Melanoma Redux
Melanoma Redux
In My Bloodstream: Lisinopril, Amlodopine, Omeprazole, Tamsulosin
On The Stereo: Don't Let Us Get Sick: Pat Guadagno
Kathy is home this week for Remembrance Day and one more day, due to a school closure. Kids and teachers were told to stay home as Hurricane Eta was coming directly through our town. A bonus for her, as she gets to spend an extra day with me. Almost as enriching as winning the lottery. At least that is how I play it.
The storm came through on Thursday evening. A few hours of rain and a mighty 2-club wind. Some old branches scattered the lawn and an orange fell off our tree.
I realize the weather service and school boards must play on the cautious side of life, but this is the gazzilionth time that we have been told to button up for bad weather, and escaped with only a rainy evening. The emergency closures were premature. There was absolutely no reason to close classes - or anything else. There was no postal service or trash pick-up. It has been a difficult year already. Adding erroneous weather information does not improve anyone's life. Parents have another day at home with their children. And many have another day of lost work.
In our district, school kids have taken classes on Zoom for several months at the end of the last school year. Why on earth would they not have left that in place for just such an occasion as this? Even if a few children were not capable of joining in, the majority could have, thereby losing no days for this semester. Given our current state of affairs, there could be more problems as this teaching year continues. An on-line emergency plan should be left in place. I did learn that some Florida counties did exactly that when Eta came through. It all seems so logical. But logic often escapes me, so I'm told.
The current upswing in our pandemic is troublesome. We have been extremely cautious, with one glaring exception. Kat teaches seventeen six year olds, five days a week. She is dogged in her belief that children require in-person teaching and that socialization with their peers is critical in their maturation. Finding ways to get along with each other, solving problems and eventually moving forward are critical stepping stones in development.
The Teacher and I recognize the risk. We are both getting along in age and are both compromised in our health. Understanding that, we are agreed that she is doing the right thing. I am in no way a fatalist, but I do believe that we will not get through the school year without some fallout. Covid will strike someone in her working community. Later, rather than sooner, would be preferable.
Interestingly, Kathy's only co-worker to be affected by the disease, was a person doing digital teaching. Meaning, she was not at all in the school's environs. To the point, we carry on, attempting to do the right thing, regardless of the consequences. Not exactly tilting at windmills, but certainly facing the impending imperilment.
In talking with our youngest this week, it became apparent that our Thanksgiving and Christmas plans will not include a trip to Raleigh. Like many of you, our family graces less of our lives than ever. Our holiday plans are not complex. We will stay home. End of story.
Those of you who know me, understand that I am not one who backs down from much. Business, health, and life itself have provided more than a fair share of anguish. My child bride and I have forced and fumbled our way through whatever has been laid in our path. With some success, so far. As I have stated before, tomorrow is a good thing. But it is not assured. We should exhaust our every available moment.
But life without family is breaking my heart. I know that I am not alone in that thought. I know of no risk which would prevent me from being with them, other than their desire for me not to do so. And I do understand. No sane person would invite exposure to harm. These are treacherous days.
Last week I discussed laws and rules and their abundance One, a pet peeve for me, is breaking and entering. Not something you would like to happen to you, or to your house. In Florida, our version is different. We have a braking and entering problem. Our aging Floridians regularly drive up an entrance ramp to Hwy. 75, and come to a stop, before trying to merge in to cars practicing for Daytona. You know that no good can come of it. For anybody. Only in Florida, they say.
On the cancer front, I have an appointment with the lymphoma doctor on Wednesday, at Moffitt. She is likely unaware, at this point, that I am scheduled for melanoma surgery December first, along with a corresponding lymphosintigraphy procedure. Our meeting should be interesting.
The weather here is palatable. 70 degrees with no humidity. Might need a shawl. And I did play with the guys early today. My poor mind kept slipping into thoughts of the operation, despite my desire to focus on the game at hand. I need to shape up.
I want to thank you for some very kind notes and calls. You are an embarrassment of riches to me. And I love you for it.
Stay healthy and have faith.
As the sheriff is off next week, I may take a break for Thanksgiving. Forgive my laziness.
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