Photography Thinks
So, went to see primary doc, today. He said, “…, good health. See you in November.” Three weeks ago, saw cancer doc. He said, “…, perfect blood for a person with your kind of cancer. See you in three months.” Not cancer free. Not feeling like I was a young man, but not feeling as bad as I did when I was not feeling good. That was bad.
So, I crashed after a walk with my friend Art. I don’t have many friends, least of all ones I want to take a walk with. He left me, cold, after telling me he was off to his doctor to find out about his blood test, one to determine the extent of his dementia. I cried, inside. All I have is CLL. Still have my mind. And he has so much to offer and remember.
So, I went to Bednar’s. Took a self-portrait. Bought some veggies and wine. Thought about I had a friend who wouldn’t be around for long.
Have you ever noticed the sign in the bathrooms of public places which reads, “Employees Must Wash Their Hands.” Leaving said the issue of how many do, DO YOU?
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/13/well/ai-chatbots-cancer.html
I have this kind of cancer. Almost died during treatment. Sharon and the doctor saved me. Sharon screamed through my fog that she needed me and wasn’t ready for me to die. I heard her. Hema (hematologist in cancer patient language) said I was one tough son-of-a- bitch.
I am.
A person in my blood cancer conversation group wrote about coping by exercise, research and positive thinking. I wrote him and sent him and another person coping with the disease a flower – a tulip, reminding them that a flower in bloom shows life.
In response, one wrote back, “CLL means Living a Long Life.”
So, picking up where I left off. Been sick. Recovered. Back to still life from the Golden Age in the Netherlands.
Oranges. Make you smile. Symbols of good fortune. Skulls to remind us all we are mortal. And some flowers to lighten up our lives. But without a targeted medication, DEAD.
Vaccinate now, before LITTLE Bobby says you are too late.
When the docs finally realized back in 2017 why I was sick, they concluded I had a blood disorder that at the time didn’t require any treatment. As the symptoms continued and assumedly worsened, I was put on Imbruvica, a hard to get and very expensive drug.
Every morning I take a couple of pills. They cost $300 a pill, give or take a few shekels. A bottle costs $12,000 to $14,000 a month. Not sure how I can afford it; insurance, I guess. Lucky I am in remission, though I still have to take it.
Now the US Government is investigating the Chinese company that developed it or manufactured it or distributes it. They might even have a lab next to the one that developed the covid virus. Who knows?
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/15/health/wuxi-us-drugs-congress.html?searchResultPosition=1
At least President Biden is aware of the problem. He wants the price reduced. I sent him a note asking him to make sure all who need it get it, along with an album of my Imbruvica images. Have not heard back from him about my note or the photos. He has other things on his plate.
SO, you have to have a blood sample analyzed. Now, instead of going to a hospital or lab near all the other imaging and testing devices, they send you to a place once called a drug store, but now a place that sells everything and takes your blood. To get there, opportunities arise to buy, buy, buy.
Modern check in. Doc has forwarded by text or fax the order. Reservations made on line like getting a table in a restaurant. Identify yourself, verify your insurance and personal information.
Take a seat.
