Medical Update: What I Know So Far and What Next

It has been a week since my last update, and I am posting from a slow computer in the Apt. cafe where I live (I finally took my laptop in to be fixed, spending money I could ill afford, but it had to be done, as what's a blogger w/o his computer?).

My doctor at HEA talked directly to the docs at Ben Taub Eye Clinic on Monday, and I was reached on Tuesday to come in Wednesday morning.

A blood lab was taken for my liver then later in the day I sent 2 1/2 hours being examined by 3 of the top specialists there (And Ultrasound on my abdomen will be done of the 18th, as a cancer precaution in the rest of my body).

They looked at BOTH my eyes.

The news is complex, and worrisome, and before I go further I want to be sure no-one, human or feline, has a freakout.

If I am not going to have one, then my friends and fans are not going to be allowed to have one on my behalf! My 2 sisters are doing their best to ignore those orders for all of us combined. :-D

Measurement-wise my Malignant Melanoma, in the right eye is just over the border from small to medium. Chances of kicking the bucket are slim if not treated as soon as possible.

As for treatment options, there are 3, at least 1 of which Ben Taub is equiped to to, not only MD Anderson.

1. Like father, like son...I lose the eye. It gets taken out, bye-bye issue.

2. Sew Radiation Plaque on the eye for a week or so, then remove it.

3. Radiation Beam on the eye.

With Options 2 & 3...radiation could still damage my vision in that eye (currently 20/20 w/glasses), but there is a very good chance of good vision due to where the tumor is, although I could lose vision in this eye at some point in the future.

As for the left eye, the one that had the blood hemmorhage, and brought this whole mess to my attention...

I am to continue taking the drops, and return on the 17th for another check-up. If the eye is still blurry they may have to do surgery to remove the blood, and restore my vision in that eye.

I have an appointment at another location, in the morning, to get the application for MD Anderson, and learn what documents they need me to provide about my personal and financial, situation. They are very strict on the paperwork requirements, and the sooner I can get what they need the sooner I get in to MD Anderson to see the Doc I need to see....

I chatted with one of the Docs about Disability, and to hear him tell it, as long as I can see out of one eye, and there is work I can do, chances of getting Federal Disability are slim.

Don't know where my 2 seizures, or my ankle (Still have the metal inside even though fixed & am working on strengthening my legs and hips, through exercise) would fit in to this equation, but those are questions for another day.

My unemployment extensions will also end, like everyone elses, on 12/29.

So, will I just end up with poorer vision in a formerly well-behaved eye, or am I destined to be The One-Eyed Mad Macedonian/Mad Houstonian?

 

I believe my best life is ahead of me, it's just that the path God has set me on may be a tad different than any I had in mind. :-D

My father lost his left eye sabotaging a railroad, while fighting in the underground against Tito at the end of WW2. He immigrated to America, eventually landing in Claremont Ca. where, in 1953/54 he got a job as a Gardener/Grounds Man at Pomona College, where he worked until 1969/70.

He used to climb rickety old ladders, several stories, to trim the ivy on 70 year old buildings on campus, among other tasks, and was a much sought after gardener by campus staff and head honchos, to do their yards on his off days. :-D

What about my blogging, my creative writing hopes and dreams?

Consider: One-Eyed Authors

James Thurber (1894-1961) American humorist and cartoonist. Lost one eye in childhood accident. Older brother shot him with an arrow. Gradually lost the sight in the other eye due to complications from the accident and cataracts.

Lafcadio Hearn. (1850-1904) Writer and translator. In 1890 he went to Japan for New Monthly Magazine. Stayed in Japan for the rest of his life. Published a series of books that gave the West its first sympathetic view of Japanese culture. Lost an eye in an accident at the age of 16.

Tex Avery (1908–1980), blind in his left eye.

Samuel Johnson (1709–1784) compiler of the first English dictionary, blind in one eye from childhood.

Alan Moore - British Comic Book Writer (Relevant to me because his legenday revamp of the Swamp Thing Comic, at DC, in the 70's and 80's, hooked me on comic book collecting for a decade or so. He also wrote the legendary  V For Vendetta, and Watchmen series later on).

Robert Thurman (born 1941), scholar and author, lost his left eye after a tire iron slipped.

The World-Wide Web Site of the National Federation of the Blind - Writers' Division

Blind Authors:

Homer, John Milton, James Joyce, Anne Sullivan & Helen Keller, Jorge Luis Borges, Franz Kafka, Joseph Conrad, Dostoevsky,Joseph Pulitzer, British author Sue Townsend, British broadcast Journalist Peter White.

