Thursday, May 29, 2014

May 29 -- Sacrifices for Love

To all,

Good afternoon.

I hope all is well with everyone and maybe some how you are enjoying the
weather.

It has been awhile since my last update so here I go.

Liz and I spent a week in Naples with 2 of our very best friends
travelling south on May 10th.

It was great to get away during my week off of chemo and be able to sit
out in the sun and enjoy warm weather. We enjoyed some lunches, some
dinners, some movies and lots of shopping.

I did not participate in all of the activities as there were days I was
quite tired but enjoyed relaxing by the pool.

During the last 2 days in Naples I was in extreme pain and it continued
during our travel day home and the following 2 days at home. I was taking
painkillers all the time. This was very scary to me as I had not
experienced this before. I have had a few down moments during the last 15
months and this was one of my deepest.

With discussions with Liz and Rabbi Bulka, I got through it, so all is
well.

During the week we were away, the ORCF had their Breakfast of Champions.
I am thankful to the ORCF for allowing me to tell my story which was the
closing video. Our daughter Jordana spoke on my behalf and I heard she
done good.

Being home for the last 2 weeks, I have had 2 chemo treatments. I am
learning how to deal with the new regime, 3 weeks of chemo and 1 week
off. I have chemo again next week. It is really knocking me out but maybe
that is good as I guess it is working. I need to conserve my energy so I
am limiting my outings including lunches that I used to have with Family
and Friends.

I am doing my work but at various times during both the day and night. I
have realized I need to limit my volunteer work at this time.

I am looking forward to June 11th to celebrate the many accomplishments
of Rabbi Bulka. It will be a wonderful and meaningful evening. Our
daughter Jordana and our shul President Jonah have worked very hard to
achieve a remarkable successful event.

For me, I am thankful to God for my last 15 months of learning to realize
what is truly important in life, many things I did not realize before I
got sick.

When one gets married it is because you have fallen in love. But what is
love all about. There are expressions of love, there are acts of love and
there are gifts of love. All our very important for a meaningful marriage.

What I have come to realize is the significance of the sacrifices for
love.

Liz has gone through so much helping me through this experience it is
truly unbelievable. The sacrifices she has made to keep me happy and to
console me during my down times is remarkable. I am so thankful for all
that she does for me especially at times when I seem to be unappreciative.

I have the best wife in the world. I love her dearly. I am a very lucky
man.

I hope others have the same claim about their spouses as I do.  If so
there is a lot of love going around.

I am striving to be healthy and happy. I am keeping my 2 times per week
sessions with the She-Devil.

Most importantly I am truly cherishing what I have, a loving Wife and
Family.

Wishing you all the very best.

Be healthy, be happy and cherish what you have.

Lots of love,

Arnie.

Friday, May 16, 2014

May 16

To all,

Our week in Florida is coming to an end. We leave tomorrow afternoon.

I have had my good days and my not so good days.
Enjoying the sun and warm weather each day was though so worthwhile.

I start back to 3 weeks of chemo next Tuesday.

Yesterday the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation had their Cancer Champion Breakfast.
I participated in a video that was shown at the end. Below is the link to the video.



When the video was over, Jordi said a few words on my behalf. What I am hearing is Jordi was the hit of the breakfast. She done good.

So off to rest a bit and enjoy some warm weather.

All the very best.

Be healthy, be happy and cherish what you have.

Have an enjoyable long weekend,

Love you,

Arnie