Old Dog, New Tricks ........

I've been off the grid for a little over 4 months now and no one's noticed. I'm gonna chalk that up to the pandemic. No one notices anything anymore except how far apart they are from others and whether those people are wearing masks. But I have to be honest here - I didn't have any impact on things outside of my immediate family circle anyway. Except for staging those Events for the DHS of course, and I haven't heard from them since last year.

I went in to RWJ in New Brunswick for the jaw surgery on Monday, July 26th. I don't remember anything from the time I was hooked up until I woke up in the ICU the next morning with a tracheotomy tube in my neck and a feeding tube in my stomach. I spent the next 3 days there under observation before being moved to a room. The nurses were constantly coming by to feed me through one tube or make sure I was able to still breathe through the other. I have a very vivid memory of gasping for air and almost dying before a nurse removed the inner camula part of the trach tube to clean it, but I may be blowing that out of proportion. I was allowed visitors, which was good for me, but I had to write everything down since I wasn't able to speak.

On Wednesday, August 11th, I was transferred by ambulance to a rehab facility down near Princeton. Just my luck, I got there just as they went into lockdown because several staff members tested positive. I spent my Birthday with a few family members on opposite sides of a hallway window. The days were long - broken up by tube feedings every 6 hours, trach cleanings 3 times a day, and several types of therapy to be able to move around on my own. There was also a speech therapist who spent a few sessions with me, and I was able to utter a few syllables but still relied heavily on a clip board and paper to communicate. I had several off-site doctor follow ups in New Brunswick that my ex-wife and/or daughter picked me up for and one long day in the Emergency Room - unnecessarily in my opinion - when a nurse thought that my lip looked swollen. Again, my ex-wife was in my room when this came up and drove me down rather than have me wait hours for an ambulance to transport me. 

A little over a month later - Monday, September 20th - I was discharged. It would've been a week earlier, but they couldn't get a commitment for at-home care by a visiting nurse service due to the demand during the virus crisis. Once that was done, my ex and her husband took me in while I continued my recovery. For the next few weeks, I had visits from a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, a speech therapist, and a nurse. The therapists' visits only lasted about a month, but the nurse has been coming weekly. She checks my vitals and makes sure my trach tube is clean and my airway isn't clogged. 

I've learned how to remove the inner part of the trach by myself and have been doing that religiously every day. I also do the tube feedings on my own - every 3 hours from 9 AM to 9 PM. I'm still on a lot of different meds for a lot of different reasons and these can only be taken through the feeding tube. My anti-reject ones are in liquid form so I have to measure those out carefully, but the others are not. These I have to crush, and we picked up a handy little, inexpensive gadget to do that at Walgreen's. 

October brought some more changes. Friday the 15th I was back at RWJ for some more surgery - this time to remove some of the scar tissue from my tongue. It was a same-day kind of thing, and I was back at my ex's by the evening. Tuesday the 26th, I went in for a Swallow Test and failed miserably. The only time I managed to get something down it went into the wrong pipe. I had a follow up with my doctor on November 2nd and he set me up for a speech/swallow evaluation on the 4th. That went better than expected and I agreed to a series of weekly sessions that would, hopefully, get me back to at least being able to ingest soft foods like yogurt, soups, ice cream, etc. 

During all of this, I was steadily getting my strength back and was driving myself around to wherever I needed to be. I also was stopping back at my place as often as possible - on my own - to pick up my mail and bring back some clothes and stuff that I had accumulated over my time away. The first time I did this, I checked to see if anyone had been there but I couldn't tell. All I knew was that the Flasher that I'd hidden in a flour canister in the kitchen was still there. I left it.

I've been getting better with verbal communicating and, although I still carried around the clipboard, I tried speaking with whomever I was dealing with. Sometimes I found myself getting frustrated but I knew that if I spoke more slowly I could make it work. Sometimes it did. I did however still have a problem with phone calls and had to rely on my ex to make them for me. For instance, she helped to make my 8:30 appointment yesterday for a haircut. 

I was early and my barber was working on another customer but I enjoyed watching his process. My turn came up about 15 minutes passed my appointment time but I didn't mind. There really is something fascinating watching a master craftsman ply his trade. While I was in the chair another customer came in - a man about my age or maybe a little older. When the barber saw him, he told Alexa to switch the music to a station that played the oldies. I smiled at that, and the other guy commented that things sure had changed since he was young. The barber made some comments to the effect that we could never have predicted those changes and they got into a discussion. I stayed out of it - just listening, nodding at times, and smiling.

