Sunday, June 22, 2008

Last Not so Wild Weekend

The only way out is through
Fritz Pearls

Two or Three Tanuki

I tell you having cancer is a full time job, and I am only 9 days away from the curative transplant and less than 2 from admission. Tomorrow is my last day of seeing patients for months.  Last day to point people in the right direction. Last day for months to experience the privilege of that most intimate and tender and fun of careers. Very poignant, but it might help me turn off my doctor gene. Tell me this isn’t doctor stuff. It is just  fastidious patient stuff: I found a mismatch on HLA-typing paperwork for my transplant which would have meant my donor was not a perfect match, but thankfully it was just a typo. I have made a list of all my concerns, and will give them to my admission team.  My wife and I are working with the very helpful dietary staff to make sure I get enough calories and protein on my weird organic vegan diet. No salads or raw foods or restaurants for 100 days. No left overs. No artisan breads. HELP!

But now I got to get back to packing and make sure my IPOD has the songs I want.  I need my books on Zen and Kabbalah. Organic clothing.  And Dr. Bronner’s soap for sure, but no toothbrushes allowed. Pack my photos and computer, and camera, but no room for art. Maybe my wife will bring her guitar and my son his harmonica, and the other son his banjo and my son in law the digeridoo. This could be fun.

My insurance files, my medical files, my financial papers. We updated our will and trust, and set up funeral plans (yeech). I need to make sure all the contacts are lined up.  I need to make sure my kids have all the daddy doctory stuff done for the next few months.

I am starting to feel overwhelmed. Better get back to work. I am looking forward to the hospital for some rest.

8 Comments:

Blogger RosinbagPT said...

I will continue to keep your journey in my thoughts and prayers and only wish the best.
Michael

June 23, 2008 at 8:08 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

We just wanted to wish you a Very Happy Birthday!!!!

Mike and Wendy Kayl

June 23, 2008 at 8:57 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

June 23, 2008 at 9:40 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Hi, Dr. Koffman,
I have been reading "The Lord for the body" written by Rev. Albert Simpson in 1925, founder of Christian and Missionary Alliance Church.

Our faith and dependence on our creator's divine healing power will set us free of the bondage of illness.

I am praying for God's protection in each step of the process, his hands in each of the personnel coming across you, and ultimate freedom from this bondage of illness.

Humbled by his love,
Edith Lo

June 23, 2008 at 9:41 AM  
Blogger Dragon Slayer said...

Brian
Sounds like you're prepared to fight the dragon. My thoughts, prayers and good Karma are with you and your family. Know that you will be watched by us those of us with this disease. Thanks for being an inspiration for us all.
Wanda

June 23, 2008 at 1:17 PM  
Blogger BettyB said...

Dr. Brian
You are my HERO
God will send Hands to heal you, as you have healed so many; Spirit to lift you, as your words have lifted so many; Insight to see and conquer what's ahead, as your insightfulness has given all of us answers; Calm for your journey, as your words "let me worry about it" have calmed so many; Belief in your own strength, because of the strength you have given all of us; May God give you his love, as you have spread yours to all of us over the many years.
My thoughts, my prayers and my love are with you.
BettyB

June 24, 2008 at 2:21 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Dr. Brian,
Wally and I are currently in Iowa, headed for another summer in Minnesota, but you are on our minds. You are very important to all of us. We are thinking good thoughts and we are thankful for your strength as you make this successful journey.
Bonnie and Wally Blum

June 25, 2008 at 6:07 PM  
Blogger Michele Campos said...

Dr Koffman
Just a note to let you know you are in our prayers and have been since we received your letter and especially since July 1st.
Our God is an awesome God and the Great Physician, and I pray he strengthen and heal your body and that it accept that bone marrow picked out especially for you.
We have been blessed to have you as our family physician and look forward to seeing you back in the office real soon.
God Bless, Love
the Campos Family, Richard, Michele and Evan

July 27, 2008 at 7:30 PM  

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