Early morning alarms. The Million Vet March and the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure.

The alarm clock on my phone went off at 4:25 AM this morning. All week I have been looking forward to joining some of my fellow military veterans in the Million Vet March. The Phoenix version was scheduled to be held at the Wesley Bolin Plaza near our state capital. Our purpose? We want to show our displeasure at the President and his administration for shutting down open air memorials.  I have an apprentice working with me this week. Even though he hates getting up early he is interested in going to witness this event as well.

 At 6:15 I picked up my friend at his hotel and we headed downtown. When we got close to the plaza I noticed a larger than normal amount of people wearing pink. Because of my day job I am usually more aware of pink and what it represents. I usually know where large groups of people will be gathering wearing pink. I missed it this weekend.

Breast cancer survivors and their supporters prepare for the race to begin.

I had heard that the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure was this weekend in Phoenix. Normally I would be interested in participating. I've been so busy and self absorbed lately that I missed it. I missed everything. I had no clue. The start line was at the Wesley Bolin Plaza, and the plaza was full of people wearing pink.

The veterans weren't going to be marching on the Wesley Bolin Plaza today.

 My friend and I walked through the plaza. It always makes me feel good to see the number of people that are willing to help a cause as worthy as this one. Tens of thousands of people are walking in the race today. The number of volunteers for this event is staggering. Even more than that, it is heart warming.

I can't begin to count the people in my life surviving or fighting to survive a diagnosis of cancer. Many of them are in this plaza this morning volunteering. It makes me feel a little ashamed at my reason for being there.

I went home and brewed another pot of coffee, turned on the TV, and watched the race at home.

Early detection is the key to survival. Please go get screened for whatever is appropriate for you. Breast, cervical, prostate, colon, skin. Whatever! Go get screened, for yourself and for those of us that love you.

Mohs surgery recovery - day 9

I haven't said much this week. There isn't a lot of physical change from day 2 until today. The eyes turned a little puffy and black. Then they turned a great shade of grey. I halted my workouts for the week and a half the stitches were there so I wouldn't rip them out of my nose. The last couple of days I could tell that the stitches were ready to come out. That is exactly what the doctor said when he looked at me. "Oh yeah, those are ready to come out." He went to work removing the 30 stitches from my nose while I sat there smiling inside. The anticipation building. Wondering what I will look like with my new nose. Janice has told me that it looks more straight since the surgery. The slight bump is less pronounced. I can't wait to see it.

With the stitches removed, the doctor and nurse gazed at my nose in wonder at their handy work. Then the doctor cleaned my nose with a pad and applied some tincture of benzoin and three steri strips.

I'm not going to see my nose today.

In a few more days they should fall off and. I think it is slightly more attractive than the stitches were. The stitches were very irritating for the last couple of days. There is still a little swelling above the suture site. I think it is going down already since he removed the stitches. I know it will take a long time for the physical scars to heal.

I receive more and more questions about what happened to my nose. I am often amazed by the people who have personally been affected by, or know someone who has been affected by skin cancer. Some of them know what happened without even asking me. The bagger at the grocery store high fived me as I left after I explained that the surgeon was sure he had removed it all.

I find being able to tell my story helps me. I still have some feelings to sort out. Hopefully I will be able to do that soon. I'm hoping to talk about other things in the near future, with occasional nose updates and reminders about getting your skin checked by a professional.