I've been thinking a lot about that conversation. Yes, there have been changes but some of them were predicted and most of them - as I see it - are just the natural progression of things. It's how we keep going, how we keep getting better at what we need to do. I admit that there are things I'd rather not change and I try to juggle both the old and the new. For example, I prefer a real book over a Kindle but I do have one and I know how to use it. I know some people who refuse to accept changes and they are being slowly left behind. I don't want that to happen to me. There are so many things I want to do and see. I may be old but I'm adaptable. 

After all, I believe you can teach an old dog new tricks.

 The First Time ..........

I was feeling pretty upbeat over the last weekend in June. After all, it looked like I'd found a doctor who would be able to do something about my jaw problem. Things took a slight turn on the Monday, June 28th, when the Otolaryngologist, Dr. I, called. The test results from the biopsy showed that there was cancer in the jaw. He asked me to get a PET scan done and I was able to schedule it in RWJ Rahway on Wed 7/7 at 8:30.

Wednesday the 30th, I had an 11:00 appointment with the Dermatologist, Dr. S., in Edison. I only scheduled it because my Cardiologist had insisted when I met with them last month. He looked me over but it was me who pointed out a few small growths on my arm. He said they weren't serious and he'd cut them out. I didn't want that but I did agree  to letting him freeze them. I did not make a follow up appointment. Frankly, I was disappointed but it's not the first time with him.

I spent the Sunday the 4th of July at a quiet, little family gathering. Because of my jaw problems, I couldn't really enjoy any of the food but I did enjoy the company.

Tuesday July 6th, I drove up to Rahway for a scheduled visit with my Radiation Oncologist, Dr. K.. He took a quick look and I told him about what was happening with my jaw. There was nothing he could do, of course, and I wound up making a follow-up appointment in July. Another disappointing visit and I'm seriously thinking of cancelling July.

Wednesday the 7th, I drove back up to Rahway for the PET Scan I'd scheduled at RWJ. On the way up, I saw the crew at the Avenel Fire Department working on one of their trucks.

I've seen them out there before but this was the first time I'd seen anyone on top of the truck. Pretty Cool!

PET scans take a bit longer because they have to inject me with a radioactive dye and then I wait about 45 minutes. I knew that, of course, since this wasn't my first time. I waited a little while afterwards so I'd have the disc to take with me.

Friday the 9th, I was back down at Dr. I's office for an 8:30 appointment. 

He took the disc and checked it out. He then explained that because of the cancer and the radiation damage he and his partner would have to remove then reconstruct my jaw. He would do the operation and his partner would do the reconstruction. I met the partner, Dr. B., who explained that he'd need to remove some bone from either my leg or my shoulder and asked me to get a CT scan of my leg. We agreed to Monday 7/26 as the tentative operation date.

Things were quiet for a few days and on Wednesday 7/14 I drove back down to RWJ New Brunswick for the CT Scan. I left early, as usual, and wound up getting stuck behind this guy.

I still got there in plenty of time and, although it was slightly different from what I'm used to, it wasn't my first scan. I waited for the disc and drove home.

Saturday the 17th, I slept in a little which was great. I really didn't need to go anywhere but I thought that a nice drive around would be fun. Of course, things don't always work out. When I opened my apartment door I saw a young guy from upstairs trying to open the vestibule door with a knife. Apparently, the lock was broken and we couldn't get the door open. I called the building owners and left a message. I called the super and left a message. I called the police and the fire departments but they said it wasn't an emergency situation so they couldn't help. I went back into my apartment and actually had to let a neighbor woman climb out my living room window (I'm on the first floor) and she was able to reach the fire escape ladder so she could get to work. After about another hour, a younger guy from down the hall got it open using a screwdriver and taped it up.

That's the first time that has ever happened to me. I still didn't need anything but I felt I should go out anyway.

Tuesday the 20, on the spur of the moment, I stopped for a haircut. I had to wait about 10 minutes but the air conditioner was working. 

Wednesday the 21st, I had an appointment with my Urologist, Dr. N., in Edison. I was there at 10 for a 10:30 appointment but he was running late and I didn't see him until 11:30. Things checked out well and they drew blood for a PSA test. I was frustrated when I left because I always seem to have to wait a long time for him and as I drove out I passed this guy.

