Aging isn't EZ, is it?

Today, I received my fourth positive cancer diagnsis--a malignant melanoma. This based on a biopsy collected upon surgical removal of a small skin lesion from the lobe of my right ear that was thought to likely be a benign Plyogenic Granuloma. Literature I've found from a quick internet search tells me that Pyogenic Granulomas are found to actually be malignant melanoma less than 1/2 of 1 percent of the time. Lucky me. Earlier cancer bouts in my life include cancer of the prostate in 2015, for which I had a high-tech robotic radical prostatectomy performed. And twice, I've had small squamous-cell carcinomas of the skin found and removed--one on my upper back in 2012 and another on the back of my right hand in 2021. This malignant melanoma is a different animal. The removal of the granuloma and the collection of the biopsy was done by a PA that cared for one of my earlier skin carcinomas and also does my routine annual head-to-toe skin checks. This particular lesion wasn't found in one of those checks--it just popped up on my ear a few weeks ago. Her clinic has referred me to Banner Health Oncology for further treatment and diagnosis. She explained to me that they would likely start with additional minor surgery on the ear looking to ensure 'clear margins' around the visible melanoma site, and would probably also want to do further diagnostic tests including blood work and a neck-lymph-node biopsy. If that is positive, it will likely lead to further treatment by radiation or chemotherapy. Right now, I just feel tired.

Modern machines. Do they make life EZ?

You can’t win the battle against the machines. They just bide their time until you are completely dependent upon them then they execute a suicide mission inflicting great pain and misery on you, slave to their needs. Last week it was the Roomba. This week the dishwasher. Absolutely refusing to do their expected duties until they are thoroughly and lovingly massaged by people who charge more per hour than a heart surgeon. Next week, I assume, will be the refrigerator’s turn to suck several hundred dollars out of our budget. I feel betrayed—I have NEVER let them go without electricity. Twice a month they have been dusted or lovingly wiped down. I have no defense and have abandoned the skills needed to be happy without them. Now pardon me, I must go give the Maytag a loving pat…