I'm just now fully awake from the procedure yesterday. Because it was both a colonoscopy and upper GI endoscopy, I had double the normal sedative, so I would be out during the procedures. If it weren't for the prep before, these tests would be nothing. I was just really tired.
The endoscopy was totally clean. The CT scan I had showed a "masslike tissue in the stomach". I spoke to a friend, who is a radiologist. He said that the new CT machines scan so quickly, that it often happens that a stomach contraction (can happen when your body is digesting the barium you drink) will show up as a blur or a masslike tissue. He said that often the technician will catch it at the time and re-run that part to be sure. I'm glad to know my cancer center is using the latest machines and I was scheduled for the upper GI endoscopy in November, anyway.
As for the colonoscopy, six small polyps removed. Need to wait for the biopsy results. I had six benign ones removed last year and just to be on the safe side as six more grew, will do a colonoscopy next year, as well.
Yes, I cried before lying on the table waiting for the procedure to start thinking about if I had a relapse or another health problem to deal with.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Fighting Cancer Book
http://www.blochcancer.org/fighting/chap1.html - This is an on-line book that, although a bit dated (1988), the messages are still important. Topics include physician-patient communication, medical treatments, diet, and exercise.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Fears
I go for an endoscopy and colonscopy tomorrow, as a result of the yearly, guideline CT scan that was done last month. A masslike tissue was seen in the anterior of the stomach. My husband's cousin is a radiologist and I had him look at the scan results. He said that the newer CT machines work very quickly and it is not uncommon for a muscle contraction (which happens since you drink the barium) to show up blurred. Usually, if the technician catches it, then they just re-run the test at that time. In this case, to be safe, the endoscopy is needed. Since I was scheduled for on in November, it is only bringing it in by a couple of months - so not too much extra effort.
I remember, however, that when I read the report and was discussing it with the oncologist - the man I trust and feel safe around - although he said similar things, I believed he was sugar-coating the news. I think my fear was so great, I couldn't be soothed. I felt better after getting the opinion a second time, but am still nervous about tomorrow.
I also accompanied my friend who has rectal cancer to her surgical appointment. The surgeon strongly recommended the full surgery - which would result in a colostemy bag, but she was adament about not having one and so will have surgery next Tuesday to remove what they can. My fear for her turned into anger at the disease. We were talking after the appointment in the appointment room and she suggested we go somewhere else so they could have the room back. I responded that I didn't care what they wanted, this was about what she needed. She said she couldn't allow herself to get angry, as it takes her to place of self-blame for not having the screening sooner. I figure that cancer happens to a lot of people and why is not known. Just like all other good health practices people should do so.
I remember, however, that when I read the report and was discussing it with the oncologist - the man I trust and feel safe around - although he said similar things, I believed he was sugar-coating the news. I think my fear was so great, I couldn't be soothed. I felt better after getting the opinion a second time, but am still nervous about tomorrow.
I also accompanied my friend who has rectal cancer to her surgical appointment. The surgeon strongly recommended the full surgery - which would result in a colostemy bag, but she was adament about not having one and so will have surgery next Tuesday to remove what they can. My fear for her turned into anger at the disease. We were talking after the appointment in the appointment room and she suggested we go somewhere else so they could have the room back. I responded that I didn't care what they wanted, this was about what she needed. She said she couldn't allow herself to get angry, as it takes her to place of self-blame for not having the screening sooner. I figure that cancer happens to a lot of people and why is not known. Just like all other good health practices people should do so.
Diagnosing Cancer
I went with a friend for her oncology appointment a couple of weeks ago and just now posting. My friend was diagnosed with rectal cancer few months ago and completed 5-6 weeks of radiation and chemo. She had an endoscopy/ultrasound last week and the appointment was to discuss the results and next steps. The biopsy they took from this procedure indicated no cancerous cells – a good sign, but not necessarily enough to base a final treatment plan on. So the next step is for a surgeon to remove the entire tumor (or as much as they can without going into the wall – basically a colonoscopy where they remove more of the tumor) and have it analyzed.
I post this, not to tell my friend’s story, but to blog my reactions. I have known some of these things, but having a bit of distance – i.e., not me – allowed me an additional perspective. My first reaction is how capricious and non-precise diagnosing cancer is, as if the treatment wasn’t bad enough. They have tests, but they are basically indicators. If they find cancer in the tests, then you have it, but if the tests are clean, it doesn’t mean you are clean. The term – No Evidence of Disease – is about all they can really tell you. So, the CT scans and blood draws and even limited or what the oncologist referred to as “frozen” biopsies are not definitive. It makes me angry and scared. I think about my friend who is having to decide on surgery that would impact her quality of life substantially on something she may or may not need.
My second reaction was to the oncologist. My friend goes to a medical center other than the one I go to and I experienced the same caring and expertise I have experienced with my treatment. I know some people’s experiences and incidents have not had positive, but many more have been positive than have not. I think this is a positive sign that oncology is aware of the “human” side of things. Her oncologist talked more in everyday terms – like referring to radiation as “frying the person”. I found this very helpful in understanding the complex issues of cancer and treatment. At times, though, it was confusing, because a term would be used loosely, that would result in frustration to understand what was being said. An example, were the terms resection and excision, which he used interchangeably. I (and my friend) had thought resection was when they cut through the colon wall and reconnected you.
I post this, not to tell my friend’s story, but to blog my reactions. I have known some of these things, but having a bit of distance – i.e., not me – allowed me an additional perspective. My first reaction is how capricious and non-precise diagnosing cancer is, as if the treatment wasn’t bad enough. They have tests, but they are basically indicators. If they find cancer in the tests, then you have it, but if the tests are clean, it doesn’t mean you are clean. The term – No Evidence of Disease – is about all they can really tell you. So, the CT scans and blood draws and even limited or what the oncologist referred to as “frozen” biopsies are not definitive. It makes me angry and scared. I think about my friend who is having to decide on surgery that would impact her quality of life substantially on something she may or may not need.
My second reaction was to the oncologist. My friend goes to a medical center other than the one I go to and I experienced the same caring and expertise I have experienced with my treatment. I know some people’s experiences and incidents have not had positive, but many more have been positive than have not. I think this is a positive sign that oncology is aware of the “human” side of things. Her oncologist talked more in everyday terms – like referring to radiation as “frying the person”. I found this very helpful in understanding the complex issues of cancer and treatment. At times, though, it was confusing, because a term would be used loosely, that would result in frustration to understand what was being said. An example, were the terms resection and excision, which he used interchangeably. I (and my friend) had thought resection was when they cut through the colon wall and reconnected you.
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