Wrong place, wrong time.

Point, press, Flash.

I drove home.

Yesterday, my Daughter picked me up and we drove back to New Brunswick. I had Pre-admission Testing at 7:30 and an appointment with Dr. B at 9:30. What was good was that they were in the same building. I went through another EKG, some more blood work, and a bunch of health related questions from 2 separate people. It was not the first time I'd done this and it went smoothly. Dr. B. saw us early and filled in some details on what I could expect. It looks like the surgery will take close to 12 hours and he'll be taking the bone from my shoulder. I'll be in the ICU after that for a day or 2, then get moved to a room for the rest of the time. He said it would probably be from 7 to 10 days total. I left feeling somewhat reassured and I think my Daughter was feeling better, too. When she dropped me off, she lent me a small suitcase I could use.

Today I slept in again. It was a beautiful, slightly cooler morning and I was feeling good when I went out to run some errands. I stopped at a few places and picked up a few things. I finished up at the Walmart Pharmacy, picking up a few renewed prescriptions. When I got home, I had breakfast and read the paper. As I went to get up I saw this.

Even though I've been told not to bring anything with me, I still need to pack for my hospital stay. Now, I've been hospitalized for extended periods several times before but I never had to pack for myself. 

This is going to be the first time.

.

 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.

 I Got This ...........

I live alone. I've lived alone for over 20 years now. I like it, especially since most of my time now is completely free. I've reached the point where my doctor appointments are few and far between. In fact, I only had 3 between the end of April and now.

Monday, April 25th, I had a 10:15 appointment with my Radiologist in Rahway. It was a little later then I usually liked but I've been sleeping in lately because of spending my nights awake due to insomnia. I got there early, of course, and they called me in right away. I knew there was nothing he was going to do because of the ONJ problem but it was reassuring to know that there'd been no change to the size of the tumor inside by my right ear. He told me that he'd spoken to the Oral Surgeon that I'd seen and said that it sounded like he had a plan. I left there feeling a little better and took the long way back through Metuchen to see if they'd opened their library yet. I saw this woman coming towards me. She was an older woman moving briskly on her way back, I assumed, from shopping.

I didn't see a mask but I wasn't in the mood to do anything. I stopped at the library but they were still closed to the public.

Not much happened over the next week or so. I was spreading out the chores and errands I had to do so that I had something to do every day. The weather continued to be changeable - going from cold and cloudy to sunny and warm pretty quickly. One day on my way back down Amboy Avenue I came up behind this guy. He had his head down as if checking something on his cell phone. He wasn't wearing a mask.

We were right by the train tracks, a pretty wide open but desolate area. I didn't see anyone around so I took the chance.

Point, press, Flash

I continued on Amboy, turned left on Main, then bore left onto Rahway and headed home.

Tuesday, May the 4th, I had an 11:15 appointment with the Oral Surgeon in Edison and my Daughter drove me. He pulled a really loose tooth and gave me a couple of prescriptions but had no further news for me. He explained to my Daughter and I what the prognosis for ONJ was, that it would probably require bone replacement surgery, and that he was going to contact someone he knows in New York. The same stuff he'd told me before but at least this time my Daughter was there to hear it too. I agreed to a follow-up in a couple of weeks but felt frustrated again.

I got up the next morning still feeling frustrated and every little inconvenience was starting to annoy me. When I went out to my car, there was another one parked behind me - illegally. That just added to my mood until I saw that he'd been ticketed.

Good. That made me feel better.

My improved mood lasted until I went back to the Oral Surgeon on Thursday, May 13th. My problem is definitely ONJ and he'd passed on my information to his New York colleague. I asked if he knew of anyone out here who could do the same thing - after all there must be at least 5 hospitals in Middlesex County alone. He demurred and gave me the contact info for New York. Now I was annoyed again. I tried to calm myself down by driving back through Iselin. It was a bright, warm day and the music on the radio was cheering me up. That's when I noticed this bike rider without a mask.

I couldn't resist.

Point, press, Flash

I was in a better mood the rest of the way home.

I fell back into my daily routine pretty quickly. I'm a creature of habit after all and there is some comfort in routine. I was still annoyed that the Oral Surgeon was reluctant to name anyone in Middlesex County who could help me so I spent some time researching it online. I found an Oral Surgery Group in New Brunswick whose website specifically mentions Bone Replacement. I contacted them, discussed the problem, and made an appointment for Monday June 14th at 12. From what I could see on the map I have an idea of where they're located but I may ask a friend to drive me anyway. 

