the scoop fro the horses's mouth

[Julian Winston]

Dear lists:

I am very touched by your outpouring of support. A few have asked for
details, and though I'm not much for sharing intimate stuff, I'll put
it in some perspective:

In 1998 I was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer.
Tried a number of "natural" routes (homeopathy, herbs, chinese
medicine, etc.) all with a modicum of success.
Had a complete urinary blockage in 2001 followed by radiation.
At the same time I was diagnosed with scleroderma--manifesting as a
reduction in lung capacity and some tightening of the tendons in my
hands.
Last September I found a secondary tumor on a lymph gland in my neck.
Had radiation.
It now seems to be coming back, and I see the oncologist next week.

BUT... that is not the current problem which has me in the hospice.

I know that there are those out there who say, on occasion, that
"Winston is full of shit."
Well... I am-- literally.
I became very constipated after travelling to Europe/USA in
September, and have gotten into a serious cycle of clean
out/solidify. The pain has been so intense that the docs put me in
the hospice to be able to "get control" of it. An xray today
confirmed that I'm somewhat full of shit but not enough to be causing
the level of pain I am experiencing. So the docs are working on
developing their diagnosis. To ME it is just a case of the colon not
working well for several month, and getting "stuck" in a spastic
state.
I have started with a new (excellent) homeopath, but seem to be a bit
beyond that at this time-- necessitating conventional pain meds to
get me "comfy."
So... that's where it is.
I am tired and have no energy for travel, but do OK around the house
where (if there is no pain) I'm able to putter, write, read, and play
with my tools in the garage-- making lathe turned bowls and boxes.
On some level the NZ health care system has shunted me into the "not
curable" pile, and got me into the (free) hospice system.
I've been in the hospice twice in the last week for pain management.
It was a pleasant (as could be) experience-- a lovely staff in a 22
bed facility with a very caring MD at the helm. The hospice system
here is just for "respite care" and to get protocols sorted out.
Quite honestly, there is nothing like a good dose of artificial
morphine to feel good!
Without the pain, my spirits are high, although I'm moving slowly.
Still bombing around in my yellow Mercedes SLK, and it's been nice
enough to put the top down off and on.
Taking it one day at a time.

Best!

JW

[Rochelle Marsden]

Lovely to hear from you Julian and know that you are very much in the land of the living!! Won't a dose of Opium get rid of some of that crap from your colon?

Keep writing when you can. I may not appreciate History (hated it at school) but I do appreciate your wit.

All the best

Rochelle
-----------------------------------------------------
Dear lists:

I am very touched by your outpouring of support. A few have asked for
details, and though I'm not much for sharing intimate stuff, I'll put
it in some perspective:

In 1998 I was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer.
Tried a number of "natural" routes (homeopathy, herbs, chinese
medicine, etc.) all with a modicum of success.
Had a complete urinary blockage in 2001 followed by radiation.
At the same time I was diagnosed with scleroderma--manifesting as a
reduction in lung capacity and some tightening of the tendons in my
hands.
Last September I found a secondary tumor on a lymph gland in my neck.
Had radiation.
It now seems to be coming back, and I see the oncologist next week.

BUT... that is not the current problem which has me in the hospice.

I know that there are those out there who say, on occasion, that
"Winston is full of shit."
Well... I am-- literally.
I became very constipated after travelling to Europe/USA in
September, and have gotten into a serious cycle of clean
out/solidify. The pain has been so intense that the docs put me in
the hospice to be able to "get control" of it. An xray today
confirmed that I'm somewhat full of shit but not enough to be causing
the level of pain I am experiencing. So the docs are working on
developing their diagnosis. To ME it is just a case of the colon not
working well for several month, and getting "stuck" in a spastic
state.
I have started with a new (excellent) homeopath, but seem to be a bit
beyond that at this time-- necessitating conventional pain meds to
get me "comfy."
So... that's where it is.
I am tired and have no energy for travel, but do OK around the house
where (if there is no pain) I'm able to putter, write, read, and play
with my tools in the garage-- making lathe turned bowls and boxes.
On some level the NZ health care system has shunted me into the "not
curable" pile, and got me into the (free) hospice system.
I've been in the hospice twice in the last week for pain management.
It was a pleasant (as could be) experience-- a lovely staff in a 22
bed facility with a very caring MD at the helm. The hospice system
here is just for "respite care" and to get protocols sorted out.
Quite honestly, there is nothing like a good dose of artificial
morphine to feel good!
Without the pain, my spirits are high, although I'm moving slowly.
Still bombing around in my yellow Mercedes SLK, and it's been nice
enough to put the top down off and on.
Taking it one day at a time.

Best!

JW
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[d_barbara_hamilton]

Sorry to hear your plight JW - just make sure they don't 'clear out'
your wit and wisdom at the same time hmm ?

All the good vibes being sent to you must help too, hopefully.

Best wishes, Barbara