The Transition Times

I’ve heard ya. Ya wanna know the results of the tests. Well, I’ve been putting off telling you because . . . I’ve been trying to figure it all out.

Two doctors, Dr. Gynecologist and Dr. Gynecological Oncologist, think the softball is merely an ovarian cyst (no cancer). Both are 99% sure about it. But, neither is willing to stick a needle in it for fear of spilling cancer cells in my abdomen.

And, that’s all they agree on.

Dr. Gyn thinks it needs to be taken out. He wants to do a laparoscopic procedure where he wraps the cyst in a bag before pulling it out. He also says that the cyst is unrelated to the pain in my abdomen that sent me to the doc in the first place.

Dr. Gyn-Onc says the cyst is causing the pain and much of the bladder problems I’m having. He also says that I shouldn’t have the laparoscopic procedure because the necessary anesthesia isn’t well tolerated by people with MS. The surgery he would do involves a large incision to remove both ovaries and three to four days in the hospital. There is no rush to have it done — its up to me when it gets done.

I’ve known Dr. Gyn a lot longer than Dr. Gyn-Onc. But, Dr. Gyn-Onc knows about the anesthesia/MS problem — that gives him double credibility in my book.

So . . . what’s next? Another opinion? I’m rather afraid of getting a third opinion.

At the moment, I’m letting my body decide. When it decides to quit binge eating and loose a lot of weight, then I’ll be ready for the knife.

Today is the day I always quote my husband,

“Be thankful you don’t get all the government you pay for.”

Had an unbelievable restaurant experience today. There’s a place in town that became a favorite almost as soon as it moved into Mint Hill a few years ago. Every time I’ve been thinking about trying it out, the parking lot was full. Today, at 4:45pm, all of the handicap parking spaces were empty! Of course, I pulled in. Before I got out of the van, five more vehicles pulled in. I felt a need to rush in the door.

I was rather surprised by the clientele. Never before have I seen three power wheelchairs (not scooters) in a restaurant at the same time. Then again, I don’t usually dine at a diner at 5:00.

So, while the waitress was taking my order another waitress came over, going, “Ohhh! Isn’t he cute!”

My waitress stopped her and said, “You’re not supposed to pet.” I was shocked! Then to me, “I bet you get that a lot. I bet its really annoying.” I was nodding enthusiastically. By the time my dinner arrived, the waitresses were stopping customers from “harassing the dog.”

You bet I’m going back! Gave my waitress a good tip, too.

Drove up to my bro’s place today. Kept telling Benny that he was going to have a good time — running, playing with the other dogs, etc.

Bro’ and I were in the vineyard looking at all the buds popping out. I glanced around to see where Benny had wandered off to.

He was definitely having a great time. His feet were waving in the air so enthusiastically!

Ohhhh Noooo! He had gotten under the electric fence into the cow pasture! Groan! He was green and the fur on his ruff was standing in spikes!

It took a while to get the hose on him (he’s not a fan of water). Vic added lots of shampoo. Benny wasn’t terribly cooperative.

I had a couple of old towels in the trunk, dried Benny with one. The other, Vic spread across the back of Benny’s seat in the van.

What a long drive home! Fortunately, my eyes didn’t water too much so I could see where I was going.

Thankfully, there’s an exterior door in our Master Bath. I closed the door to the bedroom and blocked the dog door so Benny had no chance to go anywhere other than the shower.

Done two loads of laundry. One for the towels after his bath and the other for the towels in the van (along with my socks). One of the towels looks like it is permanently stained.

His collar and seat harness got hand washed. Hopefully enough.

Lisa will be here in the morning. We’ll be cleaning my chair — Benny shook just after being hosed.

Through it all (I must compliment Sara), she kept her lunch down.  The other ladies of the house were fortunate enough to be in bed with severe allergies.  And their dogs were inside with them.