Thread: It’s not over ‘til it’s over...

I had thought, following my discharge from hospital six weeks ago, that it was all over bar the shouting.

Poor, naïve fool.

I received this letter didn’t I?

It was from the oncology department at our state’s largest hospital, telling me to present myself for an initial appointment in two weeks.

That was yesterday.

So, a couple of the scans I’d had done previously had revealed a suspicious nodule in my right lung.

For suspicious, read possibly malignant.

The Professor I saw yesterday said, “We think it’s some thyroid tissue that migrated. We’re going to hit it with some radioactive iodine, which you swallow in a little capsule. If the nodule lights up, we were right. And the radioactive iodine will kill it.”

Sounds simple when you say it quickly.

But, the catch is, I shall become highly radioactive. So, I get admitted to hospital and placed in a self-contained isolation ward for four days. And no internet connection this time. Just books. Plus staring from the window at the view. Four days. God.

My meals will be served by remote control.

A physicist armed with a Geiger counter will eventually venture into the room. If he thinks the radiation has dissipated sufficiently, I go to another part of the hospital for a scan to learn the results.

Then I’m released.

But I have to ride home in the back seat, as an added precaution for the driver. When I get home, for a week I eat, wash, and so forth, alone.

I dunno about the internuts. Does radioactivity travel via electronic medium? Maybe you guys should avoid me too.

The good news is that cats are highly resistant to radioactivity. So at least I’ll have Riley to talk to.

I'm sorry to hear it, Ox, this doesn't sound like much fun. I hope you take a notebook and pen in with you, too, and maybe you can write some. I've been trying to find some time for writing but becoming radioactive is a pretty extreme way to go get some solitude.

That sucks, OX. Four days in solitary confinement . . . ahem . . . I mean, four days in hospital without any outside contact sounds like torture. I hope everything goes well, though.

Solitude, when it isn't self imposed, can really be tough. I think Foxee had a great idea, with the pen and notebook. I do hope all goes well for you, Ox. You've been through so much lately.

Hang tough Oxman, medicine has come a long way. 100 years ago if you had this condition they would tell you to go and get your affairs in order.

Hang in there, Ox. You said it yourself: "It ain't over 'till it's over." Fight till the end, Ox! Rooting for you!

You have been through a lot already Ox, and you will get through this. Foxee's idea is great. The best way to pass the time is to write yourself into a new world. I wish you all the best and I hope you get well soon. It has been a pleasure writing with you and receiving your advice. Hang in there.

Originally Posted by The Backward OX

... the catch is, I shall become highly radioactive.

The good news is that cats are highly resistant to radioactivity. So at least I’ll have Riley to talk to.

So are scorpions and cockroaches.

I'll be watching the news for any stories about a meltdown in Queensland.

Originally Posted by Foxee

I hope you take a notebook and pen in with you, too, and maybe you can write some. I've been trying to find some time for writing but becoming radioactive is a pretty extreme way to go get some solitude.

Originally Posted by Gumby

I think Foxee had a great idea, with the pen and notebook.

Originally Posted by Jinxi

Foxee's idea is great. The best way to pass the time is to write yourself into a new world.

This might be an interesting experiment. I haven’t written on paper since I can’t remember when. Some people say keyboarding stifles creativity. We’ll see.

Thanks, everyone.

Hang tough, Ox. Four days without a curmudgeon will be like a lifetime!

Originally Posted by Foxee

I'm sorry to hear it, Ox, this doesn't sound like much fun. I hope you take a notebook and pen in with you, too, and maybe you can write some. I've been trying to find some time for writing but becoming radioactive is a pretty extreme way to go get some solitude.

Yeah, but sweet solitude is the thing that stood out, I gotta admit, even with the radiation [yikes!]. And a good book for when your hand starts cramping. Take care, dude.

Oh geez, Ox.

Well, hopefully the time will pass quickly. Write a lot, read a lot, sleep a lot. You'll be in our thoughts.

Thank God for Riley! Keep us informed, Ox..

Write us before you go in.

Look on the bright side, when you cycle home in the dark you won't have to worry if your light batteries will last the journey.