No More Restrictions .......
Just in time for the Memorial Day Weekend most of the Covid Restrictions were lifted. Masks would only be required in medical facilities and some other places and crowd sizes have been increased. I will still be wearing a mask and distancing due to my suppressed immune system and I was pleasantly surprised to see that many others were still doing the same. I guess it's just become a habit - something we're used to doing. When we leave our houses now we check to make sure we have our keys, our wallets, our phones, and our masks.
The Tuesday after the long weekend, I had an appointment with my Radiologist at 9:30. I call him my "Radiologist" but he's actually a Radiation Oncologist. In either case, there's been no change in the tumor in my right cheek. Since I'd already told him about the problem I was having with my jaw - the ONJ situation - I asked him if he knew anyone in NJ who could treat it. He said NO which surprised me since one of the root causes is Radiation. I made a follow up appointment for July and left unsatisfied. On my way home I noticed this guy.
I couldn't tell if he was wearing a mask or not but I figured it didn't matter anymore.
Point, press, Flash
Not as unsatisfied, I picked up a few things and went home.
That Thursday, the 3rd, I drove down to the AAA Service Center in Edison for an Oil Change. Normally, I would've stayed local but they'd e-mailed me a Free Coupon and who doesn't like Free?
They did a great job and knew about the quirks my car has. Seems that what I thought were unique are very common in older Honda Civics. Also, while there, I helped myself to a few free road maps of NJ and Washington, D. C., for myself and some family members. Again, Free.
Not much happened over the next week or so. I ran my errands, got a haircut, did my wash, and was lucky enough to be able to attend my Granddaughter's Dance Recital which was held at a Ukrainian Center in Sommerset. Everywhere I went people were wearing masks. I don't think I'd seen more then 2 or 3 people since the restrictions were lifted without one. I'm good with that.
Monday the 14th, I drove myself down to the Oral Surgeon in New Brunswick for my 12:00 appointment. I'd originally asked someone to drive me because I was unsure of the parking situation but it turned out that they had their own lot.
They were very professional and the doctor was friendly and honest. I told her that now I couldn't eat anything solid and was limited to soft foods like yogurts supplemented with Energy Drinks and Instant Breakfasts. She showed me the x-ray and explained that I'd need to be treated in a hospital setting not in an office like theirs. She said she'd make a few calls and see if she could find someone for me. Again, I left unsatisfied but at least they didn't charge me. 15 minutes later, while I was still driving home, she called me with the name of someone she'd spoken to who said he could definitely take care of me. He's an Otolaryngologist affiliated with RWJ in New Brunswick and his office is in the same building as my Cardiologist. I made an appointment as soon as I got home.
I was back down in New Brunswick 2 days later for my semi-annual Cardiologist's visit. On the way down, I noticed that there was a large, dark cloud mass lying above the city.
I hoped that wasn't an omen.
Everything went well except I had to wait about 1 1/2 hours between the blood work and actually seeing a nurse practitioner. I told her about my ongoing ONJ situation and my upcoming appointment and she reminded me that they'll need to approve the use of any anesthesia for whatever procedure is done.
The Otolaryngologist's office called the next day to verify my appointment and asked me to pick up a copy of my most recent CT Scan. I drove up to RWJ Rahway the next morning to get it. Traffic has been pretty light lately but I was still annoyed when this guy pulled out of a lot on the left and cut me off.
I couldn't see the driver but those were new plates. I was tempted to follow but I had something to do.
I had to wait another week for my appointment and I was anxious but I did get to spend some quality time with the family for Father's Day.
Yesterday, I drove down to New Brunswick and parked in the attached garage. I was very early so I sat in the building lobby reading for about 1/2 an hour. The staff was very efficient and I saw the nurse practitioner right on time. She went over my history and we discussed my situation. The doctor wasn't as friendly but he knew what he was doing. Since he's also an ENT, I had my ears checked, and my nose and throat scoped - no problems. He then took a couple of biopsy samples from inside my mouth to see if there was any cancer. He wants to wait for the pathology report so I made a follow up appointment for July 6th and agreed to go back to RWJ Rahway for all of my CT scans. Like I said, he was officious but the Nurse Practitioner put me at ease and gave me some hope.
On my way home I cut through one of those Corporate Parks and had to stop while this guy casually strolled across in front of me.
I could have but I was feeling pretty good for the first time in a few days. I drove on.
This morning, I was up way too early. I had trouble sleeping because the spot that the biopsies were taken from was sore and I couldn't get comfortable. I went up to Wegman's for Yogurt and milk, dropped them off at home, then drove to Shoprite. They had their brand of Energy Drinks on sale and I wanted to get a couple of 6 packs.
I drove up through the back streets and came up behind this guy.
He had a mask but I had a sore mouth. Sorry.
Point, press, Flash
My mouth was still sore but I did feel better. I had a new attitude now. Anything goes.
No more Restrictions.
