Well, it was bound to happen.
Went to see the dermatologist today and she found some lesions ("hitchhikers"). One on the left side of my neck behind my ear, one on my lower left back, and one on my left side of my chest.
She used nitrogen to freeze an area on my left temple.
Also, skin cream has been prescribed for use for my entire life.
The good news is that all was diagnosed early.
My first skin punch biopsy or "molectomy" as I call it, occurred on April 30, 2012. Local anesthesia and I told my dermatologist to be extremely careful around that "jugular vein" and not sneeze. All for a good laugh.
My neck is hurting after the local anesthetic wore off.
Will await for the pathology reports.
The biopsy and subsequent ones along with possible surgery to remove them will not interfere with the Whitney trip in July.
Yes, life is still good...
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Monday, April 23, 2012
POOP SOUP
Today is the day I take the "poop soup" in preparation for my colonoscopy.
My stomach is grumbling since the instructions are to NOT eat any solid foods all day today and that "clear" liquids are the order of the day and for tomorrow.
Strained fruit juices without the pulp
Water
Clear broth or bouillon
Coffee or tea (without milk or non-dairy creamer)
Gatorade
Carbonated and non-carbonated soft drinks
Plain Jell-O (without fruit or toppings)
Popsicles
No purple, red or blue colors
April 23, 2012
5:00 p.m.: I take the SUPREP.
April 24, 2012
5:30 a.m.: I take the SUPREP again.
12:00 p.m.: Let the fun begin!
1:15 p.m.: Going in.
1:20 p.m.: Out like a light thanks to the drug combo, fentanyl and versed. Wooo Wooo Wooo...
One polyp. Results to follow.
Good for another 5 years...
My stomach is grumbling since the instructions are to NOT eat any solid foods all day today and that "clear" liquids are the order of the day and for tomorrow.
Strained fruit juices without the pulp
Water
Clear broth or bouillon
Coffee or tea (without milk or non-dairy creamer)
Gatorade
Carbonated and non-carbonated soft drinks
Plain Jell-O (without fruit or toppings)
Popsicles
No purple, red or blue colors
April 23, 2012
5:00 p.m.: I take the SUPREP.
April 24, 2012
5:30 a.m.: I take the SUPREP again.
12:00 p.m.: Let the fun begin!
1:15 p.m.: Going in.
1:20 p.m.: Out like a light thanks to the drug combo, fentanyl and versed. Wooo Wooo Wooo...
One polyp. Results to follow.
Good for another 5 years...
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
FOUR MILE TRAIL
Hah, ain't gonna let no Holter monitor ruin my outings...
We embark on a "training hike" along Four Mile Trail in Yosemite National Park.
Little did we know that the trail will be closed at the 2.8 mile mark, because someone had folded the sign at the trailhead alerting hikers of the closure.
The hike took us 3 hours and 19 minutes to cover the 5.6 miles.
The "beauties" of Yosemite.
Pouty face at the 2.8 mile mark...
Notice the trail behind me where the snow line is above my head.
A funny thing happened on the descent. While trying to maneuver around an icy area, I took off my pack and handed it to my wife. Once I got down, she threw my pack at me and I let it hit the ground.
As I bent down to pick it up, the pack was dripping like Yosemite Falls! My Osprey bladder split at the connection between the hose and the bladder.
Serious design flaw.
Now, had this happened on Mt. Whitney, I would have been _____________.
Good new, I went to REI where I bought it and got another one with no problem. I will reinforce that connection with duct tape to prevent further occurrences like this from happening again.
The folks at Osprey have been informed of this small detail.
In all, it was a beautiful day, and...
We had fun.
We embark on a "training hike" along Four Mile Trail in Yosemite National Park.
Little did we know that the trail will be closed at the 2.8 mile mark, because someone had folded the sign at the trailhead alerting hikers of the closure.
The hike took us 3 hours and 19 minutes to cover the 5.6 miles.
