Kimmi Photinakis

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On July 29th I had a colonoscopy done and after waking up while the nurses were feeding me animal crackers and apple juice, I was told there was something "suspicious" found.  So yeah...this news came as a big shock.  Although, I was experiencing some potty issues, I honestly thought everything was due to stress and then COVID didn't do anything to help my situation.  I finally got to to the point of not wanting to feel bad anymore and decided to call a doctor.  


 I started with a new primary care doctor based on a referral from a dance mom friend and let me tell you what a difference a good doctor can make!  From the get go, this practice has bee n remarkable...so attentive, so thorough, and so kind.  One virtual visit just over a month ago with the new doc led to a visit with the GI doc, then a colonoscopy, bloodwork, CT scans & pathology reports throwing in a mammogram, PAP, the dentist and eye doctor for good measure.  I have been looked over inside and out.  Luckily, right now we are just dealing with this not so little cancerous mass in my colon as all my other scans are good.  We met with the doctor doing the surgery just over a week ago and George and I both had a great feeling about him.  He had a way of explaining what was happening and what he was gonna do in such a calm way that we could understand that we left the office ready to move forward with removing this crazy thing from my body.  We later found out that he attended med school with a close family member and she raved about him.  So, I feel I am in very capable hands and have an even stronger belief in that people come into our lives for a reason.  


Monday, August 24th is the big day.  Surgery is expected to last 3-4 hours and will be done laparoscopically.  I will be in the hospital for 3-4 days after surgery and then home to continue to recover.   There is no "staging" as of now because a lot will be determined after some lymph nodes are removed and tested. 


George and I will continue to use this site as a means of keeping you all informed as things progress.  I know there are many of you out there sending love, prayers, & ultra good vibes...I really need it right now and so do George, Sophia, Andrew, Ava & even my Maisy.  I have been very fortunate to have so many wonderful people in my life and if you are reading this, I am talking about you!  I am extremely grateful for your love and continued support.