Night shift. Lonely and frightened.

Sympathy. Empathy. Comfort from afar.

Not yet caffeinated. The gronk is still strong.

I hope you were able to get some sleep, JZ.

Sorry you’re not feeling well, askye.

It’s a cold, clear morning here in NC. I was thinking of taking the bike out, as it’s sunny. But the 31F temps are making me reconsider. It’s been damp lately, and icy patches + bikes = sadness. Maybe later.

Happy Birthday msbelle!!! I hope you are having a wonderful day. May the year to come be filled with delight.

eta: I tried several ways to make that pink with no success. Not sure why it doesn't work. See sad face.

Happy birthday, msbelle!

JZ, I hope this morning is brighter.

Productive day yesterday. I sorted my Christmas decorations and packed 4 large bins for donation. That left 5 bins plus the tree, which a big improvement. I brought 7 over to my sister previously which contained the large ceramic outdoor nativity set that was my mother's. There are still more somewhere because I never came across my mom's indoor nativity set. Today cleaning and prepping for my son's visit. They arrive tomorrow. I did the big food order a few days ago to pick up tomorrow. Lots of stuff planned including going to see The Full Monty and a day at Jungle Island where gf and her sister will do a sloth encounter. They plan on having friends over for movie night, and meeting friends for bowling. Also, he is a big fan of cows so we are making a super cute cow from cupcakes for his birthday. I will take a break from chores and go with DH for billiards day, including watching the Dolphins get beat by the Bills. I did get pretty teal nails to be a fan, but little hope for this game.

Easy-peasy, routine, pain-muted ta-ta diminuendo surgery, Susan!

Surgery~ma, Susan. I've known other women who have had this and said it was life-changing.

JZ, I'm sorry your diagnosis isn't better. I am thinking of you and praying for you. I am glad your doctor is someone who made a point of reminding you that everyone responds differently.

When C was first diagnosed with Crohn's, he usually had infusions along with another patient at his original gastro's practice. It was a different person every time, but they were older and their outlook was often grim. C is a positive person. One woman insisted upon sharing her horror stories, until I finally said, "You need to stop. He does not need listen to this."

On the way home from that appointment, I told him to remember that his Crohn's is his own, and no one else's. All those other patients were diagnosed before the treatments that are common today were even in use. He shouldn't take their experiences, or even current statistics, as a meaningful prediction for himself.

So that's what I hope you'll remember: you are an individual. This is no one's diagnosis but yours, and no one will have the same experience that you have. No one else's journey can predict yours. No one's response to treatment will be the same as yours.

When I worked at Mass. General, one of the older buildings had a "Medical Arts Building" sign over an archway. I always try to remember that while medicine is science, it's art, too. Love you.

So that's what I hope you'll remember: you are an individual. This is no one's diagnosis but yours, and no one will have the same experience that you have. No one else's journey can predict yours. No one's response to treatment will be the same as yours.

When I worked at Mass. General, one of the older buildings had a "Medical Arts Building" sign over an archway. I always try to remember that while medicine is science, it's art, too. Love you.

Oh, this. How beautifully said, Cindy. And JZ, sending you hugs through the internets. I will be in SF in April and hope to be able to give you a big hug then if you're up for it.

ETA: Susan, just read Beep Me, and I wish you all the best. I, too, have heard from women that it's a life-changing operation in the best possible way.