We haven’t made it to the desert with our trailer this year
because I’ve been stuck in town with a series of doctors’ appointments and
tests. It takes forever to get in to see
a specialist, even in ours, the greatest healthcare system in the world. Resulta que I haven’t been able to move
forward and get this thing taken care of, but I also haven’t had enough time
between appointments to head south, even for a few weeks.
(In fact, Mary and I made a break for it last Sunday and
were headed to Death Valley for ten days or so, but at our first stop in
Fallon, Nevada, we couldn’t get the slide to work on our trailer. We decided to drive back home and get it
taken care of at our local dealer.
Turned out to be a loose wire.)
Like my run-in with prostate cancer a few years ago, I now
have an “inconclusive” test result indicating I either do or do not have
thyroid cancer. And as with prostate
cancer, it doesn’t much matter. Early
stage thyroid cancer is almost completely curable, but if it turns out to be
benign, they often recommend surgery anyway.
In my case, they’ll probably remove half my thyroid and biopsy
that. If it turns out to be malignant, I
get a second surgery to remove the other half.
I assume there is no discount for the second surgery.
Fortunately, thyroid surgery is considered minor and I
should be out of the hospital the next day and back to normal in a few days
rather than weeks or months. This my
doctor assures me. Easy for him to
say.
This is all good news: the early CT scan and ultrasound
indicated only that I had a mass somewhere in my throat, which could have been
one of the bad ones. I had to wait a
month to see the first specialist, who assured me this was all about the thyroid
and I could relax. I managed to not
think about it too much during the month, although I had to fight against
blaming myself for my near-lifetime battle with nicotine addiction, which is
generally summarized as twenty-five years of heavy smoking, fifteen years of
non-smoking, and now another fifteen or so of occasionally smoking.
Again, I blame my parents.
At any rate, the thought of losing my voice and/or breathing
through a hole in my throat got my attention, and I think this time I can
actually stay off the fags. Thank you
Jesus for nicotine patches during the rough patches. Also, gum.
To be honest, though, I did spend at least some time
thinking that this could be it and asking myself if I’ve had a good life, if I
have any regrets, if I could face this.
The answers were all positive, but then the question wasn’t yet real,
was it?
6 comments:
Jimny Ross! I hope and pray for a speedy and negative diagnosis! I wondered why you hadn't made the trek to NM.
Good luck getting off the Lung Darts; more importantly let me know if there is anything I can do to help. If you need someone to have an "accident" after stiffing you on a poker debt.. I am you guy :)
Everything I try to write sounds trite...so, I'll only say: I love you honey.
I've thoroughly enjoyed the posts I've read of yours (I come via Mary), and even a potentially dark one like this leaves me feeling refreshed and positive.
May you continue writing your delightful stories for many years to come, and in good health. :)
Dear Ross,
You don't know me, but I know your wife online. :) I'm sorry to hear about all of your recent health issues, but I'm so glad to hear that even if it is cancer, it is a very curable/operable kind.
I struggled with nicotine addiction myself for a long time. Quit, start up, try and cut back, etc. I have been cig free for almost 6 years now, though. It is a struggle, but I bet you can do it!
I have been unable to post anything on your wife's blog for ages (since blogger made the format changes a few months back), but I'd also really appreciate it if you could pass that along, with this message as well.
I wish you and your DH the best in these trying times. I'm glad it is operable, and looks less serious than originally thought! It must have been hard not having anyone outside the situation to talk to about it.
37 years is such a great accomplishment, and I know what you mean about compromises. I've only been married to my DH for 9 years (+3 living together before that), but we've already been over some tough hurdles and found ways to live with each others little foibles. It can be difficult and a lot of work, but almost all things worthwhile are. Also, love the picture of you 2 in Mexico, you are a beautiful couple. :)
You guys only live a few hours from us now. I hope we get a chance to meet up someday!
Best wishes and good health to both of you!
Linda
I had no idea, I hope everything turns out ok, and seriously tell me if there is anything I can do.
Thanks to all for the kind wishes. I kind of kept this private mostly because it's really a minor issue and I didn't want to be a drama boy.
I'll know next week when I go in. In lieu of flowers, please send money.
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