DO: Take an engrossing book or relaxing meditation tape to your appointment, something that will so absorb your attention the waiting time will go by quickly and you'll stay calm and positive. What works for me is anything in the series of books/tapes on The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle and/or music from the St. Louis Jesuits. Jesuit songs like "Be Not Afraid" and "Though the Mountains May Fall" can really put me in a positive frame of mind, as does working on Tolle's teachings on staying in the present moment and shutting off your overactive mind.
Now, and this is very important: After you've calmed your anxieties, when you do get called in for treatment if you want to maintain the positive, relaxed demeanor you've established you must not bring along a 3" bear who you know from experience you can't control.
Wow! Did you know this stool spins all the way around? This is a cool ride--Wheeeeeee!
They've got some great snacks for patients on the refreshment stand out there. Want a cookie?
STRETCH! You can't text your friends now!
I'm bored. Can I ring for a nurse to play with?
Ah, now we're talking! HELLO Christine! I think I'm in love again.
(Jane isn't here today, we'll keep this our little secret, okay?)
They've been expanding the Monter Cancer Center, especially the treatment area. This started just a few months after I began my latest series of treatments. I suspect they realized the old center just wasn't big enough to contain a certain 3" bear. Either that, or they're building a sound proof booth in back with a padlock especially for us. . .
4 comments:
I hope I never need your advice, but I'm sure that others who read your blog will benefit from your experiences. Hang in there!
Thank you so much Nana! And I also sincerely hope you never need this advice!
Somehow, Stretch makes this so bearable, pardon the pun, and he adds fun to a harsh reality!! God bless Cathy...
Thank you Terry! Stretch certainly does give new meaning to the phrase "All things are bearable!" :-)
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