Tag: christmas

boy beside christmas tree illustration

Christmas Miracles

Joanne Dragun, M.D.

The clinic staff is abuzz in their Christmas sweaters, the ancient town of St Augustine is alight. Festive spirits are high. It’s a fun place to spend the holidays. Tim, however, isn’t capturing the positive energy. It looks discordant as the nurse in the reindeer headband takes his blood pressure and the treating techs wear snowman and Grinch sweaters. Tim and his daughter have sat solemnly in these seats the past month, as he battles the tough- to- treat pancreatic cancer. So far his symptoms are light if his prognosis is dark.

Meg is Tim’s daughter and as is common in the sandwich generation, torn between caring for her father and her own family. She has three teens and a husband to return to in New Jersey for Christmas and last week she made a bold move. She called her mother. Doris is Tim’s ex-wife who moved to Miami, remarried and a few years ago lost her husband. She is also alone there. Tim and Doris have not reconnected…. until now.

A child’s plea for help is felt in a mother’s heart and so, Doris arrived this week with Tim in tow. She is here to care for her former high school sweetheart during what is likely to be his last Christmas. Even with exciting improvements in pancreatic cancer therapy this year, Tim is in trouble. Doris guides her former love into the room, gently settles him and asks me how she can help. Alot of years have past and yet as I have witnessed before, a “former” loved one emerges to fulfill a vow made in youth, honored years later.

I love that Doris is a take control woman and Tim is silently giving in- probably like he never did before. She is managing the appointments, the meds, the scans, the questions. He is relieved of the burden and grateful. They are both proud of Megan’s efforts but acknowledge that their daughter should return to her own life.

Tim, Doris and Meg remind us that Christmas miracles are real. They start at the heart of each of us when we extend ourselves to help those in need. What a blessing that we can each be that miracle to someone. Yes, it takes God’s hand but it requires your heart. It’s not the tree, the ugly Christmas sweaters, the travel and presents. Christmas, as we all know, is an opportunity to make magic for children, feed someone feeble, listen to a life story, and even with cancer to find the strength for another.

And so, as I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday, let’s make plans to finish this year with a joyous heart and a lasting love. May God bless you and your families this Christmas and let us all continue to pray for peace on earth and goodwill toward all.

holidays winter tree gift

Holiday Spirits

Joanne Dragun, M.D.

Thirty years of sitting on the rolling stool in Exam room #1 has revealed so much and especially at holiday times. It taught me that people will drop everything to rush to the aid of a loved one. The cookies won’t be made, the tree will wait, the gifting put aside, because everyone realizes in the blink of an eye, what the true and heart felt gift should be.

I am holding Carla’s hand. She is not the patient. She flew in from California this week to help rescue her daughter. Lizzie is a single mother of two young teens whose husband died in the service. The stress must be a culprit because at age 42 she has wide spread cancer- not responding to chemo or even immuno therapy. She is here to see if radiation can give some symptom relief- control not possible. All of our hearts are breaking, but she is stoic and determined. A woman to be admired- not whiny, woe is me, but fierce in the face of this sad adventure. The support means everything and she is relieved Mom will care for them all.

Everyday I am amazed by the true spirit of giving. The unselfishness of hearts. These patients, family and friends touch me and all of us with their generosity. From their love and devotion, we all are raised to a higher level.

There are many of your own family and friends who have come to your aid and you have reached out your own hand to several over the years. Traditions may change with tragedy, but the blessing remains. Whatever your own plans this holiday, rest assured that you have in your lifetime been and continue to be a blessing to others and that is the true and only real celebration we need.

God Bless you, your families and friends.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah.

Christmas Magic

Joanne Dragun, M.D.

Inching closer together this week, the Christmas Star event will unfold for the first time in 800 years! Look to the southwest sky just after sundown on the winter solstice, December 21st to witness the 2020 “star of Bethlehem”.  Jupiter and Saturn will merge creating a once in a lifetime holiday treat (Great Conjunction). The last was when Galileo was alive in 1623. Who would imagine after the year the world has seen that something wonder-filled will mark the end of 2020, and offer a bright ray of hope? This Christmas we need this spectatular reminder that the universe is more magical than our confinement. We are encouraged to see beyond our sofas and expand our loving hearts.

Holidays are so often about family and friends, parties and food, decorating and song, church and prayer. This year, let’s take the opportunity for this very different Christmas to bring forth a different magic. Allow me during this eventful week to offer a reminder of your own magical powers. You touch others even when you cannot embrace them. Your “facetime” presence in their lives enriches and can bring them peace and calming- a steady force, especially when everything seems to whirl out of control.

The awe of the star can remind us that we also have a light to share, even from a distance, that can and often does change a life. We need each other. Many of my messages this year have been about being there for someone. The aloneness does not have to be lonely. Consider those in your life who have made a difference and believe me when I say that you have made a difference to them.

