Epiphany: 1): a usually sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something (2): an intuitive grasp of reality through something (as an event) usually simple and striking (3): an illuminating discovery, realization, or disclosure. (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)When faced with cancer, I am sure most people find themselves reordering their priorities. Some things seem much more important than before, some things much less so.
I made a sudden reordering of priorities today as my boss and a co-working were visiting me at the hospital. We were having a wonderful conversation. I don't really remember what it was, but I'm certain we were exegeting some Scripture or singing some hymns or something. A nurse’s aide entered the room and quietly took my vitals while we were talking and singing praises– there was no problem. Then he asked how my bowels were moving – now there was awkward silence.
During the next few moments I had to decipher at light speed the exact nature of this question. Moving? Moving where? To behind my clavicles? To around my lungs? Where can they go? There’s not really much room for them to go anywhere. So having decided he wanted to know about my bathroom habits, I next had to decide how much information to share in front of these esteemed gentlemen.
Eternity lapses.
Yep, Gary and Chris… I poop. I pooped at 4:00am and then pooped again at 9:00 or 10:00am. Well, I don’t really know how much poop, Mr. Nurse’s Aide Man. It wasn’t much poop either time, I don’t guess. I mean, kept track of the times of my poops but not really the volume of my poops. Sorry, dude. But rest assured – I definitely pooped.
Today’s epiphany: Talking about poop in front of your boss and co-workers isn’t quite as humiliating as you might think.
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11 comments:
Yes, that was 9 times for those of you who counted.
Weirdos.
Ok, I laughed SOOOOOO stinkin hard at this one! Medical professionals lack a certain, shall we say TACT, when it comes to asking questions like "how are your bowels moving?" Sometimes its like they don't believe you. Eventually you will get to the point where you get so tired of the asking that you retort "would you like to see it?" then they back off a bit.
Andy Titus
Honey, this certainly wasn't what I expected your first blog after your first chemo would be about!!!!
But..I'm glad you still have your sense of humor. Dad and I would much rather laugh than cry.
Love you!
Mom
Awesome :)
-sk
Not since you were 1-2 years old and in potty training and you proclaimed those infamous words...."I pooped!!! I pooped!!!" have I been so proud.
dad
You reminded me of the days I worked at Texas Children's Hospital. Every Tuesday we had a catered lunch for GI show and tell. We would discuss how many liters of poop one patient had in one breathe and say pass the guacamole in the next.
We are praying for you!
Kim Saker
I don't get what all the fuss is about... I talk about pooping with my coworkers all the time. It is an exciting topic to us. Color... Texture... Floaters? / Sinkers?... Not to mention my favorite - the bouquet... Size is also a good topic - heck if it is really good I will take a picture with my camera phone and send it to a coworker and try to "one-up" him. Keep it up man - you are my new hero...
On a side note - my wife (who has hit me three times for writing what I just did) said that as a nurse she feels that it is just as uncomfortable for the person asking the question.
Send me a picture of the next one if you get a chance... (Really Don't!)
Aaron .......please, please write another blog entry soon. So we can lay this one to rest!
Hope your "spinal" chemo went well this morning.
Love you!
Mom
Good to know Aaron. Now everyone can laugh at.......... well.... poop.
And I did count. Lol. Job habit!
Aaron, thanks for making me laugh out loud. I'm glad everything came out ok. ;)
Hi Aaron, it so nice to see that you still have your sense of humor through all of this. Todd and I are still praying. Every time we think about you, which is quite often these days, we say a prayer. We love you and wish we could see you and give you a big hug. Take care and we won't stop lifting you up to our Lord until this thing is beaten
fonny
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