Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Mohs Surgery, Water in the Desert, and a Make-over

Tucson/Lazydays KOA
Tucson, AZ
March 26, 2014

Female Broad-tailed Hummingbird
First off, thank you to everyone who helped identify the mystery hummingbird. I really appreciate your efforts.





Picnics on the patio...
A few posts ago, I mentioned Joe had made a visit to the dermatologist and had several spots frozen. What I didn't mention was that he also had a biopsy done. Results are in and they were positive for a type of skin cancer that we have been reassured does not get into the organs. Before choosing a dermatologist, we searched for a doctor well trained in Mohs surgery...just in case. Mohs, also known as chemosurgery, is microscopically controlled surgery. During the surgery, after each removal of tissue, while the patient waits, the pathologist examines the tissue for cancer cells.
This examination informs the surgeon where to remove tissue next which allows for a very narrow surgical margin. Joe is scheduled for his surgery on the 28th. Because there is a 2 week check-up to remove stitches, we have extended our stay until April 14th. He has had this procedure done once before back in Lagrange, GA. We don't consider finding qualified doctors to be a strain in our full-time RV life style, but a blessing to have the ability to take our home where they are.





On to more fun things...yep, there is water in the desert! And I don't mean the pups water bowl!





We had ourselves a very nice hike up to Seven Falls. Its a hike on Bear Canyon Trail in the Sabino Canyon RA. The trail that leads from the parking lot is the same trail we have taken several times... but after about 2.2 miles, it bears off to the left in the canyon. This was the fun and quite peaceful part of the hike as we actually enjoyed the quiet sound of running water in the Sabino Creek as we walked.
 

We actually crossed over the creek several times. I didn't count, but the info from the VC states there are 7 crossings. There were also pools along the way...
 
 
 A mallard and a texas patch nose (I think) were sharing the same pool on one of our crossings.

It's so hard to take it all in...do I look up?

Do I look down?
 




We did encounter a group of Rangers...


They were returning from delivering supplies to another group of folks who were setting out on a 2 week adventure to eradicate unwanted grasses that have invaded the area.



After the last creek crossing, the trail climbs up the wall of the canyon on a couple of long switchbacks.



Then...tah-dah! We came  around a corner and there to the left we saw the rock formation that towers Seven Falls. The trail forks here...go left as this goes down to the large pool at the base of the falls.
 
First view of the falls from the trail.


That last short part of the hike was actually the hardest to us.





Two mallards were enjoying the water in the larger pool at the bottom of the falls.







This is an awesome hike! According to the VC the total miles for this hike is 8.4. According to our feet and muscles it was more like what I would imagine a 10 mile forced march with full gear would be like. It pretty much spanked us. Recovery was quick though as the next day, we were planning for our next adventure!
That brings me to the last topic in the title...a make-over. Well, our feet hurt after that hike...especially my heels. So we decided a visit to REI was in order with hiking boots in hand. The very knowledgeable young sales lady informed us our boots had plenty of tread and recommended we simply give them a makeover with new inner soles.















Hope you are having a great week!
 
Until next time, stay awake, take care and enjoy!
 




That was some yawn!

28 comments:

  1. Good luck with the Mohs - I had that done in December and hopefully I'm done for a long time to go. I see my derma next month. You take the most incredible pictures. I just thoroughly enjoy looking at them. Even the snake (which is yuck) is beautiful.

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    1. I remember your surgery.....close to your eye Sandie. I am so happy Joe went ahead while we are here to have that nasty place checked. He goes in on Friday...we will let you know!

      And thanks for the sweet compliment. I do love taking pictures and sometimes I get lucky!

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  2. Replies
    1. It was funny Judy.....he was a tired fella! His yawns were quite contagious too!

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    1. I am so glad Betty! We all need a good laugh everyday!

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  4. Oh yes! Looks like our kind of hike.

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    1. You and Craig would love it Merikay! We were rewarded all along the trail.

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  5. Oh no ..at least you're on top of the Mohs and soon it'll be behind you. Love the horse! Great toothy shots!

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    1. Yes, I am proud of Joe for going on the the doctor....especially while we are still here in Tucson.

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  6. Isn't this just the best hike! We had so much fun with all the water crossings. Some of them were quite tricky with the high water. The falls at the end were really flowing and people were in the pools. It was a warm day for us. Glad you got to do this hike. There was a crested saguaro up on the bank to the left about a 1/3 of the way in. Also, there is an amazing, huge crested saguaro out on the nature trail that you have to see. After we finished the Seven Falls, we wet out and walked the Nature Trail to get photos of this crested beauty.