The "beauties" of Yosemite.
Pouty face at the 2.8 mile mark...
Notice the trail behind me where the snow line is above my head.
A funny thing happened on the descent. While trying to maneuver around an icy area, I took off my pack and handed it to my wife. Once I got down, she threw my pack at me and I let it hit the ground.
As I bent down to pick it up, the pack was dripping like Yosemite Falls! My Osprey bladder split at the connection between the hose and the bladder.
Serious design flaw.
Now, had this happened on Mt. Whitney, I would have been _____________.
Good new, I went to REI where I bought it and got another one with no problem. I will reinforce that connection with duct tape to prevent further occurrences like this from happening again.
The folks at Osprey have been informed of this small detail.
In all, it was a beautiful day, and...
We had fun.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
AMBULATORY ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY DEVICE
Say what?
I was recently fitted with a Holter monitor to wear for a 24-hour period from April 13, 2012 to April 14, 2012.
I have heart palpitations.
I mentioned this to my holistic primary care physician during a routine visit. On March 12, 2012, I went to St. Agnes in Fresno, to get an EKG
Reading the results from my EKG, my doctor told me that the EKG was "abnormal" and asked me if I had a heart attack recently.
NO!
Her question caught me off-guard and she later replied that sometimes the "leads" give false signals.
Also, she told me about "metabolic syndrome" as being the main culprit. She also mentioned that I am "at-risk" category for diabetes. My LDL and triglycerides were high.
I got fitted with the Holter monitor and had a stress test on the treadmill on April 17, 2012. I tried to get my heart to "fib" by jumping up and down 500 times and doing a brisk walk. Nothing.
After further review, the cardiologist could not find any abnormalities except for my blood pressure. My primary care physician provided me some guidelines for a healthier diet. So, with all this and at the advice of my good doctors, the following will apply to me for the rest of my life:
No white rice
No pasta
No potatoes
No breads
I have eaten white rice all of my life. A couple of years ago, I converted to short-grain brown rice thanks to my wife.
As for the pasta, I can have the "brown rice" variety.
As for the potatoes, I "on occasion" but limit the portions and the frequency of dining on spuds.
As for breads, I can have the "sprouted wheat" variety. Organic vegetables stand alone atop my "pyramid."
Now where does pizza fit into all of this? I am sure I will figure it out using organic sauces and vegetables on a sprouted wheat dough. Veggie pizzas ain't all that bad!
Salads, raw fruits, and oatmeal are the order of the day.
Red meats are "okay" provided I don't eat them every day. Fish is now top priority: wild salmon, wild tilapia, tuna. We occasionally eat salmon burgers and they are pretty tasty.
The concern of the cardiologist is my high blood pressure. He says it is not "too serious" but you need to keep it down.
The culprit? Soy sauce. It is the only "salt" I put on my foods. Time for a change.
It has been over two years since my wife and I dined on fast food.
The doctor says I am on the right track.
My problem is genetics, plain and simple.
Supplements: magnesium, fish oil/flaxseed oil, calcium, and Vitamin D.
"Losing 10 pounds" for my New Year's resolution is serious business. I will try to get down to 200. As of April 18, 2012, I weigh 215.
Behavior modification began April 9, 2012. It's is going to be tougher than any hike I have ever been on. My wife supports me and she is assisting me in this life altering endeavor.
All is okay...
I was recently fitted with a Holter monitor to wear for a 24-hour period from April 13, 2012 to April 14, 2012.
I have heart palpitations.
I mentioned this to my holistic primary care physician during a routine visit. On March 12, 2012, I went to St. Agnes in Fresno, to get an EKG
Reading the results from my EKG, my doctor told me that the EKG was "abnormal" and asked me if I had a heart attack recently.
NO!
Her question caught me off-guard and she later replied that sometimes the "leads" give false signals.
Also, she told me about "metabolic syndrome" as being the main culprit. She also mentioned that I am "at-risk" category for diabetes. My LDL and triglycerides were high.
