After my last blog post, "Circle the Wagons", I made no further posts. I wrote thousands of words that I did not publish, because the changes happening here and in the West were to so devastating to me, including the explosion of antisemitism on the streets of the West and on its college campuses was reminiscent of pre-war Germany and the silent majority that sat on the sidelines and let it happen. Perhaps nobody saw it coming, but hardly anyone outside of the Jewish community took to the streets. Antisemitic violence on the Harvard campus, "depended on the context". Every time I sat down to write, something new and even more unbelievable happened, leaving me with no words.
Perhaps the stress of the news, being the executor of my father's estate, the very personal losses we in Israel are taking every day caused a change in my health. At age 67, I walked 6KM every day with my dog, ate properly, avoided sugar and other chemical food products. I was on top of the World with my health, enjoyed my work and the podcast. I had the tiger by the tail.
Perhaps the stress of the news, being the executor of my father's estate, the very personal losses we in Israel are taking every day caused a change in my health. At age 67, I walked 6KM every day with my dog, ate properly, avoided sugar and other chemical food products. I was on top of the World with my health, enjoyed my work and the podcast. I had the tiger by the tail.
In late July I suddenly was out of breath coming up stairs, or taking long walks with Mika, my dog. Perhaps a virus or some other contagion? In August I strained my back just getting up off the ground. Then my health started to avalanche with increasing pain and fatigue.
A few weeks ago an X-ray revealed that I have serious osteoporosis in my spine and arms. My wife, Karen, seeing my sudden decline insisted that I get new blood work and a CT scan. In Israel, our medical system can take some time to get the services that you need, unless you are related to Karen. Karen was able to work miracles to move all of these appointments up to the present. I found my own radiologist, a former neighbor, who I once supported with fast Ethernet from the USA.
These tests and the CT scan revealed that I have severe osteoporosis, caused by Myeloma, a blood cancer that triggered the osteoporosis and severe anemia. I have plenty of lesions on my bones and ribs, that the pain is quite severe. Last Thursday, I got the official diagnosis.
My new project is follow my treatment to its end. I don't know how long it will take, or what it will involve. My good friend, Sol, a retired doctor, gave me good advice. Manage your pain and let everyone else do the rest. I have a positive attitude and know that I am giving opportunities to everyone I know to step up to the plate and help me or someone else. In Jewish, we call these mitzvot, or good deeds. I am surrounded by people helping me. Since you are a long way away, do a mitzvah every day by helping someone else. Keep me in mind when you do it. It will help to balance my ledger.
I will post here more regularly using my recovery as the framework for larger discussions. I need to write, to document my new project. I hope that you will follow me and keep me in your prayers. My Hebrew name for Jews to include me in their prayers is Yisrael ben Sarah.
I pray for a successful outcome.
73, Eric 4Z1UG
A few weeks ago an X-ray revealed that I have serious osteoporosis in my spine and arms. My wife, Karen, seeing my sudden decline insisted that I get new blood work and a CT scan. In Israel, our medical system can take some time to get the services that you need, unless you are related to Karen. Karen was able to work miracles to move all of these appointments up to the present. I found my own radiologist, a former neighbor, who I once supported with fast Ethernet from the USA.
These tests and the CT scan revealed that I have severe osteoporosis, caused by Myeloma, a blood cancer that triggered the osteoporosis and severe anemia. I have plenty of lesions on my bones and ribs, that the pain is quite severe. Last Thursday, I got the official diagnosis.
My new project is follow my treatment to its end. I don't know how long it will take, or what it will involve. My good friend, Sol, a retired doctor, gave me good advice. Manage your pain and let everyone else do the rest. I have a positive attitude and know that I am giving opportunities to everyone I know to step up to the plate and help me or someone else. In Jewish, we call these mitzvot, or good deeds. I am surrounded by people helping me. Since you are a long way away, do a mitzvah every day by helping someone else. Keep me in mind when you do it. It will help to balance my ledger.
I will post here more regularly using my recovery as the framework for larger discussions. I need to write, to document my new project. I hope that you will follow me and keep me in your prayers. My Hebrew name for Jews to include me in their prayers is Yisrael ben Sarah.
I pray for a successful outcome.
73, Eric 4Z1UG
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