1769

Hoppy Halloween--and other spooky daze.

Had the biopsy this morning--left me with a bandage that is supposed to stay in place until Wednesday or later and a sore spot on my lump. The process went quickly--quicker than having to wait to get started. The procedure is not painful--like going to the dentist except for the snap sound the gear makes when it grabs a sample. It seems a little sore now--once the local wears off.

They took about 6-8 samples--and said results would be sent out in about 3 days.

I'm feeling a bit woozy--but I'm a bit wired on caffeine and can't fall asleep.

The dog continued to act nutty last night--howling and barking probably at new sounds he doesn't encounter when people are around. I think I hear him now--I had left him outside when I got back from the biopsy. Will check and see--if he's in or stays free.

He's in but howling already--like I said he's acting weird with people missing. One more week to go--and his people will be back.

MD wants to lock down the house tonight--and ignore any little gremlins that might knock. We'll shut off the lights--and ignore anyone who knocks. The dog will go nuts--for new reasons until the knocking stops.

1770

Lost in space today--started last night when the dog started howling. He was either lonely or needed to go outside--or was howling at the moon which is not full. In any case, I awoke several times--until I didn't and slept through the time to head for RSB.

Weather has shifted to cool--and I even had the heat on last night and earlier today. I watered the plants/garden this afternoon--and it was still fairly cool with a brisk wind pushing the plants around.

No news from the DL trekkers--they should have been on site this morning.

I got an odd message yesterday--an SOS note and a link of GPS coordinates. Somehow, I managed to erase the message--when I was trying to decipher what I was looking at. I hope it wasn't an actual SOS--there's a cluster of buttons marked SOS in one part of the phone menus. In any case, it has disappeared--it was calling my old phone number yet appearing on my new phone's message list. Ah, the mysteries of this newest phone--which I don't think I'll ever know everything it does.

Have the biopsy scheduled in the morning--got a call reminding me of the appointment and was I going to be wearing my Halloween outfit. I plan on wearing a shirt I bought when I first moved here--a t-shirt with a 3-D Halloween image on the front. That will be enough celebration--MD will insist on locking the house down tomorrow night--and not answering the door should any goblins appear. That will probably drive the dog nuts--but that's his normal condition anyway.

Finished off the cream pie for munch--plus some cheese, crackers, and V8 Fusion (also a muffin and latte for breakfast). Will eat the other half of the enchilada verde--from yesterday. I've been eating a lot--and not exercising as much as usual. I seem to be very sleepy--but am not sleeping all that well.

1771

The tribe is off to DisneyLand...they have a long drive but will land at someone's house. They plan to be there for a week--that's a lot of Mickey Mouse.

I'm in charge of the dog, the fish, and the garden--along with my regular activities. Will do a RSB session tomorrow--and get a needle point biopsy on Tuesday (Halloween). I'll probably learn on Wednesday what is the prognosis--and what needs to happen in lumpville.

I just picked up a batch of medication--which appears to be climbing out of the donut hole. The next batch should be at the 5% cost level--until the end of the year when it resets.

I also picked up one of the Black Bear's coconut cream pies--I've eaten a lot today already and I still have dinner left on the agenda.

I haven't done any of the BIG exercises yet today--should do one set now and another after dinner. I managed to send notes to the dance peoples--giving them an update vis-a-vis why I haven't been coming to class and when I expect to return to dance (early 2018).

I still am quite uncertain as to what is going to have to be done after the biopsy is reviewed--I dread nearly any of the likely scenarios. But all will be revealed in a few days--uncertainties will be transformed into actions. And the show goes on--in some form or another.

Need to either get up and do my BIG routines or take a nap--or I guess could take a BIG nap!

1772

Made it to RSB workout this morning--early in the daze. I woke up around 4am--and napped on/off for the next 3+hours until it was time get up and out.

There was 10 people who showed up for the class--the class sizes continue to grow. That's good news--the more the merrier especially on Saturday mornings.

I napped when I got home--not all that long but I went out like a light.

The family is getting ready for their expedition to DisneyLand--they'll be gone for a week plus. That will leave MD and me on the homefront--with several drop-in days by A, MD's caregiver. Home alone--but there's a telephone.

