Gratitude Monday -- Colonoscopy Ahead

I'm slated for a colonoscopy in June and I for it I am grateful.
Why?
Because, as a colon cancer bester* I need one. In fact I have to have one each year for five years before any doctor will take the big step of calling me cancer free.
Good for them. I feel no such restriction myself, but their way offers proof.

Last Monday I met briefly with my cancer surgeon. He reviewed results of a blood test I have to get done every three months. Everything is normal. In fact, the level of CEA was lower than the first one and it was well within normal ranges.
I am grateful for that, too.

Meanwhile, back to the colonoscopy.
Just because one needs a procedure here it doesn't mean one is going to get it.  Many who should be having a colonoscopy, or any number of other medically necessary procedures, have to wait.  It is in part the nature of the health care system, and in part because this is Alberta and doctors have to fight for and justify care for their patients.
You have to be really sick to get any help. If you are tolerably suffering you're out of luck.
Further, around the world those who need medical intervention either don't qualify to have it covered or simply can't pay for it and have to suffer.

It also means I am around to have the colonoscopy, and that I am healthy.  Were I on my death bed there wouldn't be a lot of sense taking someone else's place in line.

I don't have to be on too bland a diet before the procedure and I am grateful for that, too.  I can't have anything with seeds in it so the tomatoes and cucumbers in the salads will be stripped of their seeds for the week prior to the it.
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*I can't bring myself to say survivor without cringing. That word suggests a long period of trial resulting in triumph. It's for all who have to fight to stay alive.
Cancer had a limited impact on me. I barely noticed I had it and as it stands right now it is like it never happened.
I am grateful for that, too.

Gratitude Monday–Cancer, My Ass!

The above is my attitude and my battle cry.
Last Friday I learned I have bowel cancer, and I am grateful.
Why?
Because it all went very quickly and knowing is better than waiting.

I made a medical appointment on Monday for June 27, the earliest available.  I was told at the time to call at 08:30 any morning to ask about cancellations.  On Tuesday morning I went for a bike ride and thought about it. For days I had been seeing in my mind a  particular doctor examining me. It was not the one  I was to see on the 27th. When I called Tuesday the doctor who had a cancellation that morning was the one in my mind.

He sent me to the lab for assorted tests and set about setting up a colonoscopy appointment for me. He called the lab while I was still there, directing someone to direct me to a woman at the  hospital who provides info to day surgery patients.
She wasn't in, but called me a few hours  later to tell me the procedure was set for Red Deer Hospital on Friday.

I learned right away about the mass and that it appears to be curable by surgery alone.  The doctor took a sample for biopsy and is setting both CT scan and surgery for me.  If is hasn't moved past its current location everything will be sorted out on the table.
If not, I'll deal with it.

I've lost a bit of the extra weight I was carrying due to being on heart meds. I have a good appetite and plenty of energy. Ironically, I look and feel better than I have in years.
I have started in on fruit and veggie smoothies so my body will be healthier and be able to repair itself.  I've done some research and will do more, and I refuse to worry until I have something worth worrying about.
For all of this, I am grateful.

Cancer, my ass!