October 9, 2009

In nature, when a creature becomes old and weak, or otherwise sick or injured, the predators and scavengers gather, all looking for a piece of the action. Some species will turn and devour the hapless creature, and with other species, the herd will eventually, necessarily move on, and the defenseless will be picked clean. I am beginning to realize that this is not personal, or mean, just natures way. I am fortunate that my herd, still seeing me as a valuable member, have circled the wagons, and are prepared to defend me. I know.... mixed metaphor.... I am grateful, and wish them success.

It is nearly time to go..... I have spent the past few weeks tying up loose ends, and putting things on hold. My house is now safely installed across the street from Carl's house, I have arranged a face lift for my damaged car, and I am ready to get on with this. Claudia, playing the part of Florence Nightingale, will be arriving on Friday, having just spent 2 weeks seeing her mother through cataract surgery on both eyes.

We will leave my rig here, and, on Saturday, and take her motor home to the Elks Lodge in Burbank, which is only 11 miles from the hospital. They have elect. and water hook ups for $10 per night..... a real bargain in the greater LA area. I sure am glad to be an Elk. Anyway, she will be able to take care of me, and her dog Sophie, with minimal commuting time.

Claudia will be posting updates on my blog, calling my sister Peg, calling Terri Lynn, and e-mailing to anyone who makes a request. Claudia is quite organized.
Claudia's phone # 530-906-1234, and her e-mail is claudiaj824@gmail.com

My surgery is scheduled for 7:30 AM, on Monday, but the slicing really doesn't start until 8:30. The doc. says that he should be done by 4:00 PM. I really should add a bit of reality here..... most people do not die during this procedure, and I am relatively young and healthy compared to most bladder surgery patients, so...... not to worry. It is a big deal to me, but fairly routine for the Doctor and his staff.

I will probably have cell service in my room, if not, the room probably has a phone. I will likely be under the influence of dangerous drugs for Monday and Tuesday, but happy to have calls and visitors after that. I expect that Claudia will report any movement toward normal intellect.

I will be at: USC Kenneth Norris Cancer Hospital, 1441 Eastlake Avenue, LA, Ca, 90033. Terri Lynn will have copies of directions for those that want to visit.

On Tuesday, I realized that my life had truly changed..... At Walmart, real men buy guns and ammunition, mud tires for the truck, steak, camping supplies, beer, wide screen TV's and such.

With upcoming abdominal surgery, and new, unhealed, untrained and untested, plumbing...... I bought a robe (for tail coverage at the hospital), XL draw string jammies, XL underwear, and water proof sheets. (I couldn't bring myself to ask where the depends were, I plan to push that job off onto one of my friends who will innocently ask “is there anything that I can do?”) At the check out counter, I felt just the same as when I bought my first condom, I just knew that everyone was looking at me...... It is hell to get old and sick...... modesty, dignity and self image are the first casualties.

On the up side, my modesty, dignity, and self image have always been marginal anyway, and this procedure, though uncomfortable, will give me the best chance to be cancer free, and live a fairly normal life.