I don’t think anyone warned me that at a certain age, everywhere I turned, people would be getting divorced or getting cancer. Or maybe I was warned and I just didn’t listen. Or I listened politely, but immediately dismissed the warnings. Which might speak to a certain hubris and youthful arrogance, but in my own … Read more
(This year I decided to do two versions of a year-end newsletter, the first was a “professional” one that I finished and sent at the end of November, (you know, like a professional). And for family and friends, this version from me and Paul that —no surprise—is a couple days late, a little messier, with … Read more
Wherein I intro the book Atomic Habits, which may yet change my life!
The first weeks after my colectomy are a series of ups and downs, but I’m learning how to traverse them.
What recovery looks like, five days after a laparoscopic colectomy.
(On the last day before my full colectomy, I prepare for surgery) Tomorrow is my colectomy. My surgery 20 years ago was what they call a “hemi-colectomy,” because it removed about half my colon. Some friends came to visit in the hospital back then and brought me a get well card adorned with a bold, graphic: ; It was funny. … Read more
(Two days before my full colectomy, I talk in too-much detail about what my “poop-life” might be like afterwards, because everyone wants to know but doesn’t want to ask.) Although it’s a little awkward to talk about poop and our pooping equipment, I’ve had some anxiety about what life will be like after a full colectomy, … Read more
As my colectomy surgery date approaches, I deal with a pre-surgery limbo and also make my final decision on whether to undergo a prophylactic oophorectomy.
Yesterday, March 22, was Lynch Syndrome Awareness day. Today I posted a version of this to Facebook: I’ve dragged my feet about posting, I think partly because I tend to resist to “cancer awareness” campaigns. Maybe it’s the Midwesterner in me that is skeptical about making a “big fuss” out of things. I suspect the … Read more
“You had a visitor during your treatment.” (my friend C_, who sometimes see things that other people can’t) A few years ago, for a scripted project, I read several books about research on reincarnation and near death experiences. There are a number of reports that make it seem likely that there is life beyond our … Read more