I drank a V8 Fusion--but no kick in from it so far. Getting late into the afternoon--I'll pop out to pickup some things from the grocery store. And pickup the mail--if any (MD's daily supply of catalogs).

Will do a BIG session later on--just one since I did an RSB already.

1773

I read through the report from the CT Scan--and it seems that things are not too bad given the size of the lump. It is not linked into the thyroid gland--but is adjacent to the gland. Overall, it sounds like it's something that needs to be removed--and that won't lead to other interventions. But, the biopsy will tell the tale--as to any deeper problems that will need handling.

I am not feeling positive about the whole event--it is not something I wanted on my radar but here it is. I'll head to RSB in the morning--and punch out some of the tightness that I'm experiencing. And hopefully the biopsy will contain some relatively good news. But I'm probably weeks away from having all this behind me--and will no doubt have a continued disruption of my boxing/dancing/movement schedules.

I slept fairly well last night--and I stayed in bed this morning until I was ready to head for SB's and a latte. The rest of the day has been murky--I didn't nap but I did my BIG exercises once. Will do another set after dinner--and probably watch a movie.

Family is heading for a party of some kind--and are putting together some Halloween-themed eyeballs made from boiled eggs.

Yes, Halloween is looming--and people are stocking up on the plethora of oddball items that are being offered. The dollar store was packed this morning--I just wanted some water but I had to weather the checkout line.

I'm beginning to wake up it seems--I took my afternoon medications and perhaps that's what I'm feeling.

1774

Did an RSB session this morning--fairly big class for a Thursday. I felt raggedy this morning--but knew I'd feel better after the class. And so it was--we worked on a lot of dexterity games like throwing and catching balls. I arrived at the class early--and sat in my car for a while. While sitting there, I nodded off and fell asleep. I was surprised that I did that--I don't think I've ever done that before.

The classes which are 1.5 hours long--seem to go by really fast. Partly because I'm getting the stamina--and can sustain an activity longer than when I started training.

Got a call from the PCP and the imaging facility--he said my x-rays were clean. The imaging tech scheduled me in a for a needle biopsy 10/31--an appropriate day (Halloween). She scheduled me in at 10am--which means I'll miss the RSB class that morning.

But it matters little--the lump is getting lumpier and needs to be indemnified and handled. Stretching out the time is making it more difficult--better to get it ID'd and taken care of. From what I can read--there is only a low probability of the thing being cancerous (about 5%). But it seems to be growing quickly--hanging downward more as it gets larger.

Still no pain or sensations or anything that indicates that the item is even there--except when I palm the area and can feel it directly with my hand.

After getting the biopsy results next week (about Wednesday)--that will set things in motion to schedule the surgery (based on what the biopsy results indicate).

I'm wrestling with lots of varied thoughts about all of this--and what I need to do as events proceed.

1775

Saw the PCP this morning--and he suggested that I get a needle biopsy of the lump. Then, based on those results--we schedule a surgery to remove the item since it's so large and possibly could be malignant. Oh, joy--Oh, boy!

I had a latte on the way to see the PCP--and came back and had a breakfast burrito. I napped for a short time--and had a V8 Fusion to help wake me up. I emptied the dishwasher--which had not been working correctly and was just heating the dirty dishes. Everything looks like it's back in place--and the dishes appear to be washed well now.

I'm impressed with the imaging facility that I've been going to--as we explore my lump. They are totally organized--and have all the latest hardware and technology to get the imaging done quickly and efficiently.

So, I'm trying to get things organized--given all the shifts and changes that must be done. My dancing is on hold--or at least that's what I've been doing while we sort out the lump/PD/exercise variations that are involved.

The weather is not helping--it's still hot during the day and cool at night. Not one or the other--but both.

I'm craving something sweet right now--think I'll eat the remaining half of the apple bullette that I bought yesterday. Sounds like a plan to me--a sweet plan indeed!

1777-1776

Got the CT Scan yesterday--was done in the morning and I went from there to the Folsom PD support group meeting. The two hours there were not what my body was needing--sitting for two hours only exaggerated what I had done in going to the PANC conference on Saturday. Yesterday was a difficult day--especially with the turmoil of everything.

Made it to RSB this morning--PCP called while I was in class prompting me to set up an appointment to go over the CT Scan. I called and set up a meeting for tomorrow--in the early morn (8:45am). Can't say I'm anxious to meet--I think I can guess what the discussion will lead to, unfortunately.

