Saturday, March 21, 2026

     It pays to have a colorful current medical history.  A list of serious diagnoses in the last 5 years. So my report of difficulty with swallowing brings a quick response from my doctor. At the appointment I go over the swallowing issues. Not being able to swallow food for the previous 4 days is serious. The Nurse Practitioner makes an emergency referral to a gastroenterologist. Hopefully an appointment next week. Also, I accept going to emergency room if more difficulties arise.    

     But in the meantime, I had been told of another remedy.  Prilosec, even though my problem is not GERD, has helped one person with a lazy esophagus. I take one pill yesterday morning and I was able to eat my lunch and dinner.  I don’t know what this all means, but this is my experiences.

     Another scorching hot day. The fan in the living room is directed on me and keeps me OK. I read, watch news programs and finally take a nap.

     In the evening, we watch the first episode of season two of THE JURY, focusing on a company retreat. Not so interesting. We also watch the last episode of the LONG WAY AROUND. Such a great show. I finish reading SOME BRIGHT NOWHERE by Ann Packer. A good book.

 

Friday, March 20, 2026

     A phone call from my doctor’s office this morning inviting me to come to his office this morning. Yesterday I send a My Chart message that I am having difficulty swallowing food. An ongoing problem. I am so excited. I got a response from his office. It is surprising how discouraged I am about communicating with the medical world.

     The weather continues to be hot in the afternoon. The fan I ordered arrives for my bedroom. I know this is temporary. The plants are thriving and we are wilting.

     Thursday nights are for THE PITT show. We get our dinners and sit and watch the frenzy care given in this trauma emergency room. After, we calm down  by watching the goofy guys on their motorcycles.

      My former book group is reading SOME BRIGHT NOWHERE by Ann Packer. I have started it and yes, it is good but scary for me.  It is the story of a woman dying from cancer and how her family reacts. I am not sure I should read it at this time, although I do not feel as if I am currently dying.

 

Thursday, March 19, 2026

     In the evening my roommate recommends the new CHRIS FLEMING STANDUP COMEDY SHOW on HBO. We watch as the living room losses some of its uncomfortable heat. He is the strangest comedian I have seen, Full of energy and acrobatic movements, beguiling smiles, strange stories. I don’t understand a lot of it, but still I laugh a lot.

     Earlier in the day I watch old episodes of the LATE SHOW with Stephen Colbert. The theme music draws my roommate to the living room to watch and laugh.

     Living with the heat is challenging. It was the hottest March 18 in Monterey history. No fog in sight. In the late afternoon the shady deck begins to cool off with a slight ocean breeze. My roommate keeps watering her plants.

     I finish reading the third mystery book in a series, MISS KOPP JUST WON’T QUIT, by Amy Stewart. Perfect book to get through the hot afternoon.