Let the countdown begin

Well, this is my last weekend with my bag. Monday morning I go in for my takedown surgery. It may sound crazy to some but I think I will miss having this illeostomy. I really enjoy the freedom this system has provided me these last eight months. I eat whatever I want (85% healthy) like spicy salsa, nuts, veggies without a thought about bathrooms. I know that is all about to change. My surgeon basically had to talk me into doing this as I am fine with my condition as is. He feels I should have good control afterward and I shouldn't need the bag anymore. He acknowledges there is going to be an adjustment period when things might be rough but believes it will all work out eventually. I'm still slightly apprehensive after hearing horror stories of people basically living in the bathroom. I've only got nine vacation days from work so things better straighten out quickly. I had to have an ultrasound of my leg today to rule out a blood clot, as I've had excessive swelling in my right foot for about three weeks. No blood clot, so they feel it may be lymphedema from when I had nodes removed in my groin area or the radiation two years ago. Crazy how things can pop-up so long after a procedure. I count my blessings though, I've been very fortunate thus far so I've got no room to complain. The surgeon thinks this should be the final chapter in my cancer journey, but we all know how that can change. Thirty months ago, diagnosed stage II T3, six weeks chemo/radiation, two surgeries for lymph node biopsies, countless scans, tests and procedures, APR surgery with temp. illeostomy, aprox $30,000 more debt plus alot of holding breath and crossing fingers. And I've had it easy compared to most. So, I'll give this a shot. I guess I owe it to myself to try to get back to normal. I know there are many people who would love to get rid of their ostomy and can't, so if I'm able to I should.
Let the finger crossing begin.
CJ