Rolling into Recovery from Colonoscopy

 

Well, folks, I can officially say I survived Colonoscopy Day 2025 — and honestly, it wasn’t half bad!

My morning started at 5 a.m., which is far too early for any sane person, but apparently, that’s the price of good colon health. My friend Cherrie rolled up at 6:30 to chauffeur me to Integris Canadian Valley Hospital in Yukon. It was dark, it was raining, and I was running on zero coffee — talk about dedication!

We checked in around 8:00 a.m., and before long, I was sporting that ever-so-fashionable hospital gown. The nurses were great, my doctor Dr. Chen was calm and friendly, and the anesthesiologist worked his sleepy-time magic. One minute I was chatting, the next minute I was snoring.

Fifteen minutes later — poof! — it was all done. They removed a little polyp (nothing major), and I’ll get the results in about a week. When I woke up, I felt surprisingly good! Cherrie’s son Coty helped me to the car, and that’s when my hunger hit like a freight train.

First stop: Target — because where else would a girl go post-procedure? I grabbed some potato soup and even found a Christmas gift for my grandson Max. Cherrie also picked me up a mocha frappe from Starbucks, it was much needed. Then, Cherrie swung by Casey’s, and I devoured a sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich like I hadn’t eaten in years.

We wrapped things up with a trip to Atwoods, where I treated myself to an extra-large T-shirt to lounge around in. Because after a colonoscopy, comfort is a right, not a privilege.

By the time we got home, I was sipping my drink from the drive-thru and feeling surprisingly fabulous — way better than my last one ten years ago. I am a bit sore and nauseous but overall the day went good. I give this whole experience a 10/10, and I’m extra grateful for Cherrie and Coty being my support team.

So yes, friends — go get that colonoscopy! You’ll feel better knowing you’re taking care of yourself. And if nothing else, you’ve earned yourself a cozy T-shirt and a guilt-free breakfast sandwich afterward.

Colonoscopies: The Prep, the Nerves, and the Peace of Mind

Tomorrow, October 28th, is my big day — I’ll be at Integris Canadian Valley Regional Hospital in Yukon, Oklahoma, where the Digestive Disease Specialists will be performing my colonoscopy. My procedure starts bright and early at 9:30 a.m., and I’m a little nervous, but mostly just ready to get it over with.

The last time I had this done was ten years ago, back in 2015, and thankfully, everything turned out fine. Still, there’s something about the word colonoscopy that makes you tense up just a bit, isn’t there? But as much as I might want to skip it, I know how important this screening is.

Today’s the Prep Day

Today, I’m on what they call a clear liquid diet. For lunch, I’m having chicken broth. I’ve also packed a couple of lemon-lime Jell-Os and a bottle of Gatorade (the light-colored kind). I can have Coke or Sprite too — which helps keep the day a little more bearable!

At 5 p.m., I’ll start the first round of my prep medication, and then take the second round at 9 p.m. I’ve heard the taste can be pretty bad, so my plan is to chill it and drink it through a straw to keep that flavor off my taste buds. Pro tip from me to you!

Since I’ll be spending quite a bit of time running back and forth to the bathroom tonight, I’ve already decided to sleep in the guest bedroom — it’s closer to the bathroom and saves me from having to trek across the house every time. (If you’ve ever done one of these, you know exactly what I mean!)

Why This Test Matters

It’s easy to dread the prep, but the truth is, colonoscopies save lives. According to the American Cancer Society, in 2025 there will be an estimated 107,320 new cases of colon cancer and 46,950 new cases of rectal cancer in the U.S. But here’s the good news — regular colonoscopy screening can reduce colon cancer incidence by over 50% and mortality by about 60%.

That’s because colonoscopies can find and remove polyps — small growths that could turn cancerous over time — long before they cause problems.

The CDC also reports that 7 out of 10 adults aged 50–75 are now up to date with their colorectal cancer screenings. That’s encouraging, but we still have room for improvement, especially since the recommended age for starting screening is now 45 for most adults.

Looking Ahead

Tomorrow morning, I’ll check in, get prepped, and then it’s lights out for a bit — sedation usually does the trick. After the procedure, I’ll rest, have someone drive me home, and hopefully get some reassuring results like I did ten years ago.

I might be a little nervous now, but I also feel grateful — grateful that screenings like this exist, grateful for the doctors and nurses who make it routine, and grateful for the chance to take care of my health proactively.

