X Marks The Spot

I'm feeling pretty good right now. That's the pernicious part of all this ... you feel fine but there's a big problem brewing inside your body.

Yesterday, brother Don went with me for all the lab work and ECG I needed at Royal Columbian Hospital. We also walked down some long-forgotten rabbit warren hallways in the basement to find the Ostomy Nurse (Lucy). She spent about a half hour with us, answered all kinds of random questions, and put an X on my stomach where the best location for my stoma would be. It turned out to be a little more involved than I thought it would be - all kinds of factors to consider that I had never thought of (can you see it when you stand up, where's you beltline, where will the bag sit).

Two weeks today is surgery day.

Getting Into Shape (?)

Although I was worried that I might not get back on my bike for months and months, I checked with Dr. Wong last Friday and he said "no problem". My last ride was October 1 (2023) and had no idea how I'd do. It was easier than I thought, but harder than it should have been. 

My butt hurts. 

I have a little over three weeks to get in reasonably good shape - as I know all too well "the stronger you are going in, the stronger you are getting out". Unfortunately, the last time I had to really test this was in 2009, and I'm fifteen years older than I was then. I was also in really good shape.

I can't say I'm looking forward to the surgery. It's major, and I know it will take a long time to recover. The only redeeming thought I have is that many people in much worse shape than me have come through just fine.

I only wish it was the end of March...