Monday, November 21, 2016

CAFTAN WOMAN AND THE INFERNAL MACHINE



MEET GOG!


I don't think I ever had a totally clear picture of how I would spend my "golden years", but I'm pretty sure attending a dialysis clinic three times a week didn't crack the top ten.


Instead of a movie buff, today think of Caftan Woman as an old gal rocking on the front porch regaling passersby with the gory tale of her health.

Years ago (beginning in 2001) I was engaged in a long battle to beat colorectal cancer which involved two rounds of chemotherapy, radiation and multiple surgeries.  Once they start tinkering with you, it seems there is no end.  In my case my kidneys found all of these procedures rather trying. For many years my wonderful nephrologist and her team helped me to stave off dialysis with medication, hydration and monitoring.  This summer, however, brought about a new normal.

Fortunately, the clinic is located in my neighbourhood and each station comes equipped with televisions to help the hours speed by.  They even get TCM!  Gee, how tough is this going to be?

I understand that for many dialysis patients and their doctors there is a period of adjustment regarding form of treatment, etc.  I am one of their number.  This involved one week wherein I was subjected to four surgical procedures, three of them in two days.  A rather wearing experience, even for one perpetually teased for being a "Cockeyed Optimist".



Driving Miss Paddy Lee

However, I wasn't about to let the timing (during the run of the "EX") of these Universal Horror Lab experiments keep me from enjoying the Nolan Girls annual visit to the Canadian National Exhibition.  My sister Maureen rented a wheelchair for the invalid and my daughter Janet took special care of me.  Above I am protecting ice cream from a bump in the road.



Nolan Girls out and about.
Paula, Tracey with Lenny, CW and #1 Daughter



The rarely seen Maureen, who is usually behind the camera.
Yes, she's a Yankees fan. There's one in every family. Two in ours.

Anyway, this is now life for Caftan Woman and I wanted to share it with the special friends I have made over the years.  I hope it doesn't reflect in my writing.  If you catch me getting maudlin, just give me a friendly kick.

Current Catch 22:  My hemaglobin is low and my body reacts poorly to iron pills and drips.  If we can't fix this I will not be eligible for the transplant list.  Like Gilda said, "It's always something."

It's a good thing I like Franz Waxman because every time they hook me up to the infernal machine my mind goes to his score for The Bride of Frankenstein.  The soaring and sentimental Peyton Place?  No.  The cool and jazzy Rear Window?  No.  The Bride of Freaking Frankenstein.








24 comments:

  1. I would've killed for TCM in my room during my own hospital visit this year. I hadda settle for Animal Planet (though I did see some decent movies on AMC and TNT.)

    You've already heard me say it in private (well, you didn't actually hear my voice, you read my words, but you get the point), but let me say it again in public: I'm rooting for you, as always. I have a feeling you'll do fine.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm lucky to have you in my corner.

      Animal Planet? My guilty pleasure is Too Cute!

      AMC and TNT. A decent movie with commercials is still a decent movie.

      Delete
  2. Hi there Paddy...sorry to read 0f your trials and tribulations. But so happy to read you're on the mend and in good spirits. Be well fellow blogger! Strong lady you are.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks.

      A lot of the strength I have found is from the people I know, whether that be within reach of a hand clasp or through the miracle of a computer click.

      Delete
  3. Patrica, thanks so much for sharing what's been going on! You're a warm and friendly voice in the classic film community, ad you've always made me feel welcome. I enjoy reading your posts, too. In case good wishes and hopes have power, I'll be sending plenty your way!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I believe that is great power in hope and I'll take as much as you care to send.

      Thanks for the kind words. Those feelings sincerely reflect my own for you.

      Delete
  4. Praying for your strength and peace and joy, Paddy. You are all that.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You make me smile.

      Prayers for strength are particularly appreciated. I always fake it until the reserves are full.

      Delete
  5. Best wishes, Paddy. You have many Old Movie Weirdos in your corner, me in particular.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Will.

      The world at large has yet to discover the power of Old Movie Weirdos, but I know our worth, especially in their compassion.

      Delete
  6. You are always good with your writing, be it movies or life (which obviously bleed into each other -- The Bride of Frankenstein? Marvelous!!!) God bless you as you go through the horrible things our bodies can do to us! (Remember Woody Allen saying that "..life is either horrible or miserable....the horrible are amputees, the blind...I don't know how they get through life. The miserable are the rest of us." Love that man!

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    Replies
    1. Woody is too funny and too true. Thanks for sharing that quote and thanks for being you.

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  7. Sending lots of love and good thoughts your way, Patricia!! You are one of my favorite people in the classic film community. You have a wonderful wit and and even greater soul. If there is any special treat you would like from New York (diet permitting!), just let me know. In the meantime, sending up all good thoughts for you.

    Warmest wishes,

    Janet (Sister Celluloid)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are a dear. I am always so happy to share movies and everything with you.

      All I can think of now is Mindy's cheesecake and the overture to Guys and Dolls. I'll be smiling for the rest of the night.

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  8. You have the best attitude. I think that is why you have such a great support system, you attract positivity even in serious situations. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers

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    Replies
    1. Tracy, thank you so much. I hesitated sharing this news, but the kindness I have received is overwhelming.

      Delete
  9. First of all, I think it's awesome that the score of "The Bride of Frankenstein" runs through your mind whenever you're set up with that blasted machine.

    Secondly, I'm sorry to hear this news, but judging by the photos, it doesn't look like you're going to let this stop you from living your life – especially your blogging adventures!

    Thirdly, I hope treatments go well and that a hemoglobin solution is found.

    Thank you for sharing this news. As others have said, you are an inspiration for the rest of us.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Too often we can let the problems become our whole life, but I am determined not to let dialysis overwhelm the rest of my life. With pals like you to keep me on the right side I know I can do it.

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  10. You are inspiration to say the least. Wishing you the best!

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  11. Well, I loved you before, but now you fill me with awe and such admiration for you. CW - you rock, you roll you are beautiful.

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    Replies
    1. If I'm not careful I will get a swelled head, but you sure started my day off in a great way.

      PS: The love goes back in the other direction.

      Happy Thanksgiving! My daughter and I always enjoy watching the parade and thinking about all our grand American pals.

      Delete

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