So, here’s my message for anyone reading this who’s been putting off their colonoscopy: don’t wait. The prep might be inconvenient (and okay, a little gross), but the peace of mind afterward is totally worth it.

Tomorrow, I’ll take a deep breath, trust my doctors, and know I’m doing something good for myself.

Thursday Thoughts & Weekend Plans

Today is finally Thursday, and I couldn’t be happier that the weekend is almost here! I’ve been counting down the days because I’ve got a girls’ weekend planned with Shelby and Deanne. We’re heading to Denton, Texas for their Halloween Spectacular, and from what I’ve seen on social media, it looks like an absolute blast! Most of the events are free, and everything has such a fun, festive vibe. I can already tell this is going to be one of those weekends filled with laughter, photo ops, and memories we’ll talk about for years.

The mornings have definitely turned cooler, and I’ve been needing a jacket to stay comfortable. Luckily, I bought my newest favorite jacket while passing through the Denver airport last month—what started as a souvenir has turned into a fall essential!

This week, I’ve been covering Shelby’s shift, which runs from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and let me just say—it’s been an adjustment. I’ve realized that I much prefer my regular 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. schedule. That extra half hour of sleep makes a big difference, especially since I am not a morning person. Getting up at 4:30 a.m. has been rough, and I’ve learned (once again) that I need at least eight solid hours of sleep to function properly.

Work itself was smoother today. The phone lines weren’t as busy, and I had several really pleasant conversations with members. Since my job involves retaining members, it can be challenging—especially when people call in upset or frustrated. Some days are definitely harder than others, but I do my best to deescalate situations and help members stay with us. My daily goal is 10 saves, though I always try to push for 12. On days like today, when everyone’s kind and understanding, it makes me truly appreciate what I do. And honestly, I owe a lot to my amazing manager, Sherry—without her encouragement and support, I don’t think I’d still be in this department.

After work, I came straight home, where Mr. C had a warm dinner waiting: stew and cornbread—the ultimate comfort food, especially on a cool, rainy evening. It instantly brought me back to my childhood, when a pot of stew simmering on the stove meant all was right with the world. After dinner, we cleaned up the kitchen and packed my lunch for tomorrow.

The weather’s turning stormy, with thunder rolling in and rain expected for the next several days. Mr. C joked that we might need a canoe for our trip to Texas this weekend—which honestly might not be far from the truth!

Now, as I wind down for the evening, I’m grateful for a calm night at home, good food, and something to look forward to. Sometimes, it’s those simple midweek moments that make everything feel just right.

Big Island Sunrise Book Review

The Big Island Sunrise series by Shayla Cherry takes place on the Island of Hawaiʻi and follows multiple women who are each seeking a fresh start, community, and—yes—a little romance. According to order listings, the first four books are:

1. Big Island Sunrise (Book 1)  
2. Big Island Neighbors (Book 2)  
3. Big Island Horizons (Book 3)  
4. Big Island Gardens (Book 4)  

In this blog-style review I’ll cover each book, highlight strengths and weaknesses, and wrap up with overall thoughts and shareable hashtags.

Book 1 – 

Big Island Sunrise

Synopsis & Setting

In the opener of the series, Emma Kealoha, widowed at 36, inherits her husband’s family property on Hawaiʻi Island—which turns out to be in rough shape.  Meanwhile Lani King has just escaped an abusive marriage and returns home to Hawaiʻi with her young daughter. The two women team up to restore the farm and help each other heal. Romance, community, and island life weave in. 

What works

• The setting is a standout: reviewers say the island setting feels immersive and authentic.  
• Themes of found-family, sisterhood, renewal and community shine. For example, one review said: “Lovely… there’s a feeling of community in Hawaiian culture and it’s so evident in this book.”  
• Strong emotional stakes: widowhood, escape from abuse, parenting, rebuilding life—all woven in.

What could be improved

• Some readers felt the ending was abrupt and left dangling threads. For instance: “The story just ended a bit abruptly. If you want to know how the story evolves… plan to buy the entire series.”  
• With multiple characters (especially in the first book), some readers needed time to keep them straight.

Verdict

A warm, uplifting start to the series. If you like women’s fiction with a dash of sweet romance, set in a tropical locale with strong community vibes, this hits the spot. The setting and emotional journey are compelling. Just be aware: it’s the first book in a saga, so expect further development (and possibly cliff-hangers).