To hedge my bets, I contacted the guy in New York that was recommended by the Oral Surgeon I saw. The Office Administrator was vague but I did make an appointment for Monday June 21st at 1. She said that initial visit would cost about $400. I'm hoping that New Brunswick comes through.

Thursday the 20th, the Township started milling and paving Rahway Avenue right in front of my apartment. This meant that there would be no parking allowed along a 3 block stretch until they were done. All those cars would now be looking for spaces where I usually park. I wasn't happy, but I had places to go. I ran my errands for the next couple of days but was rerouted on my way home. 

I had to get off Rahway Avenue and make a series of turns to get back to Claire Street and look for a space.

They didn't work on the Saturday or Sunday but Monday they were back and had the side streets closed off again. 

There were no large trucks out front but the police had the all the access roads blocked.

They were there for the next 2 days and I was out, adapting my route based on what street was open. I found a decent parking spot each day which surprised me. What surprised me more, however, was that I wasn't frustrated but was doing things on my own to solve my problems.

Yesterday, I stopped at Dunkin Donuts for coffee and this young guy came in without a mask. I was annoyed but I was inside already. I waited in my car until he came out and got into his work van. I was going to do something but I noticed this woman. She was sitting on a bench out in front, maskless, with a wide-open view of the whole lot.

I would be seen, I was sure. Instead, I followed him up into Avenel where I saw him park in front of a house where he appeared to be working. I drove around the block and parked across the street. I was going to take out the van but, looking around, I saw this jogger in my side-view mirror. She was closing quickly.

I changed my plans and followed her.

Point, press, Flash

I went back to running my errands for the day.

This morning I was out a little later then usual but I was feeling lazy and the weather was good. I noticed that my front, driver's side tire looked low so I stopped at the Quick Chek to use their air pump. Either it didn't work or the tire was really bad. I tried the air pump at Wawa's with the same result. I wound up going to Atlantic Tire in Avenel. The guy took a look and found a nail imbedded and he said he'd fix it instead of selling me a new one.

He wasn't wearing a mask - in fact, none of the people at the shop were - but I kept my distance and he did save me some money. I paid for the fix and tipped him $5.

Driving back through Avenel  I saw this guy jogging in my direction.

No mask and wearing headphones so he can't hear if anyone comes up behind him. I was feeling good about the tire and passed him.

I drove around a little longer with the windows open and the music on. I was feeling at peace with things. I was feeling good now. I've proven to myself that I can veer from my routine without frustration. I can adapt when I need to. 

I know I have some things coming up in June but they're weeks away. I'll deal with them then. 

I got this.

 Let It Rain .....

Spring, so far, has been sort of a hit-or-miss proposition. We've had sunny days and rainy days. We've had warm days and chilly days. We've had every possible combination. What we haven't had is any real change in the Pandemic situation. Masks and Social Distancing are still the norm and even I - a self-proclaimed anti-social person - am starting to miss the conventional contacts we used to have.

Monday, March 21st, was a bright sunny day and I went out early to run some errands. First stop - the Post Office on Main Street to mail some bills. As soon as I pulled up I saw this guy heading towards me, probably on his way to the train station.

No mask. I was so annoyed that I just drove away and went the Post Office in Avenel.

I didn't have anything to do for a couple of days but on Wednesday the 24th I had a follow-up with the Radiologist. It was for 10:15 but I left my house around 8:30 hoping to pick up some breakfast at the Quick Chek on Main Street. Of course, things don't always go as planned. I got stopped on Rahway by the construction work.

I waited in the line for about 15 minutes while they moved a bulldozer from one side of the site to another. By the time I could move forward, I'd lost my appetite. 

I got to the Radiologist's at 9:45 and he saw me right away. He felt the side of my face where the tumor is and said there didn't seem to be any change so we should wait until we got some kind of answer from the dentist as to what he could do before going any further. In short, no change.

Sunday the 28th I got some good news. I had a new Granddaughter but, of course, I couldn't see her right away.

