“What fresh hell is this?” –attributed to Dorothy Parker

Cancer has filled our calendar, and at the same time, too much is still unknown. My surgery date is set, two pre-op procedures are scheduled, and the follow-up appointment is on the chart.

And yet, it’s not enough. Chuck volunteers at the local history museum. He’s a docent, and a darn good one. He needs to give the museum director his availability for January, and he can’t. There’s too much pending. I expect radiation therapy to follow the surgery, but that’s too far out to call.

On the positive side, we don’t have to reschedule Christmas. That may not sound like a big deal to some, but when there’s a person with autism in the household, it matters.

I’m the prep in advance type, and this year I’ve been even more busy than ever with shopping and wrapping. Now that I know my surgery is a few days post-Christmas, I can relax a little. A little, mind you. I expect at least one package on my doorstep in the next few days, and I need to pick up chocolate for Christmas Eve. I already have books.

So, readers, on we go. There’s more anxiety around the corner, but at least the gifts are wrapped. Mostly. Wish me luck, folks.