the good, the bad, the ugly

When I started this blog I had in mind that it would be my "happy place". No talk of cancer, bone marrow transplants and all the other serious issues that have been a part of my life for the past year. However, if you've been reading, you know that my Dad has been battling Leukemia, had a bone marrow transplant, etc. What I have found is that a blog is a place where people are probably more themselves than anywhere else! It's a place where you can say whatever you want, without editing yourself (too much) b/c of the anonymity a blog affords. So, my "real life" has definitely seeped into my posts, b/c it's a part of who I am. With all that being said, I was debating about whether or not I wanted to share this weeks "experience"...and obviously, since you don't see pictures of something chocolate, I have decided that I would - b/c who knows, it may help someone.

Because of my family history (we have lots of cancer and GI issues on my dad's side), and b/c of what my dad has been going through, I have tried to be very diligent in staying on top of my health. All I have been able to think of is...anything that could be wrong would be better if caught early. I do not want my children to have to watch me go through all the things I've seen my dad face. So, cancer screenings have become very important to me. Hence, I give you - the good, the bad, and the ugly!

The GOOD - I had a colonoscopy and endoscopy this week that showed no evidence of cancerous or precancerous changes.

The BAD - I had a colonoscopy and endoscopy this week.

The Ugly -

Bowel prep - I had to drink 64 oz of Gatorade at 6AM!

The GOOD - They allow you to have jello, chicken broth and other non-pulp liquids the day before.

The BAD - I hate jello unless it's a jello shot.  And chicken broth, even though I like it, is just flavored hot water.  I was STARVING!

The UGLY - you spend right much time back and forth to the bathroom.

The GOOD - I lost a few pounds during all this.

The BAD - I'm sure I've already gained it all back.

The UGLY - cellulite.  okay, that has nothing to do with this, but hey, it's ugly.

The GOOD - they give you Demerol and Versed for the procedure.  Versed is an amnesiac.  I remember NOTHING.

The BAD - they fill your intestine with air so they can see with the scope.  The air has to come back out.  My husband was witness to this.  He was giving me "high-fives".  Thank goodness I was too doped up to remember.

The UGLY -

wasn't it nice of my hubs to take this?  there is nothing flattering about hospital gowns.

The point of this post?  Take care of yourselves!!  Get regular physicals.  Do whatever screenings are recommend.  You can not be too careful or diligent when it comes to your health. 

Also, my sister and I are doing the Light the Night Walk for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society on 10/9 in Raleigh, NC.  If you are in the area and would like to join my team, let me know!  AND if you'd like to donate to my team, let me know, I'll send you the link to my fundraising page!!  All proceeds go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

So that's it for my serious post.  I'm sure there will be something chocolate coming up very soon.  I'm due for some baking!