April started quietly and on Saturday the 3rd I drove up to Wegman's to pick up some yogurt. They sell their own brand 3 for $.99 which is a great price. Unfortunately, their supply was pretty depleted by the time I got there so I was disappointed. On the way home, I cut through a business complex near the Community Center to get to Main Street and saw this guy out walking.

I got close but he had a mask and I drove past.

I was lucky the next couple of days. The 4th was Easter Sunday and we had a small family get together. Then the 5th was my first Granddaughter's 6th Birthday and we were back together as a family. Those two days really helped me get back to a reasonable sense of normalcy.

I called the dentist's office the following day to get some answers but he was on vacation.

 There was nothing to do until the following week except errands. We were having a stretch of warm, sunny days where people were out.

Some without masks. Annoying.

I called the dentist back on the 13th and he said he couldn't do anything but did refer me to an Oral Surgeon. The earliest appointment I could get was the 24th. 

Now we were in a stretch of cloudy, rainy weather but some people were still out.

This guy was on a bike and wearing shorts on a chilly day but he had a mask. Still annoying.

Saturday the 17th, I drove down to the Library in Hazlet. They were having an outdoor Book Sale and, even though it was very windy out, I couldn't wait.

I took advantage of their $5 A Bag offer and picked up 15 books, 8 of which were YA's for my Daughter to have for her students. The ones I picked out for myself were mostly by writers I knew but I did take a chance on a few new ones. I was feeling good on the way home.

Monday the 19th, I drove down to New Brunswick for Blood Work. It was scheduled for 8 and I got there at 7:40. They actually took me early and I was done and out by 8:10. Add that to getting a good spot in the Parking Garage and free, validated parking and I felt good. I stopped at Dunkin' Donuts on Woodbridge Avenue for breakfast.

My appointment with the Oral Surgeon was on Wednesday the 21st at 11. I got there at 10:40 and wound up having to wait until 11:15 before I was called in by a Nurse. She took me in for x-rays then had me wait in another room for about 10 minutes until the Doctor came in. He took a look at the x-rays then at my mouth. Then he said he would have to speak with my dentist and radiologist before he could offer any solutions. he said he'd call in a few days. I left unsatisfied.

Yesterday, I went back to Wegman's and they'd obviously replenished their yogurt stock. I picked up a great variety that only cost me $5 for 15. Since I was nearby, I stopped at the Dollar Store to see if they had socks. This guy got out of his car and started walking in my direction as soon as I parked.

I didn't know him so I just sat there waiting. As he passed the front of my car he stopped. I thought he was checking out my license plate but he was only putting on his mask. He went on his way and so did I. Now I was getting paranoid.

Today it's raining but I was out early I wasn't the only one.

At least, I thought, I was in a car. I stopped at ShopRite and picked up a few things including the latest issues of my favorite Crossword Magazines. I felt good on the way home.

I've had my breakfast, read the paper, watered the plants, and changed the water in the Fish Bowl. I'm just lying here on the bed watching "Criminal Minds" and trying to decide which book I should read next. And I've been thinking. And I remembered some advice I'd gotten back in the early '80's when I was working at a Call Center. This one client used to call every month to check on the receipt of his Dividend payments but he always called a day early so I couldn't tell him what they were. I'd apologize and he'd say it's OK, that when things didn't go the way he wanted he'd do what the Chinese do when it rains. Of course, I'd have to ask what that was and he'd say he'd let it rain. Then he'd laugh, hang up, and call back the next day.

I'd forgotten about that but I'm remembering now and I understand it. When things don't go your way, especially when they are out of your control, you have to let them go. There's nothing you can do so stressing over them does you no good. 

That's what I'm going to try to do from now on whenever I get annoyed  - 

Let it rain.

 Something New ........

March started off quietly. It was warm one day then cold the next. It would be sunny then cloudy. It was like Mother Nature couldn't make up her mind. It didn't bother me, though. There wasn't much rain to deal with and no snow at all. I was able to go out again and I would stretch out my weekly errands so that I'd have something to do every day. I had the new round of radiation to deal with, but I'd dealt with it before. I had my second Covid shot scheduled but I'd gotten my first already so I knew where to go and what to expect. The only thing I was unsure of was a Dentist appointment coming up. I'd lost a tooth and I thought that I'd have to replace my partial lower denture with a full one. I don't like going to a dentist so I wasn't looking forward to that but I'd do it.

