Thanks for your feedback… I read them all and try to respond when I can. Will pass on a few responses once a week or so. Let me know if you wish to be anonymous, and feel free to pontificate and not be anonymous.
If you missed any of these pieces, you can visit bobrivers.blog to binge.
If there’s a question or topic or you’d like to have a friendly debate, hit me up. 24/7/365… my Contact Form sends directly to my personal email.
Bob.
Barrett’s Esophagus | THE BIG PICTURE
Bob,
Thanks for the stats update on Barrett’s…my husband has it too, and we hadn’t heard the latest numbers. Always great to start the day with some positive news! Enjoy.
Wendy
You’re welcome, Wendy…
Those stats completely depend on your level of dysplasia… there are 3 levels before you get to the precancerous stages. I’m at the lowest level. Only the gastroenterologist can tell where your hubby is. But many lump everyone into the same bunch.
Assuming he has regular appointments, he should ask…
Best,
-B
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Good timing on this piece Bob. I needed to hear it. Losing my mom soon and was losing perspective. Thanks.
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Bob,
Great post! I too am thankful I’m here and have my occasional moments where I want to burst with exuberance and gratitude.
Then there are the down times. I too have Barrett’s Esophagus, but not from acid reflux, but rather, from having too little acid due to a condition bestowed upon me genetically called Pernicious Anemia. It’s an autoimmune disorder which kills the stomach cells that produce a protein that binds with vitamin B12, so I simply cannot get B12 from anything I eat. Once a week, I give myself an inter-muscular shot of synthetic B12 in the upper arm. Without them, well, I die a horrible death. You can’t live without B12.
You might remember in the finale of Downton Abbey Lord Merton is telling his former fiancé, Isobel Crawley how he was dying from the horrible disease in 1925? Vitamin B12 had not been discovered yet, nor had the exact reason people got Pernicious Anemia, but getting it was a death sentence, as it was to my Great Grandmother, who was 45 and had 12 kids underfoot when she succumbs to its fate. These days it can be cured with a shot in 2 days. Awww… modern medicine! But… the condition also comes with stomach issues, including low stomach acid and atrophic gastroenteritis which made digestion often a serious challenge. Every other year I have to get an endoscopy to see if the C word has developed in my gut- it’s common with this illness, but can be treatable if caught early. The condition can also cause cerebral atrophy, some of which had started before I found out what was going on with my health (in my early 20’s) so I struggle a bit with recalling facts and thoughts quickly. That said, I’m healthy with the help of the injections and should live a full life… So… yes, each day is a gift- that’s why they call it the “present”. Life isn’t meant to fight, fight, fight, defend, defend, defend, like an animal constantly on guard from predation. As I see it, it’s meant to be enjoyed daily with bits of goodness woven throughout various situations, even the complicated ones. The longer I live, the sweeter it gets and the more I appreciate the gift.
I’m up early and reflecting over my morning coffee thanks to you! Thanks for your openness and vulnerability. Keep the email blog coming, Bob!
Name Withheld
OBAMA COMEDY SCHOLARSHIP
…awesome blog, I too am a father and yes… I do feel I’m failing at times. thanks for putting things into perspective.
Mark
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Bob, I enjoy this very much. I miss hearing you in the morning out here in Washington but in my head, I hear your voice. good luck and thank you.
Doug
WHY I’M ROOTING FOR TRUMP
Bob,
Nicely put! Especially this bit:
“they were sick and tired of being politely managed by smooth-talking bureaucrats. And my liberal friends were perfect targets with their smug holier than thou attitude.”
That reminded me of an interview I saw where Michael Stipe, of all people, nailed it exactly. I cannot speak for everyone who voted for Trump, just myself and those that I know personally, and Michael expresses it beautifully @ 5:50.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tF2aJcoeXGw
Politics aside, my pal turned me on to your email musings, and while I’m really happy he did, it made me realize how much I miss you. Hope all is golden way over there.
Cheers,
Jim
