Sunday

Well, my first colonoscopy is now - so to speak - behind me, as well as my second (non)-biopsy.  More on the latter in a minute.  I was told my colon is "perfect" - I doubt that, but it is comforting to know that the combination of good genes and no-red-meat diet for many years has somehow resulted in no polyps or other issues.  I didn't ask, but I believe I won't need another colonoscopy for 5 or 10 years.

As far as the biopsy, I was told - on waking up - that once Dr. M got in/up there, there was nothing to biopsy; everything was normal.  Okay with me.  I told him of our move to Maine.  I will miss him.  Seeing him always gives me confidence in my own well-being.  He said my next check-up should be in 6 months - for a CT scan and follow up visit with him.  I think I may try to return to CT for that scan and visit with him.  I will probably also set up a relationship with the doctor to whom Dr. M referred me in Portland, but if it can be arranged (and is covered by my insurance), I would still like to come back to see Dr. M for follow ups, at least for the next couple years.  Maybe until I reach my 5 year NED milestone (I'm half way there already!).

The worst part of the whole experience was the "bowel prep" which involves - for those of you too young, too lucky or too anxious to have had to deal with this - typically I believe and at least in my own case, taking 4 laxative tablets (4 x the "normal" dose) AND an entire 8 oz bottle of something like Miramax mixed in 64 ounces of Gatorade, lemonade or the like (typically I believe you mix a tablespoon or so with an 8 oz glass of water, etc.).  The idea is to clean you out, and I do mean clean you out.


I've done this a few times now, and this was the hardest time for me.  I ended up getting nauseous - which I guess is fairly common - and then throwing up (not that there was anything to throw up since for the day before the procedure you can't eat solid food, only clear liquids, Jello, bouillon, etc.).  But I made it and it's now over.



And now to more pleasant topics.

A couple of pics from our week's vacation at The WoodenBoat School in Brooklin, ME:

Now for our plans.  The closing on the house in Rockland is this coming Thursday.  I'll take pictures the closing and post them after that.  I'm going up for the closing and staying over.  David will drive up on Saturday to leave his car at the house and we'll drive back to CT together on Sunday.  Then 2 weeks later - Sunday 10/7 - we'll be moving.


Family news:  my grandson completed 34 laps in a "fun run" to raise money for his school.  He's a runner!  Congratulations, Cachao!  My daughter is back in Haiti, now working for another eco-sanitation organization, Give Love.  All is well with family - although I'm missing everyone.   I think my daughter will be coming to Maine at the end of October to attend a week-long course on composting, so she may be our first house guest.  That will be wonderful!

Peace.