SUMMER 2023 /SUMMER OF SURGERIES

DEAR FRIENDS,

I have celebrated my 80 birthday. Jennifer and I went out to eat with Jason. He comes back home frequently. Nathan usually makes an annual visit. As we were sitting in the restaurant, Nathan came in the place. WHAT A SURPRISE!

After dinner, we drove over to an area of Cedar Rapids that we were not aware of. It was enjoyable. Nate has now gone back home and his flights were perfect. He was in at his apartment around 2 pm. He left at 9 AM this morning.

Since the beginning of this year, we have had the following: Jason won a 50 thousand dollar award. I got published. Jennie is tutoring a fellow from the Ivory Coast, She has friends and they go out together often.

Another cat came to our house and he is very tame. Buddy our other cat is getting more comfortable with the new cat named Scout.

I was getting vision problems, so I went to an optometrist. I got new glasses and he indicated that I had cataracts. So I went to one doctor and he accidentally knicked my eye. I could not see and I was in pure pain for 5 days. I then went to another to another surgeon and he did the second eye, and sent me home with some pain meds.

I then got a root canal and there was more pain. He would not give me any analgesics. I then went to a dermatologist for surgery on my skin. She took one piece of skin to check for cancer. I had triple melanoma next to my eye. I went to a surgeon and she cut open my face and removed 3 levels of cancer tissues. She then sewed me up. She was a real artist. She showed me the inside of my body by the eye. After her surgery, I was given materials to take care of myself. I did not have any pain except for three bee stings to numb my face. I was awake the entire time. Now I have a slash across my face. However, she used a thread that dissolves. This should mean that my face should heal enough that it is not a disfigurement. I am now using a bronzer plus glasses and it is not so apparent. I may look normal in 2 or 3 months.

Before the skin surgery, I had been passing out and they finally sent me to the hospital. It took two days to determine that I was drinking Diet Pepsi with lots of skin milk. Over the years, the biochemicals in the milk were chasing  the calcium in my body. They used Lasik to make the change back to normal. Before, I could barely get out of a chair. Now, I feel 15 years younger and hopefully life begins at 80.

I was in a transition hospital and I had to withdraw from all my other medications. They took me around the hospital with a belt around me. Finally, I left 10 days later. Then it was time for the cancer surgery.

I am very grateful. Although, it was a summer of discontent, I feel happy.

Best,

Joel