Wednesday, March the 3rd, I drove up to the Radiologist. I had an appointment for 11:30 to have some preliminary x-rays and a mask fitting. Afterwards, we agreed that I'd start my 25 sessions on the following Monday at 9:30. I was enjoying the drive back until this guy showed up.

I heard him coming before I saw him and he just cut in between me and the truck in front without any kind of signal. I was pissed, but there was nothing I could do except honk my horn. He just waved at me. 

I was early for my session on the 8th and they took me in quickly. It went just like the past sessions had except that the mask was very tight. I probably should've said something but I didn't. I figured that I could put up with it for the 10 minutes a day. I took a different route towards home, stopping at the Fresh Grocer on Inman to see if they had the Ham Salad I like. They didn't. Back in my car, I was slightly annoyed and my jaw was sore and I drove on. That's when I saw this guy.

No mask and out here all alone. Wrong place, wrong time.

Point, press, Flash.

I felt better.

Tuesday the 9th, I was at my Radiologist's office early again. This time, I had to wait but that was OK. I always have a book with me. I stopped at Shoprite and picked up the paper and some food. I went home, ate , read the paper, and did the crossword puzzles. Then I walked across the street to my Dentist for my 12:10 appointment. I've lived across from his office for a long time and have come to know several of his staff members. They took x-rays and he probed around for a bit. Then he gave me the news. I have Osteonecrosis of the Jaw. Probably due to the Radiation treatments I've had, the Chemo I went through, and several of the meds I've taken over the years. He said he couldn't do anything for now and would wait until I spoke to the Radiologist. He did give me 3 scrips to have filled.

Wednesday I went up for my scheduled Radiation session but asked to speak to the Doctor instead. I explained what I had been told and he actually called the Dentist to get the specifics. We agreed to postpone treatments and that I would come back in 3 weeks to see how things were. From there, I drove up to the Walmart to fill my prescriptions. I had to wait 1/2 an hour and got 2 out of the 3. The 3rd one they had to call the Dentist for personally. I didn't understand that but what could I do. On the way out of the lot, I noticed this.

I was in just the mood for it.

Point, press, Flash.

I was pretty sure the carrier wouldn't work but I was unsure of the cars. I guess it didn't matter.

The next day, the 11th, I went back for the third scrip. Turns out it was a Lidocaine Mouth Rinse - a local anesthetic to numb the tooth ache. Now I knew why they had to call the Dentist themselves.

That Sunday was the 14th and the start of Daylight Savings Time. I had set the clocks ahead the night before so the only shock was that it was dark when I woke. I stayed in bed a bit longer then usual but the sunlight and warmth were just too inviting. I got dressed and went out for a drive. I passed this guy along the way.

Looked like he was also out enjoying himself. I drove on.

Tuesday the 16th, a friend drove me to the Convention Center in Edison for my 2nd Covid shot. the process went more smoothly then the last time and I was done in 45 minutes including the mandatory 15 minute waiting period. Wednesday was St. Patrick's Day but there was no parade this year and it passed quietly. There had been some worry about a reaction to the vaccine but I had none.

Yesterday was the First Day of Spring and another beautiful day. I went out looking forward to enjoying it. That's when I saw this.

Not only was he parked illegally but he didn't leave me much space to get out. It was pretty open out here and it was very close to home but it was also pretty early and pretty bright. I took a chance.

Point, press, Flash 

It took me a couple of tries but I got out. I picked up a few things, taking the long way between stops, and just enjoying things. That SUV was still there when I got home.

Today was just like yesterday and I enjoyed it. I picked up the paper and a Breakfast Bowl and spent a quiet afternoon watching TV, doing crossword puzzles, reading, napping, and snacking. Just now, I went into the Living Room to feed my fish and took a look out the window.

The SUV was still there.

 I didn't know if the owner had been out to it or not but I was pretty sure he wouldn't be happy when he tried to start it. I'll check again in the morning.

It's a new month and a new season. It seems that no matter how I plan ahead - and no matter what for - I always wind up having to change things around. 

It seems that there's always something new.

 I'll Take This Every Time ......

I started the month with a positive attitude but it hasn't been easy trying to get back to some semblance of normal. It's bad enough that we're all still coping with the Pandemic but then Mother Nature decided to bless us with a massive snow storm.

I had an appointment with my Radiologist on Monday, February 1st which they cancelled. Then I had an appointment at the Dermatologist in Clark on the 2nd which also got cancelled. All I could do was keep looking out the window and shaking my head.

