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（日本語は後です）

No matter how many times I go through it, I cannot get used to the needle, the coldness of the IV fluid, and the moment before being wheeled into the operating room. Rather, the more you experience the operation, the more anxiety you have.

My surgeon removed the portacath, and dilated my new esophagus yesterday. Instead of heavy sedation, he used the general anesthesia, and consequently I am still feeling a bit groggy.

I hear that most Japanese doctors perform the endoscopy without much anesthesia, and people in Japan fear the exam anticipating the pain and discomfort. Judging from how much discomfort I still have in the throat and the coughing fits I had after the examination, the procedure must have been pretty painful, and I am glad that they knocked me out.

Even though my throat is sore from the procedure, I did not choke on the toast I ate this morning. In a few days, I should feel much better.