Why did you suddenly bring up the matter of hospitalization and surgery?

by iface002 on 2011-03-30 11:41:09

It's been half a year since the incident, and according to the doctor's instructions, I went to the hospital for a follow-up examination after six months. We did the isotope test, ultrasound, and chest X-ray all over again.

"The results were abnormal, but no cancer cells were found. Only after the tumor surgery was completed could we finally put this matter to rest," said I, who had been pushed by two families into the role of an "apparent old military doctor," to my husband. (An old military doctor refers to those experts in treating difficult diseases advertised on posters stuck on utility poles.)

So these days I've been busy putting a period at the end of this matter. A period at the hospital, and a period on the blog, both happening simultaneously, transforming into methods for an almond-shaped face.

I originally planned that once I got the isotope report in the afternoon today, if there were no bad cells left in my body, I would return home from the hospital, write another emotional post on my blog about how this illness, with Botox injections for masseter muscles, could finally be considered perfectly resolved with a full stop.

But plans don't always go as expected. While waiting for my report at 1:30 PM, I wandered off to the sixth floor clearance sale at the Grand Times Square and discovered a few Japanese-made ceramic bowls that I couldn't help but love.

I had previously seen a pair of cherry blossom patterned coffee cups and saucers at the seventh-floor Japanese ceramics counter in Jiu Guang Department Store. They were very rustic, but priced at 360 yuan, so I didn't buy them. I figured since my husband was planning to take his daughter to Japan, why not have her bring me a pair back from Japan? It would save money and also serve as a souvenir of their trip to Japan, achieving twice the result with half the effort. I love doing things that accomplish two goals at once.

But I hadn’t calculated everything.

My husband and his daughter postponed their trip, then the earthquake in Japan happened, followed by a tsunami, and then nuclear radiation. Both my husband and his daughter felt relieved, while I alone felt disheartened. When I returned to Jiu Guang Department Store, the rustic cherry blossom cups and saucers were gone without a trace. Could it be that some people were hoarding salt, others seafood, and still others Japanese ceramics?

Realizing this, I quickly decided to act and had the salesperson pack eight of them for me. If I missed out on the salt, I wouldn't miss out on the Japanese ceramics. As for what they might be used for, we'll see.

The report was rescheduled for tomorrow. Cangyang Jiahe once consoled me, “You see me or you do not see me, I am here, neither sad nor happy; you think of me or you do not think of me, affection is here, neither coming nor going; you love me or you do not love me, love is here, neither increasing nor decreasing; you follow me or you do not follow me, my hand is in your hand, neither leaving nor abandoning.”

Therefore, whether I pick up the pathology report or not, the result will remain unchanged. It’s just one day later to draw the final period, and I can endure.

Suddenly realizing something coincidental, the word 'endurance' in Japanese is 'ganman,' and I must slow down. Haha.

In the process of drawing the period at the hospital, the X-rays of my legs came out first. Doctor Shao looked at the films and informed me that because my artificial knee joint cannot bend and twist as expected, the entire prosthetic joint only serves as a metal rod providing support. Therefore, the non-worn artificial joint may last more than five or ten years, possibly fifteen, maybe even twenty years. Of course, conditions apply, and the premise is that there should be no inflammation in the leg.

Upon hearing this, my facial expression became a mixture of emotions, filled with both sorrow and joy. Life isn't like solving math problems where you have options. If there really were options, would I choose for my knee to bend properly and live beautifully for five more years, or hobble along peacefully for twenty years?

With mixed feelings of happiness and sadness, I remembered the only time I had ever had my fortune told. The fortune-telling old woman (my father-in-law's former colleague's second wife) said that besides prosperity in old age, besides being good for my husband, I was also destined for renewal. At the time, I didn't understand and asked what 'renewal' meant. The old woman said, friends. I nodded in agreement, thinking how accurate it was—coming to Shanghai wasn't exactly about bidding farewell to old friends and welcoming new ones?

But now, reflecting on what the fortune-telling old woman predicted, it's even more miraculous than a seer's prophecy—I not only welcomed new friends, but I also welcomed a brand-new me!

Yang Kui, the author of "Getting By," says he believes in Buddhism, which is also due to life leading him step by step to that point.

Yes, step by step, you can't help but believe.

Doctor Shao advised me to continue taking "Weigu Li" for half a year, saying it would greatly benefit my right leg (which has slightly degenerated due to the influence of my injured left leg). However, this imported medicine is expensive, costing about 20 yuan per day. The young girl accompanying me for the medical visit made a pained face, saying it's equivalent to a cup of coffee every day.

After returning home, the young girl went online and downloaded two messages onto my phone. Upon checking, I found they were group-buying reservation coupons for a coffee and lunch set at the Zhen Guo Coffee Shop. She said she would treat me to the coffee since she had just earned 300 yuan that day. I realized this was her way of subsidizing me since I was spending coffee money daily on medication.

Thinking of expanding my gains, I told the young girl, "Today, Mom saw a pearl necklace..." But before I could finish my sentence, she giggled and interrupted me, "For the necklace, you need to talk to Dad. I won't handle it."

She said she wouldn't handle it, smart girl. The pearl necklace I fancied today consisted of deep-sea pearls. The size and color were truly unmatched, surpassing countless worldly treasures upon meeting. But the salesperson ruined the mood by directly telling me the price: 280,000 yuan.

Do not say the soul doesn't ache, the western wind rolls up the curtain, and the person is thinner than the chrysanthemum.

As the western wind blows, nuclear radiation still moves from west to east, circling the globe and reaching Shanghai.

Miss Jing, your uncle is showing you the curly hair he caught.