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As a group, those of us on PD tend to be older. With age comes a need, no, a requirement, to schedule appointments with a wide variety of doctors more frequently. I am entering such a phase.

This week I have an appointment to have an Ecogram done as a preliminary to checking out my heart. I also am scheduled to have the stitches removed from the surgery to remove the basil cell cancer on my left temple. The following week I have an appointment with my audiologist. My left hearing aid stopped working followed the same day by I hope, minor surgery to remove yet another cancer cell under my left chin. This is followed by an appointment to do a chemical stress test to ascertain more about my heart condition and then at month’s end a video conference with my cardiologist to discuss what all of the tests previously conducted portend for me. That is, where do we go from here?

This leads to introspection, and my mantra in writing this blog is Never Ring the Bell, adopted by US Navy SEALs. For them and me, this symbolizes perseverance and resilience. To do otherwise is to take the easy way out for those who wish to quit. Not ringing the bell is crucial for overcoming life’s obstacles and achieving success, while quitting leads to lifelong regret, and in the case of those of us on PD, potentially death.

This dude will never ring the bell. Bring it on! And yes, I made and make our bed every day suggesting there will be a tomorrow.