I got fitted with the Holter monitor and had a stress test on the treadmill on April 17, 2012. I tried to get my heart to "fib" by jumping up and down 500 times and doing a brisk walk. Nothing.
After further review, the cardiologist could not find any abnormalities except for my blood pressure. My primary care physician provided me some guidelines for a healthier diet. So, with all this and at the advice of my good doctors, the following will apply to me for the rest of my life:
No white rice
No pasta
No potatoes
No breads
I have eaten white rice all of my life. A couple of years ago, I converted to short-grain brown rice thanks to my wife.
As for the pasta, I can have the "brown rice" variety.
As for the potatoes, I "on occasion" but limit the portions and the frequency of dining on spuds.
As for breads, I can have the "sprouted wheat" variety. Organic vegetables stand alone atop my "pyramid."
Now where does pizza fit into all of this? I am sure I will figure it out using organic sauces and vegetables on a sprouted wheat dough. Veggie pizzas ain't all that bad!
Salads, raw fruits, and oatmeal are the order of the day.
Red meats are "okay" provided I don't eat them every day. Fish is now top priority: wild salmon, wild tilapia, tuna. We occasionally eat salmon burgers and they are pretty tasty.
The concern of the cardiologist is my high blood pressure. He says it is not "too serious" but you need to keep it down.
The culprit? Soy sauce. It is the only "salt" I put on my foods. Time for a change.
It has been over two years since my wife and I dined on fast food.
The doctor says I am on the right track.
My problem is genetics, plain and simple.
Supplements: magnesium, fish oil/flaxseed oil, calcium, and Vitamin D.
"Losing 10 pounds" for my New Year's resolution is serious business. I will try to get down to 200. As of April 18, 2012, I weigh 215.
Behavior modification began April 9, 2012. It's is going to be tougher than any hike I have ever been on. My wife supports me and she is assisting me in this life altering endeavor.
All is okay...
Sunday, April 08, 2012
EMPTY EASTER
The first of many firsts to come...
The first Easter without Papou...
MIL finds solace in a casino as we join her for breakfast at Goldfield's...
We drive to Corrine Lake to look a fishing possibilities...
Gone are the family get togethers every Easter...sad but true.
How time changes things...
What will be FIL's birthday, Father's Day, MIL's birthday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas be like?
Answers are empty...
The first Easter without Papou...
MIL finds solace in a casino as we join her for breakfast at Goldfield's...
We drive to Corrine Lake to look a fishing possibilities...
Gone are the family get togethers every Easter...sad but true.
How time changes things...
What will be FIL's birthday, Father's Day, MIL's birthday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas be like?
Answers are empty...
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
MY PENTHERO
My FIL passed away on March 28, 2012, at 4:50 p.m.
My MIL, my wife, and I were at his side. Unfortunately, my BroIL and his wife were unable to make it to the house in time.
Greek Orthodox memorial services have been set for Monday, April 2, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. He will be cremated on Tuesday, April 3, 2012.
The family will decide on when and where his ashes will be scattered. My wife and I will take his wedding band to the summit of Mt. Whitney in July. During the 56-plus years of marriage, he never took off his wedding band. It may be off his finger, but it is all around all of us.
He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in February 2012. It was a matter of time.
He is survived by his wife, two sisters, one brother, two sons, one daughter, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, and nieces.
He is in a Better Place. He will be missed by all of us.
Thank you, Dave and Jane, for the beautiful orchid...
Penthero loved orchids.
Friday, March 16, 2012
W"HIT"NEY
Confirmed. Ten of us are going. Seven first-timers. One person was born in Lone Pine.
Getting ready for July...
Just in time for the 5th anniversary!
Saturday, February 25, 2012
UP THERE...
The paperwork has been signed for our "new" 958 square foot mountain cabin...
Three thousand feet elevation on 1.19 acres of land...
Off the grid...