Book 2 – 

Big Island Neighbors

Synopsis

The story continues with new and returning characters: Tara’s story is introduced (her husband quits his job and leaves indefinitely, leaving her with three kids and a hobby farm to manage) and the “neighbors” around Emma and Lani come into focus. 

What works

• A nice continuation of the island community world: the locale remains a rich backdrop and the “neighbors” element adds interconnectedness.
• Strong increase in reader ratings compared to Book 1 (Goodreads shows higher average).  
• The mix of mothering, farm life, and rebuilding again gives realistic texture beyond glam romance.

What could be improved

• Some may feel the pace is gentler—more character-driven than plot-heavy. If you prefer high drama or fast-moving suspense, this might feel slow.
• Because the cast grows, tracking everyone can require more attention.

Verdict

A solid second chapter that deepens the world, introduces fresh struggles and affirms the series’ strengths: community, second chances, island life. If Book 1 hooked you, this will satisfy.

Book 3 – 

Big Island Horizons

Synopsis & Highlights

Book 3 moves further into the community saga on the island of Hawaiʻi, continuing to explore women finding new directions (“horizons”) in life. 

What works

• Reviews suggest this may be a high point: “Hardships, finding happiness and moving forward… the entire series has been warm and full of aloha, but this volume may be my favorite.”  
• Good reader ratings (Book 3 shows 4.54 avg rating on Goodreads).  
• The “horizons” metaphor adds breadth—characters not only doing the immediate rebuild but looking ahead, which adds depth.

What could be improved

• As with many series, individual story arcs may rely on familiarity from previous books—if you skip the first two, you might feel less grounded.
• Some may want more closure per book; the focus remains serial.

Verdict

A very good installment—and for many readers a favorite. It shows growth, hope and a bit more expansiveness in terms of character journeys.

Book 4 – 

Big Island Gardens

Synopsis & Highlights

The fourth book expands the series’ motif of “home, healing and growth” by incorporating gardens—in the literal sense—and the ongoing community of strong women on the island. According to a five-star review it’s “rich with the true spirit of Hawaiʻi” and fills the heart. 

What works

• Highest average rating so far (Goodreads: ~4.60) suggesting readers feel the series is hitting its stride.  
• The gardening motif is a nice metaphor for rebuilding lives, nurturing growth, flourishing community.
• The ongoing cast and setting feel more comfortable and richly developed.

What could be improved

• At book four, some readers new to the series might feel a “you should have read the earlier ones” signal.
• If you prefer standalone novels rather than part of a series, you may find the reliance on the broader community cast a bit heavy.

Verdict

For fans of the series, this is a satisfying continuation that deepens the emotional and thematic resonance. It may reward those who have invested in the characters and setting.

Overall Impressions & Who This Series Is For

Strengths:

• A beautifully drawn island setting—lush, vivid, warm, evocative of Hawaiʻi’s culture and community.
• Themes of second chances, found family and women supporting each other resonate deeply.
• Clean, uplifting tone with sweet (rather than steamy) romance, making it accessible for a wide audience.
• Steady improvement book-to-book: reader ratings suggest the series gets stronger by Book 4.

Weaknesses / Things to Consider:

• It is a series. If you expect each book to be entirely self-contained, you may find spill-over threads.
• Pacing is more gentle; the conflict is more internal/relational than high stakes thriller.
• If you need a “big finish” per book, some may feel more like chapters in a larger saga.

Best for you if you like:

• Women’s fiction, contemporary feel, clean romance.
• Stories rooted in place—community, farms, island life.
• Book series you can “settle into” and revisit a recurring cast.
• Uplifting, heart-warming reads rather than gritty or dark.

Less suited for you if you prefer:

• Stand-alone stories with no need to read previous books.
• High-tension thrillers, major suspense or very fast pace.
• Explicit, sexy romance or steamy content (this is more “sweet”).

Final Thoughts

If I were summarizing in one sentence: Big Island Sunrise and its follow-ups deliver an inviting island escape, grounded in community, renewal, and relationships—with each successive book deepening the world and characters.

If I had to pick a “must-read” highlight: start the series with Book 1, but know you’ll get more richness if you commit to at least the first few books. By Book 4 you’re really in the groove of the world and characters.

For my star rating, I’d give the series (so far) 4.5 out of 5 stars.

– Book 1: ~4.0

– Book 2: ~4.3

– Book 3: ~4.5

– Book 4: ~4.6

If you’re looking for your next cozy, uplifting read with a tropical backdrop—this could be it.