Happy New Year and health concerns
Happy New Year to all! I hope 2026 will be healthy and happy for you. The year started normally for me with work and research plans for the year. Further to this, as you may know, Niigata is renowned for its snow and it has not disappointed. Heavy snow has fallen already and has thrown travelling to and from work into chaos. The semester will be over soon though and marking, as well as nyushi, are coming up. Unfortunately, as a massive disruption to work, research and commuting, standard health tests have revealed that I am in the cancer risk category with polyps (7) found in my colon. It was an uncomfortable test, leaving me drained (literally). With the news that I may have a form of cancer, it has brought about a period of self-reflection. With 1 year to go before my much anticipated retirement, I may be due for treatment and tests this year. It all kind of deflects from what should be (theoretically) a smooth slip into retirement mode. Hospital waiting rooms with a good book await ...
