I blogged about my surgery to remove skin cancer. The bandage that covers the wound is the size of Texas. The magnitude of the "tissure removal" surprised me as did the stitches. The real surprise was the black eye. The nurse mumbled something like "you are probably going to have a black eye as a result of the surgery. It took a day or two but one eye turned totally black from blood drainage near the eye. I think I qualify for "doctor abuse".
The voice of the Green Bay Packers, Jim Irwin died last Sunday. He was one of those personalities that made you feel like you knew him personally. About 7-8 months ago, there was a news story about Jim having cancer (I think kidney) and that he was undergoing treatment. The prognosis was good. It reminded me of my sister Addie where they keep offering encouragement but the cancer suddenly took over and the end came quickly.
Under the subject of fairness, Joe Paterno died Sunday. As Penn State coach, he celebrated 45 years as leader of the football team. I only know he was a good guy. He cared about people. He donated money and time to make Penn State special. And then! And then 10 years ago an assistant coach reported he had seen another coach sexually assaulting a young football player. Paterno apparently did as he should have and reported the incident to two officials of the University. The officials did nothing and the issue faded away. Paterno was fired for not following up on the incident. I don't know if Paterno knew what his responsibilites were? The result was more sexual assaults over time. The fairness relates to a man living his life with dignity, respect and dedication being fired by the University for "not following up" on an incident. The sexual incidents are abhorable but more responsible University officials failed to act. The final sadness is that Paterno died of cancer several months after the incident. I am sure stress accelerated the cancer. It doesn't seem fair that a lifetime of good is "dumped like it doesnt matter" for a situation where Joe reported properly but did not follow up. Who said life is fair?
I'm scheduled tomorrow for my "family doctor" for a regular 6 month checkup (who knows what pills he will prescribe this time), I get the stitches removed from the surgery next Thursday, and I get to have another minor skin surgery the following Monday. Are we having fun yet?
I think what I need to do it give my attitude a boost. I can purchase a 3D (also plays in 2D) flat screen 60 inch plasma 1080p HD television set. If I add mind blowing surround sound hooked to a prologic system, I can drown my dumpy feelings. Oh yeah, I can order an Apple I Pod with "apps" that control all electronics from one source (no more remote controls). Yeah, right! That all is going to happen.
Somehow the most important thing in my life is to get rid of this black eye. Nothing complicated about that.
Love,
Dad
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