Tricare at it's finest

Well, today's not starting off on the right foot!

Been keeping an eye on the Humana site for a Tricare referral for me to see a podiatrist for some issues with my left foot. Imagine my surprise when I found a referral yesterday, but not for a podiatrist, rather a general surgeon.

Called Humana this morning, saying this must be a mistake. Person I spoke with said Tyndall clinic put in the referral because I had gall stones (which was news to me). I had some tests run several weeks ago. Called last Thursday, left a message trying to get results, and have YET to hear back from my provider (it's now Wednesday). Heck of a way to find out I need to have my gall bladder removed.

I've now got the name and direct phone number of who was suppose to call me. Gonna be a fun day dealing with the clinic.

And oh by the way, no referral in the system for a podiatrist.

Out with the dogs

Just back from Reno and Coco taking me for a walk. It's great lving in a dog-friendly neighborhood. Reno and Coco have lots of buds they like to say hi to when we're out. Funny thing, most neighbors only know each other by their dogs names!

Skin cancer

I really appreciate all the kind thoughts and well-wishes from my friends during my recent minor surgery for a form of skin cancer. Mine is known as a Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and is the second most common type of skin cancer. It occurs more often in men than in women at a 2:1 ratio. The incidence increases with age and also increases with decreasing latitudes such as the southern US.  

SCC arises in the outer layer of the skin. The only way to diagnose SCC is to biopsy suspicious looking lesions. That's what the doctor did with me. He did what is called a shave biopsy. Area was numbed and the lesion on my right temple was shaved off with a flexible razor.

When it came back positive and I was scheduled for the surgery in his office he made a simple excision of the skin cancer including a margin of normal skin.That was to insure all of the cancer was removed. I had 5 stitches and will have a small scar (barely visible) on my right temple.

Here's some tips to help preventing you from developing SCC and going thru the time that I did.  Avoid UVB radiation from sun exposure - avoid midday sun, use protective clothing, and use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.

If something looks suspicious on your face, arms or hands, get it checked right away. I was on a 6-month visit schedule with the dermatologist. My SCC cropped up quickly between visits. I now have 4-month follow-ups.

New blog

I've decided to take a stab at blogging and see where this goes.

Busy this week working on the newsletter I put together for the Thunderbirds Alumni Association (TBAA). Enjoy doing it as it gives me an opportunity to continue doing something I've done most of my adult working life.

Also co-chairing this year's TBAA November reunion in Las Vegas. Lots of details to sort out to make it a successful event (wearing my airshow coordinator hat i nthe process). Looking forward to seeing many former teammates and friends from my Thunderbird days in Las Vegas.

Who said retirement is boring? Seems I have more on my plate now than I did when I was working full-time.