Aloha means hello, goodbye, affection, peace, compassion and mercy. Our time in the land of limited consonants is quickly nearing it’s end, tonight aloha will have to mean goodbye. We’ve had about a week in Kona with daughter Katie, son in law Scott and grand kids Simon and Cecily, celebrating their 10th anniversary and our 40th. We’ve had a fantastic time and experienced more than I expected, too much to relate here, just know it was awesome!
Some time ago Scott asked if he could record an interview with me describing my life for posterity, or at least my kids and grand kids. He packed his recording gear from home and today we recorded about 3 hours covering my life from birth to birth of our kids. Part 2 to come later. Like most folks, I enjoy talking about myself so had fun with the process.
I’ve been feeling great — during the days. For months now I’ve been on a low dose morphine pain pill. Last time I saw my oncologist I questioned whether this was necessary given I have no pain whatsoever, haven’t really had any since I began chemo. He told me I could try reducing my usage or change back to the hydrocodone I’d had before if needed. Just before we left I realized I wouldn’t have enough morphine pills for the duration but I thought, no matter, Doc said I can back off or use the alternative. No one ever told me about morphine withdrawal. Let me tell you, it’s misery. Like a bad case of the flu and more. Sleeping is the worst. Though exhausted I can’t sleep, tossing and turning, just physically impossible to keep still. Wife resorted to sleeping on the floor. Last night was day four and it was some better. The red eye home tonight will be interesting. I hate the idea of being drug dependent but this was a hellofa time to detox. Hope to be rid of this demon soon.
Next chemo is Friday, back to the reality of living with cancer but with new memories I’ll carry forever.
Aloha
Mark, I am so glad that you had an incredible vacation with your family on the island of Hawaii. Steve and I love this island and find so many incredible adventures each time we go. Awesome island. Looking forward to your return and getting together to share your time on the big island. So sorry you had to detox, hope you are doing better. Steve is fishing in Mexico and I am in Southern CA, we both return home on the 16th. Let’s make a date to see each other. Love you. Corinne
And what about skin cancer on that nose? Yikes buddy – they make stuff called sunscreen just for people like you!
Hope the withdrawal is over and you are resting well.
C & M
Yeah, the chemo makes me super sensitive to the Sun. I used sun block faithfully but not sufficiently I guess. The rim of my ears are BBQ’d too. Have to get that lifeguard style zinc oxide stuff I guess.
Hi Mark…I just realized that I hadn’t checked in via savespark plug for quite sometime since i’ve been following your insane vacation schedule on Facebook. I have loved vacationing right along with you.
Not fun hearing your detox news but more than great hearing that you are still pain free.
Cycle Oregon will be a great family affair and can’t wait to hear your stories. Thank you again, so much, for keeping all of us right by your side and in your heart. Love you.
Thanks Janet!
Yeah, maybe too many conduits for information with Facebook, my blog and Friday Joke. Thanks for keeping up with us.
Love you buddy!
Sweet