"Our soul must perform two duties. The one is that we must reverently wonder and be surprised. The other is that we must gently let go and let be." Julian of Norwich

...Cancer teaches both!!!

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Long-Term Disability

Recent changes in my medical situation have persuaded me to remain on "long-term" disability rather than return to work this Fall as initially hoped.  Increased pain in the sacrum, related neurological pain, and changes in my blood chemistry indicate that the cancer is still alive and well.  Rats!

Dr. Klimo has resumed treatment with Irinotecan in addition to the Erbitux in hopes that it will provide a measure of relief.  So far it seems to be helping on the pain front. Naseau, fatigue, and diarrhea are again, however, the order of the day.   At this stage of the game it is amazing how important pain relief can become.  There is nothing more mentally disabling than chronic pain, as many of you who live with it know.

I will have an opportunity to bring closure to my pastoral relationship with St. Stephen's, and my life as a minister, at a couple of services this Fall.  We are tentatively planning a farewell service for October 3rd.  The day before my birthday and the feast of St. Francis, which suits me very well!

After that we will be heading to Edmonton to celebrate Robyn's marriage to Brandon on 10-10-10.

Peace and blessings...  Rob

"The only disability in life is a bad attitude."
Scott Hamilton

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Dear Rob:

Thanks for sharing your journey--the good news and the bad. I hope you can get your pain under control.

I so enjoyed when you were a minister at Highlands (and I helped with baptisms).

Thinking of you,

Robin Rivers