Muffin Tops & Bagel Bottoms
In My Bloodstream: Lisinopril, Amlodopine, Omeprazole, Tamsulosin
On The Stereo: Thank You: Jennifer Nettles (For each of you who have played a part in my cancer battles.)
So, my friends, this is how I left you on my last blog. Much has happened since then. We spent the week trying not to lift anything over 5 pounds, as recommended. I did not do that well. But, no harm done. Two days after the operation, I had a most needed shower - kind of. I cannot lie. It was a bit tricky. I was not to get the wound sites and their bandages wet. That left my face and neck area unwashed.
My lower stomach was also to be kept dry. There were not many places left to bathe, after that.
On August 5th, in the morning, Kath and I returned to Moffitt, for the removal of all the facial area stitches. We waited almost no time, before we were called in. A nurse showed us my exam room, and then a resident stepped in to handle the stitch removal. She said our doctor would be in shortly.
She was just starting her task, and Kath suddenly blurted, "You are from Auburn." I had not noticed her Auburn ID lanyard. My first thought was that this lady was going to work on me, with a knife and scissors. Why are you, Kath, going to tell her that I am the enemy?
Kath then explained that we were from Tuscaloosa, and were Tide fans. I checked to see that our doctor's hand was not tightening on the tweezers. Why did we need to start this conversation now?
Luckily, this lady bared no animus, and she explained that her entire family were Alabama fans. Obviously good parenting. She was the lone Tiger supporter. She had wanted to become a veterinarian, and Auburn was where she needed to go to college. For those who do not know, Auburn has a world-class reputation for its School of Veterinary Medicine.
During her first year, she had decided to become a plastic surgeon for a different breed of animals. And that is why she was extracting my stitches. She found her calling in plastic surgery. The school rivalry was not an issue to her. She and her mom, when she was able to get home, would go to games together. No harm done. I was not slaughtered. In fact, she was exceedingly good. As a veteran of these types of procedures, I will tell you that the most efficient and pain retardant method, is to start, move quickly, and do not stop to check with the patient, until the job is complete. The sooner the stitches are out, the better.
Dr. Harrington came in as all of this conversation was in process. He said that I looked good and that I should come back in a week to have the stitches removed in the lower abdomen. I was not to play golf, lift anything remotely heavy, or exercise vigorously. Fine. Full showers were now acceptable. I was thinking that they should be considered mandatory.
Another very boring week for me. Kathy spent her time watching me do nothing. I was perfecting the art. She also returned to teaching.
Over the summer, Kath had pulled together her credentials. She had already provided her B.A. and had now retrieved her Teacher's certificate, and her post graduate degrees in Special Education , Early Childhood and Religious Ed. As a result, she was immediately offered a full time position with a highly regarded K-8 school, near our development. She had taught part time there last year, and had made a good impression. Obviously. As I have said before, if she married me, she must surely be smart.
On Monday morning, I dropped her at school, and drove to Moffitt, to have the last of my stitches removed. My Auburn doctor friend was ready and I was in and out in record time. I was prepared to thank her with "War Eagle", the Auburn acknowledgment, but I could not bring myself to go that far, to thank her. In my defense, I did not give her a "Roll Tide". Decent of me, don't you think?
Dr. Harrington dropped in to see me, and knowing that I was anxious to play golf, suggested that I use my own judgement as to what activities, athletically, that I wanted to do. What a good day.
I had been stuck inside for far too long. To use my time, wisely, I had decided to re-apply the cancer cream combination, to my face, one more time. The dermatologist had recommended another round, as I still had skin blemishes, and some improvement might possibly prevent continued future surgeries. I knew that there would be irritation and burned skin, but if it was to be done, and I was already stuck at home, healing, this would be the time. Double down on the discomfort scale. All in.
Well, that might have been a mistake. I will heal, I promise. But, just when I was given a release from my self-imposed confinement, oops. I did it again.
You might still have some question regarding the title of this week's blog. I thought it might stir your imaginations. The truth is, when I have so much time at home, I have opportunity to reflect on everything and anything.
Simply, I really prefer the top of a muffin, with its crust and more solid consistency, to the lower portion, which cannot even hold its own form. My breakfast bagel had a different story. The bottom half is moist and accepts butter, peanut butter, jam and almost anything. And it looks so appetizing. Since I was in short pants (and I still am), I was never a fan of bread crust. I am living the dream. Because I have time that I never had while I worked. Cancer gave me this gift.
Conquer cancer, people.
As always, thank you. Listen to the song. Keep in touch. If not with me, with someone who needs your love.
jrobinmullen@gmail.com
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