June 5, 2011 12:45 Am

Be prepared!

That's the Boy Scout motto and also the creed for us photophoresis patients.It's not just showing up for the treatments that is required. We have to go easy on the fats and/or carbs the day before and, most of all, no alcohol! Since I go Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday this week - that kind of sets the tone for not just Sunday but for every day through Wednesday. Hey, it's no big deal. I didn't havealcohol for eight months two years ago and all I have to do is not overdose on the fats - not eliminate them.

Saturday marked an epic day for myself and a friend of mine. It was his birthday! Hey, all of us who are still alive celebrate them - so that's no big deal! However, without revealing how young we are, we have now known each other for 60 years! We don't have any other friends who can attest to having known someone (other than relatives) for the length of time. We do see friends that my wife has known for 50 years. In fact, we'll see them on Friday. But 50 is not 60!

Otherwise, things are on hold regarding the contact lenses for my eyes while they research what my insurance will cover. It's funny, but taking my blood, treating it, and recycling it through my body does not bother me in the least. But, putting lenses in my eyes fills me with fear and trepidation! I just don't like shoving things into my eyes even though I fill them with all kinds of goop every day.

As I said before, I have some good days and some days that are not quite as good when it comes to my eyes. I think that the bright sun has something to do with it. As long as I wear sunglasses, I seem to be OK. But, if not, then they start to burn a bit. So I do have to be careful this time of year as the sun is the most intense that it will be. Even so, I really do enjoy the warm weather. I no longer find much redeeming value in winter.

I do, however, find redeeming value in life.

And I plan on maintaining it as long as I can...

Bob