RIP President Aquino

President Corazon Aquino died today after her long battle with colon cancer. She was the first Filipino President whose career I understood, whose presence and presidency made me think. She was strong and inspirational. May God bless her and her family. Rest in peace, Madame President.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/07/31/09/people-power-icon-cory-aquino-dies-79

Just a reminder to my friends and family: don't forget to schedule your colonoscopies (age 50, or sooner if you have symptoms or a family history of colon cancer), pap smears, breast exams, mammograms, and prostate exams. Many cancers are very treatable if caught early.

My 45 year old female patient this week had been having some rectal bleeding. As we were getting her ready for her colonoscopy, we were making small talk about weddings, hair extensions, and other girly talk. As she drifted off to sleep she smiled and told me I would look good with hair extensions. Then, she was out. Part way during the colonoscopy, the gastroenterologist sighed a long heavy sigh. I looked up at the monitor and saw masses. A lot of them. "I think this is bad," remarked the gastroenterologist. I looked down at my sleeping patient. She looked so peaceful. My eyes welled up as I thought about how much her life was going to change. The gastroenterologist collected biopsies and completed the remainder of the exam. I quietly woke the patient up. She opened her eyes, looked up at me, and picked up where she had left off: "Really, you should think about getting those hair extensions." I swallowed hard and smiled. I brought her to the recovery room as she was still drifting in and out of sleep. I squeezed her hand, thanked her, and wished her good luck, and quickly walked away to see my next patient. But first I grabbed some tissues to wipe the tears away from my face.