The Results

Appointment for him at 9:30am to get the results of his medical tests. I know he's nervous but before I left this morning we decided he wouldn't call me at the office with the results - either way, good or bad. I don't want to hear any bad news over the phone. However, around 12:30 or so I couldn't stand it so I phoned home. He answered. I say, so - how did things go? On the other end he clears his throat and says - well, it's a bladder tumor. Now I'm glad I called so he can't see my face but I say, oh - well you know "tumor" doesn't necessarily mean "cancer." And he says he knows - which I know he knows but I needed to hear it said. He talked about further tests this Thursday and as I listened I started checking things on the internet. First thing I see are that several factors are associated with bladder cancer - smoking, which he quit about three years ago and working with rubber - he was a chemist when I met him and worked with rubber compounds developing seals for government contracts. We talked for a few more minutes and I said I'd be home soon - left right after the market closed.

When I got home I showed him all the info I'd found and we both read some of the articles together. His doctor said more will be learned after the tests on Thursday and that this is manageable. And we will manage it.

So we continue on with routines. Our oldest grandson works at a theater a few miles from home and won't be through until 12:30 tonight. Husband drives him to work and picks him up because he doesn't have his DL yet. Grandson will call home for his ride about 12:31am, husband (the grandpa who never but never complains) will reach for his keys on the nightstand, roll over and give me a kiss and say he'll be right back. And he will.