Tag: people

I’m just not sure everybody gets it

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It’s Easter

To me, first and foremost, Easter is about the resurrection of Jesus. I get it. But, also for me, there is a lot of other things to celebrate on this day too. There has been so much rebirth everywhere. From the minute details of the daffodils blooming to the emergence of myself and my husband from illness to the rejuvenation of old relationships: there is a sense of fresh start everywhere.

Second chances are everywhere, if we take advantage of them. I think this applies not only to religion, but to life in general. I have to admit, there has been so much change to take in that sometimes it’s overwhelming as well as wonderful. I am sometimes not sure how to process it all. I make sure to never let it overwhelm my sense of gratitude, but I am noticing that there is still an underlying sense of anxiety and “waiting for the other shoe to drop” again in my every day life. It seems to be affecting my whole family as well. I think it’s just normal with everything we have been through lately.

I realize that I need to make a conscious effort to keep moving forward, and to help my family move forward with me. We need to make the absolute most of and learn from these second chances. We need to focus on what gives us joy, even if it is something as small as watching my grandchildren hunt for Easter eggs or as monumental as hearing that my latest scans are clear.

So, as you gather with family and friends today to celebrate our Lord, also take time to celebrate each other and life in general. Take nothing for granted. Embrace every opportunity. Learn from each other and your own mistakes. Savor every moment.

Have a happy and blessed Easter.

Dr. Katz

My colonoscopy experience was awesome!

Ok. Ok. I know what you’re thinking. Eeew. How is that possible? There is nothing good about a colonoscopy. Am I right? Well, yes, you are right. A colonscopy is kind of shitty…pardon the pun. What I am really referring to is the experience and how I was treated. Let me explain.

I chose to have my colonoscopy NOT incognito, but at my local hospital Promedica Monroe Regional, where I go to work every day. Trust me, these people have seen the best and the worst of me for over 20 years now. They have saved my life multiple times, helped me in the OR, helped me deliver babies, etc. We have listened to each other. We have complained together and rejoiced together. Sometimes I see them more than my own family. But wait, they are part of my family! They are just not the family I live with. So, why not let them in on my health too?

From the moment I walked in, all crazy haired and no make up on,(yikes) they greeted me like family. We joked and laughed while they checked me in, while still making sure that all the proper protocols were followed. They managed to treat me like a patient, a doctor, and a family member all at the same time. Bravo! I almost cried…literally. Everybody stopped by to see me. They explained things as if I was fresh off the street with no medical knowledge. That might annoy some people/docs but I love it. We should explain everything to everybody. You never know if you might have a total brain fart about something you do every day….when it’s actually YOUR turn! As a matter of fact, I was stressing more about this stupid colonoscopy than I did about all my cancer stuff and chemo and procedures for the last year and a half. What the heck?! It was as if I just couldn’t handle the thought of maybe even one more thing being wrong. Thank God they treated me like family. It put me at ease right away. They went over and above. I have never considered myself on any sort of VIP terms because that’s just who I am. I even asked them why the special treatment? You know what they said?

Doc, you been through a lot and we all love you. We just want to take care of you like you take care of us. You are one of our own. I think my heart about burst out of my chest, in a good way, right at that moment. I realized then that they do see me. They see how much I care. They see how hard I try every single day, because I want to not because anyone tells me too. We have a mutual respect. I try to treat everyone well in the hopes that they treat me well. That’s what a team should be. It’s what I love about what I do. Well, I have to tell you, the ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital team was the best I’ve ever seen! See you at work Monday guys! I love you!

Dr. Katz

Is It Time To Be Thankful Yet?

So, Thanksgiving just passed. Did we all remember to be thankful, or did we get mired down in complaining about not seeing the usual volume of family members and bemoan the current status of the COVID pandemic? I think that a lot of people fell into the second category, if they are being honest. I admit that, even though I have realized all of my current blessings, I still fall prey to the diffuse and sometimes oppressive fatigue of depression that has followed me around for the last 9 months, despite all my best efforts. This begs the question then, when is it time to be thankful? The answer is: RIGHT NOW! For a lot of us, things aren’t really going our way and haven’t for a long time. The economy is tough. Family relations are strained. Family members have been lost. People are fed up and spend a little too much time like little powder kegs ready to blow at the slightest opportunity for conflict. On top of that, the capacity for empathy is not so great right now. I have to admit that, even my standards for thankfulness have had to be lowered a bit just to keep things in perspective and convince myself that I am not “reaching too high.” …lol. Still, I am above ground, I have a family to miss, I have my health ( most days), and I still get to do what I love and take care of people. Essentially, it is all I really need so you betcha I am thankful. Don’t let me kid you. I have ” days” like everyone else. I am still human. We are all feeling the struggle right now. It’s a normal human response to the sense of loss of control and freedom. But, just when you feel that whine coming on I urge you to think twice before you do it. There is always the possibility that someone is worse off than you.

Dr. Katz