I went back to work for the week and kept my client entertained with stories of my road trip. She loved the small souvenirs I brought back. She filled me in on the doctor appointments and all that happened while I was gone. She blamed me for her busy schedule and we laughed quite a bit. We did not end the week on a great note as I advised her I was taking a leave of absence (more on that to follow) for a bit.
As many of you know I have written this blog for over 15 years and provided lots of stories along the way. Well, I'm going to tell you a long story. Let me just say that life got very real for me in September and I'm bringing you along for the journey. Several years ago I had a fabulous hairdresser named Gina who noticed I had a mole on my scalp (first person ever to tell me). She took pictures and advised she would keep an eye on it. Well, life got in the way for both of us and I forgot about it. She sent me the pictures and I sent to my doctor for the record.
Fast forward to September 2022. I noticed over the past year or two, I had a bump on my head (thought it might be where the mole was, but not sure). The bump did not bother me until a few months ago when it started to itch, ache and grow. Again, forgot about it as I dealt with the broken arm and such over the summer. I finally remembered to talk to my doctor about it and she immediately made me an appointment for the dermatologist. I was shocked to have an appointment the following week. The dermatologist examined and took about a dozen pictures, brought in another dermatologist to examine as well. They both decided not to do a biopsy and to refer me to a dermatologist/oncologist. Now I started to get a bit alarmed. When I called for the appointment I was told it would be December. So I emailed the dermatologist to advise her and thought perhaps it's not that bad. She wrote back immediately and said: nope, you will be contacted today with a much sooner appointment. I ended up with an appointment for the following week and was told to bring someone as I would be having a biopsy right then and there. I met with the doctor (very nice/knowledgeable); she provided lots of information about moving forward and she got to work. I was numbed up and had a hole punched into the middle of the bump within minutes. I advised her I was headed out for a road trip for a few weeks in October so to keep this in mind for planning purposes. Again, I was holding my breath that it was nothing. I was sent home with a stitch or two and a bandage wrapped around my head.
Bottom line before I headed out for the road trip, I was advised I have a malignant melanoma - believe me since that call I have done lots of research. I was called several times while on the road trip to coordinate schedules and procedures upon my return. I am scheduled for surgery tomorrow (Monday) morning. I was told they will have to drill into the bone to ensure removal, I may have to have scalp reconstruction and my hair in that area will not grow back. Guess I'll be wearing hats as I don't want a wig. Because of the schedule I am not having a pet scan until the week following surgery to see if the cancer has spread.
Now for the kicker, as part of pre-op I had to test on Friday for Covid. After all this time of caution and mask wearing and avoiding crowds as much as possible - I tested positive. I even isolated myself the past week as a precaution to the test. The positive result may cause the surgery to rescheduled but I won't know until later today or tomorrow.. I am so damn angry. I even wore a mask everywhere on the road trip. I just want the surgery done so I can move forward to the next step.
I will say I was determined to have a darn good road trip and I did. The person that knew about my diagnosis is my BFF Patti. I swore her to secrecy as I wanted to have fun and not worry and I did not want any one fawning over me. We whispered a few times as calls came in from doctors/nurses. Don't be mad at her for not telling as she honored my request. (My boss knew as well because I wanted her to plan for a caregiver for my client as I take a leave of absence.) My client is very concerned, but has added me to her prayers and blessed me with holy water before I left on Friday. She is mad that I waited until Friday before I told her, but I kept telling her my time with her is about her and not me. Then of course, I had to let her know I tested positive for Covid...now she's extremely anxious.
Please do not worry about me as I will post updates on FB or via blog when I can - maybe even provide a couple of fun stories. Please know I am a very realistic person and have about 90% of my life in order. I've been praying a bit and I know my angels are around as they show me signs. Don't be surprised if I don't answer calls or respond to messages right away. Now that's enough life stuff for today.
This past week I finished reading: "HER FINAL BREATH" by Robert Dugoni (part of the Tracy Crosswhite series) - murder/mayhem. "HOUNDED" and "WHO LET THE DOG OUT" by David Rosenfelt (part of the Andy Carpenter series - law and order with a touch of sass. Also caught up on a few of the shows I missed while away.
The daily and wacky holidays for the week...provides something lighthearted to think about:
October 30
National Candy Corn Day
Mischief Night
October 31
Carve a Pumpkin Day – no surprise here
Halloween
Increase Your Psychic Powers Day
November Monthly Celebrations
- Aviation History Month
- Child Safety Protection Month
- International Drum Month
- National Adoption Awareness Month
- National Caregivers Appreciation Month
- National Diabetes Awareness Month
- National Epilepsy Month
- National Model Railroad Month
- National Novel Writing Month
- Native American Heritage Month
- Peanut Butter Lovers Month
- Real Jewelry Month
- National Sleep Comfort Month
- World Vegan Month
- Week 1 Chemistry Week
- Week 3 Game and Puzzle Week
November 1
All Saint’s Day
Dios Los Muertos, a two-day celebration on November 1 and 2
National Author’s Day
World Vegan Day
November 2
All Soul’s Day
Deviled Egg Day
Look for Circles Day
Plan Your Epitaph Day
November 3
Cliché Day
Housewife’s Day
Men Make Dinner Day – first Thursday of the Month
Sandwich Day
November 4
Check Your Blood Pressure Day
King Tut Day
Use Your Common Sense Day
November 5
Book Lovers Day – first Saturday of the month
Gunpowder Day
Guy Fawkes Day
National Bison Day – the first Saturday in November
Pumpkin Destruction Day – first Saturday after Halloween
I am leaving it here for today. I started putting this together last night as I knew I had a lot to say. If you read the entire way through - thanks for hanging in there. I hope you have a good week. Take care. Chat soon. Stay Strong. Marie
"The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it." - ~C.C. Scott
"Feed your faith and your fears will starve to death." - ~Anonymous
"Once you choose hope, anything's possible." - ~Christopher Reeve