As I came out of the new organic supermarket this morning, the dry heat hit me–transporting me directly to California.
That would be nice.
Enter the shop in France and exit six thousand miles away and close to the ocean–all stocked up!
Dream on–though they did put a robot on Mars this week–not in my lifetime.
Good weather for a stressful day–a double clinic visit and the results of a blood test.
On second thoughts, maybe California and the land of perpetual sun is not such a good idea….
My first clinic visit is to a skin surgeon for him to look at a small cancer on the left side of my nose.
Stop Press—Poldark’s scar becomes a reality!
Pas de soucis–the dermatologist assured me, providing a referral to Docteur Mylonas, the plastic surgeon–nothing to worry about!
He confirmed what she’d told me–that the culprit was the sun.
I had spent all my sun capital!, she’d said, charmingly.
Docteur Mylonas picked a date at the end of August for the small operation.
Just after lunch on the 28th suit you?
It’s this easy? Seems so.
That’ll be forty euros for today, says the receptionist, all reimbursable barring 2 euros.
Quel système!
The blood sample was taken–here in the kitchen–at 8 am Tuesday by our friend, Sylvie, one of the local team of nurses.
Just the quarterly A1C (measuring the glucose levels in my blood).
Sometimes the result comes in the post from the lab the next day.
Nothing yesterday.
I listen anxiously for the postal van’s vibrations on my return from the clinique.
Just before 1pm–a tad early–I hear it and go out to the box.
The envelope is there and the moment of truth–eek!
Worryguts in my head, it’s bound to be bad…
I unfold the paper and…
6.4% is clearly written–0.1% less than 3 months ago. In the range of normal–just!
A silent whoopee is followed by a moment of self-satisfaction as the anxiety recedes.
But there is no room for complacency, Robin, I quickly remind myself.
The 6pm appointment with the cardiologist will round off the day!
Robin Ellis 
I pray all goes well Robin, GOD bless you and we all will be expecting to hear great news when this is all over. Anymore, at almost 64, I find it’s always something, but it’s been worth it!
Good reading Robin – many of my patients struggle to get this level. Is that with diet alone? Just took a note of chicken recipe for tonights dinner that you posted a few days back. Looks and smells lovely. Glad you had a Dr look at your skin cancer. I am amazed at how many people happily accept a scabby area which won’t heal as normal. Recently haranged a friend re an area on his ear which my beady nurses eye spotted. He went to GP and had lesion removed. He was very pleased I had nagged him about it. Not sure if its just a “man” thing not wanting to go to their quack. Enjoy good weather – lovely in UK at last. Regards Alison
I take 30mg of diamicron a day.
Don’t worry I’m sure all will go well! Kisses to you and your wife “A bientot”
Hello,Dear Robin, I’am happy for you that the blood is better.I will cross my fingers for your operation hope it all go’s well for you.
Best use a very good suncream, myself (I have a very sensitive skin) I take the USA Coppert*ne, with other brands I had always problems.When I was in Tenerife 10 years ago , i bought 5 bottles (becaus Coppert*ne is not available sinds the end of the seventies here in Belgium, too good I think) was so happy that I had my old brand back and had less sunburns.It’s also available in France I’ve heard.Thinking on you and also give my regards to Meredith and the Cats.
6,4% or 6.4%. Whichever way you write it: excellent.
Thanks Barb–from one who should know.
My word Robin, what a performance. No pun intended. BON CHANCE.
We all loved Poldark and his scar. Seriously, great news with your bloodwork. Robin have you watched the documentary Forks Over Knives. It goes right along with your beautiful cookbook and way of eating. If you have not seen it, give it a look. So glad you are staying healthy…good luck with the surgery.
http://www.hulu.com/watch/279734
Thanks–I look forward to watching it.
Congratulations on keeping your A1C in range and improving it. And good luck with your surgery. (Poldark looked good with his scar, even if you won’t wind up with one.)
