Leaderboard

We have three, one for every year we've been active. When we get offered one I usually tell them we only accept one a year to show we're active but we prefer to not have a bunch so they aren't offended when we turn it down. So far so good and most everyone is understanding.

Recently I had a family member finish chemotherapy and radiation for head and neck cancer which was discovered to be HPV related. I work in oncology so I had a discussion about the relation with head and neck cancers with one of our oncologists and he said the prevalence could be much higher because not all head and neck cancers are tested for HPV. His reasoning for not testing is because it's an increase cost for the testing and even if it is HPV+ is does not change the course of treatment. He felt there was a good chance that many of our head and neck cancer patients have HPV related cancers, especially those who were nonsmokers. I have to admit it's made me rethink my risk factors if could I live with the consequences. I mitigated the risks the different STDs before entering the lifestyle but I didn't consider other HPV cancers (can cause anal cancer too). Unfortunately due to the nature of my job I see the treatment involved and know how horrible the experience is for these patients. Knowing that HPV generally is cleared by our own immune system is helpful but I think a person still has to consider the of "what if it doesn't". Do your research and understand that HPV is not completely benign and not all HPV cancers have routine screenings.

Sure. Heck, with regular playmates we've dealt with plenty of "Not now, we're hunting wabbits." Once you're not new and shiny, you don't compete well with others who are. The trick is in remembering that you're no less valuable. Every once in awhile, you'll meet others who view you as a lucky penny (a favorite). It's lovely to feel that, but unless you're being exclusive, then at some point, "favorite" status gets trounced by new opportunity. I remember feeling a sizable irritation about that "second choice" sensation, till the guy of the couple pointed out to me, later, "You guys get so many opportunities to do what you want, and we get so few." After looking at it through his eyes, I was actually kind of ashamed of being so irritated. I've gotta add, the idea of "settling"? Pffft... maybe it takes playing for years to feel this way, but if I'm playing at all, with anyone, I am damn sure not settling. I'm doing it because I want to.