Off to visit my mother

I am leaving tomorrow for a 5 day visit to Lexington, KY.  Mom is 87 so one never knows when the next visit will occur.  Travelling used to be such fun, now it is something to be dreaded.  I realize that the government is trying to keep us safe but there has to be a better way to screen for terrorists. 

I wish I could say that the surgery has been an unqualified success but my voice, while somewhat better, is still quite faint and raspy.  I had a hearing today and at the conclusion I was given leave to file my closing statement in writing rather than try to talk because I had just about exhausted it.  Good discipline for paring down my questions, however.

I had an appointment last week with Dr. Merati and his residents and learned that it may take as long as 3 months for the swelling in my vocal cords caused by the operation, to go down.  Who knew they were this sensitive? The swelling not only interferes with talking, it makes breathing difficult still, although it is not a spasm, but more of a sustained obstruction when I inhale upon exertion.  I am supposed to learn how to breathe better when I next visit the speech therapist, so am hopeful that some of this will resolve with time and better breathing.  Imagine that.  All these years and I could have been doing it better.

So Bon Voyage and talk with you when I get back!