100 Hours

I cried today. I hope that's ok to admit here on my blog and for all of Facebook to read. The emotions are beginning to ramp up again as the time for surgery draws closer. A little more than 100 hours or so from now. As I continue to say goodbye to people and places I won't see again until after I am cancer free on Monday, the emotions have started bubbling to the surface. Today I was in the middle of my work out at the gym when I set my weights down and realized its going to be awhile before I can do this kind of physical fitness again. After an emotional morning talking with my friend Dudley and my counselor, the tears found their way out. It was the first time since last Thursday, and I'm sure it won't be the last time before Monday.

Which brings me to last Thursday. I know I posted to Facebook about my appointment with Dr. Sellers, but not all my readers are on Facebook. In short, the check up went very well. Dr. Sellers said I had dramatic response to the treatment over the summer. He wouldn't be surprised if next week when the pathology report comes back that it will show no cancer in my rectum. While we are still planning on the surgery and temporary bag, the chances of a full time colostomy bag are now at 0%. That's down from 50% on May 31. So Thursday was a great day with much rejoicing. The pictures are from the Irish Pub we had lunch at in Denver. It's also where I cried after reading the emails and Facebook posts from all my friends and their amazing words of celebration and support.

So the time is drawing closer. I have an appointment in Denver on Friday with my ileostomy nurse. They will mark me for my bag and have a quick education seminar on living and adjusting to a bag. My in-laws have arrived and are ready to stay with the kids while we are in Denver for the week. Jens lesson plans are wrapping up for the two weeks she will be gone. The meal train is in place to feed the family while mom and dad are gone. Hotel reservations have been made. One more day of work for Ryan for 2012. Prescriptions are being filled. The time draws closer and closer. 100 hours.