life and Times, Northumberland Hills, Personal, , , , , , , , , , ,

Time is shortening. But every day that I challenge this cancer and survive is a victory for me.    Ingrid Bergman

I have now had my five radiation treatments since that unexpected day four weeks ago at Northumberland Hills Hospital where the discovery of the cancer cells in my neck brought me literally to a neck brace and bed. I survived the treatment with minimal side effects a couple of weeks of very raw sore throat, a few lesions in my mouth and a few sore teeth and tired. But, following the maintenance protocols, eating and getting rest when needed has certainly helped. The hardest adjustment has been not being able to drive and having to rely on others to get me to appointments or shop. But, I do not complain because I am so fortunate to have the support of my family and friends that have driven these past few weeks. I just pretend I’m Miss Daisy, in “Driving Miss Daisy” one of my favourite movies.

Driving Miss Daisy
Driving Miss Daisy

One of my drivers has been my daughter she’s home for her graduation and reading week. It gave us a wonderful opportunity to spend real quality time and I know I drove her crazy about her driving, but the truth is she is just like her mom and likes to drive fast and is a good driver and will become a very good driver with time. During our drives, she was able to acknowledge and thank me for all the driving over the years, taking her to music, friends, and school. I loved it.

Now I get ready for the next stage of this fight which is the chemotherapy.  As I’ve mentioned previously having received chemotherapy over 35 years ago, I still have very strong negative feelings about this treatment. Back then all I had to do was walk into the hospital smell alcohol and I would start to throw up. They were shooting massive doses of chemo directly into my veins without the refined knowledge of the science behind chemo that they do today. So, I must admit my mental health strength is going to be tested over the next few months but I am ready. As with every other health fight this past six years I am my own miracle and against all odds I am a survivor. So, I’m putting on my amour and preparing to do battle and will go forth with love, support and strength of all those around me and kick some serious cancer butt.

You can be a victim of cancer, or a survivor of cancer. It’s a mindset.
Dave Pelzer

Art Therapy

Health, Life and Times, Personal, , , , , , ,

As part of my self-healing process I have taken up creative painting. It is something that I use to do as a child growing up in Regent Park. Back then it allowed me to cope with the harsh emotional environment. I know it is what kept me sane and focused on survival. So, at this point in my life I find myself going back to the same stress reliever when I wake up at three in the morning due to the collar around my neck. (Try and picture lying flat with your neck in a brace, unable to toss or turn, or drop your chin … not the most comfortable position to be in). I found myself over the past week staring at my ceiling in the early hours thinking, and thinking.  I know you can relate to that commercial where the women is lying in bed tossing and turning thinking about the hokey pokey, that s me. So, after a couple of nights like this I decided this was not best for my emotional well-being. So, I pulled out all my paints, easel and brushes and set it all up in my bedroom and now when I wake … I’m in art therapy mode. It has helped immensely and allows me to relax for an hour or so, and then fall back to sleep for a few more hours. These are pieces I have created so far. No Robert Bateman, but a Sheilagh art.

painting croppped

 Art Therapy has been around since the mid-20th century. In countries such as Canada, England and the U.S., art therapy roots lies mainly in art education, the practice of art, and developmental psychology.

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 The American Art Therapy Association describes it this way:  “(a)rt therapy is the therapeutic use of art making, within a professional relationship, by people who experience illness, trauma or challenges in living, and by people who seek personal development. Through creating art and reflecting on the art products and processes, people can increase awareness of self and others cope with symptoms, stress and traumatic experiences; enhance cognitive abilities; and enjoy the life-affirming pleasures of making art.”

OATA (Ontario Art Therapy Association)
Art is the tool for communication, self-examination and healing.

So my friends, my art may not sell for thousands, but it has a true benefit worth a fortune in good mental health and I highly recommend it for anyone who is thinking about the hokey pokey and starring at ceilings in the middle of the night.