Thursday, September 13, 2018

Wednesday: All is Well

When I had my endoscopy and colonoscopy done in August, I was given a report listing the things they found during the procedures, including three things they felt required biopsies for further analysis.  I researched the items that were listed and, although the majority of them didn't sound too serious (much of it can be controlled with diet, exercise, and weight loss), I worried about the biopsy results.  Even though I know that worrying doesn't really help, I still stressed.  I had been told that if I get any type of cancer again, it would automatically be considered stage 4. 

Today, I had my appointment to go over the biopsy results.  I spent the morning mentally preparing myself.  I opened the new bottle of milk, I had bought the previous evening, and offered the first serving of the milk at the altar and recited my prayers.  I meditated.  I drank blessed water.  I called cousin N and asked her to say a prayer for me.  Then, I left to go to the appointment.  I said my prayers as I drove.

I got to the clinic in good time and read some of the prayers in my prayer book while I waited.  I expected my blood pressure to be high, but when they checked it, it was very good.  I was shown into a small room to wait for the doctor and I meditated some more while I waited.  Then, the doctor came in and reviewed my results with me.  He confirmed that I had esophageal hiatal hernia, some damage due to acid reflux, and diverticulosis.  But, the pathology results of the three biopsies were all clear and non-cancerous!  They don't know why I was anemic, and I am to have a follow-up visit in four months' time, but the biopsy results were good!  I was so thankful to hear that!  So relieved!  I told the doctor that I had been worried and he apologized; he said I didn't need to worry unless the clinic called and said I needed to see the doctor, immediately.  Well, that would have been good to know, but I don't remember being told that!

I texted my daughter and cousin N, both, before I left the clinic, to let them know that all was well.  Then, I drove home.  The first thing I did when I got home was go to the altar and give thanks for answered prayers. 

I had thought that I'd be full of energy and will be able to get much accomplished once I got home, if the results had been good (I didn't think I would have felt like doing anything if the results hadn't been good), but, I felt wrung out when I got home.   I had some lunch and then, thought I'll take a nap.

But, it was not to be.  Almost as soon as I lay on the sofa for a nap, the dentist's office called to say that the insurance had told them I was no longer assigned to them and could I call the insurance to have myself reassigned to them.  So I called the dental insurance and the problem was I had changed from the HMO to PPO, which let me go to any dentist and didn't need to be assigned to a particular dentist.  They offered to call the dentist's office and I called the dentist's office, later, to confirm everything was fine.

Then, the eye doctor's office called to confirm Friday's appointment.

Then, aunt C called to find out how I was feeling after the doctor's appointment. 

Then, aunt T called to ask if I was going to the monthly prayer gathering on Saturday and could I give her, her daughter (my cousin V) and friend F a ride?  According to aunt T, they had no way to go because cousin V's husband was working (cousin V and friend F both drive, but V won't drive longer distances on the freeway and F won't drive on the freeway, at all).  I said I can give them a ride if they come to my house.  I will be giving cousin P a ride, too.

By this time, it was already evening and not worth trying to nap!  I had a cup of tea and did the dishes.  Then, sent an email to one of my nieces who lives in North Carolina to ask if she's doing OK with the hurricane headed her way. 

Later, I video chatted with my daughter.

On Wednesday, I was grateful for:
- A very good doctor's visit
- The biopsy results being clear
- Answered prayers
- The blessing of health
- Access to medical care

Thursday's To Do List:
- Tidy the house
- Dental appointment

It is 4:17 a.m. on Thursday morning!  I suppose I had better post this and try to sleep!

How was your Wednesday?  What are your plans for Thursday?




16 comments:

  1. I am SO very glad that everything turned out well! I can't imagine what a worry all that was. I know that every time it comes for Mum to have another test I get really, really worried. At least now you will be able to relax for a while and look forward to that slide into retirement!

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    1. Thank you, Sharon. Yes, I feel like I can now make some plans for the rest of the year and beyond, without worrying about additional treatments and so forth. A big relief! :)

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  2. I am thankful that you got good results. :) I call your lack of energy an adrenaline crash. While you were worrying, you had a lot of extra adrenaline, then when things were okay, the levels drop, thus the crash. I am exhausted when that happens.

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    1. Thank you, Live and Learn. Adrenaline crash is a good term. I felt like a deflated balloon! I was glad I could take it easy for the rest of the day. :)

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  3. I'm so pleased to read that your results were fine Bless. I defy anybody not to worry about things like that but I do believe having a faith can definitely add some comfort to a stressful time. Leaving outcomes in the hands of whichever God you believe in is sometimes all we can do.

    Our Wednesday was spent moving Amy into Uni. She seems settled which is a blessing and she's not too far away which is nice to know.

    After missing out on your nap I hope you managed to get a good nights rest. xx

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    1. Thank you, Suzanne. Yes, I believe that actively praying helped me. :)

      Helping Amy to move must have been both exciting and hard. It's one of those milestones in your lives, isn't it? Glad to hear that she seems settled and not too far away. Maybe you'll be able to visit as time permits.

      Well, I eventually fell asleep at 5:30 a.m.! And woke up at 10:00 a.m. An early night, tonight, I hope!

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  4. Very good news and prayers answered. A nap would have been a good thing, but your afternoon was just another reminder that life goes on. Good luck with the dentist's appointment and the house will still be there to tidy when you are up to it. Isn't that what you always tell me?

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    1. Ha, ha, Susan, don't you know that it is, "Do as I say, not as I do"? :D Yes, the house will still be there to tidy when I feel up to it, but, I would like it to look a little neater when my cousin comes over, tomorrow morning. She looked at the mess that was my big dining table the last time she came over (to take me to the endoscopy/colonoscopy) and asked what happened and it's even worse now than it was then! :D

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  5. I'm so relieved to read the results are clear Bless. Yay! I wish I could give you a big hug. I'm not surprised you were exhausted with all the stress and worry.
    I do hope your niece will be OK. Xx

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    1. Thank you, Jules. I can feel the virtual hug. :) I haven't heard from my niece, yet, but the hurricane has been downgraded from a category 4 to a 2, so it won't be quite as bad as feared, I think, and she's a bit further inland than nearer the coast.

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  6. Congratulations! Prayer works! You were probably tired after all that stress was released. Always something...glad your dental insurance is fine. Andrea

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    1. Thank you, Andrea. :) Yes, it's always something, isn't it?

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  7. I'm so happy to hear that all went well, Bless. I can understand how relieved you are now.
    I still remember waiting for results of my father's numerous medical tests and always praying for a good outcome.

    Now you can relax and may be able to get more hours of sleep.

    Take care.

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    1. Thank you, Nil. I feel I can start planning for the future, now! I felt as if I was holding my breath, too afraid to make too many plans, just in case I had to go for treatments, etc. And, having gone through treatments once, I wasn't looking forward to repeating the experience!

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  8. So glad to hear that the news was good. Now you can take a deep breath and enjoy life without those niggling worries. XXX.

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  9. Thank you, Eloise. Yes, finally, I feel I may go forwards and make a few longer term plans. :)

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