The Blue Screen

We Blippers are an odd lot. Who else would take pictures of the doctor’s examining room? This happens to be at the dermatology clinic, a place with which I am all too familiar.

Growing up in Southern California, I spent a lot of time outside. I remember my dad giving me rides in a wheelbarrow full of cut grass whenever he mowed the lawn, and my mother taking me to the beach when we lived on Balboa Island. When I was a teenager I basted myself with with baby oil and baked myself in the sun at the beach. We didn’t know any better, but I probably would have done it anyway....

In my middle years I backpacked, hiked, skied and climbed mountains . There was a dawning realization that I have the kind of skin that is most prone to skin cancer and that sunscreen was required. I used it religiously, but it was probably too late. For many years I have visited the dermatologist twice a year and have pieces of my hide removed almost every time. I am truly grateful that it is nothing worse, but some days it is just too much.

Today’s visit involved zapping with liquid nitrogen and ‘shave biopsies. Heather, the dermatologist, and I were both certain enough that at least two of the biopsies would come back positive, that an appointment for surgery was made without waiting two weeks for the results of the biopsies.

I made my escape from the office but didn’t even make it back to my car before I could feel blood dripping down the back of my leg from underneath the too small bandage. Somehow it all got to me today.

I think a nap is in order, which is why the blue screen is all I have today. Oh, and did I mention it is raining? For the 9th out of the last ten days? Definitely a nap....