As a result of a consultation this afternoon with 'our surgeon' (we think of him as ours because we see him so often that he is like part of the family) Sue is booked in for a gastroscopy (camera down the throat into the stomach) on Thursday next week. Having looked at the scan carefully, he confirms that there seems to be some 'communication' or connection between the tumour, the stomach and possibly the bowel (one of the few bits that are left!). Upon careful consideration he decided to go with the 'package deal' and add in yet another colonoscopy (bottoms up!) at no extra cost.

At this point he is inclined to think that he will not recommend further surgery as a result, but will be well prepared (from the inside out no less) to act quickly and accurately in the event of a perforation or significant bleed in the future.... Hmmm.

So the run of things now is

  • a blood test on Friday,
  • anesthetist consultation on Tuesday,
  • 'internal cleansing process' (don't ask for details) on Wednesday afternoon
  • fasting and repeat cleansing on Thursday early morning
  • admission to Darwin Private Hospital Thursday 9.00am for the day procedure
  • recovery and rejoicing (and possibly some mild feasting) on Friday.

That has got next week sorted. What are relief! The diary was looking empty and we thought that we might be bored!

In closing, join with us in the colonoscopy song*:

Doctor, do it to me one more time
But take great care pushing through-oooo
Do it to me one more time
I know it can be rough, but I trust you-ooo 

Scope me like you just did
Oooo doctor, do it to me once again.

[repeat - but not too often please!]

* To be sung to the tune of Do It That To Me One More Time by Captain and Tennille