Ah, the greatly increased chances of requiring surgery as we get older, yes? Six months ago I had a small spot on my upper lip test positive for Basal Cell Carcinoma, and finally had the surgery two days ago to remove it, followed by reconstructive surgery yesterday. There was considerably more cancer than what showed up on the surface, so removal was more invasive and reconstruction more complicated. Now patience is required as the body heals. After spending years in our teens, 20s and 30s basking in “invincibility”, we’re now faced with what to do with our deteriorating bodies.
I suspect I’m not the only one who thinks through the future with a little more scrutiny following surgery, especially as they are cutting out life-threatening material from the body. Check out Post #46.
Update a week after surgery (dated Oct 5). Been taking it easy the past few days keeping things clean and letting the area heal with the benefit of stitches which come out in two days. Biggest challenge is eating without disturbing the affected area (not so easy when the stitches extend well into the mouth). I considered posting a picture of the stitched up area for the 1-2 of you reading this, but thought better.
Different subjects (dated Oct 2). Been a tough first nine months of the year for retirement nest eggs. Our risk tolerance is being tested. The nest eggs will recover in time.
And then there’s Hurricane Ian. Some incredible damage around Ft. Myers, Naples, and other southern Florida locations. This is why we changed our retirement location. Now a smaller version of Ian is about to hit South Carolina. We all have friends in these locations.
If I’m going to have a bad news post, it’s going to be short. Better news is coming, I’m sure.