The Dude Hates Cancer and Swollen Legs

Kim and her cousins did an excellent job raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at The Dude Hates Cancer bowling event.  Last year, you may recall, the cousins braved a dangerous thunderstorm to attend.  Jeff and I could only cheer for them from the safety of our home.  Radio and television reports strongly suggested people stay at home but the young folks insisted on keeping their commitment to bowl!  In fact, Amy Lyn, Sarah and Becky did have trouble getting home after the event.  It was a nerve-wracking evening for the older generation and exciting, I’m sure, for the younger one.
 

By contrast, last night was a beautiful evening for the event.  A vendor truck was parked in front of the bowling alley; frozen yogurt with awesome toppings was being sold under the name “Whirled Piece.”  A portion of their proceeds was being donated to the cause so, of course, Jeff and I partook.  Otherwise, the food at North Bowl seemed to be limited to their famous Tater Tot bar.

Jeff recently had been invited to join two bowling leagues – from two different circles of friends.  He was entertaining the idea of joining one when I asked, “Can you bowl?”  He seemed surprised by the question and then realized he had no idea whether his right shoulder would cooperate for the movement required for bowling.  There was also a question of strength.  I sent Kim a text and asked whether she thought her Dad could throw a ball or two at The Dude Hates Cancer as a test.  “Sure!” she replied.  A couple of our young people who were scheduled to bowl for the Bist du Stark Team were unable to attend.  So Jeff and I stepped in and bowled as one bowler, alternating turns.  Of Jeff’s five throws, his first were goose eggs but he did throw a strike.

We were probably the oldest people in attendance and our young ‘uns were very gracious to let us participate.  After we watched one game, bowled the next, and had my cheeks swabbed for the registry, we left to have dinner on our own.  Our cute team shirts with our names embroidered on the “pockets” drew stares as we walked the streets of Philadelphia.  The shirts came in handy at the loud restaurant, though; when we gave our name, we only had to point to the shirt.

Last Thursday, Jeff noticed that his ankles were swollen.  I don’t think he would have mentioned it to me except the swelling didn’t go down overnight and he became concerned enough to let his doctors know about it.  Dr. Allison Rager called Jeff to discuss it.  She decided that it was probably due to something salty he ate or, perhaps, from standing too long.  Not to worry, she said, since it was happening in both legs.  If it had been one leg only, they would worry about a blood clot.

Well, I don’t know what Jeff ate last week that would still be causing a problem.  We have avoided salty foods since then.  When we got home from church today, Jeff said his one shoe was beginning to hurt.  It was no wonder his shoes hurt.  His feet and ankles were swollen quite remarkably.  He spent the rest of the day lounging with his feet up.  Hopefully, this will not continue to be a problem.  Jeff will see the Penn dermatologist this week as well as Drs. Porter and Rager.  It is a relief to me that he will be seen soon.