Dear Friends,
Thanks to those of you who already have suggested songs for the drive home from the last chemo. Catherine and I talked about this more and invite anyone who is interested to suggest a song/piece that not only takes us home that last day, but also helps get me through the last two weeks of chemo. I love the idea of you all being here with us (musically, at least) as we come through the home stretch.
We met with the surgeon today and decided to go with the option that would give me the smallest chance of recurrence: a bilateral mastectomy, with lymph dissection on the left side. He will also biopsy the lymph on the right, although he doesn't expect to find anything there. It was a strange feeling to sign the surgery papers, as it was to talk with the radiologist yesterday. The chemo has been so all encompassing, it's sometimes hard to imagine that there are still two more stages after this one. Signing the papers for a surgery on January 6 reminded me that the next stage comes soon. I have been saying that surgery and radiation won't be as hard (and I don't believe they will be), but they still have their weight, their own side effects, both in the short and long term. Still, I need to keep my focus on getting through chemo and let the rest take care of itself in the new year.
This is a lesson for staying in the moment.
And listening to good music.
Much love,
Kip
Okay, I'm going with the upbeat, happy collection. They are kind of cliched but nevertheless: Chicago, Feelin stronger every day; Chuck Mangione Feels so Good (um we're talking psychically and not physically in the post-chemo moments); Walking on sunshine, if you are up for it. And, well, Ray of Light cause you might just want to roll the windows down and turn the stereo up really loud. And if you aren't quite up to dancing around, Violet says you can just wag your tail.
ReplyDeleteIn the category, also, of "upbeat" but with lyrics at odds with the music, i nominate "I don't feel like dancin'" by the Scissor Sisters. Hope you are all doing as well as possible.
ReplyDeleteLotsa love,
Nat
Chemo will be over in one week! You will have gotten through, with such impressive good humor and strength, what seems like an intolerable ordeal. Two treatments to go, but you're getting there.
ReplyDeleteAs for a song suggestion: Emmylou Harris singing Kate and Anna McGarrigle's "Love Is" live, at the Governor General's Awards:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtnoMeqN338
But there is some talking at the end of the song....
ReplyDeleteMay I suggest “Get out the Map” by the Indigo Girls? It is not only one of my absolute favourites but upbeat to boot. Just imagine when all of this is over you can ask Cath to get out a map and lay your finger anywhere down and go off for fun, a much deserved rest and adventure! So, go and get that map and lay your finger anywhere down…clear your head and drink that sun!!
ReplyDeleteLove Ruth
My son Gregory suggested a group he likes - Mumford and Sons - A couple of songs - Dance Dance Dance and Winter Winds which has a lovely verse -"And if your strife strikes at your sleep
ReplyDeleteRemember spring swaps snow for leaves
You'll be happy and wholesome again
When the city clears and sun ascends"
Then there is Dog Days are Over! to sing from the roof top when this terrible time is over.
Big hug, Maria