A long tough day, and I am trying to find the Sandman. Such an elusive fellow he is lately. Kman has been at the skin cancer doc's since 7:30 this morning. We walked out of the clinic around 9:30 PM. Yes, PM. After four sessions of surgery, Doc says he thinks he has gotten all the cancer. Basal cell carcinoma is the textbook lingo. This particular tumor had put out multiple roots, invisible until under the sharp lens of the microscope. We knew that this "little" surgery would be more than your average freeze/burn procedure, but neither of us were prepared for how large an area had to be removed. Tomorrow, Kman must go through another round of surgery to graft a piece of skin from his thigh (we are guessing) to his face and head area. As usual, he was more concerned about me and his mom getting too tired from the long wait. He was worried and in pain, but he was still making me laugh way into the evening and keeping his best Gus McCrae bravado in place.
Long years of brutal Texas sun exposure coupled with Irish ancestry and fair skin have taken their toll. Gorgeous blue eyes can be a liability at times as well when calculating the odds of skin cancer. It might not have gotten so bad if health care in this country was more readily available and affordable, and not dependent on the benevolence of an employer. Average middle class families just cannot afford $$$ monthly premiums, plus additional out-of-pocket high deductibles. Healthcare in America is fast becoming a wealthy man's entitlement.
It is hard to watch someone you love be in so much pain. Kman will get through this, but the battle against this disease will mean being vigilant about frequent checkups, and practicing "safe sun". It may also mean a change in careers for him, as he is outside everyday. Not sure which would be worse for him - the sun to his skin, or the suffocation of a 8 x 10 office.
One thing I know for certain, all the skin surgery in the world won't change his big heart nor his capacity for generosity and kindness. He is my Knight in Shining Armor, my handsome Texas boy, and my very best friend. I love you, Kman.
Who Is Cowtown Pattie?
- Cowtown Pattie
- I was Lillie Langtry in another life, and might have a crush on Calamity Jane.
10 comments:
My very best wishes for Kman's swift and easy recovery.
Ronni
Oh, Pattie, you know how much I feel for you. I hope today's surgery goes well, and that Kman heals well and quickly. Love to both of you.
Add mine to the well wishes for a speedy recover and much love.
nina
Wow! I help he's doing well. Good luck to both of you!
I wish you and your Knight in Shining Armor the very best of luck.
Fondly,
Millie
Update: We are home and Kman is recouping. May be a long week, but he is doing all right so far. The plastic surgeon sewed the dressing on -which means I don't have to worry about changing it. Tonight will probably be the worst in terms of pain and recovery. All the good wishes are most welcomed. Thank you one and all, you're the best!
Update: We are home and Kman is recouping. May be a long week, but he is doing all right so far. The plastic surgeon sewed the dressing on -which means I don't have to worry about changing it. Tonight will probably be the worst in terms of pain and recovery. All the good wishes are most welcomed. Thank you one and all, you're the best!
Kman will be in my thoughts and prayers. I wish him the speediest of recoveries and the best of health.
The road only rides into the mountains from this here valley, and sometimes being run outta town is a blessing we can't always see. Best wishes and prayers for a full recovery, and a happy "resettlement" in a new way of life.
Susan from Spinning
i know how that "surgery feels" even though its been a few weeks! I hope that you and K-man are better...I understand about not wanting to fence them in Woody is the same way, fair, green eyes and prone to burning and a lifetime spent on carlots, in the desert sun, on beaches and he doesnt want to give that up...
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