This Mortal Coil, Can We Bequeath?
Jun. 18th, 2021 05:37 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
tcpipAfter a couple of joyous journal entries, the wheel turns to one more grim. Several years ago I experienced a bad case of cellulitis on my lower legs. I eventually visited the doctor who, with some concern, conducted blood tests and dosed me up antibiotics to prevent it from developing into necrotizing fasciitis. Their wise advice was that next time anything like this should happen again I should visit the doctor as soon as possible. What they didn't say was how to treat my limbs in the meantime. So for years, at the first potential sign of infection, I've applied betadine, rubbing alcohol, etc. This has worked in that regard, but earlier this week I've had another case of cellulitis come up. I went straight to the doctor who provided more antibiotics and recommended the exact opposite in terms of topical ointments. Apparently, the skin in my lower leg gets particularly dry and brittle, so instead of worrying about secondary infections, I now have a mountain of powerful moisturising creams to prevent breaks in the skin in the first place.
As part of the parcel, however, I also have a chronic wound on my left ankle, and on my next visit in a week's time, a biopsy will be conducted to determine the possibility of a cancerous ulcer. I quickly add that I'm rather phlegmatic about this, partially because of the cascading elements required for this to be a matter of major concern. Even if it is a cancer, it is probably a distal skin cancer that has a very high survival rate. If, and only if, it is a bone cancer or has affected by lymph nodes will I have to revisit the concerns. Partially also because I've spent so much consideration of mortality issues in the first place. To paraphrase Felix Adler, the bitter yet merciful possibility has motivated me towards what is significant in life, with only modest distractions towards trivialities.
One thing that has come to mind however is the dire need to update my will, if only for the matter of contingency. The last one I wrote out was in 2002, just prior to my year in Timor-Leste. As can be imagined both the people and institutions that I was planning to bequest what was then more meagre worldly possessions has changed. Now, through a combination of years of gainful employment, fortunate investments, and a relatively frugal lifestyle, I find myself of some means. I will have to leave something for those very incorporated associations that I helped establish with the hope that they will be ongoing concerns. Then there are those whom I care deeply for, and especially those who who have been dealt a pretty poor hand in life. Further, I must also find myself a new lawyer as a keeper of such paperwork as my current choice is no longer suitable. These are all matters that I will give some deeper consideration to in the next few weeks as events unfold.
As part of the parcel, however, I also have a chronic wound on my left ankle, and on my next visit in a week's time, a biopsy will be conducted to determine the possibility of a cancerous ulcer. I quickly add that I'm rather phlegmatic about this, partially because of the cascading elements required for this to be a matter of major concern. Even if it is a cancer, it is probably a distal skin cancer that has a very high survival rate. If, and only if, it is a bone cancer or has affected by lymph nodes will I have to revisit the concerns. Partially also because I've spent so much consideration of mortality issues in the first place. To paraphrase Felix Adler, the bitter yet merciful possibility has motivated me towards what is significant in life, with only modest distractions towards trivialities.
One thing that has come to mind however is the dire need to update my will, if only for the matter of contingency. The last one I wrote out was in 2002, just prior to my year in Timor-Leste. As can be imagined both the people and institutions that I was planning to bequest what was then more meagre worldly possessions has changed. Now, through a combination of years of gainful employment, fortunate investments, and a relatively frugal lifestyle, I find myself of some means. I will have to leave something for those very incorporated associations that I helped establish with the hope that they will be ongoing concerns. Then there are those whom I care deeply for, and especially those who who have been dealt a pretty poor hand in life. Further, I must also find myself a new lawyer as a keeper of such paperwork as my current choice is no longer suitable. These are all matters that I will give some deeper consideration to in the next few weeks as events unfold.
no subject
Date: 2021-06-20 03:02 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2021-06-20 11:02 pm (UTC)Mine hasn't been that painful, although the nickname "fire leg" is certainly quite apt at times. The antibiotics and creams seem to be doing their job.