We are currently D (Departure) minus five days before we supposedly jet off to Cairns for my sixty-first birthday. Rather than happy anticipation, I must admit to some major anxiety just concerning our blast off. Stories about chaotic terminal queues, lost luggage and cancelled flights are not filling me with confidence. I don't really want to pack Batman and Mister Elephant (my CPAP machine) in the hold because a loss of that device is a catastrophe. Likewise our computers and drugs need to travel with us inside the aircraft, along with basic toiletries and a change of knickers. I am seriously considering painting a "DO NOT LOSE" sign on the outside of my vivid orange and Michael's bright blue suitcases to encourage a bit more than a Laissez-faire attitude by the baggage handlers (the ones CEO Alan Joyce didn't sack).
Added to my somewhat panicked state is the avalanche of last-minute appointments we have been attending and will continue to attend until Friday - the day before we hopefully fly away. Having seen the Boy Wonder - Mister Ben Kimberley- to have my knee cleanout signed off and welcome news that my right knee is looking good for a few more years yet, Michael's X-rays of his back and hips revealed moderate to severe age-related and arthritic damage. In particular, Michael's right hip has no cushioning cartilage left. Next on the agenda once we return will be getting his hips replaced. Oh goody.
Two days later, Michael had an excellent appointment with Audika, his hearing aids supplier. He now is feeling much more confident with them, when he actually remembers to wear them! This success was tempered by losing a large filling from a tooth whilst eating lunch. The Beverley Hillbilly look was revived by the noticeable gap immediately next to his two front teeth. Bollocks.
Three days after that, we visited the dentist for the Verdict. A new crown was planned. Now Michael's collection of crowns is getting a bit beyond a joke. This will be his fourth, aside from his magnificent implanted front tooth. A bit greedy, me thinks.
Since then, the remains of the tooth have been prepared with extensive grinding by our Northam dentist JJ and a temporary crown fitted. Which has already fallen off once. Michael is being exquisitely careful with his mouth, particularly whilst eating. The custom-made crown will be attached on Friday back with JJ, along with haircuts and a beard trim by the fabulous hairdressers at You Beauty and Hair in the heart of Heavenly Beverley.
Tomorrow sees a trip to the GP, to obtain a referral for Michael's dodgy hips and a reveal that the "sun damage" on my left cheek has been excised. We are awaiting results on its status, but the our delicious dermatologist and MOHS surgeon, Daram Singh believes it was either a Basal Cell Carcinoma or a Squamous Cell Carcinoma. This bit, along with three other suspicious spots was removed last Wednesday, along with a smarting application of liquid nitrogen on my left shoulder and wrist. I am hoping the diagnosis is a BCC rather than a SCC, as more excavation of my face is likely with the latter. Such fun as I really dislike local anaesthetics... That's on Thursday.
But wait, there's more...Wednesday I am due to meet Alex's sixth Local Area Coordinator for the first time, along with Shannon, our mightily capable and persistent Support Coordinator to to review Alex's NDIS Plan, in the hope we can finally orchestrate a workable document that meets his needs. We have a time (eleven o'clock) but no venue yet...Plus, I need to be back in Beverley by two-thirty so we can have a final appointment with Liam Welfar, our chiropractor to hopefully relieve a few aches and pains before we leave on the Epic Road Trip. Whew!
With very little time in this week for organising and packing, I will tackle that job today. Along with cleaning out Red the Rude Parrot's cage and tweaking the Petsitters' bible for Paula. In other news, Alex has successfully travelled to the Sydney Hillsong Conference and returned home in one piece. Callum, Bron and Immy are currently enjoying warmer temperatures in the Northwest with her brother. They are due home later this week, if their flight back isn't delayed or cancelled...
Having explained our schedule for this week, I had better move off my chair and begin the inevitable washing and ironing that precedes the packing. I will record further updates, time allowing, and also confirm whether we do end up in the air to Cairns on Saturday night.
Tally ho!
Avon Valley Dental Centre, Northam
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