Metal-free

To the doctor’s office today, 45 minutes in the waiting room, my head on Doug’s shoulder as he read a Denver magazine. I alternated from reading over his shoulder, to closing my eyes, resting. Finally Dr. Brown was able to see us, with a medical student observing. We discussed a couple concerns, which turned out to be nothing, just normal. He removed the staples, this time into a quiet container. Not like the metal one 19 years ago when I had an ectopic pregnancy. Clink, clink, clink. I thanked him again for a successful surgery. He said much of the success can be contributed to me....! My build and being a woman with wider hips (than a man) made the area more accessible. As opposed to a big man, which would be like a long tunnel he’d have had to work in. Almost always they would end up with a permanent colostomy. A few more pleasantries and we were on our way. I’m still tender, but staple-free.

My next medical visit will be in about 3 weeks with Dr. Basche, the Medical Oncologist, for a CT scan to make sure all looks good, discuss the chemo plan and when it would begin. In about a year I’ll go back for another colonoscopy. If it’s all clear I'll be getting one every 3 years.