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Blasting the Blahs Away

What was causing my blahs? For almost a day, I felt them building. Mine usually start with being bored. I allow moments of boredom as I do to fears and tears. It is natural for what I am going through right now. But I know to grow concerned when my usual coping methods fail to straighten my course under typical time allowances. This was the case on Monday. I made a list of possible concerns: Was it the upcoming end of my chemo sessions? My tenuous housing situation? Having had to give away my car or even just the seeming endless rain? I finally settled on the most recent dreams where my late father played a starring role. The last member of my family, his death in 2011 had released him from great physical pain. Any and all nastiness he had thrown at me during the last two decades of his life were purposely forgiven as I chose to concentrate on blessings he had bestowed. Not as easy task, I admit, but necessary to move me forward in a positive light. The answer came

Laughing Thru Cancer

Laugh! Laugh until you snort in delight, turn red and have tears rolling down your face! Some might think I’ve lost my mind. After all cancer is serious matter, hardly an object of mirth. I beg to differ. Granted, laughter is not the first thing one thinks of when cancer invades your life. But it needs to be in the top ten activities for battling the Beast. Decades ago, I read about a writer/editor named Norman Cousins, He was one of the first to recognize and positively incorporate humor into his treatment. I remember thinking I would do that too, should a potentially devastating disease ever strike me. Research shows the advantages of laughter. They include: ·          Being a great cardiovascular workout. ·          Stimulates the nervous system and relieve some pain. ·          Reduces stress. ·          Intensifies good mental health. Now that laughing has been established as being beneficial – what is the best kind? Whate

The Nippy Noggin Club

One thing rarely mentioned on cancer support groups or other sites is how cold one’s head and ears can become from a lack of hair. I come from a family of mostly men. At various ages all experienced follicle challenges. But even those who showed more skin than hair, never mentioned being affected by the big chill. Not me. It seems everywhere I go my nippy noggin comes along.   Admittedly, when summer temperatures soar in the high 90’s feeling even a hot breeze across my naked scalp is nice. However, just the mildest of air conditioning has me scrambling for cover.   Never a hat person prior to this latest challenge, I am now. A series of baseball caps and a wide-brimmed sun hat are typical daytime outdoor attire. Inside I cover up with felt and cotton beanies while singing the praises of the crafty volunteers who kindly donate their stitchery magic to my cancer care unit. Last week I was caught short. Having fallen and scraping up my hands and knees a tr