Dear Friends,
It has been a quiet few days. We met this morning with the radiation oncologist (who is quite wonderful) and tomorrow we meet with the surgeon. Kip is on the highest dose of pain meds and it is keeping the roaring fires of pain at bay; they are muted she says. This round Kip has been very very tired, which makes sense. Fatigue is a really regular side effect of chemo, and sleep has been a bit elusive.
We are looking at the calendar and see that we can now say that the last chemo is next week! In anticipation of that event, we invite those of you who might be so inspired, to think of a song we can make a mix out of. The drive home from the hospital is about 45 minutes, so that would be about 7-8 songs. Remember, we will have been crying (okay, I will have, but I bet Jules, Kip and Kathy will be too) and Kip will not be totally perky. Then we can play the mix and think of you all, who have held us with your thoughts and love over the last four months.
Love to all,
(and to those reading from Edmonton, yikes! -32?)
Catherine
Not sure whether you're looking for something lively or more mellow, but what first came to my mind is that the last round of chemo is a time of celebration - how about Celebrate Good Times by Kool and the Gang? Or maybe you're thinking "Hallelujah" the chemo is over and you could sing along to Handel's Hallelujah Chorus and think of us at the School of Music. Your last round of chemo should be almost the time the students/faculty have the Messiah Sing-a-long in the foyer, so we'll be singing it too :)
ReplyDeleteThinking of you all, love Sheri
Dear Kip, Catherine et al.:
ReplyDeleteFirst phase almost over! I'm sorry to hear that you're very fatigued and hope that the next week will bring a little more energy. Hang in there...
Here is one of my favourite songs, I find it comforting and full of hope. If there is a better way to send it, please let me know.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqOwLwhHUqo
Thinking of you all with love and sending hugs,
Carol-Lynn
Hi Kip and Catherine,
ReplyDeleteI am so impressed by your positive energy and your abilities to work through this together! Your skills at navigating the medical system and figuring out how best to manage the pain and processes are amazing. Every patient needs a good advocate and you are a great team together!
Okay, for Christmas song ideas, a few come to mind, although I must admit I'm not yet in the Christmas headspace. We have many Christmas CDs, and our collection grows each year, so it's hard to pick one or two songs (but I'll try). For some top-tapping fun, try Boney M's "Mary's Boy Child/Oh My Lord," or the original version of “Feliz Navidad” by Jose Feliciano. We also enjoy the Beach Boys Christmas CD (the kids demanded it ad nauseum last year), and a CD I really like is Sarah McLachlin's Wintersong, and especially her cover of Lightfoot's "Song for a Winter's Night" – a bit mellow, and good CANCON, but not really about Christmas. Now that I've given some thought to Christmas music I'm inspired to dig out our collection and start listening!
I hope the Christmas lights and good Christmas music help pass the time during the last round of chemo and help keep your spirits high! You will have much to celebrate in the weeks ahead!
Hugs,
Anna
Wondering a bit about the desired mood - if buoyancy is the flavour I'd go for David Bowie's "Let's Dance," but if beauty and peace is more the thing, then the Et in terra pax from Vivaldi's Gloria would surely be it.
ReplyDeleteIf you're planning thanksgiving this week, check out Bon Appetit for November 2010 - there's a thanks-giving dinner that can be prepared in 2 hours!
Hugs to you my brave friends.
Lois
Okay, a few off the top of my head: Dire Straits/Walk of Life; Michael Franti/Sound of Sunshine; Van Halen/Jump; Police/Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic; David Byrne/Independence Day; FYC/She Drives Me Crazy
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