From Colonoscopy to Gratitude...

Following two days of a low residue diet and one day of only clear liquids and a night of disgusting prep, Claude was ready Thursday, January 11th, for his next colonoscopy. We were up early to get ready. Really, Claude was up way early to take the last round of the disgusting prep. We were out the door by 7:45 am to drive to Lexington. This was our view as we drove into the sun to get to the surgery center. The sun was extremely bright in our eyes part of the time. 

Claude got back to have the colonoscopy. I sat with him after he was prepped until time for the procedure. They wheeled him back and I waited in the waiting room until the nice nurse came to the door and called "Christensen". That was my cue to go back and help Claude wake up and get dressed. One is a bit groggy at first and there for a bit wobbly. They gave him a cup of Diet Coke and he one happy fella. What a welcome treat after bland things all day the day before. 

Dr. Robbins came in to tell us our his findings. The nurse had given us the pictures they took of Claude's colon. Claude knew there were some polyps. Dr. Robbins confirmed he found four polyps and removed them. They will be sent to pathology to confirm there is no cancer. He is sure of two. He said they were like removing a skin tag, really nothing at all. The other two might be stage two but he won't be sure until pathology confirms it. This will determine when and if Claude needs another colonoscopy in the future. Claude has been on the every five year plan. They have changed that a bit and he may now be on the seven year plan if these remaining two polyps are stage 2. But really, all is very good. 

Okay, the funny thing was after the two pages of brightly colored pictures of the inside of Claude's colon was a page with a clipart black and white drawing of a colon. I am sure this is in case Dr. Robbins needs explain something to a patient. We got a chuckle when I suggested to Claude he add it to his coloring cards. Then he upped that by suggesting we mail it to the great grandmonsters to color!! Oh my. Old age humor!!

Time to feed that need to chew and taste real food instead of a popsicle or broth. Off to Schlotzsky's we sped to enjoy a favorite sandwich with a cinnabon to share for dessert. Yum!! 

We returned home and Claude laid down for a much needed nap. 

In the evening I attend our Elkhorn Creek Ward Relief Society Activity about Gratitude Journals. We would have fun creating our own Gratitude Journals and begin thinking of all the things in our lives that are blessings and for which we are grateful. 

Erica Spurlock Snow started us out with her Gratitude Journal Experience. We played a Gratitude Scavenger Hunt exercise to get us thinking. This we created covers and put stickers inside our journals to keep us motivated. We enjoyed treats provided by those who attended. 

Bishop Barber has asked the members of the Elkhorn Creek Ward to "Think Celestial" per Pres. Nelson's General Conference talk. We will do that in 2024 by keeping our Gratitude Journals. 

It was a lovely activity and the sisters seemed to really enjoy this time together.