September 8, 2011
A Route of Evanescence
With a revolving Wheel —
A Resonance of Emerald —
A Rush of Cochineal —
And every Blossom on the Bush
Adjusts its tumbled Head —
The mail from Tunis, probably,
An easy Morning’s Ride —
Emily Dickinson
This poem broke with any rules, or conventions, of what poetic verse should be in nineteenth century American literature. It still appears as an explosion of vivid images on a page. It takes flight, blurring color and bringing mystery from the flight of a hummingbird.
The days at Saint Joseph’s Hospital have been significant for me. Looking back over the past three days, I feel that so many of the word pictures from this little poem provide a backdrop of mental images for the times, events and decisions that have resulted here for me.
The scans lead to doctor assessments…The plasmacytoma on T9 is responding and shrinking well. The spine is unstable because of the missing majority of T9 and cracks in the vertebra above and below it. This has resulted in decreased mobility and increased pain.
Fusion Surgery to stabilize the spine will occur in the next few days and is a “big” surgery, no “easy Morning’s Ride,” of course. It involves the use of titanium screws and braces and a product that builds bone replacement.
The outlook for the stabilization is good. The recovery could involve some physical rehabilitation. I will have a filter for blocking potential bloodclots implanted tomorrow. I will get to check out of Saint Joseph’s Saturday, September 10th for a night at home.
The day was filled with images. Friends and family like Mary, Evan, Sarah and Merry visited and brought sweet treats.
“And every Blossom on the Bush
Adjusts its tumbled Head–”
Mike Green
seizethedaymike 
Mike,
I hate so much that you are faced with this but I thank God for modern medicine and for a friend like you to inspire us with your bravery, your eloquent words, and your positive outlook. Shelley
Are you up for a visit this afternoon after school? If so, what are you craving that I might happen to have with me? And, do they have a date yet for your surgery?
Thinking about you and praying for the best and fast recovery. Sam
So enjoyed our afternoon and lunch with you and Mary–looking forward to the next one– think of a good place– know that you are in my thoughts and prayers– continue your positive thoughts and your blogging– love it!!
Mighty Potentate,
Good luck tomorrow. I expect to see you up and about soon. Another lunch with your harem is definitely in order. XOXOX, Terry