May 4, 2006 - Day 2 - Week 5 - Feeling Bad Feeling Good

Five hours in a chair goes quickly when you focus beyond yourself.  That is usually the longest someone undergoes chemical therapy at a single sitting.  Longer than King Kong the movie, longer than family dinners at Thanksgiving, and just shy of sitting in the stands at the Indy 500. There was no television, but yesterday Larry brought his own DVD player.  Each amuses, educates, or renews themselves in their own way.

Each reclining chair is separated by a table with stacks of magazines.  I have always been impressed with the variety in doctors’ offices, and several of the patients spend a majority of time reading magazines.  The elderly lady who has had breast cancer twice slept; a lady with a black hat that read OSCARS knitted during her visit; Larry, who had colon cancer, watched the documentary on the Beatles first visit to America, and; Alan, finishing his testicular cancer treatments, chatted with his doctor, his wife, and with me.  I looked at two magazines on Art in the Southwest, read from Dr. Bob Blaich’s book titled Your Inner Pharmacy, cycled through song titles that daughter Laura installed on my iPod, and slept – sort of.  The time passes quickly when you keep your mind active, or at the level the chemo therapy affords you.

I left feeling ok, but within the hour I began to feel crummy.  By 7 pm I was a basket case and by 9 pm I was moaning so all could hear.  Then the chills followed by the sweats and by a 100 plus fever, which finally sent me in bed.  I have not had flu in years but I guess we can all identify with what that is like.  Add an aching sensation from the waist and back down to the ankles, and I hit the lowest point I have hit so far.  Two Aleve were the antidote and by 2:45 am I was ready to sleep.  Short night, as I awoke and arose at 5:45 am.  At the gym by 6:15am for a moderate workout, I was ready for the day; or so I thought.

Treatment at my cancer clinic was followed by an important meeting with my partner in the City of Santa Monica, Craig Perkins, the gentleman responsible for the remarkable environmental achievements in that city, and the co-sponsor of Earth Talk Today. Back home at noon and the all important nap.

I now know why good sleep is so essential in a healthy quality of life.  I napped and woke up feeling terrific.  In 12 hours, almost to the minute, I went from feeling like burnt toast to a chocolate croissant.   Sleep, exercise, and healthy eating all work to restore my system even when challenged by my monthly chemical cocktail.  Lesson learned; health is partly my responsibility, no, primarily my responsibility, and in conjunction with the health care professionals.  The last 12 hours have certainly taught me that, if nothing else.

May 4 - An aside:  Family members and friends have commented regarding both my energy and my sense of humor after observing me on the set of Earth Talk Today and in regards to my daily offerings.  There will be days, as there have been already, where my writings will reflect both my state of lethargy and lack of spontaneity and humor.  Lack of consistency may become more apparent as the eight months of treatment unfold.  If anything, this reflects life.  Poor syntax, grammatical errors, spelling guffaws are no excuse, but this is also part of what will be experienced by the reader.  I own all of this, and I will indulge your patience and forgiveness. I am trying to anticipate every eventuality, but there may be days when I just don’t feel like writing, talking, or being social.  Those who know me well probably laugh at this sentiment, and as Katy always remarks, Peter will talk with anyone at anytime.  Thanks for letting me talk with you through this medium.  It is very healing to be able to share one’s thoughts and perceptions.   Peter

Back to Week 5