Radioactive

Early July, 2019

In My Bloodstream: Lisinopril,  Amlodopine,  Omeprazole, Tamsulosin
On The Stereo: As Time Goes By, Dooley Wilson (Casablanca)

July8, 2019

Thank you, Kathleen, for your very kind words.  Your note was surprising and moving.  It is interesting that words you hear regularly, take on unexpected depth, when put to paper.  You touched me deeply.

Since it has been a few weeks since my last blog, I would like to revisit some current events.

There was a Democratic debate, since our last talk.  Like many people, I suppose, I glued myself to the television for two nights to find out more about the twenty candidates.  It was, however, in no way, a "debate".  A debate, by definition, requires a subject and opposing opinions.  That, most certainly, did not take place.   All the candidates were, to varying degrees, on the same side on almost every issue.  Other than the former district attorney from California, who cleverly executed her plan to bring the former V.P. to task, with her heartfelt story about the injustice of school busing when she was six, and the part he played in that occurrence. 

NBC, a Democratic-friendly network, which orchestrated the event, were not at all helpful.  To the public, or to the candidates.  They created their own technical gaffs, incompetently leaving microphones on, after switching out hosts.  And they displayed no ability to search for depth or difference in each candidate.  The questions were milquetoast, and as one might expect, most candidates were not given equal time.

The early favorites were provided more camera time, and no contentious issues were addressed.  It all reminded me of school's early grades, where teachers asked students to raise their hands, if they were present, or if they agreed that recess was a good thing.  In this case, it was raise your hands if you will give away money, or if you believe in climate change.  They looked for harmony and got it.  Nothing was contentious.  Every candidate wanted to provide free health care.  They wanted open borders.  They wanted to give illegal immigrants free healthcare and housing.  They offered free college and to forgive all outstanding student loans.  And they wanted to cut taxes, except for those who are wealthy.  Those people, I expect, would pay for all the costs of the new entitlements.  Fine with me, as I am, definitely, not affected.  There was not much discussion at all regarding substantiating the math or methodology.

To be fair, twenty people trying to receive attention over two hours, including commercial time, seems an indomitable task, for anyone, not just NBC.  I am hopeful that, as the debate schedule continues and the field is narrowed, the real challengers will emerge.  I am fed up with politicians who create and enforce laws on us, but exclude themselves from obeying them.  Obama Care, being the centerpiece.  If it is so good for Americans, why do our delegates exclude themselves?

If you believe that government-run healthcare will be good for us, talk to a Canadian, or someone from any socialist country, for that matter.  Life and death become a financial decision, not made by the patient, but by cost effectiveness experts.  As I have mentioned before, if we still were in Canada, Kathleen would be husband hunting by now.  Although, truth be told, she believes that one husband in her life is enough.  She says that she would never do that again.  Hmmm.

Come on, folks, we should be better represented than this.  The Democrats, for the most part, are moving quickly towards a more socialistic society.  One of them needs to ensure that laws passed are for everyone.  No exceptions.  That would  make for a compelling presidential race.  The current President ran on a platform portraying Washington as a swamp, in the need of draining.  Someone needs to ensure that if it is a swamp, then the politicians who inhabit it, will get no more, or less, than their constituents.  One of these challengers might be up to that task.  We do not yet know.

When the orchestrated events ended, on the second night, I turned to Kath and said I would compare it to karaoke without alcohol.  Take that as you will.

July 1st and 4th have come and gone.  So a belated shout out to my Canadian and American friends.  I hope your celebrations were uplifting and fun.  Ours was spent at the Hannas, along with the Senecas, enjoying  cocktails, wine and ribs.  We, as always, had a wonderful time, telling lies and laughing at life.  It was Kath's dry day, medicinally induced, and she did not find the stories and jokes as funny as we all did.  Can you believe it. 

And yesterday, we golfed in the morning, and were home in time to watch the Women's World Cup of football (soccer?).  We have watched every game and this one was the best.  There is nothing like winning a championship.  I know the team is protesting their winners' payment, as it is considerably less than that of their male counterparts.  The levels are set, I presume, by FIFA, a global organization.  Many of the countries involved, are likely not as enlightened as are we, here in America, on women's rights.  The salaries, no doubt, should be increased, but that battle might be long.  Here, the women have proven to be much more talented and entertaining to watch than the men.  Not so in many other countries.  Male footballers create income in the billions, women in the millions. So revenue for FIFA is far from equal.  Same goes for golf.  Difficult questions.  Tough decisions.

