good news

PET scan was "as expected". radiation tentatively scheduled for the 17th.

there was a 4 mm something on one of my lungs that Dr. Nemechek said may have always been there. nothing to do but keep an eye on it. the lab guys reported stuff "lighting up" on the scan near the operation...the doc wants to make sure it is exactly where he was, which is going to light up in any case. he'll do that tomorrow.

but it's plan A.

I cried. the biggest yes/no of my life, and it's a big yes. it'll be awhile before any alarm can sound.

until that, or never, it's the rainbow of normal concerns that has always played across the picture I've painted of my life.

and getting through radiation.

it isn't just the patient who feels helpless...everyone who chooses to feel his pain as theirs, to flow along in the river of his life...and even if the forks later diverge, the waters are never again totally separate...can feel even more helpless.

but, gentle reader, this time, your care and prayers were enough.