NIPPLE SHADOW CURES SMOKING

Prior to the operation on my neck to remove surrounding tissue adjacent to the melanoma I had to undergo pre-admission tests. These were done in the Hospital and took about an hour. The volunteer that handled the testing with me was a fellow member of AA. I certainly was glad to see her as it made me feel that I had an IN. One of the tests was chest X rays, another blood work. Had I ever been an intravenous drug user or had I engaged in high risk sex? Huh?? I am getting to the age where any sex is high risk it my wife were to find out especially.

Three days before the operation I was contacted by a nurse from the Doctor’s office. Problems with the X rays had been discovered and I had to go back for re-testing. At the lab an X Ray technician told me there were areas of the x-ray indicating spots on my lungs. A fear paralyzed me and I broke out in a cold sweat. I took the pack of cigarettes from my pocket and discarded them into a waste basket. New x-rays were taken and examined by a Radiologist. Not conclusive and more x-rays were taken and this time taped to my body were small lead pieces shaped like life saver candies. I was given the news that I did not have lung cancer but rather I had nipple shadow from dense skin. I retrieved my cigarettes from the basket, fled the lab to the street. I lit up and sucked the smoke deep into my body, gratefully.

As I indicated in the previous entry I was brought back to this event by an entry in another’s diary. I have relived the feeling of absolute terror when told I had spots on the lungs. I can taste the blessed relief of the first inhaled taste of the cigarette outside the lab. The value of reading these other diaries ranges from the bond of identification with the experiences to sheer awe in the talent of some writers. I have gained insight and identification from the other writers. There is also an almost forbidden thrill in writing with so many people looking over my shoulder. What a great idea these pages and this site pose.

Today started out with the promise of warm and mild temperature. A strong cool wind dropped the temperature but the day remained sunny and bright. On my way home from work I pass the house of Bruce Springsteen and I kept an eye out in case I saw him on his way to Asbury Park and his concert tonight. Somehow he escaped my vision. One time I am sure that he came out from his driveway on a bike and followed me for two miles before turning off. When I told my daughter this story she told me to get a life

The weekend is upon us and I hope for good weather. I have a fun weekend planned starting with Saturday night. My wife and I are going to a great French restaurant with a gift certificate that we were gifted with at Christmas. Sunday night is my Home Group celebration night and both my sons; my daughter; my mother-in-law; my sponsor and my wife have indicated that they will attend. It is a week earlier than my actual dry date but who is counting? I am excited and even more so because there are five of us that celebrate in March. One 24, two 10s and two threes, all one day at a time. I am also excited watching the NCAA Basketball games and a victim of March Madness. It is just great to be alive. Thanks God.

Today 85%