I have been watching everyone more quietly this summer. I have also grieved the losses such as dear, dear Brown Bagger. Now it is my turn again to step up to the plate and I miss the sage advice of the well known "old timers" who guided me with such compassion. I think that may I have become an "old timer" as new members arrive and we have much to teach. That is as it should be.
One year ago in August I had the second of two successful EMR (endoscopic mucosal re-sections) for a large mass in my ascending (right) colon. I recovered well, and in all honesty, I put it out of my mind as much as possible. This Monday, the 25th, I will have an endoscopy to check for stomach polyps and a colonoscopy to check for recurrence of the mass and other potential issues.
At this time I remain the cheerleader for EMR. Monday I will face the music and learn if it was truly successful or if I just bought the time I wanted. I think that mentally I am prepared either way.
So tonight I am posting again because this group of amazing people is the only place I can ramble and be understood. I have lost my father, mother, and this spring, my sister ( 54 years old) to some version of autoimmune and inflammatory bowel related cancers. I can't help but feel like I am spinning the roulette wheel each time they put me to sleep.
Thanks for listening. Hope Darkness sends me a hug!
I HATE PREP