As we see from Hurricane Katrina, life in our world is certainly not predictable.
Life is fragile. People who are well one day may collapse from a heart attack or a stroke a moment later. A car can suddenly go out of control causing injury or death.
Crimes can turn the world completely around. Yet we all live through these uncertainties knowing that even as things may go wrong, many things go right as well.
In past columns I shared my journey with prostate cancer with you.
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I was fortunate that the prostate cancer was spotted early. I had surgery, and for the past five years have had excellent health in that area. I have also talked to other men about their need to monitor their prostate health.
Last month life changed for me. I developed a different cancer, based likely on the thymus gland. It is rather aggressive and potentially life-threatening.
Thanks to the care of my local doctor, my pastor and a team of physicians and nurses in Saskatoon, I am tackling this new threat with chemotherapy, and will only know over the next few months how well I will do with this battle.
The miracles I have experienced include being treated with the best medical care possible and receiving support not just from my family and friends, but from many people who I didn’t even know were aware of my condition.
Support appreciated
The living love that people have passed on is motivating me to fight hard to stay as healthy as I can for as long as I can.
Life has changed drastically. I have had to step down from some of the many organizations I have been involved in, mainly because of my lack of energy.
This is frustrating at times as I am not known to be a laid back person. But circumstances change and so I must learn to adapt.
I know I will need to take things easy and rest. I will have to use face masks to avoid picking up infections and avoid crowds. But I don’t plan to stay at home all the time.
I will continue to write my weekly columns and to share my ideas about life. I also will continue to respond to people who e-mail
me at petergrif@sasktel.net to help them chart their own healthy
directions in life, to the degree that
I have the energy.
The future may be uncertain, but my goal is to keep as active as
possible.
To the many people who have phoned, done many kind things, sent cards and notes, thank you with all my heart. You are all on my mind as much as I may be on yours. God bless you all.
Peter Griffiths is a mental health counsellor based in Prince Albert, Sask. His columns are intended as general advice only. His website is www.sasktelwebsite.net/petecope.
