 |
| One of my many doctors appointments |
December is the month of follow-up doctor's appointments.
Today I have an appointment with my urologist. This is an annual follow-up appointment to check on my kidney stones and prostate cancer.
Last week I gave blood for my labs and also had an ultra sound. Hopefully I get a clean bill of health again this year. If I don't, then I am resigned to the next step in my life's journey.
I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2013. That's also when I had several kidney stone attacks. I survived both at that time by having surgery. I consider myself very lucky to have survived this long. I hope I have more years left but if I don't, I will still be grateful for the last eleven years, especially the last three years that I was privileged to be Bill's caregiver. Speaking of which, I am still grieving and now accept the fact I will grieve for my loss of Bill the rest of my life.
Later this month I have my annual dermatologist appointment. Last year my doctor did find I finally developed skin cancer. That was on my ear. He took it out which required three stitches. I've been going to the dermatologist for about forty years now. I've always had the precancerous (keratosis) before. My dermatologists over the years have burned off those spots resulting in me leaving their offices like I was beat up. Well, I was actually.
After these doctor's appointments then it is time for me to prepare for my trip to Palm Springs with Pat in February. I have to say I'm not looking forward to this trip. Once I'm there I guess I'll be all right. It's just the preparation and the traveling by air. You know what a nightmare air travel is these days. My neighbors on either side of my house (I'm still getting use to saying "my" house when referring to Casa Tipton-Kelly) will collect my mail and keep an eye on my house. I also have Ring doorbell and inside cameras so I can "keep and eye" on MY house from afar, even in Palm Springs. I guess my main reason for not looking forward to this trip is that I don't walk that well now and I'm just too comfortable here in my own home. When I was younger, I LOVED to get away. As much as I loved Bill it was good to "get away" every now and then. Not so much now, I'm perfectly comfortable here at home and yes, Bill's spirit is still here. I haven't changed anything in his bedroom including this T-shirt that he last wore at the hospice facility. I haven't washed it and I have left his room as it was when he lived here. Bill's ashes are also in his room. We're still together folks.
Well, time to get ready to leave for my appointment.