New Entry after so many weeks

       It seems like it has been many weeks since I have written in here.
The main reason is because my mind has been so blurred with so much to deaden my thoughts and my pain.  One of the main reasons is that I cannot remember things from all the medications which take away the pain.
       Yes, I forget a lot of what has happened from day to day and even sometimes from hour to hour.  So, the main reason is pain.  I don't know how much pain I can take.   I really don't know how much pain i will be able to take.  I guess that is what pain is all about.  Even now I cannot reach a pain tolerance.
        I am told by the hospice people that I need to keep ahead of the pain or it will  be harder to conquer when it does come.
       Along with the pain problem comes constipation.  I have a patch which has to be changed every 3 days.   I take 2 pain killers now.  Because of the constipation, I also have to take another pill to help resist the constipation.   And so it goes!
        On the happier side of life, we have been living life as we approach our 50th anniversary coming up September 20th.  We decided to push up the date from the twentieth to August 17 and celebrated two weeks ago.   The kids decorated Ruthie and Bill's house and we had a wonderful time.   When I figure out how to download the pictures, I will post them on my "blog".
          As I approach the hospice part of living, learning every day how to live the best way I can within the time frame, planning my own funeral, planning what I can including giving my body for science and things that seem morbid, I see that plans like that are like planning anything and shouldn't be morbid to me.  I don't think of them as morbid but give me a sense of peace and comfort instead. 
        Actually, planning your own memorial service  gives you one of the best parts of your life which lets you give to those who want to remember you a gift back to them.
         So, with all of this in mind, I must close this very disorganized "epistle". Who knows when I will stop writing "blogs".   My mind finds it hard to think that there is anything more worthwhile saying.   But, if I do think up something worthwhile saying in the near future,  I will certainly try to write about it.  If not, maybe this is it?😃
       

Pain Patch

     For about 2 weeks I have been taking Tylenol (500 mgs) and Tramadol every 6 hours until the last few days when I have had to take it every 5 hours just to get ahead of the pain.
I have finally decided to start using the Fentanyl patch which is supposed to relieve pain and only has to be changed every 72 hours.   Being changed means changing the location on my body.  It has to be placed on a soft or fatty place on my body like under my upper arm.
     Today, I called the hospice people and told them I was ready for the patch and my sister came over and put it on.  Actually, anyone can put it on, including me.  Rubber gloves must be used so the one applying the patch does not get any of the medicine on them.   The placement of the patch must be wiped off and dried.   I can shower with it on.  
     After a few hours, I started to feel sleepy and laid down.   But when I got up, I had a  little cup of coffee and don't feel that sleepy anymore.  I was told that would happen for a few days.  The actual pain control is not supposed to start for a few more days so I continue to take the Tylenol and the Tramadol.
      Lately, since I have been with hospice, I have noticed the extra care that I have been given from friends.   I so appreciate the cards, the calls, the emails, the comments on facebook, the meal donations and especially the prayers on my behalf for healing, strength and pain control.  I appreciate the hospice care, the family care, the pastoral care that I have been given.   All gifts from God.
     Last night was a very wonderful caring experience for me.  Agustin, Kathy, Paul and I went to Ruthie's where Bill's family was gathered, and Bill's Dad, Wes, prayed for me and anointed me with oil.         
   "The New Testament Greek words for “anoint” are chrio, which means “to smear or rub with oil” and, by implication, “to consecrate for office or religious service”; and aleipho, which means “to anoint.” In Bible times, people were anointed with oil to signify God’s blessing or call on that person’s life (Exodus 29:7; Exodus 40:9; 2 Kings 9:6; Ecclesiastes 9:8; James 5:14). A person was anointed for a special purpose—to be a king, to be a prophet, to be a builder, etc. There is nothing wrong with anointing a person with oil today. We just have to make sure that the purpose of anointing is in agreement with Scripture. Anointing should not be viewed as a "magic potion." The oil itself does not have any power. It is only God who can anoint a person for a specific purpose. If we use oil, it is only a symbol of what God is doing."  

      "Thou anointest my head with oil.....Psalm 23:5b.
      "Is anyone among you sick?   Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them with oil in the name of the Lord."   James 5:14