My last Chemo session was on Friday, December 28th. As usual, I got there before 9 and left after 3. This time I made sure to get Breakfast AND Lunch. The staff I dealt with were friendly and efficient but I can't say I'm sorry to be out of there.
My last Radiology session was on Thursday, January 3rd. I was there at 7:45 and was done by 8:30. Again, great people but I'm happy it's over.
The Radiology office is next to RWJ Hospital in Rahway (where I had the Chemo) and they're located in a residential area. After my last session I drove around there a little while just enjoying my freedom. I passed by this woman out on her morning routine.
"Good for her.", I thought as I drove by, "She's free to do what she wants to now, too."
Of course, I still had some follow-ups to do. The first of these was on Monday the 7th with the Gastroenterologist who put in my Food Tube. I drove up Main Street and was going to make the right onto Amboy Avenue when I got stuck at the light. Because it was early, there was a Crossing Guard on duty.
I usually don't like these people. I find most of them take advantage of their Stop Signs and whistles because they get to control the rest of us who are just trying to get somewhere. Not this guy. Charlie - I call him Charlie though I've never met him. He understands how the traffic lights work and I've seen him hold off some pedestrians so that cars can make left turns. I tipped my hat to him as I made my turn.
The Doc checked me out and figured I'd have another month, maybe, before the tube comes out. I can handle that.
Wednesday, the 9th, I had a follow-up with the Radiologist. Everything was good and I even put on a little weight. On the way back along St. George Avenue I cut through a Krauser's lot which would get me closer to where I was heading. That's where I saw this.
I've seen other trucks take up more then 1 space. I've even seen school buses do it. This is my first Mail Truck. Since the only mail I get consists of junk or bills I had no problem doing what I was about to do.
Point, press, Flash.
I went on my way.
I had nothing scheduled for 2 1/2 weeks so my plan was to do short hops for food and just take it easy. That didn't last long.
Wednesday, the 16th, I was out. It was a bit warmer and sunny so I decided to go on a Library run. I picked up some coffee and a muffin from Dunkin' and headed out. I'd been to the Woodbridge Library recently so I skipped it. I was at the North Edison Library a little after they opened at 9:30.
There was nothing of interest there so I moved on.
I got to the Metuchen Library about 10 minutes before they opened so I sat in the car and finished my breakfast.
I picked up 4 paperbacks at $.50 apiece. That made it a productive day.
There was a potential snow storm predicted for Thursday night through Friday morning , the 17th to the 18th, but the forecast wasn't calling for much of an impact. I popped out quickly to pick up a few things. Turned out all we got was a dusting that was easy enough to brush off the car. The streets were clear so I headed out. That's when I got the text from Doyle.
I hadn't seen him in months but he had been in touch every other day or so during my treatments via texts and phone calls. This time he wanted to meet in a strip mall parking lot on Avenel Street. This was unusual since he was the one who'd pop in on me. I headed there right away. I pulled in and saw one of those ubiquitous black SUVs that seem to be popular with government types.
As I parked, Doyle jumped out of the passenger side and came over. The SUV was running. He got in and stuck out his hand. We shook.
"How're ya, Den? Lose weight?"
"Funny. I'd laugh but it would pull the tape around my feeding tube,"
"Oh .. sorry.. I didn't think.. I was just trying to make a joke."
I grinned at him. "Me too."
He laughed then I laughed. He sobered up quickly though.
"It's good to finally get to see you, Den. From what I understand the carcinoma is gone so you're 3 for 3."
"I guess you could look at it that way. I'm just happy it's over. This was really grueling."
"I won't lie, I can't imagine. But you seem to be bouncing back well. I understand the facial rash should clear up in another couple of weeks."
"Yeah, I'm using a topical antibiotic and it's looking better. Too bad I can't do anything about the hair loss."
"Sorry. That I can imagine and I sympathize." His phone buzzed. He looked at it for a second then put it away.
"I can't stay any longer, Den. We're heading down to DC. "Someone" has been busy tweeting again and we're very short-handed because of the shut down."
"Now it's me who can understand."
"There's another reason for going there .. Gordon has been active again. He's been popping up at various Trump locations from Florida to New Jersey. This morning his signal came up in DC. We don't have anything specific since he hasn't done anything but we can't be too careful."
"Wow. Is there anything I can do?"
He fidgeted a little in his seat then said, "Actually there is. We want you to go back to using the Flasher again. Not just on trucks or cars but … you know."
"Why? I've gotten used to the way things are."
He turned to look at me. "The shrinks think that Gordon went underground because you did. They think that if you go back, he'll go back. They think that after all this time he might get sloppy. It's worth a shot."
"I don't know, Doyle. I'm not sure I can."
His phone buzzed again. "Just think about it for now, Den. I'm sorry but I have to go."
We shook hands again - maybe a little longer this time. He got out, went to the SUV, and they drove away. I went home.
The forecast for Saturday into Sunday, the 19th into the 20th, was for a significant snow event. They kept modifying it so that by the time I got up this morning all we had was rain. Right now the sun is out. Tomorrow is supposed to be very cold so I think I'll just stay home and think about things.
You can get past some stuff but there's always something.