The only disappointment for me, has been the actions of the team captain.  A captain in a team sport, should speak and act on behalf of the team.  I sincerely hope that the entire team does not disrespect our flag and our national anthem.  They might not approve of their president, but that falls under the heading of individual responsibility.  Most, if not all of the team, placed their hand over their heart and sang our national anthem.  The captain did not.  The entire team is tarnished by her behavior.  My opinion.  I can say this as I am not a captain.  She should not have been given the captaincy, unless the rest of the players and coaches are of the same opinion.  Hopefully not.

We can all hold our own political ideals and agendas, but no matter who is in power, the country demands our respect.  We can, and do, make changes, when we disapprove.  We have the opportunity to vote.  Many places do not.  Continue to be thankful for what we have.  Change will come.  It is inevitable.  Much like sports.  You win some.  You lose some.  Move on and stop whining.  If you are correct in your opinion, your views might be realized the next time around.

To gain citizenship in this country, we had to take a citizenship test.  We might want to ask others, who are not as familiar with the obligations as a citizen of their own country as they might be, to do the same.  Much is taken for granted by those who won the lucky sperm contest.  Your fate could easily have taken a different and less fortunate turn.

We came to be citizens of this country because we love it here.  It has provided us employment,  introduced us to new and loyal friends and gifted our girls with terrific husbands and fathers to our grandchildren.  Lastly, this country has made possible the opportunity for a longer life for me.  No country could have better healthcare than do we.  I have lived in three, and whatever complaints we have, they are minor, in comparison to problems faced in many other parts of the world.

Sorry about all that.  Stuff just built up and my emotional Venturi valve gave out.

Back to my real world

On issues of health, both Kat and I are doing well.  I have shaved off my beard.  It was not there by choice.  The creams I had applied to my face to hold skin cancer at bay, caused considerable burn, and made it unthinkable for me to shave.  The dermatologist had suggested that I avoided shaving for a few weeks, as well.  I have almost a month before my next surgeries, and I am working diligently as humanly possible to relax and enjoy the respite.   Golf is an almost daily activity.  I sleep, with some interruptions, between six to seven hours a night.  Almost never nap.  I marvel at my own stupidity.  My high blood pressure has finally succumbed to my meds and is behaving acceptably again.  That situation caused some distress and most likely exacerbated the problem.

This Wednesday, I return to Moffitt for bloodwork, a CT scan and a PET scan, in the morning.  Later, I will see my lymphoma specialist to review what, if anything, is happening to my lymph system.  So far, that cancer has been slow to move.  I am feeling as good as I have in a long time.  Hopefully, the tests will confirm my good health for another six months.  Kathleen has had her bandages removed.  The wounds on her nose and chest, as well as the graft site, look to be healing well.

                         


A year ago, while I was trimming bushes in our yard, I was stung by an inhospitable wasp.  Now, a  year later, our flower beds continue to need tending, and I have been neglecting the problem, as the wasps and bees, never rest.  Each time I have begun the task, I have been chased back inside.

While I am writing this, Kath just came in from the yard, sweating  from  performing some of the weeding.   She had been stung on the nape of her neck by a wasp.   She has become the newest survivor of the Hymenoptera Wars.  I sprayed some Benadryl on the site.  She then had a shower, and is now on the way to the dentist.   Who would not want to change places with her right now.  Such joy she is having.  Now that girl knows how to live.  Hah!

I left a clue in my last post, as to where we are headed next.  Kath was not impressed when she saw the picture.  Too gruesome, she said.  So we are continuing to debate.  Actually debate.  She has seen me in some dire circumstances, and is justifiably concerned that many of you will not be amused.  There is no doubt that some wounds fall into the grotesque category.  She considers them medical pornography.

On my side, I am amazed, unbelievably amazed, at the capabilities of our bodies.  We travel around inside this absolutely incredible machine.  Think about it.  It can perform almost any task we ask of it.  We fall down.  We get up. Again and again.  Our bodies are resilient.  We take it for granted.

And my poor, old, dilapidated body has been wrecked.  Many times and in many places.  Much like some of the cars I left behind.  But it has proven restorative.  Miraculous creation that it is.

Our physical bodies, although not indestructible, can tolerate inconceivable damage.  And, thanks to surgical art, and modern medicine, they can still continue to function.  And much of what is damaged can be corrected.  Certainly  not perfectly, but more than acceptable.

I would like others, who are facing similar abuses to their bodies, perhaps due to the ravages of cancer, to see how terrible things can be, and then realize, they are not alone.  And the other side will be better than you might imagine.  Whether the damage is external or internal, our bodies are astonishing.  Nothing less.  I have pictures to prove it.

That is our conundrum. 

We will come to some agreement, Kath and I, on the future of my pictures.  Any opinions are welcome.  Let me have it.

I might take a short vacation to finish off my summer with my bride.  I will keep in touch on Facebook.

Love you, my friends.

jrobinmullen@gmail.com