To all My Friends, Associates, and Fellow Travelers,A
few months ago I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer. This
particular type of cancer (poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma) has a
very aggressive nature, and in my case it has already spread widely. As a
result, my wife and I have decided against treatments like
chemotherapy, radiation or surgery which will make me sicker more
quickly without any meaningful chance of extending my life or improving
its quality. I am a patient at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center where the
tumor's activity is being monitored and where I am receiving treatment
called Supportive Care to manage pain, fatigue and breathlessness,
which, along with rest have been pretty effective in controlling my
symptoms. Unfortunately, in this case, even the gamut of non-traditional
Alternative Medicine approaches hold little hope for improving my
survival, which the doctors predict is about six months. While
I have come to believe more strongly than ever in miracles and the
power of faith and prayer, I have also come to accept that the end of my
life is near. The peace and joy that have accompanied my acceptance
that this is God's will for me are the greatest miracles I could hope
for. I have never been happier than I am right
now, nor have I ever felt more loved. Life has been and continues to be
good to me, and I remain committed to living fully and remaining open to
what I can learn from this dance with cancer. Each day here, indeed
each moment, perfect in its own way are my miracles.I
am aware that my choice not to fight the cancer is shocking and
disturbing to some people, and for that I am sorry, but I hope you can
try not to judge me. I don't want to spend my precious time here
fighting, and I choose instead to regard the cancer as my ally, as a
force I can learn from. Everyone is showing Pauline and I so much love
now in so many ways, and I feel like it is my mission to demonstrate to
my peers that this final dance can be embraced with grace, joy and
appreciation. We are all God's music. If you
haven't experienced the music I am so passionately making with "Dr
Rick's Fool's Paradise," please follow this link to a YouTube music
video and interview filmed at Houston's House of Blues Foundation Room
earlier this year.
As I hope you've gleaned from the tone of this letter, I am presently pretty worry-resistant, and for the first time in my life, in fact, have really nothing left to fear. No more visits to the dentist for me, for example. One of the things I've learned from my ongoing dance with cancer is that most of my problems were made up anyway. My overriding concern is naturally for the well-being of my soul mate and wife, Pauline whose devotion and strength are so extraordinary. While my worries are nearly over, the upheaval of her world is just starting. I know you will be kind to her.
Please let us hear from you. Please live your lives fully. We love you,
Dr Rick (Patt) and Pauline
As I hope you've gleaned from the tone of this letter, I am presently pretty worry-resistant, and for the first time in my life, in fact, have really nothing left to fear. No more visits to the dentist for me, for example. One of the things I've learned from my ongoing dance with cancer is that most of my problems were made up anyway. My overriding concern is naturally for the well-being of my soul mate and wife, Pauline whose devotion and strength are so extraordinary. While my worries are nearly over, the upheaval of her world is just starting. I know you will be kind to her.
For
anyone who can afford to help us with the expenses associated with my
illness, it would be most welcome. Just follow (and share) our link to
ChipIn.com.
We hope many of you can attend The Houston Blues Society-sponsored Benefit for our Cancer Fund on August 26th at Houston's Continental Club. A celebration of life, its theme (in the words of Warren Zevon) is "Enjoy Every Sandwich." In addition to a reunion performance of the 3 Patt Brothers with Fool's Paradise, entertainment will include Houston's top blues and roots music performers, two stage musicians and burlesque dancers. To learn more and contribute tax deductible goods or services to the silent auction, check my nascient blog space below (or email or call us (713-252-5662).
http://drrickandpaulinescancerblog.blogspot.com/
We hope many of you can attend The Houston Blues Society-sponsored Benefit for our Cancer Fund on August 26th at Houston's Continental Club. A celebration of life, its theme (in the words of Warren Zevon) is "Enjoy Every Sandwich." In addition to a reunion performance of the 3 Patt Brothers with Fool's Paradise, entertainment will include Houston's top blues and roots music performers, two stage musicians and burlesque dancers. To learn more and contribute tax deductible goods or services to the silent auction, check my nascient blog space below (or email or call us (713-252-5662).
http://drrickandpaulinescancerblog.blogspot.com/
Please let us hear from you. Please live your lives fully. We love you,
Dr Rick (Patt) and Pauline