Congratulations from an envious insulin dependant diabetic. I’m sure your surgery will go just as well. Best of British
Hope all goes well with the cardiologist to make it 3 out of 3 pieces of good news today! By the way, having decided weeks ago that I would watch Poldark again during the Olympics for the first time in about 10 years (a decision then spurred on by the news on Angharad Rees), I finally sat down to watch ‘a bit’ late yesterday…Over an hour later, I am still engrossed. It does not look dated or ‘tired’ and it is still just as fabulous as when I watched it as a 16 year old in the 1970s. You have every right to be proud of it!
Thanks Susan.
was what came out of the unfevourish mouth of Dr Lefevre a little while ago.
So Phew!
Quite reassuring!
Boy, you must be a glutton for punishment–3 tests all in one day? Glad to hear the happy results, though–good on ya!
Hubby’s been trying to get rid of his own meds by exercising. We’ve been walking 2 miles/wk. So far, he’s lost nearly 15 pounds since June, and I’ve lost–wait for it!–TWO!! Disgusting! Everyone tells me women don’t lose weight the same way as men–I guess! 😦
I hate those sun spots. Never really thought about putting sun screen on my hands. Then I noticed a few years ago my hands were looking like my grandmother’s! Wonder if any of those fade creams actually work??
Well, keep up the good health!
Cheers & hugs!
Gosh, I meant we walk 2 miles/day, not WEEK!
Good work both–congratulations to Gene especially. Just walking is good, Dianne!
I had a skin cancer on the left side of my nose five years ago. Had the operation and some resectioning, looks fine good plastic surgeon. So far so good. I am 73 fair skin. Still struggling with my A1C readings. Too high. I am going to start cooking from your book. Your readings are great! v/de
May all your test results sparkle like the California sun! I sometimes become overwhelmed with the amount of chores, errands and maintenance that can be crammed into one day… then I remind myself “It’s just living. Everyone does it.” The alternative is not alluring, so we carry on and try to remember not to grump and fuss.
I thoroughly enjoy your blog and delicious recipes; I’ve adapted a few for my personal vegetarian purposes.They are gorgeously colorful and just looking at the photos makes me hungry!
Bright, healthy thoughts and happy chickens to you!
Good luck with it all. Hope it is all good news. Your looking very good fit and healthy and that is everything. Take care
Hope your other test comes back A1 Robin your A1C level is very good,At least they don’t loose them in France. Jimmy had his yearly M.O.T. last week,He had his blood tests done three weeks before at the local clinic,where he had to starve from the night before until after they were done, They are now wondering around Wigan somewhere,so he will have to do it all over again,he is not a happy bunny,I will leave you work out what he said.
We will be thinking of you, you will be fine. –
I’m sorry he’s having this trouble. Beggars belief.
I had a very small nodule taken off my nose late last year…for vanity’s sake!! The young doctor who evaluated me said he did not think the bump detracted from my looks. He said there was a risk that the scar left after the removal of the bump would be more obvious than the nodule. So did I listen to him? NO!! Result: I have a small scar at the tip of my nose that I notice though friends have promised me it is not noticeable (being kind?). Solution: The wound care nurse at the hospital where I work recommended Merderma after I asked for advice on how to deal with my now obvious (only to me LOL) scar. It has helped reduce the size of the scar. So this is a long story to tell you, Robin, there are scar reducing products. The dermatogist/plastic surgeon could make a suggestion of what is available in France.
congratulations on your glucose level …. Well done! I’ve just bought your book online, can’t wait to try out the recipes 🙂
You’re doing great Robin. It seems that as we age, our trips to the doctor(s) rapidly multiply. It seems that whole weeks are now spent in an endless round of visits to physicians of various types. Well, it seems that way.
I too suffered from a small sun-related skin cancer. No recurrence, but I do avoid the sun whenever I can!
Dear Lord, Robin. The glucose count is excellent but mention the word “cancer” and I start going backwards… Let’s pray and hope it’ll be caught in time and for good.
