dughlas

Sometimes in life things go better than expected. About a month ago my dad had a routine echocardiogram. The results showed that one, possibly two of his heart valves needed replacement. He had a consult with a cardiac surgeon about what would be involved. The first step was a catheterization procedure to test the pressure on both sides of the valves. That procedure happened yesterday and all went smoothly. They inserted catheters in through his neck, right wrist ang up the left side of his groin. The doctor who did the procedure said that the cardiac team still needs to confer over the results but his reccomendation will be the valves not be replaced. The earlier tests indicated severe damage but the results yesterday indicate only moderate damage. The earlier echo shows a shadow on dad's lung so he had a consult with a pulmonologist who ordered a second echo specific to the lung to happen on Monday. Thought is it is an infection. Dad has COPD.

A chai latte is my preferred drink on those raw wet days in late autumn and early spring.

This was a very early model first developed when most men wore full body bathing costumes.

Ahh yes, their Gold Rush years. I understand their dance cards were filled every night

It has been an interesting day. I believe I mentioned before that mum has macular degeneration in both eyes and the treatment is periodic injections. She had an appointment last Wednesday afternoon for this current round but because the pressure in her left eye was too great the shots were rescheduled for today and she was given drops to help reduce the pressure. Tuesday the office called to tell her that ophthalmologist had left the practice as of last Thursday. They rescheduled her appointment to yesterday morning. She went to that appointment and was told that the pressure was improved and she could have the shots. However, there is now only one dictor in the practice qualified to give them. He is normally in the practice's other office 30+ miles away. She was given the an appointment in that office at 11:50am today. We made the 45 minute drive each way and mum was there slightly over 2 hrs. She did get the shots and she said the doctor was pleasant and competent. I know it wasn't 7 hours at the ER but it was 4 hours out of the middle of the day. Thistle was very happy to see us when we picked him up from puppy camp. Fortunately she doesn't need the next shots for 5-6 weeks and we'll be in PA. She has previously seen a retina specialist there a couple of times when visiting me so that shouldn't be a problem.

We are under a watch for potential wildfires until at least tomorrow evening. April was exceedingly dry, current relative humidity is low and it's windy.

Yeah. I'm not cute. I'm simply adorable.

Good. It's best to know what's ahead rather than speculating.

I'm the one sitting back and coolly observing whilst Marty is considering his wager.

Wouldn't civics fall under history/social? It did in my HS. Of course that was the early 70's.

Was he cute? If so perhaps it's his pickup technique. Bet it would work with Clo, especially if one of those pizzas was meatlovers.

A most excellent chapter. I wonder how many of your other readers were expecting a ring. Nice to see CJ in action again. I am a very firm believer that every high school, public and private, should be required to provide a yearlong class in US civics and a passing grade be a requirement for graduation. Far too many don't really understand how our country was designed to function.

Two thoughts ... I'm very glad your mom's situation wasn't dire enough to require more urgent treatment and that for now things seem to be okay. Add any cute young interns to the herd?

While I'm sorry for the diagnosis I am glad you needn't wait longer for the results. While for you this is a major issue it could have been more serious. One of mum's best friends was diagnosed with bowel cancer and had surgery earlier this spring. Soon after they found stage 3 cancer in her lung. Removal isn't an option due to her advanced age and because it would require removing the entire lung. She just had a port installed to begin chemo. Mum and I are cautiously hopeful. For this reason I am very glad for you and Steve and us too, that despite the seriousness of the surgery your cancer should be more easily dealt with. You have our best thoughts and prayers.

As I think would Garjah ...

My dorm RA my freshman year of college was salt 'n pepper gray before age 22 and more silver than black when he graduated 5 months later.

I had about a half dozen silver threads on my crown before I hit double digits in age. They were considered a lucky sign. I believe they were amongst the first to fall out.

Mum sends you her best Albert.

I'm not sure Val needs more character ...

I got mine cut yesterday. The silver is less noticeable.

Glad to hear your dietary changes have wrought good results. Congrats. Hope the furlough issue resolves as well. Mum sends congrats too.

Don't be sad @Myr. I as I recall folks grumbled about the previous ones too. Change just means we need to adjust.

I'm not particularly fond of them but not sure I'd say they're ugly.

I'm glad the early stories are finding new readers ... those early works so how much both CJ and you have grown and matured with time. I own a couple of pottery pieces that embarass the person who made them. She claims they're so rough and clunky. Me, I like them for that very reason. Next to her later work it shows how her talent and skill developed.