Cancer Schmancer

Last night's yoga class was all restorative poses -- very good indeed for my stiff joints and momentary relief from this weird pain I have been experiencing lately. It's like an extreme sunburn in the area of my radiation, although there is nothing visible on the skin. I suspect it's just a delayed side effect, even though my case manager didn't think it was related to treatment.

Avid blog readers may remember my comments about Paula Todd recently, who spoke in Kitchener. At that time, she told us about her upcoming interview with June Callwood, saying she had trouble with Callwood's decision to refuse treatment for the cancer she is now dying of. Mom, Claire and I have watched the interview and we all came to the same conclusion, that Callwood's choice was quite understandable and even acceptable. Not only is she 80 and has led a life of great achievement, but she seeks relief from the endless sadness of her son's death. I remember thinking that myself when I was first diagnosed, that if I didn't come through it, at least the heartbreak of losing my son (not to death, but with little hope of his return) would be over. Sometimes facing life takes more courage than facing death.