Skin cancer and other medical stuff...

We hear all the warnings. We try to get our yearly check-ups. But for me, too many years spent in the Florida sun back when sunscreen wasn't a big thing, means a lot of pre-cancerous spots to be frozen each year.

My check-up was generally good. One biopsy taken (results in 2-3 weeks) on my right shin and several pre-cancerour spots were frozen.

But this year the dermatologist decided it was time to try a different approach on my face. I've had several spots on my nose frozen and since I have had a lot of sunburns there, I knew it would continue to be an issue. She also found several pre-cancerous spots on my temples and cheeks.

I am now using Efudex (5% fluorouracil) on my face twice a day for two weeks. According to Google, it's actually considered chemotherapy.

"It can treat rough, raised areas of heavily sun-exposed skin (actinic or solar keratoses). It can also treat skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma)."

A good friend and fellow author, Nick Russell, went through this a few years back so I had a rough idea what I might look like. I then made the mistake of going through Google images....eeek!

I am currently on day six and see a few spots getting redder. There is a little itching in some spots and an irritation where my glasses sit seems to be sloughing off. When I can, I'm wearing readers that I can perch lower on my nose. So far the worse side effect is a strong metallic taste in my mouth a couple hours after the morning application.

I plan to take selfies to show how this progresses. My follow-up is in late July so that is how long it can take to complete the process. Oh, and did I mention, no sun if at all possible? That exacerbates the process. So broad-brimmed hats if I have to go out, but in general, I'm trying to avoid it completely.

Starting pic....the red you see is my natural complexion (and always shows in photos)

Wish me luck! I have to go out in public on May 1st (Stu's optical check to prepare for cataract surgery), May 3rd (Stu's carpel tunnel surgery on his right hand), May 7th (my mammogram), May 16th (Stu's follow-up for his hand surgery).... Growing old isn't for sissies!

Ciao for now!

Busy, busy....

I know, I haven't blogged since we came back home other than to let everyone know we'd arrived. Actually, that's not true. I've been blogging over on my author blog, participating in the April A to Z Challenge by writing a microfiction tale in 300 words or less. Check them out - only two more to go! I hope you will take time to read and even maybe post a comment. Much appreciated!

• A to Z Microfiction: Zebra
• A to Z Microfiction: Yak
• A to Z Microfiction: Xylophone
• A to Z Microfiction: Wall
• A to Z Microfiction: Vase
• A to Z Microfiction: Unicorn
• A to Z Microfiction: Tea
• A to Z Microfiction: Sandwich
• A to Z Microfiction: Raspberry
• A to Z Microfiction: Quill
• A to Z Microfiction: Parachute
• A to Z Microfiction: Onion
• A to Z Microfiction: Night
• A to Z Microfiction: Meat
• A to Z Microfiction: Lemonade Stand
• A to Z Microfiction: Kimono
• A to Z Microfiction: Jewelry
• A to Z Microfiction: Instrument
• A to Z Microfiction: Hen
• A to Z Microfiction: Golf
• A to Z Microfiction: Flower
• A to Z Microfiction: Eye
• A to Z Microfiction: Doll
• A to Z Microfiction: Chick
• A to Z Microfiction: Bird
• A to Z Microfiction: Automobile

So today I am going to start blogging about our Disney trip - hundreds of photos to go through but that will help my memory since that was SO a month ago. LOL! Thank you for your patience.

Ciao for now!

Home again, Home again!

Just a short update with a few pics. We had an uneventful trip home even with Stu temporarily losing the GPS for the RV routing. He used his phone and we took back roads all the way from Folkston to I-16 (to Macon, GA). It was a beautiful drive with no issues with the rig size.

It was a first for the #2doods, they got to sleep outside their crates and were quite good. Stu noticed they were less hyper in the morning when he got up so we will try it again when we get home, leaving their crate doors open.

Murphy on the hammock:


Cooper on the hammock:


Settled in for the night:


We spent the night in the Flying J parking lot, enjoying a Denny's breakfast, and I snapped a couple of cute pics.

Our coffee mugs had sayings:


A last thought of Disney:


What everyone needs? huh? Metal martini glass?


We made it home in good time, got the rig parked, pulled Scooby out so the car could be parked, turned on the water (forgetting the outside faucets were turned on - something to add to next fall's list), turned on the breakers, and fired up the refrigerator. We brought in enough to make it till morning and crashed by 10pm (very early for us).



We were surprised at how green everything way and how much was already blooming/growing (including weeds and lawn). So on Friday Stu mowed the lawns and did some trimming while I moved the food (refrigerated & otherwise), did most of the laundry from the RV (still need to strip the bed but there is no rush), moved all the bathroom and most of the office items. There is still a lot to do but most of it can now be done as time allows. The power is on and the A/C is running so no rush.

Front yard:


Back yard:

A few flowers:


The #2doods settled back in, racing around the back yard to be sure nothing had changed, and standing guard at the front door.

As almost always at the front door, Cooper to the right and Murphy on the left:


Waiting for Dad to finish his peanut butter so they can lick the spoon:


Almost there:


Pretty please, Dad?


It will be at least a week before I can get to the blogging about our Disney visit, so please bear with me!

Ciao for now!