Looks like I will not get back to dancing soon--moving as much as I can but it's mostly with RSB and BIG. Will know more after tomorrow--and can make plans once I know what is happening.

Early to bed tonight--maybe with a movie or maybe not. Need some sleep--wrap up that sleeve of care.

1779-1778

PANC conference yesterday--and I was fried by the time it was over. Too much sitting--despite the well-timed agenda. Overall, I learned some important things regarding PD--things that I need to address and spend some time implementing.

But I was fried--and fell into bed/sleep early in the evening. I didn't do any BIG exercises--the day took up all of my reserves. I had an orientation problem when the conference concluded--I got mixed up on where I had parked my car and I had a moment of techno-failure in trying to pay the parking fee. Fortunately, by following the stream of people heading to the garage--I was able to locate my car. Also fortunately, there was a group of teenagers hanging out near the garage exit--and they helped me pay the parking fee. Fortunately, they just wanted to help--otherwise when I handed one of them my credit card, if they were scammers, they could have just walked away with my card.

The lengthy day, the long time sitting, and the light caffeine input--left me in some confusion and making poor decisions. Today, I slept a lot--and increased my caffeine intake. I'm feeling much better right now--and will start my Sunday evening ritual of doing laundry and clearing some financial tasks.

I'll also do some preparation for tomorrow's activity--getting a CT Scan of the lump in my neck. My appointment calls for me to be at the imaging facility at 8:15am--I'll need to leave around 7:45am or earlier if I stop for any food or drink. Hopefully, the procedure will get done by 9:30am--so I can bump it down to Folsom--and attend the PD support group meeting which begins at 10am.

Going to the conference yesterday has thrown off my internal calendar--it doesn't feel like the weekend is almost over. It doesn't seem that tomorrow is Monday--tonight feels like it's still Saturday.

I found that I just wanted to hide out today--not interact much with anything or anybody.

1780

Heavy rain last night--I thought I was dreaming about a big rainstorm. But it was actually happening--strong winds and pouring rain.

Just coasting today--have gone out for a few errands and have started organizing for tomorrow's all day seminar. Need to leave no later than 8am--doors open at 8:30 and conference begins at 9:30 sharp.

I just finished eating a light snack--and did one round of BIG exercises.

I keep biting the inside of my lip--I've done it so often recently that it is now quite sore. My dental alignment has gotten off track--and I end up biting my lip while chewing food. It is very aggravating--and painful especially if I end up doing it several times throughout one meal.

I had a latte this morning--and that has kept me going a bit. I also drank a Muscle Milk supplement--heavy protein with lots of calories. But I may have to do a V8 Fusion--to pull me through the afternoon. Oh, well--beats the alternative!

1781

I managed to stay up late last night--really late in that I probably got less than 4 hours sleep. I went to RSB this morning--and the energy of the activity carried me through. When I got home, I hit the bed and slept for a few hours. I had some lunch and napped some more--and am now gearing up for dinner (pizza) and will watch the two Netflix shows I didn't complete last night (this morning).

I started gathering my collection of items that I will take with me on Saturday--when I go to the PANC conference. Have to leave around 8am--event begins at 9:30. Event goes until 3:30pm--which puts me back on the road around rush hour but it wasn't a problem last year.

The only thing that took place a year ago--I had a new car and the engine check light came on when I left last year's event. It was a fluky problem with the gas tank mechanism--which I finally diagnosed and got fixed.

I'm feeling low energy despite the food I've had--and the sleep. I had a V8 Fusion with lunch--but it hasn't replace the tired feeling. The lump may be affecting my thyroid--which could be blocking my energy system and various metabolic balances.

The RSB session was well attended--we seem to be stabilizing around 16-20 people for the Thursday class. That's starting to rival the Monday class--which tops out with over 20 people.

Oh, I just remembered--I need to do at lest one BIG session tonight before going to bed. I'm leaning toward only doing one session on the days I do RSB--and two on days when I don't do RSB. The exercises are highly related--and on the RSB days we do a much more vigorous workout with the boxing. Anyway, I need to do at least one BIG tonight--and two tomorrow since I have nothing planned (except preparing for Saturday's activities.

