Random Thoughts - Part III The Search for Spark (No Politics)

[gtpvette]

Originally Posted by weederr33

Well, time to put the VA to work and see how well they can do shit. Usually I've just gone in for mental health, but now I get to go in for something a bit more serious. One of the moles on my face decided to change in size quite substantially and recently started scabbing and bleeding a bit. So now I have to go in and get looked at next week. Always fun to have something like this pop up as the holidays are coming

Growing up and living in Florida pretty much my whole life, I've had my face worked on a bunch over the years. 4 Mohs procedures on my face and 1 pending on side of my nose. I've done a couple of treatments on my nose using just radiation as well. That said, it all started with what you're describing. I had a mole that grew and would bleed quite easily when I shaved.

The good news is the 1st shot is the worst part and a close 2nd is waiting on pathology in-between rounds. Good Luck!!

As a public service announcement, wear your sun screen and a hat. A big hat. This is my fishing hat. It has a wingspan of almost 24".

[Stephen W.]

I’ve had three MOHS procedures for squamous cell carcinomas. Two were on my nose. If you look close at a photo of me or ever meet me IRL you’ll know instantly as they were both deep and disfiguring.
For my basal cell carcinomas they usually just hit the area with a blast of Liquid Nitrogen. I have had another type of procedure done whereby the doctor uses a special tool to remove a plug of tissue. Sort of like you see in hair transplants. These have been done in the office and closed with a stitch or two. If there was a problem after the biopsy they’d call me. Knock on wood I‘ve never had one of those calls.

[Stephen W.]

Speaking of health issues… My wife had a series of episodes over the past couple of months. Actually, it started a couple of years ago. I bugged her to go see my cardiologist. Well last Tuesday morning she finally made the call. The earliest she could get in was Thursday at noon. Tuesday night she had a full blown heart attack with chest pain, sweats, dizziness topped off by vomiting. I wanted to take to the ER but after she threw up she said she felt much better and would wait till the morning. Of course by then she was convinced she was OK and went off to work. Well you know where this is going. She just got inside the door and had another attack. Her manager put her in a co-workers car and rushed her to the ER in Belleville. They arrived before 8:00 a.m. It was after 8:00 p.m. when they unloaded her at Kingston General which is an hour east of Belleville. They wheeled her straight into the Cath-Lab. Within 15-20 minutes they were operating on her to remove a lesion which was blocking 90% of the left anterior descending artery. They also put in a stint to keep that area from collapsing.
The good news is, all her other arteries and 100% clear. The bad news is she now has permanent damage to the left side of the heart. It’s only working at about 60% right now. The doctors all say that with time and medications her heart should get back up to 70% maybe as high as 80%. But that’s as good as it’ll ever get.
She was in the middle of arranging her retirement. She was willing to work through to spring to help train a new person. She was also looking at a part time job starting this Christmas. She'd hoped to keep it so she would still feel useful and earn some spending money. Well that’s all out the window now. I doubt she’ll ever work again. Now I’m the chief cook, bottle washer, dog walker/groomer, house keeper as well as personal chauffeur and PSW. Not what I had planned at all.
It'll be a quiet but very thankful Christmas this year.

[weederr33]

Originally Posted by gtpvette

Growing up and living in Florida pretty much my whole life, I've had my face worked on a bunch over the years. 4 Mohs procedures on my face and 1 pending on side of my nose. I've done a couple of treatments on my nose using just radiation as well. That said, it all started with what you're describing. I had a mole that grew and would bleed quite easily when I shaved.

The good news is the 1st shot is the worst part and a close 2nd is waiting on pathology in-between rounds. Good Luck!!

As a public service announcement, wear your sun screen and a hat. A big hat. This is my fishing hat. It has a wingspan of almost 24".

While I'm not worried about the procedure, I'm worried about the time it will take for the VA to move it's slow feet. Unbeknownst to me, they drop you from coverage after a couple years of inactivity (as I haven't felt the need to go for annual check ups since I'm rather healthy and fit for my age). So I have to re-register with them and that could take upwards of a few weeks given the upcoming holidays.



It also does not help I can't exactly just go to a dermatologist and fork out the money to cover such a procedure.

[gtpvette]

Stephen,
So sorry to hear about your wife. Best wishes for a speedy recovery for her.

[Ultramaroon]

She made it! We are truly blessed.

[Sapphireho]

Originally Posted by Stephen W.

Speaking of health issues… My wife...

Life is never what you planned. I planned so many things in retirement, but didn't plan on getting too old to do them.

I'm so glad your wife is going to be better. Life has changed, but not ended. You two will figure out a new life together given the change. Still lots to do and enjoy.

Prayers are with you both.

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by Sapphireho

Life is never what you planned. I planned so many things in retirement, but didn't plan on getting too old to do them.
.

That's why I'm planning to retire in 2024 (I'll turn 65). Technically my "retirement date" is 2027 based on the Social Security rules but the minor difference in payment between now and then means I would have to live past 85 for the additional monthly amount to matter.

I want to have the time AND energy to do the things I want to do.

[Teseo]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

That's why I'm planning to retire in 2024 (I'll turn 65). Technically my "retirement date" is 2027 based on the Social Security rules but the minor difference in payment between now and then means I would have to live past 85 for the additional monthly amount to matter.

I want to have the time AND energy to do the things I want to do.

I heard people die after they retired, that's mean work is health?

[Ultramaroon]

Depends upon the work and the person. I enjoy my work. My wife managed to stay retired for a couple months before going back to work as much as she is allowed in "retirement." She missed her customers and the gig.

We're both joyful in our daily lives.

[NoHaveMSG]

Originally Posted by Teseo

I heard people die after they retired, that's mean work is health?

Many people become very sedentary in retirement. Got to keep moving. I think my dad has lost 25-30 lbs since retirement from full time work. He’s been actively trying to get healthier.

[NoHaveMSG]

Oh and in other news, yes I bought the SC’d car. Probably paid a bit too much but I should come out okay in the end as it had a lot more parts on it then I thought. Not known for making the smartest decisions. It absolutely has rod knock but ran well enough to get it on/off the trailer. Yes the wheels will be the first thing to go, before the bad engine even.

[Sapphireho]

Originally Posted by NoHaveMSG

Oh and in other news, yes I bought the SC’d car. Probably paid a bit too much but I should come out okay in the end as it had a lot more parts on it then I thought. Not known for making the smartest decisions. It absolutely has rod knock but ran well enough to get it on/off the trailer. Yes the wheels will be the first thing to go, before the bad engine even.

Another lemons car!! You paid $500, right?

[Sapphireho]

Originally Posted by Teseo

I heard people die after they retired, that's mean work is health?

I'm dead, but my spirit posts on.