Wednesday, February 10, 2021

All Seems To Be Well

On Friday, just 48-hrs after I admitted myself into the Emergency Department of the hospital, I was discharged with no need surgery. The obstruction was cleared in the time I was in the hospital. The physical recovery has been consistent and happening steadily. The greatest difficulty has been the emotional recovery. It really set me back, being in the hospital and preparing myself for the possibility of emergency surgery. On Friday evening, a friend in my pod came over to see how I was doing. It was when she walked in the door that all the emotion came pouring in -all the memories of past surgeries and what was required of me to get through it. Wow! It was a lot. I feel like I am just now finding my way out of the emotional weight of it all.

What really turned me around was the recording of Episode 30 of my podcast. I spoke with an incredible and inspiring kindred-spirit and survivor of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. The time we spent together unfolding all she has been through was the elixir I was seeking. I feel like I'm just about back on my feet. 

Thursday, February 4, 2021

Bowel Obstruction: After All These Years

My intention was to release Episode Seven of Season Two of But Seriously: The Cancer Podcast on Friday February 5th. However, early Wednesday morning I checked myself into the Emergency Department and was diagnosed with a small bowel obstruction due to an adhesion.


I’m feeling much better and the need for surgery is becoming less likely.

The colorectal resection I had in 2008 and/or the liver resection I had in 2011 are likely the reason for the adhesions in my abdomen. Apparently adhesions can show up years after a surgery and are not restricted to just the surgical area. 

I’m hoping to be home in time to watch Super Bowl LV

Monday, January 4, 2021

Nine Years Cancer-Free

 

This week I received results for my annual CT scan as well as my colonoscopy. CT all clear & colonoscopy all clear minus one polyp, so instead of having a colonoscopy every three years, I’ll go back to every year or two. I requested every year. I prefer to be vigilant.
Don’t be surprised with a cancer diagnosis like I was.

If you’re 45 or older, make sure you’ve had a colonoscopy. #NineYearsCancerFree