Today's fasting and cleansing regimen brings me back to the early days of my cancer adventure.
During the prep for my first colonoscopy in March, I got an urgent, unexpected call from City of Hope, "You need to check in [to Hotel Hope] as soon as possible so that we can start the hydration for your chemo." George made a mad dash from downtown LA so that he could get me to the hospital on time. I was in a panic that I'd need to make a mad dash to the bathroom during our one-hour trek to CoH on the rush-hour-congested 210 Freeway.
After I arrived (accident free), the nurses hooked me up to an IV. I had a few hours to finish off my gallon jug of cleansing GoLytyely, which meant that I had to chug 8 ounces of the vile-tasting liquid every fifteen minutes. When nature started calling, I had to dance my IV pole partner into the bathroom with me every 15 minutes. Aaah, the memories. Talk about crazy, sexy cancer.
Today, I'm thankful for a number of things. I have the luxury of being in the comfort of my own home during the fasting and cleansing. I'm not strapped to my omnipresent pole partner. And this time around I requested Fleet Phospho-soda instead of the GoLytely regimen. For the benefit of you youngsters under age 50 or any of you reluctant over-50 readers, you take two doses of Fleet versus 16 glasses of the vile stuff. It's no contest. (Kind of like that blood warmer in the harvesting room - you gotta know about it to ask for it.)
I'm also thankful that I was able to schedule the colonoscopy for 2:00 pm tomorrow. At first, the scheduler told me (and my coordinating nurse) that the first available appointment was two and a half weeks away on October 24. I explained that Dr. Forman had scheduled me for my colonoscopy follow-up appointment on Thursday, and the next thing I know I'm booked for Wednesday.
What are you thankful for? For starters, you must be grateful that I didn't try to find an illustration to go with today's post.
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11 comments:
You could post an illustration of a woman desperately crossing her legs, at least for hydrating part.
I'm thankful for having to walk my dog twice a day. She's the scratch and sniff kind, not the hike and exercise kind. This forces me to stroll; take nearly the interest in squirrels, rodents and other wildlife that she does; visit with other dog walkers and generally enjoy the natural world.
When I started working from home, I traded in my daily commute for daily dog walks, and my life is much better in so many ways. Often my afternoon dog walk helps me come up with creative solutions to both work and personal issues in ways I could never do sitting at my desk.
When I want exercise, I go to the gym. But I get serenity from my dog walks -- just one of the many benefits of a furry companion, or in my case, a Fuzzy one.
I'm thankful to have you in my life as a very unique presence.
Hmm... since we're on the subject... I know Fleet. And unfortunately so does Will. They make Babylax. And so he can sympathize with your cleansing regimen. I'm thankful today that it worked for the poor guy.
I can vouch for Fleet (sigh). If your stomach feels upset when you drink it, lie down and alternate drinking it with 7 Up. I learned that the hard way. You don't want any more detail.
I should get Fleet to be a sponsor for this blog!
~On the thankfulness vein, I'm thankful that I DON'T have a "fleet"ing knowledge of that kind of cleansing.
~But speaking of cleansing, I'm very, very, very, thankful for dishwashers, clothing washers and driers for both. They make life so much easier and they are soooo convenient. Clothes and dishes done while you sleep! How cool is that?
And, of course, topping all of life's conveniences, I'm thankful for my family. Sounds trite, but it's 100% true. My hubby and kids are priceless!!
GoLytely? Is this an Audrey Hepbrun movie? Is it whats for Breakfast? As a reluctant over 50-er, the advice about Fleet Phosphate (probably not available from the local soda jerk) was invaluable - my day of destiny is sooner than later ("Luke, feel the Force!")Why bother asking Doc Marten when you can query Smookey Go Bloggy - cheers
I know Fleet. Fleet was my 50-yr old acquaintance. Then I mixed peach apple juice to make Mr. Fleet easier to cozy up to. It worked, but now I despise the mere scent of peach apple juice as it will always carry an essence of Mr. Fleet. Blahhhhhk - euggghhh - Makes me shiver just thinking about it.
I am thankful that God brought my daughter with a condition that causes her to be a 'little person" through a surgery to save her from being permanately paraplegic! She had fallen to the ground when her legs would not move for her about 4 weeks ago. We rushed her to emergency. Finally, days and several doctors later, got the best neurosurgeon for her. He said she had to have this spinal cord surgery right away. Her surgery was tuesday of this last week and she is already up and walking with a walker. She is determined to get back to her beloved friends and professors at Biola. God arranged it so that she could have such a top doctor! She is doing better little by little each day. We are so grateful.
You indeed have much to be thankful for, Suze, including having a daughter who is the ultimate trooper. She's my inspiration.
Well, Susan, I have to weigh in on the Fleet Phospho-soda vs. jug of GoLytely argument, having sampled both on my already two separate “procedures.” I’ll take Fleet. You do have to make sure to get your favorite flavor though. Unfortunately, cabernet is not one of them. I just found it to be gentler, quicker, and more thorough. My doctor complimented me several times on what a great job I did. He even wrote it in the report. Heck, I’ll take validation wherever I can get it!
Just remember through it all, you’re still sexy!
I’m still loving your daily adventures and observations. You are a gift to us all.
Love, Diane
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