Mozart as Medicine Man

Some years back Jim bought the complete works of Mozart, a Phillips boxed set of 45 volumes, some 150 disks. This is a whopping big helping of that gentleman's tunes. During these past weeks we have been playing through the collection and finding this piercingly beautiful music quite therapeutic. We have heard five operas, the divertimenti, the serenades and symphonies, and an astonishing number of piano concerti. That guy could really write! Disks are played going and coming for treatment and while we are at home. I don't think we will have gotten through the entire collection by the time treatment is finished; 13 more radiations, one more chemo. We will then play them to restore Jim's health and vigor. Some say, "Before I die I want to read all of James Joyce." (why??) Or "Visit all the National Parks." Or "Go to all the fabulous libraries in the world." I guess for Jim it's "Hear all of Mozart." Fortunately there are still years of Mozart left.

It was a quiet afternoon, napping mainly. He does feel just a tad better as he continues to recover from last week's chemo. It takes about five or six days to feel better after such a severe chemical attack. On Tuesday we had some strong winds that managed to strip all the trees of every remaining leaf that was hanging on in hopes of turning red. So now they are piled up on the front steps, on the driveway, on the front terrace, on the back terrace, and in the pool. Jim went outside, took a look and came back in. So tomorrow I will go out and sweep them up. In truth, I can use the exercise and diversion. The weather is still lovely; crisp in the morning turning to warm in the afternoons. A bit of raking and sweeping will be good for me.

The doc re-upped the pain meds today. Next week he will probably get something stronger, a little morphine concoction. If he takes some Vicodin before meals he is able to get food down as the swallowing is easier. Otherwise he is relying more and more on the liquid supplements. But he managed to get down some grilled pork tenderloin, mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli. I offered some luscious Jello for dessert. He declined. Can't imagine.

I am grateful for Fridays. Not only do I get one of my twice-weekly massages but after treatment he has two days off to rest and recover. Sleep and solitude are what he craves. By Monday he is somewhat refreshed. Me, too.