Ups and Downs
The first weeks after my colectomy are a series of ups and downs, but I’m learning how to traverse them.
Lynch Syndrome
So Far, So Good – Post-Op Report
What recovery looks like, five days after a laparoscopic colectomy.
Last Day With Colon
(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
How Often Will I Poop After My Colectomy?
(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
Write about THIS (All the Woo-Woo, #2)
I receive orders from The Woo-Woo to
Updates from Limbo – Decision Made
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.
Lynch Syndrome Awareness Day
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
A Visitation (All the Woo-Woo, #1)
“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
First Try at Removing the Colon Cancer
I consider endoscopic interventions like ESD and EFTR before agreeing to colon cancer surgery.
Health Concerns
“When you have your health, you have everything. When you do not have your health, nothing else matters at all.” (Augusten Burroughs, writer) I don’t believe this entirely (in particular, you have to wonder if the writer had children), but I certainly understand the sentiment. The first time I had cancer, there were so many … Read more