My cousin had surgery yesterday to repair a hernia. Basic outpatient: they got him in (Really quick, I might add, with a week turnaround.) did the thing and sent him home. I'm surprised that he approached this surgery with a level of adult maturity rather than his typical "I don't do doctors!" attitude of enduring unnecessary pain and suffering just to "spite the medical establishment" and feeling vindicated when he can somewhat grin and bear it.

My gripes aside, I'm genuinely happy the surgery went well and he's recovering. Now, if he could stop being the vehicle for family drama for a while...

On my own medical front, I have an appointment with an oncologist this coming Monday. Now, I don't have cancer and my doctors aren't really thinking that right now, but the genetic disorder I have gives me a significantly increased risk of certain cancers (Colon cancer is a big one.) and a slightly elevated risk of others.

To that effect, they want the oncologist to be the central figure of a multidisciplinary team to monitor and treat my genetic disorder related issues. All good and proper. Annnnd... cue the US health care system. Specialists are $30 a visit, which wouldn't be so bad if I wasn't likely to have four or five coming in rapid succession. Labs and diagnostic tests are looking to be a hodgepodge of $30 copays and being on the hook for 50% of the cost. Colonoscopies run about $3000. MRIs run $1000. One problem at a time, I guess.

A new work week starts today. I'd rather it not be boring, but here's to less stressful than past weeks!