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Ah, the joy of a free day during medical travel! Picture this: I’m in a hotel room, far from home, trying to wrap my head around the fact that I’m here for uveal melanoma treatment. After a whirlwind of medical appointments, I’ve decided to end this “medical travel” with a Ross-style “spa day”—complete with lounging, fast food, and guilt-free napping.

Step 1: The Breakfast Buffet of Champions

What better way to kick off my spa day than with a breakfast that rivals the feats of a competitive eater? McDonald’s, you glorious beacon of artery-clogging delight! As I shuffled to the nearest drive-thru, my heart filled with joy. Who needs kale smoothies or acai bowls when you can have *this*?

I ordered a Big Breakfast with Hotcakes, an Egg McMuffin Meal with a Large Orange Juice, a Bacon, Egg, and Cheese McGriddle, and not one, but two Sausage Burritos. That’s right, folks—my breakfast could feed a small army, and I was ready to take on the challenge! Not only was this feast going to cover breakfast, but I had a sneaky feeling it would keep me happy (and full) all the way until dinner. Sure, just the day before, I was being poked and prodded by medical professionals, but today? Today was about indulgence! If I’m going to face the realities of treatment, I might as well treat myself too!

Step 2: The Art of Lounging

With my breakfast feast stacked precariously on the bed, it was time for the next phase: lounging. Now, when I say “lounging,” I mean a full-on pajama-clad marathon of bed-surfing and channel-surfing. The hotel room was my domain, and the soft bed my island oasis. And what better way to spend my free day than with a DC Extended Universe mini-marathon?

Now, a little life hack I picked up along the way: I always place a towel on the bed under my food to catch any potential spills. It’s a game changer! Not only does it prevent a big mess, but it also adds a touch of “I’m organized” to my otherwise chaotic breakfast setup. As I settled in, surrounded by my breakfast bounty, I prepared for a cinematic odyssey that included *Man of Steel*, *Batman vs Superman*, *The Snyder Cut of the Justice League*, and *Black Adam*. Nothing says relaxation like watching superheroes bicker over existential crises while I, too, wrestled with my own life choices—like whether I was really going to eat that second Sausage Burrito. Spoiler alert: I did.

As I devoured my breakfast on the bed, I felt the weight of the world lift with every punch thrown by Superman and every brooding glare from Batman. It was like therapy, but with more explosions and fewer feelings. If I couldn’t save the world, at least I could enjoy the cinematic chaos of a universe struggling to find itself!

Step 3: The Nap: A Serious Business

Ah, the afternoon nap. The hallmark of any true spa day. I nestled into the comfort of my plush hotel pillows, ready to drift off into a blissful snooze. Napping, after all, is not just about shutting your eyes; it’s about embracing the art of doing absolutely nothing. As I settled in, I couldn’t help but think of napping as a competitive sport. If there were medals for napping, I’d be on the podium, draped in a blanket, with my gold medal resting on my chest as I snored.

Remembering the Real World

While I’m lounging and indulging, there’s a twinge of reality lurking beneath the surface. Uveal melanoma is no joke, and while I’m embracing my spa day mentality, I’m also fully aware of the weight of my situation. It’s a balancing act between laughter and concern, between enjoying my free day and acknowledging the seriousness of my treatment.

But isn’t that what life is about? Finding joy in the small things—even if it means taking a break from worrying and embracing the ridiculousness of it all. So, if you ever find yourself in a similar situation, remember: A spa day doesn’t have to involve cucumber slices and meditation. Sometimes, it’s just about the simple pleasures: a breakfast that could put a small diner to shame, a cozy nap, and perhaps a side of hashbrowns with your worries.

So here’s to medical travel! May your hotel room be cozy, your fast food be plentiful, and your naps be deep. And if you find yourself feeling guilty about all that lounging, just remember: You’re not just taking a break; you’re preparing for battle. And who knows? Maybe that McDonald’s breakfast will give you the strength you need to conquer whatever comes next!

Love and Light,

Ross