1782

I chased my grandson around the Ford dealership--where my son-in-law was buying a new truck. It took about four hours--and I was frazzled by the end of it all. It's not that the GS requires creating a lot for him to do--he is non-stop movement and exploration. And he doesn't balk at repetition--he'll do the same thing over and over dozens of times.

And he finds objects, people, places, and connections aplenty--which he records and stores away so he can redo the actions that he assigns to these items.

So we toured the car dealership today--for four hours while he father worked out the details on the new vehicle. I did quite a few steps chasing after him--and working ti keep him from dashing out into the traffic around the place.

Toward the end, he was looking a little tired--but he never stopped for a really long block of time. He walked, he talked, he waved, he smiled, he pointed out things--he is not a problem when he's being cared for. I just have to be watchful that he doesn't do something that will harm him or others--like him wanting to put a ball that he found into the exhaust pipe on the truck.

We all may sleep well tonight--after today's many adventures and sidetracks. It's quiet now--most everyone is napping or snoozing.

Have an RSB session tomorrow--and then no RSB for the next three days. There is the PANC conference on Saturday--which should be an energizing event. Have to get up and out early in the morning--to leave space for the arriving time of the event.

CT Scan scheduled for Monday morn--really early as well. I seem to be shifting my time sleep parameters--shifting my internal clock trying to reset itself and let me be more rested.

1783

Did an RSB session this morning--and felt better after doing the activity two days in a row. Got a haircut--a minor preparation for the CT Scan. I had the barber do a #2 all over--and I'm now almost down to the follicles.

Will decide tomorrow if I want go to the Wednesday dance class--to restart my activity in that domain. I have nothing planned for tomorrow--BH is getting his new truck. I could do a RSB session--but then again I could not do so as well.

It's Tuesday and that usually means there will be a family dinner tonight--I grabbed a small amount of stuff from the deli just in case I need to augment whatever is done tonight. I had a smoothie and a bagel before boxing today--and had a V8 Fusion (energy drink) and a Frap.

It's still and quiet outdoors today--cloudy and overcast. It's just past 3pm already--where did the day go? I awoke late this morning--and had to make a dash to the boxing class. But I got there in time--despite my sleeping in which gave me an extra hour of Zzzz's.

After looking up some data--it looks like I have a goiter (an enlargement of the thyroid gland). I don't seem to have any associated issues (difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, waking caused by size of gland, discomfort, and so forth). There is just an enlargement--which a CT Scan should provide a good image of where it is and its size. May require a surgical removal--but may not based on what is found.

1784

When I awoke this morning--I was foggy and groggy as if I'd hardly slept last night. Part of the issue was that I had stayed up--watching a set of episodes from the Shooter. The story is somewhat like the Bourne stories--with the protagonists looking alike and possessing similar skills and characteristics.

Went to RSB this morning--feeling all the way there like things were moving slowly and me being  lost in a haze. Felt better after downing a smoothie and a bagel--then coming home and polishing off some ribs and potatoes. I also downed a V8 Fusion energy drink and some pumpkin/chocolate cake--and am now sitting quietly and keeping a watchful eye/ear out on the grandson.

BH bought a new truck--a Ford 150 with extras. That makes us a Ford Family--we now have 3 Ford vehicles (Fiesta, Explorer and a 150 truck). We have $100,000 worth of cars and trucks on display--money is funny. The more you have and the more spend--the richer you appear to be. Keep on spending--and keep on pretending. There is no ending--when you keep on blending. Time to be wending--and stop this trending.

1785

Sleeping and eating--the whole day through. Last night I fell asleep early--and woke up in the wee hours of the morning. Then slept through the morning--and got up in time for lunch.

Went to CoCo's--and had a waffle with bananas, walnuts, caramel, syrup and whipped cream. Clearly a filling feast--and had to head home and do a nap. Winked out for the afternoon--and awoke around 4pm.

Oh, yes--I went to Raley's somewhere along the away and picked up a side of BBQ ribs and potato slices. My daughter also baked a pumpkin/chocolate cake--which I sampled as well. Now it's nearly dinner time--and I'm not hungry. Wonder why?--although will no doubt eat something.

Doing my laundry as I post--did my two BIG rituals today in the afternoon as well.

Tomorrow will head over for a RSB session--and then see if I can chase down a plan for the CT Scan and what's involved.