Perfect....
Three thousand feet elevation on 1.19 acres of land...
Off the grid...
Perfect....
Wednesday, January 04, 2012
HOLE WITH PAINT
Just how do you paint a hole?
Well, it started out like this on November 12, 2011...
After removing the cabinet, we had to use the circular saw set to 1" cutting depth to cut the top row of ceramic tile. Note to self: When I do this again, be sure to use plastic to keep the dust confined and to wear a mask! Off to the right there is some damage that was covered by the ceramic tile.
We had to cut the studs rewiring had to be done. This was the hardest part of reconnecting "hot in" and "hot out."
Ain't nuttin' burnt down yet!
Outlet placed at the top. This will be used to connect lights to go on the underside of the cabinet.
Outside looking in. The outlet is for the bar light.
The ugly scar had to be redone. Apparently when they installed the cabinets initially they did some damage and figured the tile and cabinet would cover it up.
Drywall applied.
Mud applied.
Nice!
The painting begins...
Spun Gold.
Handcrafted oak cabinets installed. The old cabinet covered the entire wall and down to the light switch on the right of the hole. We opted for a shorter and narrower cabinet.
Bar light installed.
Casing applied and sanded down with an orbiter sander with 80 grit and finished with a 220 grit for a very smooth surface. Used the ShopVac to get the fine stuff.
She is in the kitchen working and I am out here doing...
Ditto.
The old cabinet became a bookshelf and the support for the bartop.
Stain applied to the cabinet. Early American by Minwax. The color was chosen to match all the woodwork in the house. We applied the stain to existing cabinetry to restore the color due to use over the years. We applied two coats of polyurethane. Between the coats we hand sanded with 220 grit and wiped off with a lint-free cloth before the second coat was applied.
...and ended up like this at the end on January 2, 2012...
Here is our den before...
...and here it is after.
Kitchen: Spun Gold (Valspar)
Dining room: Canyon Sun (Valspar)
Living room: Lush Sage (Valspar)
Den/office: Rusted Earth (Valspar)
It looks GREAT!
We had fun.
Well, it started out like this on November 12, 2011...
After removing the cabinet, we had to use the circular saw set to 1" cutting depth to cut the top row of ceramic tile. Note to self: When I do this again, be sure to use plastic to keep the dust confined and to wear a mask! Off to the right there is some damage that was covered by the ceramic tile.
We had to cut the studs rewiring had to be done. This was the hardest part of reconnecting "hot in" and "hot out."Ain't nuttin' burnt down yet!
Outlet placed at the top. This will be used to connect lights to go on the underside of the cabinet.
Outside looking in. The outlet is for the bar light.
The ugly scar had to be redone. Apparently when they installed the cabinets initially they did some damage and figured the tile and cabinet would cover it up.
Drywall applied.
Mud applied.
Nice!
The painting begins...
Spun Gold.
Handcrafted oak cabinets installed. The old cabinet covered the entire wall and down to the light switch on the right of the hole. We opted for a shorter and narrower cabinet.
Bar light installed.
Casing applied and sanded down with an orbiter sander with 80 grit and finished with a 220 grit for a very smooth surface. Used the ShopVac to get the fine stuff.
She is in the kitchen working and I am out here doing...
Ditto.
The old cabinet became a bookshelf and the support for the bartop.
Stain applied to the cabinet. Early American by Minwax. The color was chosen to match all the woodwork in the house. We applied the stain to existing cabinetry to restore the color due to use over the years. We applied two coats of polyurethane. Between the coats we hand sanded with 220 grit and wiped off with a lint-free cloth before the second coat was applied....and ended up like this at the end on January 2, 2012...
Here is our den before...
...and here it is after.
Kitchen: Spun Gold (Valspar)
Dining room: Canyon Sun (Valspar)
Living room: Lush Sage (Valspar)
Den/office: Rusted Earth (Valspar)
It looks GREAT!
We had fun.
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