Good Advice

We’ve received a lot of advice. We’re so grateful for the stories of how others survived treatment, information on how to overcome prescription side effects, assurances that the church can survive without me. We’ve heard from some to “take it easy,” give the body “time to heal,” make “health a priority.” Others have suggested the best way to muddle through is to “keep running,” “don’t look down,” “keep distracted with work.”

The books offer similarly conflicting advice. Some say to keep your routine and others say slow down and make healthy changes. I suppose it’s a balancing act. NotherFrog can juggle; I never got the hang of it. I’ve been trying to keep up my work schedule working around the surgery, doctor’s appointments and researching my diagnosis. But it hasn’t been easy. Especially with the recent set-back of the infection and the less-than-pleasant side effects.

Living takes place in several-hour intervals: in between the medications, naps, and the planning of proximity to a restroom. It’s hard to concentrate and stay focused long enough, especially for sermon writing; cancer interrupts. I’ve had to rely mostly on recycling earlier sermons but this last week it felt good to write a new one from scratch. Not my best effort but I did it.

In an effort to follow the advice to focus on health and give the body time to heal from the infection, we’re taking a Sunday morning off (I'll be back in time for Movement Choir rehearsal at 5:00). And to facilitate mental health, we’re seeking a change of scene. A beach perhaps, with a bathroom nearby.