Tuesday is another RSB session--and an open afternoon since I don't have BIG sessions to attend (although I do have to do the BIG exercises).

I haven't had any caffeine today--which is why I'm feeling so groggy now. But will not do that so close to bedtime--will just watch the movie that I started yesterday but didn't finish.

1786

Slept well last night--didn't wake up as often as per normal. But I've been feeling poorly as the day moves on--lots of movement around the place with people coming and going. Finally has quieted down around 3pm--don't know where everyone has gone but it's quiet now.

I thought for a while this morning that I might go to the Rescue dance class--but after my morning latte I took a nap instead. Now the day has come and gone--and I'm somewhat groggy from what I've done/not done.

I did do a BIG series a bit after lunch--and lunch was a tasty quiche that my daughter made.

BH is probably at or nearly at going to work for his Saturday assignment--which ties him up today and tomorrow before he resumes his dad-at-home tasks.

I will do another round of BIG before dinner--and perhaps watch a movie as I did last night. Tomorrow is another day without particular agenda--will do my laundry and other minor tasks. I shaved and showered today--and will probably do so again tomorrow to be ready for RSB classes early in the week. Just got the POW notification--saying what this week's RSB sessions will focus on and work to perfect.

Picked up a slice of pizza for dinner--another day in paradise!

1787

Friday the 13th--and all is well. Got the car serviced this morning--I napped in the waiting room. I went totally to sleep--several times while I waited for the work to be done.

Came home and napped some more--with interludes of eating a few bites of food.

I just got a call from my PCP--the CAT Scan is approved. I will probably get it done next week or beyond. Meanwhile, I'm sleeping a lot--have two days off this weekend with no classes. Feel like I will sleep--and sleep some more. Building up energy reserves for the coming activity--the CAT Scan and beyond.

Did my BIG exercises today--in between errands and napping.

I turned on the heater today--first time this season. It was chilly and I felt like I wanted things warmed up--so I reset the thermostat and there was heat-a-plenty. It's beginning to get cooler at night--and soon it will be cooler in the day as well.

Almost dinner time--I have a few pieces of chicken and an apple bulette. Will go with that--along with anything else that migrates from the kitchen tonight.

I'm feeling sleepy and could nap more--but I've done enough for today so will coast for a bit before heading back to dreamland.

1788

Did an RSB session this morning--and came home and napped. I was up and down all night--I had drifted off to sleep just after dinner and was wide awake around midnight.

I keep imagining that I'm feeling sensations and activity where the lump is located--actually I don't think there's any sensitivity or trace movements going on at all. I'm just freaking out while I wait for news from the medical team.

The lump is lower on my neck than the location of the pilot that was removed--it's almost sitting on my shoulder. There doesn't appear to be any reaction from that area when I do any boxing--or do arm exercises of any type. I've done movement and activity with weights, in boxing gloves, in movements, doing pushups, planks and so forth.

I did a set of BIG exercises before dinner--and will do another before going to bed. I just need to make time and do the exercises--the only way to go. Same with dental work--need to do some every day. No excuses--must be done.

One of the guys from the RSB sessions--passed away last weekend. He went quietly--and I was a little surprised to hear that he was gone. He didn't seem to have any imminent problems--but I guess if you have to go you have to go. No doubt there will more to go--as time goes by.

Have an early appointment to get the car serviced--early in the morrow. Nothing else planned for the day--will enjoy Friday the 13th and spend some time organizing my medical files. I'm going to have to get my files in order--in advance of whatever the CAT Scan portrays and the doctors say what must be done. Tomorrow is a good day to get on with that project.

1789

Went to the dentist for an 8:15am appointment--way to early for such activities. The sun looked like a pumpkin--smoke from the wildfires turned the sun red/orange. It was strange outdoors--what with the colors being reset by the smoke and clouds.

Major fires up in the Santa Rosa area--huge destruction and loss of property and lives. We get the smoke here--some people with lung deficiencies are wearing masks.

Once I was through at the dental office--I've just been floating and waiting for news regarding getting a CAT Scan. After reading several articles about having a lump in this region of the body--I'm guessing that the mass is next to or part of the thyroid gland. It seems that having such a lump in that area--makes it likely that that is where the focus will be. But speculation takes me nowhere--need the opinions of the medical people who have seen this condition before.

