Christ on a bicycle!

IT’S HARD TO WRITE A TRAVEL BLOG. Christ on a bicycle! When you’re not traveling, it’s darn-near impossible to write a travel blog. That’s been my frustration for more than a year while we remained in Pensacola on my doctors’ orders after the “brush with death” I had in November of 2015. Even though I’ll be forever grateful for the miraculous recovery I enjoyed and all your prayers and support, our Great American Adventure has not for quite a while been what we’d anticipated. And now, of all places, we’re  back in Pensacola!

Sometimes it’s very difficult to write a travel blog!

WHAT’S GOING ON? I’d hoped somehow to keep this private, but many of you have emailed and asked, “What’s going on? Where are you guys? You shared some some general travel plans a couple of months ago and we’ve not heard a word since. What’s up?” Believe me, we’re anxious to get back on the road with you, see some new places and meet some new people.” But that’s not to be for a while. So, I must reluctantly share enough information with you to let you understand why once again we are temporarily immobilized.

ANOTHER SCARE.  Several months ago, I noticed a small ulcer in my mouth. I didn’t give it much thought at first, but it began to get painful and migrated into what appeared to be a tumor. Three doctors in Orlando said it might be cancer and each recommended that I find a doctor who specializes in diagnoses and treatment of mouth disease.  A simple biopsy which is typically conclusive in most cases wouldn’t tell the story, I was informed, because of the size and characteristics of the tumor I have. Not wanting to remain in Orlando for all of this, we’ve returned to Pensacola which has been our “home away from home” for quite a while. We have friends here and the best medical care in West Florida is available. This is my comfort zone. We’re once again staying at Pensacola RV Park where the owner-operators treated us like family during our extended stay in the past. Nothing’s changed. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else under the circumstances.

I’m absolutely convinced I’ve found the best doctor. 

I’VE FOUND THE BEST. But “what kind of doctor” should I find? It had been suggested that an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist would be best. I consulted with one several times but didn’t feel comfortable with his assessment. And, and I wasn’t about to “just take anyone” who professed to be experienced and knowledgeable. After lots of research, I found the right doctor! He is both an MD and DMD.who specializes in diseases of the mouth and oral and maxillofacial surgery. These specialists spend six years of hospital based surgical and anesthesia training after medical school. They manage a variety of problems relating to the mouth. I called for an appointment and was informed that he wouldn’t be able to see me for almost three months. Good news because it confirmed my assessment that he was the best doctor in the area but obviously bad news because I couldn’t afford to wait that long for a consultation.

I DON’T GIVE UP EASILY. I’ve got so many doctors in this area who’ve become friends that I met with one of them and told him my dilemma. He confirmed that my choice of physician was the best, and said he’d see what he could do about getting me an appointment. “Excuse me for a minute while I call him.” Ten minutes later he returned and told me I had an appointment in three hours! Wow!

WE HIT IT OFF! Kevin Dean, MD, DMD is his name. After about half an hour with him I felt as if we were old friends. We share many of the same likes and dislikes and in fact he’s got a Prevost motorcoach and uses it to entertain friends and tailgate at Crimson Tide football games. It’s a pretty classy way to tailgate, as Prevost is the absolute ultimate brand of motor coach. Anyhow, I’m now scheduled for surgery toward the end of the month. The tumor will be removed and the entire mass will be biopsied at the dental school at the University of Florida. I’ve already been taking Percocet like it’s M and M’s and Kevin tells me I’ll be doing so for quite a while. The lateral tongue area where my surgery will be is the most sensitive area in the body! I’m told that I’ll have a pretty painful recovery from the surgery. But hopefully it won’t be cancer and I’ll be done with it. If it is cancer, I’ll deal with it. I’ll beat it.

I’M OPTIMISTIC BUT ALSO EMBARRASSED. Things are going to be okay. I know it. And whatever it takes to get back on the road to entertain ourselves and you guys is going to happen. I’m embarrassed to have shared all of this, but I felt it was necessary so you guys wouldn’t think we’d driven our coach over a cliff! I guess the bottom line is that this is just another part of our Great American Adventure. We’ll get going with more of it soon!

I’ll continue my story next time.