All Readings Postponed (2007)
(April 2007)
Dear friends, relatives, colleagues, Decca fans and the just-plain-curious,
Because of a health emergency I have postponed all readings and other events for my book “Decca: The Letters of Jessica Mitford.” Here’s a quick and simplistic update on a very complex series of procedures:
The fusions for my previous spinal operation, performed six years ago, have been degrading for some time. In recent months — and days — new problems have developed that are compressing my spinal cord and dramatically increasing my pain and limiting movement. The pain has now become excruciating and intolerable.
Therefore, early on Thursday, April 19, I will be entering UCSF Medical Center for what is expected to be a full day of back surgery. I am scheduled for a smaller, follow-up operation on Tuesday, April 24, and will be released about the weekend of April 28-29 for a lengthy period of rehab and physical therapy.
Because of the speed with which this has happened, I am taking this impersonal means to notify all those who should have been notified in person but could not be. I do not know yet if or when I will have access to computer or phone while I’m in the hospital.
Thank you all for your interest and support.
Peter
Update – May 9, 2007
I returned home yesterday, weak but elated, from the second of two hospitals — a week at Alta Bates’ capable rehab hospital in Berkeley. I am weak and unable to contact all well-wishers in person, but I am very grateful for your support throughout. There will be a several-month period of recuperation and further rehab, but so far there have been no untoward surprises and I have no reason to expect any.
Thanks again to all for your support during the rapid onset of this month of horrors.
Peter