We had a late dinner last night--but the food was tasty. BH made a pork loin roast wrapped in bacon--with potatoes, carrots, and other veggies, plus a stuffing. The problem was that the whole meal was cooked in a roasting pan--and the size of the whole thing required longer to cook than expected. He had thought it would take 45 minutes--it took 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Have a RSB session tomorrow--with no session scheduled for Saturday. The same pattern holds for the following week--except there is the big conference on the 21st. So rolls the dice--doing everything twice. Watching the mice--acting quite nice. Take my advice--don't make a splice.

1790

RSB session today with 11 people--we did a lot of work with the paddles which are difficult to do well. I felt woozy throughout the entire session--perhaps because I had eaten a muffin, downed a latte, and drank a protein drink before doing the session.

I came home and slept for a couple of hours--and drank a V8 Fusion energy drink. I feel less woozy now--but I still feel like I could sleep more.

Will do a round of BIG exercises--and see what it feels like after that.

I have a dental appointment tomorrow--early in the morning. It will be good to have my teeth cleaned--and see if that affects the size of the lump if they are linked together for some reason.

BH is trying to solve the hot water puzzle with the kitchen sink--the new faucet stopped producing hot water. There is either something wrong with the mixing valve--or with some debris in the line. I thought it was the valve--and that an exchange would fix things. I guess that is not the case--and he is stuck with trying to unravel where any blockage is taking place.

Meanwhile--awaiting news regarding the lump and if we are going to do a CAT Scan or whatever. Waiting for the flow--and waiting for the know.

1791

My PCP called this morning--and said that the ultrasound images showed a dense mass about 5 cm in length.  He wants to have a CAT Scan of the area--so everyone can see what's involved. I'm assuming that it's not good news--that some form of surgery is going to have to be done. I'm awaiting his word that the insurance will OK a scan--and we'll go from there. The surgery will let them remove the lump--and determine if it is benign or not. If not, then there will no doubt be treatment that will have to be done to the area.

I went to RSB session this morning--I felt that I was weak and not able to sustain any intensity. My thoughts kept circling back to the lump--and to what it will mean to have a serious problem with it. The articles on the topic--say that overall the presence of such an item is generally not serious or of concern. But there is always the outlying cases--and what has to be done with them.

So time marches on--and I do as well until I have to stop marching. Will do an RSB session in the morrow--and await the authorization by the insurance company so we can proceed.

Waiting, waiting, waiting--for the words from the mountain.

1792

Sleepy day--or how I slept the day away. I just kept on napping--and suddenly it's Sunday afternoon and I could sleep some more.

It felt good to sleep and sleep some more--although I did do a BIG break and will do another as I go to sleep tonight. I've had a protein drink, a latte, a sandwich--and I'll probably do an energy drink which will bump my caffeine level up a notch. Still spending some waking time thinking about the lump--and what is likely to be needed as the facts unfold. I feel so out of control as I await the diagnosis--I keep running through various scenarios none of which will probably materialize.

What the body is doing usually seems to move in directions that I fail to prognosticate--a mind of its own is a mind of its own.

Last night, I pushed the envelope--and watched the concluding episodes of Blacklist. The final scene left open the possibility of there being future episodes--with E's husband retrieving a suitcase full of bones from a locker at a train station. K had left the case there--as a final nail for R's coffin should she gets caught in the crossfire of the final actions.

I felt clear and unfuzzy as I watched the ending scenes--unlike what I have felt like today.

RSB tomorrow--and on Thursday. Have a dental appointment on Wednesday--and will most likely hear from the PCP regarding the ultrasound images. Days with our ends--ends without daze. How will it all fit together--how will it all unfold?

1793

Roses are red--pickles are green. I'm a Rock Steady Boxing--punching machine! Did a RSB session this morning--although I was so groggy when I awoke that I thought I'd just go back to sleep.

The Saturday class is small--although several people come a long way to make the class.

MD's son and grandson dropped in today/this evening--they just went out to dinner and are returned. Hopefully, they will not stay too long--but will be on the road soon and not staying here. The grandson brought a lady friend--and together that make a comic sight. He's nearly 7 feet tall--and she's about 3.5.