By  the 3rd, the streets had been plowed and the sidewalk had been cleared. I grabbed my shovel and went to dig out/clean off my car.

One look and I knew that wasn't going to happen.

I went back inside, logged into my laptop and checked out a local Woodbridge page on Facebook. I found a guy who would take care of my car. He came around 6 PM with 2 other guys and had me taken care of in 20 minutes.

The best $50 I've ever spent.

Every day since then has been cold and cloudy with snow, rain, or a mixture of both. I was reluctant to move the car because I didn't want to lose the spot but I really needed to pick up some stuff.

I went out on Friday the 5th and gingerly drove through the back streets until I got to Rahway which was much clearer. I stopped at Dunkin's for a hot coffee and noticed this guy.

It was very cold but he didn't seem to mind. He was just sitting there checking his phone without a mask on. Unfortunately, we were out in the open. I went in, got my coffee, and left.

 Tuesday the 9th, a friend drove me up to Clark for the Mohs process. It's a way of dealing with a carcinoma on the side of my face that my regular Dermatologist couldn't handle. I found out that it would take 4 to 6 hours with repeated injections of a local anesthetic and might still require surgery and a  plastic surgeon. After that, I'd have to have radiation. I decided to postpone the treatment and wait and see what my Radiologist had to say.

Another stretch of bad weather kept me home more often then not for the next week or so. I did take quick trips to pick up food but I was never out long. All the parking lots were bracketed by large walls of snow...

and there were very few people out walking, jogging, etc., except for a few annoyed looking individuals I saw walking their dogs. I spent a lot of  the time reading, doing crossword puzzles, snacking, and napping.

Wednesday the 17th I went to the Radiologist. He agreed that his was the best course of action but wanted me to get a CT scan of my face and neck first. We scheduled it for the upcoming Monday at RWJ in Rahway. 

The next day, Friday the 18th, I stopped at Dunkin's again and  noticed this red car.

This time it was a couple of guys just having their breakfast but inside like normal people.  I bought my coffee and a Blueberry Muffin, toasted, with butter.

Sunday the 20th was different. the sun was shining and it felt warmer. I couldn't wait to get outside. I drove around slowly, listening to the radio and just enjoying the day. I still didn't come across anyone but I did notice that some people still hadn't dug out their cars since the beginning of the month.

I'm guessing they're gonna have some real problems when the cars are finally clear.

That Monday, the 22, I drove up to Rahway for my 12:30 CT Scan. It wasn't as sunny but it was still warm.  On the way up I noticed this guy.

I had to smile. Here was another guy who couldn't wait to get out of the house.

Tuesday the 23rd I drove over to the Convention Center in Edison to get my 1st Covid shot.

There was a long line but it moved quickly and I was out in just under an hour including the mandatory 15 minute wait period. It had rained a little while I was inside but it was nicer now.

Wednesday the 24th I was back at the radiologist. He said that the CT scan was clean which meant the carcinoma was localized and we agreed that I'd come back the following Wednesday to start the process.

Thursday the 25th was another beautiful, sunny day and I started seeing others out and about.

Today is another crisp, clear, sunny day. I was going to do my wash but put it off until tomorrow. Instead, I decided to hit a few supermarkets to stock up on a few items. I took my time, heading down Main Street to Wegman's for their yogurt special. Up ahead I saw this guy crossing the street.

He didn't seem to be in any hurry. He wasn't wearing a mask but he was too far away for me to do anything. I dropped the yogurt off at my place then headed up Rahway towards ShopRite. I saw this guy heading towards me.

Another no-masker but this time I could act.

Point, press, Flash.

I continued on my way thinking "Was this how it's gonna be? I know that most people found masks have been helpful during the cold weather we had but will they stop now that it's getting warmer?" I hope not.  I picked up some sale items and went home.

Sure, I'm looking at about 8 weeks of radiation treatment, my 2nd Covid shot, and some blood work coming up. Nothing I haven't done before and nothing that starts for at least 5 more days.

Sure there are other things that are still up in the air. I haven't heard from Doyle or Murphy; Jones hasn't contacted me or sent Welles to tell me anything; and, as far as I know, Gordon is still out there.

None of that matters. 

The sun is out, the air is warm, the snow is melting, the radio station is playing some great tunes from back in the day, and people are outside again - including me. 

I'll take this every time.