another coping tip

[Guest guest]

Hi Folks!

Just wanted to add to Gillians's list about " other " ways we cope

besides the incredible array of drugs we ingest! (Gill's right,

laughter is good medicine).

I invite you to check into the music of M. . 's

music was introduced to me by my friend and physical therapist,

Chris. has journeyed with me since the beginning when we

didn't know what the heck was happening and had never heard of

PA. is a songwriter/musician who knows about

coping. is currently surviving an " unsurvivable " brain cancer.

When heard some of 's lyrics, he knew I would find a

special connection with 's experience and messages of hope.

I don't benefit from this plug for but I benefit from his music

on a regular basis :-). knows chemo, frustration, nausea,

hope, humor and living one day at a time. He would have been

right at home in last week's discussion of how many hours (or

days) some of us lose each week to Methotrexate.

(By the way, whoever asked about injections, I find that if I can

stay at my current rate of 15 mg weekly I " only " lose 24-36 hours a

week from my injection. If I need to up the dosage, I can plan to up

the loss. It's not fun but it is better. I couldn't tolerate the oral

dosage at all.)

would also fit right in when we were discussing the fears that

accompany these decisions to fill our bodies with these chemicals.

You know, that taking drugs to offset drugs cycle!

Pat B.-- you would appreciate the " education " that has given

some of his Dr's along the way. Reminded me of some of our

conversations! It's written about on his web pages.

's words and melodies give me perspective on " those "

days...and sometimes " those " weeks. For those of you that have

cited the importance of your spiritual life, 's songs will have

special meaning. For those of you, like myself, that experience

great struggle with your spiritual side in the midst of this life-

altering illness, 's music is full of hope without judgment.

Check out 's biography, treatment history, music and photos

at: www.notbychance.com

For those of you in the USA, check to see if is performing

near you! I have only had the chance to meet and hear him

perform live once so far but I have enjoyed his CDs regularly. My

personal recommendation for the best of his " coping " songs would

be the CD, " Love the Time " . The title track reminds us to live and

love one day at a time and the song " Everything Will Be Alright "

holds a special place in my heart.

I didn't mean to write a commercial, I just felt strongly that this was

easy to listen to music that is written by someone who knows

something of what I deal with each day. It's helpful after one of

those days when one too many person has told me I look " fine " or I

feel that someone has watched me with suspicion when I pull into

my handicapped parking space, or my employer (or family!) can't

understand why I was " fine " yesterday and I can't move today! LOL

-- I want to dedicate two lines from 's work to your

most recent bout of surgery:

" If we cannot suffer together, then our pain don't mean a

thing....those who suffer the most have the most to give "

Hang in there Lady, we're all pulling for you. Keep on the fast track

for recovery and we'll look to see you with us here again SOON!

Commercial's over folks...it's almost 3 am and I've got to convince

this body to get some sleep somehow... " those " nights are familiar

too aren't they?

Love to you all...thanks for being there. LaRita

Thought from LaRita

" The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new

discoveries, is not 'Eureka!' (I found it!) but 'That's funny ...' "

-- Isaac Asimov