Due to some complex travel plans, we are about 3 weeks earlier than last year for Judgment Day. The setting is the same, Spring in Utah, and the day is nice, if not as bright as last year - to be expected for April rather than May. Last year I did not even think about the cysto at all, not even the day it happened, working on business finances for month-end closing until about an hour before the procedure. That was a big mistake. Relaxation was not achieved, and the recovery period was much longer than it should have been. This year would be different!
This year I avoided doing anything financial (despite being the day before Tax Day) and kept the business work superficial. And I deliberately spent time starting 4 hours prior to the scope doing relaxation, deep breathing, meditation and prayer. Time well invested!
The 25 minute drive to the office was uneventful, and the check-in was routine. The waiting room was packed, and even though we were shown to the exam room quickly, it was a while. Dr. Hopkins breezed in at 2:50 for my 2:00 appointment. Not much had changed, except Dr. Hopkins has a few more grey hairs, I have a few less hairs of any color, and I had shed about 50 pounds. The Doc was looking svelte as well. Lidocaine and scope, assisted by deep breathing exercises, was fast and painless. Outcome was as hoped for - ALL CLEAR. Wine and fancy snacks to celebrate. BCGs to begin in 15 days or so, details to follow!