Someone is tapping into your strength, bravery, humor, advice, example, support and living a better life because of you. I see it everyday here. The gentle touch of the daughter helping her father into his jacket, the husband stroking the fearful wife’s hand, the children demanding attention to divert from the drama of disease, the doctor, nurse, technician giving confidence and assurance, the driver guiding the elderly from the van with patience and compassion.

You are also a beacon of hope and light to many. Often a patient comes with tales of their friends who have managed, thereby giving them courage. After so many difficult months and many losses, let’s come together to remember that this world needs us and that everyday brings opportunity to shine God’s light on someone elses’ path- lighten their burden while lifting our own joy. You have been brave this year and will be next, but let’s take this Christmas week to be grateful for our blessings- not what we have- but what we were gifted to share with others.

 To my dear readers, Happy Hanukah and Happy Christmas to all- and to all a bright light!

PS: The free “skyview” app is an easy way to locate constellations and planets on your phone- Jupiter and Saturn are waiting for you.

Free will

Joanne Dragun, M.D.

Traffic is flying past me on the busy highways. What’s the urgency when we are supposed to be sitting on our sofas? People are willing to take risks whether driving or interacting. Parties, travel, get togethers show that many are ignoring recommendations. Why? We are weary and change isn’t coming fast enough- even though today’s approval by FDA (thank you Chief Steve Hahn, MD also a radiation oncologist) happened at warp speed.

Beatrice was in today for a check up and is detailing her own plans. “Hey Doc, I’m 80 years old. I have cancer and they tell me to stop living for my own good! How do people think I got to be this old? It sure wasn’t by being a wimp. Damn if I’m gonna sit out this Christmas- it may be my last!” I remind her, “Beatrice, you are at a high risk”. She smirks, “Yeah so’s driving in Jacksonville!” True.

Covid really complicates things in the center and patience is required. But for Beatrice I give in, “Go live your life. Wash your hands, wear a mask and don’t engage too much”. She pretends she hasn’t heard me, “What? don’t drink too much?” When did we get to the point when we allowed others to decide how we live- not for the first few weeks or months, but almost a year now! After I describe how to be safe and try to stay outdoors, I need to consider adding, “Please live your life and if it is shorter because of your freedom of choice accept that”.

Beatrice teaches me in her senior wisdom. “Doc, everyone cannot be saved, not from the cancer or an infection. You can just do your best and we do ours, but at least we decide”. I don’t push people to get treated for cancer and I don’t punish them if they decline today then come back in a year to get them out of trouble.

Overreach is everywhere and it is not good for us, our children or our country. It has become a virus in itself. Power grab has become infectious. We are sick of being protected from becoming sick. Today I say, honor your free will. You can certainly stay sheltered. If you wish, however, put that ugly Christmas sweater on (along with your mask) and go live your life. We don’t get a second chance and there is no re-gifting time lost.

Comfort and Joy

Joanne Dragun, M.D.2 Comments

There is a new trend in holiday gifts. No, not the 72″ plasma TV. Shelves are packed with cozy comfort. Embrace the trend and hopefully find that gifting yourself and others some of these “doctor recommended” items will enrich your holiday, while soothing some “doctor-induced” side effects to treatment.

Oh so hot! Women with breast cancer and men on hormonal therapy suffer with hot flashes even long after menopause. Cooling sheets, pillows and towels are now available, a small fan to place by the bed and even peppermint bath and lotion can cool them down.

Have the tingles? peripheral neuropathy in hands and feet after chemo may be helped with tens units now available (often used for pain- but stimulation works) , foot massagers and hydro baths help too.

Work it out! Following a few weeks of physical therapy, keep the activity going so exercise bands, squeeze balls and rollers are useful.

Pampering is welcome! Certificates for massages, reflexology, scalp stimulation,makeup application and salon services can boost a mood.

Snooze alarm. Physicians are limited in our ability to prescribe pain and sleep aids. I recommend trying CBD oil and creams, chamomile tea, eye masks, meditation apps or CDs and a new favorite: weighted blankets.

On the scent. Scented oil diffusers or essential oils for topical use are calming. Lavender infused wraps and stuffed animals are always appreciated.

Change the mind and the mood. When my mother was not active, my sister gifted her with a beautiful scarf to lay over the blanket and add cheer to the room. Another sister advises continued learning and mind stimulation and with a subscription to “The Great Courses”.

Reminisce. Gifting memories with booklets or albums.

Can’t open a jar? Arthritic issues abound so copper infused compression gloves, knee braces, hot wax hand therapy and hemp infused creams may help.

Applause. Tickets to a show or game shake the doldrums and remind them life goes on.

Comfort food. Any homemade dish or cookies please.

Feel free to add your ideas here to inspire others. We are all about the wellness, but the true gifts of comfort and joy are not my “favorite things”. It is your presence in their lives. That gift is priceless and always the most appreciated.

ps: suggestion: print, highlight favorites and leave for Santa to discover!

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