Happy Friday. It’s been a week at the House on Literary Lane, as Murphy has been battling a digestive issue since last week. I took him to the vet last night (third visit in six days) for an ultrasound. While they did not find a stomach blockage, they did find a mass on his spleen. Because of its location, they can’t biopsy it without removing the entire spleen.
First, though, he needs chest X-rays to make sure he’s not riddled with masses. If that comes back poorly, that’s a conversation that will need to be had. If the X-rays are clear, he will undergo the splenectomy and the mass will be biopsied. If that biopsy comes back benign, he lives a lovely spleen-less life. If that comes back malignant, that’s an oncology journey.
Here’s what’s what’s sticking with me: I didn’t have to take him last night. About an hour after I made the ultrasound appointment, he started improving. I could have cancelled, but I wanted some peace of mind that he didn’t swallow a rock or something. Peace of mind was not achieved, but this mass wouldn’t have been detected any other way. And the mass has nothing to do with his digestive issues. I guess it was fortuitous, but I’m not feeling very lucky today.
It’s not the first time he’s been diagnosed with a huge medical problem, and it’s not even the second time, but it never gets easier.
Today he is much improved, zooming in the yard after squirrels like nothing is wrong. WM and I are, predictably, wrecks. We’ve been running on minimal sleep anyway thanks to overnight potty runs and this is just another heavy thing on top of an already heavy world. Please keep him in your thoughts for good outcomes and a long, healthy life beyond this.
There is literally no segue to be made, so here is the Friday 5. This week’s theme is Toy Stories, inspired by the National Toy Hall of Fame.
- Which toys’ enshrinement in the National Toy Hall of Fame do you question most?
Sand. Just because you can play with an item doesn’t make it a toy. Sand? Were they desperate for toys in 2021? - Which toys’ enshrinement do you especially agree with?
The Barbie doll, hands down. - Which two or three toys not enshrined could you make the best case for?
Chutes and Ladders and Polly Pockets. - The hall’s induction criteria include icon status (the toy is widely recognized, respected, and remembered); longevity (more than a passing fad); discovery (fosters learning, creativity, or discovery); and innovation (profoundly changed play or toy design). In your life today, what toy (by any definition you please) satisfies these criteria best?
Who the hell is respecting SAND? Get outta here. I think a mobile phone satisfies the criteria. - A wealthy benefactor has given you enough money to build your own hall of fame for something that doesn’t already have one. What is this special, new hall of fame, and what are the first inductees?
Many years ago I gave a few talks at conferences and used the National Association of Boy Band Members as a fictitious example of an association. I’ll stick with that idea and create the Boy Band Hall of Fame, inducting the Beatles, Bee Gees, and Beach Boys as my first members.
This weekend I’ll be spending a lot of time snuggling with Murphy, reminding him that he’s the Goodest Boy and that the squirrels wouldn’t make good friends. If you’re the praying or good-vibes type, we’ll happily take them.
Happy birthday, Nephew B! I love you and would never buy you sand for your birthday, even if you asked for it.
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