The Whiskey Taster’s Flavor Guide

The Diary of a Tobacco Chewer-W

“I never travel without my diary,
One should have something sensational to read”

5-4-11: I never knew about the above quote of Wilde
But an event in life taught me to keep one.

4-23-94: Let me start with the initial jotting 
A local doctor said it’s just cough, a thing seasonal

5-5-94: No cure, consulted again after two weeks 
Advised to consult an ENT specialist attached to
A Medical College Hospital.

5-8-94: Diagnosed cancer of the vocal chords
 
5-10-94: But preferred to have a second opinion 
Confirmed the first opinion and advised radiation.
The word spread in the University Campus town
In the Bohemians circle that a Wicket (Cricket) down
Heard from many mouths the fate of the tobacco chewer.

5-15-94: A friend of my son came to see me on hearing the news
He had the disease of the same type and category 10 years back
He took the radiation and there he was a positive case.

7-4-94: Started the radiation therapy of six weeks  
Resigning 4 months earlier than the regular retirement.
Along with the radiation started the nature cure therapy
And the greatest of all therapies, the rosary with HIS name.

8-12-94 the radiation machine, only one in my State went off 
Consulted the Cancer Hospital at Mumbai  
Got the reply appointment after six months.

8-22-94: Luckily the treatment restarted after 10 days
 
9-2-94: And completed the radiation course.

12-5-94: Retested and was declared cancer free.

Thus the history of trials, tribulations, tests and tobacco taste.

5-4-11: The habit is still with me even to-day.
Oh, the digit 5 could be a lucky number for me.


                       ******************
*The dates and events taken from my diary are real*. I have written
 two poems on the event
1. What Gods there were 
2. Butterfly Counts not months but moments.

Thanks, Constance, for sensational refreshing of my memories.

Dr. Ram Mehta

==============================================

Second place win in :
Contest: The Diary sponsored by Constance La France-A Rambling poet
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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Dietrich Avatar
August 12, 2014 at 6:32 PM
Dr. Ram. I am so curious on seeing this one of yours that I do not remember. what do you mean by this? "5-4-11: The habit is still with me even to-day." gosh, you are not saying that you still chew tobacco, are you?? Anyway, wanted you to know how much I like this.
Freeman Avatar
April 20, 2011 at 12:31 PM
Dr Ram Very good to see you near the top with this worthy hit. Congratulations on your second place. Agape, Moses
Guzzi Avatar
April 20, 2011 at 5:33 AM
yike! My great uncle chewed and smoked a pipe I think the drink got him before the nictotine did [sigh] anyway YOU are better HUZZAH! Light & Love & congrad's
Fahey Avatar
April 19, 2011 at 8:00 AM
So happy this was a winner! What an inspiration you are, Dr. Ram! Ellen <3
Mannan Avatar
April 18, 2011 at 9:27 PM
Such an intersting and wondrous write. Warm congratulations.
George   Avatar
April 18, 2011 at 2:33 PM
Dear Dr. Ram, I commented on this before and I knew than it would top the winners circle. Many congrats. Lainie
Konos Avatar
April 18, 2011 at 12:58 PM
May God Bless and keep you forever safe from harm.
Horne Avatar
April 18, 2011 at 12:27 PM
I'm so glad everything turned out all right, Dr Ram - many congrats : )
Sweetheart Avatar
April 18, 2011 at 12:13 PM
Congrats Dr. Ram on your super win in The Diary contest with this wonderful and amazing entry ... enjoy another top spot with luv..my dear friend...
Brown Avatar
April 18, 2011 at 12:01 PM
Congratulations on your well deserved win Dr. Ram in Constance La France's contest "The Dairy". Love, Carol
Phookan Avatar
April 9, 2011 at 6:29 AM
Dr Ram a revelation of sorts, one goes through all kinds of experiences with docs and medical world. But they are a necessity and life saving like in your case. A very interesting write here.Good luck and best wishes. Take care, should go easy on tobacco and stuff.Infact ise chodna zyada achha hai, plz...Gautami
Durbin Avatar
April 7, 2011 at 5:28 AM
A painfully honest write, Dr. Ram.
Esquire Avatar
April 6, 2011 at 7:17 PM
Dear Dr. Ram, What a Great Write I have smoked Cigerettes for 40 + Years I Hope to be with YOU in the Winners Circle Superb, YOUR Loyal LIEGE, ALWAYS and FOREVER...HG ( Harry )
Maverick Avatar
April 6, 2011 at 4:05 PM
This write outlines for me the determination and will to live, coupled with faith that sustained you through this time Dr Ram. so good to read you today.
Onclaud Avatar
April 6, 2011 at 8:08 AM
a defined expo of your personal challenges, dr. ram... your ink spills with radiance and hope... lovely!.. best health and winning wishes to you.. :) hugggs
George   Avatar
April 6, 2011 at 12:41 AM
I believe some of our most valuable lessons are learned from going back to our diaries and reading them. Wonderful entry, Dr. Ram. Lainie
Devonshire Avatar
April 5, 2011 at 5:29 PM
Unfortunately, tobacco addiction can kill, but many of us still smoke. Your poem is a good reminder of the repercussions from smoking. Very nice how you took excerpts from your own diary too. Well done, Dr. Ram. Best wishes in Constance's contest. Love, Carolyn
La France Avatar
April 5, 2011 at 2:55 PM
Thank you for supporting my contest. And thank you Ram for sharing this emotional journey with us.
Ruebel Avatar
April 5, 2011 at 1:43 PM
Hello Dr. Mehta, Oh my goodness, what a read! Thank God you are here to tell this remarkable story...... Lov, Shar
Sweetheart Avatar
April 5, 2011 at 1:29 PM
Most exciting to read of your journey through this medical procedure Dr. Ram.. now smoke free and healthy again..it is marvelous.. the diary is good therapy as well as other treatments for writing is good therapy to absorb into the mind .. a great piece and good luck in the contest.. grand achievement in life.. and able to write about it now..luv..impressive my friend.. luv..
Mister Roboto Avatar
April 5, 2011 at 1:21 PM
My friend! This is VERY original, and I must say I love it. I NEVER leave the house without my pen and leather pad! NEVER! Shoot, I don't go into the other ROOM without it! Very CooL! I very much appreciate your support too. I have been very busy lately. I hope to spend more time on the soup this week! ~JS LAMBERT
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