aardvark.dj: Monday Mission 2.45

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Monday 11 November 2002

Monday Mission 2.45

Courtesy of PromoGuy.

0. (Secret Bonus Email Question)Who is your oldest living relative? Erm, my grandma, my Mum's Mum. But, crap family person that I am, I'm not sure how old she is.
1. Although I was told before hand by my mother, my Grandfather finally told me he has cancer and it was speculated he has about 12 months to live. Has someone you know ever told you they had a terminal illness? What was it like for you when you found out. How did that change your relationship with them? My first wife, Karen (pronounced "Care-anne") was diagnosed with a brain tumour at age 30 (it was a re-occurrence of an earlier tumour we had thought was cured). She had a mini-stroke 2 days earlier leaving her paralysed down her left hand side so we knew something serious was up. During the meeting with her consultant she couldn't continue and had to leave the room, so it was me that found out first that it was likely to be terminal. Telling her was one of the most difficult things I've ever done.
2. The concept of having 12 months comes as somewhat of a shock. Often those estimates are wrong and a person lives much longer. But still, it makes me think. If you found out you had 12 months to live, what would you do with that time? How would it change the way you live? Or would it? I honestly couldn't begin to guess how I would handle it. But I wouldn't work.
3. My Grandfather has decided to undergo chemotherapy. He was told it would not cure him, but it could prolong his life, however his quality of life could diminish. Having watched my father go through all that to no avail, I am not so sure I would choose that option. If you were (or are) in a situation where chemotherapy might cure you, or might not, would endure the usual side effects and discomfort? Probably not. But the will to live is a strong one and takes a lot to overcome.
4. How is your health? How are you doing? Physically, fine.
5. Speaking of health, I was in a Health Food Store Saturday and learned about something called "Ear Candling." It involves having a helper insert a cone-shaped candle in your ear, lighting it and having the reverse pressure suck the wax out of your ear. Apparently it is very popular. Do you use, or have you ever tried, any alternative heath remedies or procedures? How did that work out? Anything out there we should try (or avoid)? I have used hypnotherapy, aromatherapy and massage. I'm not particularly susceptible to hypnotism so that wasn't very effective but I can see how it would work on someone who was.
6. Which reminds me, this week at work they are giving flu shots for $15. I hate getting shots, so getting one by choice, and paying for it, is tough for me. How do you feel about Flu shots. Do they give them where you live? Are you going to get one or take your chances? Here in the UK they are only given to the vulnerable, such as asthmatics and the elderly. I believe that where a condition is not life threatening or dangerous we should let nature take its course. The over use of modern medicine has in-turn strengthened a number of strains of disease creating a potentially far larger problem. Beside, with a state-funded health care system her in the UK, the money could be better spent elsewhere.
7. I'd like to see either "Spirited Away" or "Bowling for Columbine" before they vanish from the multiplex at the mall. But I will probably have to go see it alone (which I hate). Do you like to go to see flicks at the movie theater alone? Or would you rather have company? Seen any good (or bad) movies lately? I've never been to the cinema on my own but I guess its much better as a social activity. This weekend we saw Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets which rocked, in a child friendly, inoffensive way.
BONUS: Don't you want somebody to love? Got one ta. Don't you?