It dulls the pain

**Graham** · 14th October 05, 12:23 AM

I have a dear friend in his late 50's, who is dying of bone marrow cancer.
While all his organs are healthy, his bones are crumbling within him, resulting in a great deal of pain.

Traditional pain relievers have not been that effective, but recently he has discovered that whisky helps quite a bit in dulling the pain.
He's never been much of a drinker, but has now developed quite a liking for a dram.
His favourite so far is Glenfiddich, so when I visit tomorrow I'll take him a bottle of 12 year.

He is in a nursing home, not a hospital, so there's no problem with the drink in house.

I guess there's no point in telling him that whisky fights cancer, he's too advanced for it to help.

but it dulls the pain and make his life a wee bit more bearable.

**davedove** · 14th October 05, 04:49 AM

I'm sorry to here that Graham. Your friend will be in my prayers. But if he has a friend of your character, he has a lot.

**ByDand** · 14th October 05, 05:54 AM

I too, am sorry to hear about your friend. I will say prayers for both of you. For your friend a release from the constant pain and blessings for you because you are a compassionate and caring person. We all could use friends like you. If you are ever in Pennsylvania, stop in and my house and my friends are yours!

**Graham** · 14th October 05, 06:02 AM

Thanks Dave, you are too kind, my point in the post was really to praise the benefits of whisky over modern drugs, at least in the case of my friend.

The chap in question has been a naturopath for most of his life, he has had a great diet, been a marathon runner, and yet is struck down with this bone disease.
As a student of health, I'm asked why this should happen, without going into this chap's life, suffice to say that it is leading me to think more about the role of the mind and state of happiness in relation to health and especially cancer.

I've become more impressed with proverbs like "laughter doeth good like a medicine".
My friend was never a happy or positive person.

So this come back really to kilt-wearing and the effect it has on our lives.

I digress, but find the whole matter interesting.

**Graham** · 14th October 05, 06:09 AM

Originally Posted by ByDand

I too, am sorry to hear about your friend. I will say prayers for both of you. For your friend a release from the constant pain and blessings for you because you are a compassionate and caring person. We all could use friends like you. If you are ever in Pennsylvania, stop in and my house and my friends are yours!

Thank you, I've never been to Pennsylvania, the same applies to you should you travel to lower parts of the earth.

**bubba** · 14th October 05, 06:40 AM

Graham, my prayers are for your friend. We have control to a large degree over our diet but we have no control over environmental factors or our genes. This is why even those who take good care of themselves still get such terrible diseases.

**GMan** · 14th October 05, 09:22 AM

Graham,

You are for sure a very compassionate person! To help ease the pain of a friend is very commendable.

But the again, I know you are that type.

**cormacmacguardhe** · 14th October 05, 12:03 PM

Having been through a bout of colon cancer six years ago, I know how important it can be to have family and friends standing by your side. I do wish someone had thought to bring me some whiskey though. Still, prayers and good thoughts, do help. Sending out much positive energy and prayers for easing the pain.