This island continent has almost countless skin cancer victims. In spite of Medical and Government warnings: “slap-dab yourselves with sunscreen cream and avoid staying in the sun between 10.00 am and 3.00 pm when sun’s ultra violet rays are strongest and most dangerous…” not many pay much attention to these warnings. In summer our beaches are always full to the brim…
Dear Robin, I wish you the best of luck on the 28th!
Thanks, Odette–I’m taking your advice.
Bless you ,it’s no fun getting old!!!!!:-)) x
Hey Robin ,get some Bio Oil……….its brilliant for scars!!!
Thank you Robin he will get over it,it all part and parcel of the beast.
Are you a sun worshiper,please cream and wear a hat.In the U.K. as you know we see the sun so little so that when it does visit we are all there lying in it.though I am afraid I am not one of them, I am usually under the brolly, if I sit in it I have a migraime,so it not an option for me.Take care and enjoy your summer.
Best of luck with the opperation , & the tests. Bless you, will be praying for you.
Hope the blood glucose levels remain low. Take very good care of yourself.
lots of love
bev
Is it a Basil or Squamous cancer? In any case it will be Mohs Micrographic surgery. Check the references on your surgeon…the one trained in “reconstruction”. There is also option of a radiation.
Thanks Hedvika
So pleased for you that all went well. Guys look kinda rugged with a wee scar here and there 🙂 worked for RP after all. . . On another completely different note, my family are fans of ail fume – the variety I can buy here is not, thus far, the pink lautrec. I have found the fresh pink lautrec on line but not a smoked version. Smoked garlic used in a tzaziki fir example is superb. This question almost sounds weird but do you smoke your garlic Robin?
I used to smoke roll-ups but gave up in my thirties–a few days before my 40th birthday!
Garlic–no!
Smoked garlic in Tsatziki–well yes. How do you smoke “it” or do you buy it?
I like what smoked paprika does so why not garlic–don’t remember seeing round here though.
Brilliant Robin! At least ail ciggies would be a legal rollie . . .
I first bought a plaited string of ail fume on one of my many booze/food cruises to Calais when I lived in the South of England. South Essex actually. However, having been evicted for not being orange, having hair extensions or false nails or anything else false one can think of I live too far away to devote an evening to popping over to France. Famille Winks relocated to the Shetland Islands which means my French specialties are sought online. . Anyway smoked garlic is fabulous and apart from tzaziki I use it in every way that I would use fresh garlic. I have been tempted to try and smoke my own but not thus far.. I believe it us a seasonal product, not surprising. The smell from the string when hanging in the kitchen is amazing! Maybe an opening there for Lautrec garlic? Thanks so much for your reply – had the bonus if being chuckle inducing too. Best regards Stella
three years ago I had a small skin cancer removed from beside my eye. It was totally painless, done as an outpatient, and has left a scar so tiny you literally need a microscope to see it. So I’m sure you will be fine, but missing the romantic Poldark scar, I’m afraid. Better for Robin Ellis, though. Take care
Reassuring, Joy–thanks!
I tried to access your email on Volunteers I recently received and when I tried to make a comment the screen said not here error 404 go to archives?
Try this link, Virginia: https://robin-ellis.net/2012//08/11/volunteers
Thanks for the great reminders, Robin, to get those tests we often put off. Time to get appointments lined up for when I return to Alaska. Too many things can end up on the back burner. Best of luck with the surgery. Lots of my friends have had lesions removed from the nose & ears–all turned out fine. Hats & sunscreen are your friends. Enjoy the rest of your summer
Hi Robin
Well done for keeping type 2 at bay! Please wear a hat with a brim to protect the tops of your ears from the sun. My uncle didn’t and he paid the price, but he was 92 at the end!!
Hope all is well, is there another kitten yet?
Pam x
Thanks for the tip–I will and no kitten yet!
My sympathies! The first two days of our week have been simliar, but involving diabetes, a cyst on an elbow, and advancing dementia (my husband, not myself…even worse for me.) Bette Davis said something like “Old age isn’t for sissies.” I love a wise, tough old broad!
Let’s hope it’s not “a bumpy ride”!