One of my "resolutions" (if one is required to have) was to write more here. Without much delay, since there is no time like the present to get it going. ...so I am making an effort to catch up, like publishing the previous draft with only minor updates. Man, I was up to my elbows in every industrial chemical generally used in automotive, construction, wood-working, landscaping, cooking, and house and yard care. I've worked in food service, cook and baker, janitorial maintenance, and gas station attendant. Virtually a human gyre of toxic pollutants, questionable food products, and general-course-of-modern-life exposure to everything post-war industrialized America. I think it is safe to say that with all those warning labels the question would have been how could I not have contracted some disease. I mean really, a veritable walking petri dish of environmental contaminants. However I suggest very strongly not "trying this at home." It took me 50 years to accumulate this miasma of volatiles and at that you might measure way ahead of me even if you are half my age.
Still, I think the stroke I had last April was left-over from the chemo-recovery process, I am still glad I passed on the opportunity to get a stem-cell transplant. I have my own theories about how that works, and in many ways at least as valid as anybody else's theory. No, I'm not going to explore that HERE.... too long to get into. But, I'm alive and yes the dizzy did pass, then the string of colds (respiratory stuff... yeech), and the stroke. Fortunately, the debilitating side-effects were not long lasting, and my steady recovery continues. I saw Dr. Emily (my pcp) for a New Years Eve checkup, she says my heart sounds good, my bp was 115 over 70 (phenomenal), and I see her again at the end of June. Seems a long way off.... 3 maintenance infusions (for life they tell me) before then (60 day cycle) of Rituxin (not a chemo, it targets specific cancer cells - this is the PacMan occupying force) and they keep track of my blood work and other vitals as I continue my program of self-care (seriously), doing my part toward my continued longevity.
Why yes, I do have a purpose in Life, thanks so much, and I find that is of Top Importance! To know with some certainty that I have a reason for living (even if I'm the only one who cares) is the Major Factor in why I continue to waken every morning. That is a vitality there is no pill for, in fact it isn't a thing! You can't buy it, you can't sell it, and in fact, it is so elusive you can't even find it!
(to be continued....)
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