Friday, I celebrate!

Just a very quick update.  I saw my colorectal doctor yesterday and, as usual, my time spent in the waiting room to be called back to an exam room was much longer than my time spent in the exam room.  Finally, I was called back and she came in, asked me how I was doing and was I having any problems or concerns.  I told her that I commonly go back and forth between diarrhea mode and constipation mode these days, but that I was not complaining--seems to be my new normal.  I told her my only complaint was that I was tired and explained that I moved my Mom down here in May and I have so much more to do these days, but other than that, I was fine.  She asked me when I had had my last colonoscopy and I told her I thought it had been about 3 years and that I didn't think another one was necessary at this time.  Surprisingly, she said "okay."  Yay!  She left, the nurse came in, I got on the table, and my doctor came back in.  I told her that things may appear a little irritated, due to the fact that I was currently in constipation mode.  DRE and anoscope was done in about 60 seconds or less and she told she did notice a little irritation but that everything looks good.  She left the room, I got dressed, and met her in the hallway.  She asked me how many years since my diagnosis and I told her that it was 8.  I saw that as my opportunity to ask her if we could make these appointments once a year now instead of every 6 months.  She said "okay."  Yay!  She was so easy yesterday that it was almost scary!  lol!  I also mentioned to her that several local AC survivors got together for lunch this summer and that we have our own little group that  meets yearly.  She thought that was great!

So, I left there very relieved and happy to know that on Friday, September 9th., the day I finished treatment back in 2008, I can celebrate my 8-year survivor anniversary.  My husband and I are going out for a nice dinner, then head for the tequila bar where we are regulars to enjoy some music and fun, great way to ring in year 9! 

Another thing that crossed my mind as I walked through her waiting room on my way out was wondering how many people in that room were going to get the same news that I got back on June 18, 2008.  I hope none.