Oh, and my friend Mog has reminded me that "If worse came to worse, there is software that allows blogging and writing by dictation."

I choose Happynes! Something good is about to happen in my life!

I thank God for every good thing in my life.

Whatever I believe I can do I can do with God's help.

I believe in myself and have faith in my abilities, and will let nothing disturb, or frighten me.

Think different! I have always done so, and will continue to do so.

I will take a deep breath, and bite off more than I can chew!

Things ARE NOT going to fall apart!

I am blessed -- by my talents, by my friends (U reading this & others).

I trust that the Favor of God is helping me change my life for the better though it may not seem that way to me right now.

I am excited about my future and where it may lead!

 

 

Comments

[The Florida Furkids]

Yikes....big decisions to be made. None of the 3 options sound like fun :(

Mom's UE ends on 12/29 too :(

We'll keep purring and praying for a good solution.

The Florida Furkids

[Marilynn]

You're reminding me of this passage in 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 ~

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a THORN IN THE FLESH, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this THING (this messenger of Satan) I besought the Lord thrice, (three times) that it might DEPART from me.
And he said unto me, My GRACE is sufficient for you; for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly THEREFORE will I rather GLORY in my infirmities, that the POWER of Christ may rest upon me. THEREFORE I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ sake, for when I am weak, then am I strong.

No one has ever figured out what Paul's thorn was, but maybe that's good. Overall, his message applies to each of us, no matter what's going on in our lives, yes?

Prayers and prayers and prayers for you Kiril ...

[Mog]

There are millions of pages on Google about dictation, sites for the blind have good resources. You may be surprised to find out you can do it on a Mac, lots of accessibility settings. Even iOS which my iPhone uses has that ability. Not sure on whether your blog software would require a plugin for that but it is doable. You have my support always. If you choose one of the radiation options, wouldn't need to worry about it. My prayers are with you.

[Amanda Socci]

The Lord God is so truly almighty. I am truly, truly, truly sorry for everything that you've had to go through, Kiril. Actually got misty on this one... I do, however, love that the words and preachings of Joel Osteen have fallen off your lips as easily as your best prose.

I cannot believe that you have already done the requiste research on authors and artists who have lost vision in one or both eyes, and who have gone on to great success despite their physical challenges.

I am so honored to be your friend, Kiril. I look forward to seeing the love of God extinguish your pain and ignite the flame of creativity in your future.

[seybernetx]

. . . chances of getting Federal Disability are slim.

Couldn't hurt to file the paperwork, or at least check into the process anyway.

My brother was on SSI disability a couple times when he was too sick to work, and sounds to me like you have a good start on that argument.

Hang in there.

[Samantha, Clementine & Maverick]

Oh Kiril!! We are sending lots of prayers and purrs your way!! And we know God is in control and watches over each of us!!
Hugs from your Austin furiends,

[Lynda M Otvos]

Well, this comes as a surprise, just getting to know you as CatCat and i are doing. May the healing of the Universe be laid upon you as you travel this unfamiliar journey of medical treatment. Know you will be thought of often and wished the best from northern california usa.

[Mariya Koleva]

Oh, my dear friend, what can I say? Admirations to your spirit and attitude! I hope all things happen in the best possible way.

[Quirkycity]

I chose not to freakout which, I will say was difficult given that I have an eye phobia. (Had to skip the surgical bits.) But I am impressed with your outlook and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers, that you won't lose your vision entirely.

[Glogirly and Katie]

You've inspired us to see the world through the rose colored glasses of our hearts and minds. We read about you on Sparke's blog and wanted to come over. Your spirit and wit are infectious...bless you.
(((purrs))) to you,
Glogirly & Katie

[Martha]

Sparkle has taught me so much about my own cats and I am a daily reader. Through her I have also met other cats and their humans who blog like you.
I don't now what your insurance situation is but what comes to mind for me is apply for medicaid.. I don't know if medicaid is approved if that is more documentation for the bureacrats that you are disabled.
If they are like mine I know that your cats will be a source of great comfort and distraction..bet their meows in the morning give you a reason to get up and their purrs are a comfort in the dark of night..may your journey continue to be furry!

[Harry Spotter]

We are sending you lots of purrs and prayers. Hugs from Harry, Fiona and Daisie.

[meowmeowmans]

Kiril, we are purring and praying for you, dear friend. Your spirit and wonderful outlook are infectious. Thank you.

[jansfunnyfarm]

Kiril, you are amazing. Such a great attitude in the midst of confusion. Praying for the best for you!