    I have the same hiking shoes you do, Gay. I love them but have found that if the trail is rocky at all, the bottoms of my feet hurt. Before we head west this spring, I am going to get another pair of boots with firmer soles just for the rocky trails. But I am very partial to these Merrills:)

    Hope all goes well for Joe.

    Love the yawn...great photos!!

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    1. Hi Pam...we have been thinking we should do the nature walk. Now I have too to check out the crested. We missed the one on the trail. I was very surprised to find any water at all. I'm sure there was lots more in Feb when you went.

      I hope you will let me know about your new boots. Joe had waterproof Vasque boots and his feet hurt too. I'll let you know if the new inner soles help. They weren't cheap!

      Thanks for the well wishes for Joe.....we are hoping to back on the trail in no time!

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  7. Gay, I love your sense of humor and all your beautiful photos. We sent our very best wishes to Joe for a speedy recovery after a surgery gone extremely well! We have a friend that experienced the same thing as Joe, or close to it. But, he didn't have the MOHs first, they had to reopen the spot on his face the second time and this time performed the MOHs. His started with a bright red spot on his face.

    Again all our best wishes sent your way.

    Great, fun hike!!

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    1. Thank you Sheila. Joe had a cyst behind his ear on his neck that just would not go away! I am so pleased he went ahead and had it checked. And we are hoping he will be good as new in no time.

      Isn't that yawn just too funny? I'm sure the horses and mules were very tired after their trek thru the canyon. We actually saw all the supplies they delivered and it was a lot!

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  8. Thanks for clearing up the mystery hummer. Now I know too. I was wondering if you did or was going to do 7 Falls. I didn't about 32 yrs ago but not so smart with the foot wear. I suffered for about 1 1/2 from blisters. But it sure was a beautiful hike. I'm glad your enjoying Tucson.

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    1. You are most welcome Jo. That's a BIG ouch on those blisters. The older I get, the more I realize the importance of proper shoes. We actually saw kids on the trail barefooted!

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  9. We certainly hope all goes well with Joe's surgery & he has a full & quick recovery. Great blog! Particularly loved the duck & mule photos but the snake, EEK!, even pictures of snakes give me the willies. LOL but I'll grant you even they were good photos. Keep us posted on Joe's surgery & progress please. Y'all take care.

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    1. Thank you Gayle. I will for sure post Joe's progress. We are very optimistic.
      Hope you, Don and Tucker have settled back into leisurely days...I know you miss the grand kids!

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  10. Have often heard of Sabino Canyon but we have never been there. Just sooooo much great scenery in this vast land. All the best with Joe's surgery. At this age & stage of life we sure have to be extra vigilante with things...........

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    1. You are so right Al. The golden years take a lot of polishing!

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  11. Glad to hear Joe is on the mend and what he had is nothing to worry about. Just the C word makes me cringe.
    All images very beautiful and well captured. I do like your close up shots, very nice.
    You just gave me an idea about inner soles. I might get one down the road.

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    1. Thanks MonaLiza.....i will let you know how the Superfeet work! I have my fingers crossed. Sure beats buying new boots.

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  12. Good luck with Joe's surgery hope all goes well.
    What a wonderful hike you had, excellent photos.

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  13. Good luck with Joe's surgery. There is definitely something to be said about living on the road and being able to find the best doctor for your needs.
    Looks like a wonderful hike, and you've given me something to think regarding my hiking shoes. Tim and I have both noticed that our feet hurt after any hike longer than 6-7 miles. The treads are still good through so we've been hesitant to replace. I think maybe new inner soles are just what we need. Guess a trip to REI is in order!

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    1. Thank you Amanda. We love REI. I know it's expensive, but the folks there are so knowledgeable.

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  14. I had extensive Mohs surgery on my nose and the scar is hardly noticeable. I am sure Joe's appointment will turn out fine. The important thing is to have regular check-ups.

    Looks like another fantastic hike. Good boots are nothing to skimp on. I hadn't thought of just replacing the insoles.

    Fun yawn shot!

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    1. Thanks for the encouragement Pam. Joe just had a check-up back in October. This place popped up that quick. I am so glad he went ahead to have it seen after.

      We are so hoping the soles work!

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