Another Day, Another Probe

Off to the surgeon today, for a 'consult,' as they call it. Apprehensive, as always, about being probed. Everybody seems to want their own poke around in there. I think all that poking is simply angering the colon.
    Not quite sure what else to expect today. Will a date be set for surgery? Are there tests needed to confirm the location and present size of the tumor? What about bags? What's the likelihood of my needing a temporary ileostomy bag? Worse yet, what are the odds of needing a permanent bag? Pretty sure I don't want to go through life with a permanent bag.
    Lots of questions, lots of worries, and no end in sight.
    

No Sunlight Comin' Through My Window

Bowie and Prince are dead. Donald Trump may very well be our next president. I've got cancer and a small battery in my chest. The sun is choosing not to shine this Wednesday. 2016 is turning out to be quite the year. I'm going back to bed.

A Little Good News

This morning I visited my radiation oncologist. My fear was that he would want to probe the area of my tumor. (New drinking game: Every time you read some variant of the word 'probe' in one of my postings, take a drink. You'll be drunk in no time.) Dr. M. did indeed wish to make a 'gentle' digital exam, 'gentle' turning out to be a relative term.
    The good news: Dr. M searched with all due diligence for the tumor but could not feel it. This means that the radiation and the horrible chemotherapy was not in vain. It succeeded in shrinking the tumor. I still need to have surgery, but it's good to know that the therapies achieved their desired effect.
    

Briefly

Yesterday was a good day. The weather was cooler than it should have been this time of year, but that was fine. It was sunny, and the sight of sunlight always perks up my spirits. I went for a mid-day walk. The trees and bushes are still flowering, tulips are still in bloom, and the world looked lovely. It felt good to get moving. My body felt better when I got back home.
    Today is a sunny day as well. Which is good. It'll keep my mood from getting too dark. I have a follow-up appointment with my radiation oncologist, Dr. M. A very nice man, it will be good to see him, despite the fact that he might probe me, just to see how that tumor is doing. The thought of probing makes me apprehensive. Still, we're going out to lunch afterwards, my wife and I, so there is something positive to look forward to.