Posted by
philosophocon on Saturday, December 08, 2007 1:45:56 AM
Since I've pulled a bit of a Cynewulf and disappeared for a while, I thought I'd like to apologize for my unexplained absence and let you all know the reasons thereof.
One month ago today I underwent relatively major surgery on my right hand (I'm right-handed don't you know) to have a rather large growth removed. Having my hand in a cocoon for 10 days (and bandaged up for two weeks thereafter) limited my desire and ability to do a great many things, in particular computer-related ones such as participating at forums such as Townhall. I also was changing jobs (within the same organization) and arranged to leave my old job the day before surgery and start the new one when I had the doc's OK. I managed to score about three weeks off, and really took it off (to the extent you can as a single parent).
And then last week I learned that unfortunately the growth in my hand was not benign, as the doctor had thought, but rather a freakishly rare form of cancer, sinovial sarcoma is its medical name. Assuming it hasn't spread (and I get tested next week to see if it has), it should be treatable (likely chemo, yip-yip-yahoo), but nevertheless as a 35 year-old single parent of 8 and 4 year old children I hope that you can understand that this was not exactly welcome news.
Since I wish to avoid having to repeat this explanation on the many blogs I frequent (you know who you are, I'll be back, you've been warned), I figured this would be as good an excuse as any to start my own blog, something I've been wanting to do but have been putting off. Given recent developments, however, I've concluded that I'm better not putting things off, since I might well never have the chance to get round to them.
To the extent this is a pity post (and I must admit I am a bit down, any and all encouragement is most welcome), this is the only one I'll allow myself with respect to my condition. After all, as my son (the 4 year old) says, boys are tough, rough and buff.
I appreciate your patience and understanding in this matter, and look forward to returning to my old prolific and cantankerous form.
All my best,
Paul