The lump is taking up a lot of my attention--it seems to be getting bigger every time I look at it. It's definitely bigger than the lipoma that was removed from the other side of my neck. It's also not as malleable--and seems to reach down my neck from above my ear.

I did my BIG exercises today--the first day of doing so on my own. It doesn't take all that long to do them--even so I procrastinated so that the two sessions were somewhat bunched up. Tomorrow that will not be a problem--I can do one in the morning early and then one in the afternoon.

1794

Did the last BIG class this morning--will miss seeing the two coaches. They are very knowledgeable and very supportive--will be difficult to replace them with nothing. Will just have to do everything BIG--and keep the spirit rolling that they have helped kick start.

Also just completed the ultrasound examination of the lump on my neck--I think it's much larger than the lipoma that was recently removed. But the med-people will have to take a look at the scans--and postulate what they think needs to be done.

I'm feeling jumbled today--slept fitfully last night and felt like I didn't want to get up this morning. Just wanted to roll over--and go back to sleep. But BIG called--and then the ultrasound. I heeded the calls--and did the deeds. Now it's time for some settling down--and build up the energies that will be needed as the stories unfold.

Have a RSB session (early) in the morning--then there is a two week break before the next Saturday round takes place. RSB sessions on the 14th and 21st have been canceled--the 21st is the BIG PD conference. That will be a recharge day--as 100s of people with PD flock to the conference center and it's hosts of activities.

I booked a service appointment for my car on Friday 10/13--it will be the 10,000 mile checkup. I've really not driven the car that much--I've booked less than 1,000 miles per month.

Planning on having a slice of pizza and salmon for dinner--have had a couple of sandwiches and two lattes already today. Plus one of the Muscle Milk nutritional drinks--which are quite tasty and high in protein.

1795

Went to Benihana's last night for my daughter's birthday--and the food and ambiance were spectacular. The grandson was mesmerized by the chef--who went through his various tricks and treats as he worked our table. The food was delicious--and although expensive was still worth the experience.

Went to RSB this morning--and did a BIG session in the afternoon. That was my next to last session in this series--I have one final round tomorrow morning and then I'm on my own. I have enjoyed these sessions--even though were a lot of work. The two coaches who worked with me--were very good and very supportive. I will miss not working with them like I did over the past 4 weeks.

I'm schedules for an ultrasound tomorrow afternoon--and that will no doubt trigger some activity with the doctors. I'm bummed that I've hit yet another surprise and distraction--on this bumpy road of aging.

I have another round of BIG to do tonight--I've only done one round with the coach this afternoon. I will see if I can work that in before dinner--so I'm free to relax and hopefully get a lot of sleep before tomorrow's activities. Daze without ends--running through the mists.

1799-1796

Four daze into October--and things get not more simple but more inclined. Been doing the fourth and final week of BIG treatment--have kissed off any dance during this time and punched my way through the RSB activities.

Had several daze of doing BIG on my own--RSB class was canceled on Monday so didn't have boxing on Sunday and Monday. BIG class was canceled on Tuesday--so I did BIG on Sunday and Monday and Wednesday on my own.

Have two more days of BIG training--and then I can deal with the new medical developments. Yes, there are new things that have appeared on the radar--I went in for a wellness checkup with my PCP. He noticed a lump in my right-side throat/neck area--and he sent me to the imaging lab to get an ultrasound. The lump is really noticeable--I don't know why I haven't noticed it.

So I went to the imaging lab and the blood test lab--and I await the results. Not sure what the ultrasound will reveal--or how it will manifest.

Tonight we all are heading out to Benihana's--for a birthday dinner for my daughter. She turns 35 today--we grow old, we grow old!

I was shocked to hear the PCP say that I had a lump--and that it requires investigation. Finishing up the BIG activity led me to think that I could relax some--but I'll have to relax in the midst of continued turmoil.

I discovered what the amber warning light that looks like a wrench is saying--need an oil change and a 10,000 mile service maintenance. I've only put 10,000 miles on that vehicle--less than 1,000 miles per month. Fortunately, the car's info system also displayed a message--that explained what the amber wrench was reporting. Otherwise, the user's manual is hopeless--too many features and not enough brainpower to parse the codes.

Well, it's off to din-din--and an evening of culinary sensations. Off to see the wizard--the wonderful wizard of sushi.