photo #164827

This was sunrise yesterday sitting on the balcony outside the Women's Health Center in Memphis. This has been a very long weekend at my house. This Friday was the day my wife had her mastectomy done. We've been chasing other health issues for the last three years and her mammograms got skipped. Breast cancer appeared in multiple places and two types during that short time. Ladies, please keep up with your annuals even though your schedules are full. Men, make sure you don't let them neglect themselves. We all know you ladies will suffer silently if your family has needs. Sacrifice seems to be a natural part of women's nature. This sacrifice can lead to more harm than good. Along the way, I should have made some different decisions and carved out more time from my work to be sure her health needs were fully recognized. Instead, I prioritized. I made sure the most threatening aspects were covered and then refocused my energy on my work. The sad part of it is that I'd probably still do the same thing today. Ladies, be more vocal. Get our attention and hold it.Following the surgery, we had returned home overnight and she experienced a bad bleed from a surgical drain the following morning. The surgeon said not to wait for an ambulance and to transport her directly back to surgery. While transporting her in the car, I dialed 911 and informed them who I was, where I was, and why I was exceeding 100 mph for the next 50+ miles. The dispatcher that took the call thanked me for calling and said she would notify the other agencies that I was coming through. Many people are unaware that 911 can be used in this way. Not all areas of the country are so cooperative. However, making law enforcement aware of what you're dealing with beforehand aids immensely in governing their response. Thankfully, we are home again and all is stable. Please look after yourselves as much as you do your loved ones.