OZ Chemo Report—1/30/09

Well, today I get unplugged from my latest chemo treatment. That makes 7 so far—only 5 more to go! I’ll finally be done with all this in early April.

Each time the cumulative side-effects seem to become a bit more extreme. This week my fingers are so sensitive and numb that I can barely stand to touch anything cool, or rinse my hands under running water, or even type (I have to keep going back and correcting typos as I write). I cannot even drink cold water without my throat clenching up. Interesting.

The constant bad taste in my mouth definitely cuts down on my appetite, so I’m hoping to lose considerable weight though this process. I have found an interesting correlation regarding tastes: by-and-large, meat and heavy proteins still taste OK, but carbs (especially cheeses and creamy stuff—which I’ve always loved) just taste awful. Salt helps, and citric fruit juice (especially ruby red grapefruit juice) is a great palate cleanser before eating anything else.

I feel pretty groogy most of the time, and it’s hard to think, concentrate, or remember things. Since I am constantly being asked for advice, this presents somewhat of a challenge to not come across as a complete idiot! And right now I’m hard at work on our autobiography: “The Witch and the Wizard OZ”—which requires me to recall countless details of a long and adventurous life. But I do keep remembering things, and going back and inserting them into the narrative.

However, throughout all this fascinating chemo adventure, my doctor (who is a really great guy, and a science-fiction fan) tells me that my biweekly blood tests continue to indicate that I am in perfect health in all ways. My red blood cell count is a high normal, though my white blood cells are acceptably low due to the chemo. My blood pressure, heart rate, cholesterol, and everything else is perfect. Dr. Bozdech is impressed, and I attribute it all to magick! And since I have started these treatments, I’ve lost 11 pounds (only about 30 to go to reach what I consider my ideal weight of 170 lbs.).

Pantheacon is in only two weeks—the biggest Pagan event in our neck of the woods, held at the Doubletree Hotel in San Jose, CA, over the weekend of Feb. 13-16. This year, the Church of All Worlds has a hospitality suite where Morning Glory, Julie, I, and several others will be staying. In addition to our usual Mythic Images booth in the dealers’ room, and our panel/workshop on the Grey School of Wizardry, we’ll be hosting a big book release and signing gala for my latest book, “Green Egg Omelette,” on Sunday evening, and CAW is doing a big Phoenix ritual in one of the main ballrooms on Saturday eve. For this ritual, as well as writing the actual script (correlating considerable input from other cast members), I am designing and making all the costumes, masks, props, and special effects. It will be quite spectacular!

However, this weekend we are taking a little break from the concentrated intensity of our daily Work, for a vacation to Middle Earth. We’re having our Goddess-daughter, Freya, over for the weekend, and a marathon of watching all three “Lord of the Rings” movies in the extended versions on our wide-screen TV. We’ll also get out my large collection of LOTR action figures, etc., and I‘ll be dressed as Gandalf. Every now and again, we just need to do something like this!

And that’s the latest news from RavenHaven.

Brightest Blessings,
-OZ

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Musings on a Reuben Sandwich
By Oberon Zell-Ravenheart

Reuben, Reuben, have a sandwich;
While you're up make one for me.
Bacon, lettuce, and tomato-
Also cheese, but not fat-free!
Health-Nut bread just toasted lightly;
Mayonnaise and mustard too.
That will be a perfect sandwich;
One for me and one for you!
Rachael, Rachael, make your own lunch!
How about a tasty stew?
Onions, mushrooms, and potatoes;
Carrots, peas, and corn will do.
There's some lamb from last night's pot roast,
And some chicken in the pot.
Boil it up with lots of gravy;
That will really hit the spot!