Well, I could have grossed you out with actual photographs of polyps and adenomas, but that would be TMI via images. So I picked this rather lovely, obviously-MRI-scanned image of an adenocarcinoma** to show you what was growing inside me. (My BFF Suzi, once a pre-med student, was alarmed and called to make sure I don't have an adenocrcinoma as the photo illustrates. As far as I know, I don't. I have "adenomas," thankfully not the same thing. My job is to prevent the pretty-but-lethal adenocarcinoma pictured.) While the gastroenterologist who performed her "cure" on me has not yet managed to call or write to me with results, I wheedled them out of my internist who is "not allowed" to interpret the results of my colonoscopy biopsies but did her best behind closed doors to explain to me the following: Many of the polyps were adenomas, "pre-cancerous," which will require close follow-up, probably another "procedure" within a year.The dietary changes started to happen all by themselves post-procedure, when I began to crave even tasteless healthy food. I'll be taking basic yoga (breathing first) to help deal with stress, seeing a doctor who works with alternative therapies, and working up to the biggest challenge of all: stuffing the cigarette butts up the collective behinds of the tobacco company executives. If there's anyone out there who thinks it's easy when you're under the kind of daily stress I am, just remember that nicotine is more addictive than heroin. Maybe I'll have to go into rehab.
From all of you, I only request patience with my changing personality as I come off the uppers and downers -- and prayers to whomever or whatever you offer your prayers. Let's cover God, the Universe, Jesus Christ, the Buddah, Allah, goddesses, Mother Earth and whatever else we can collectively put in the pot.
May we all be well. It was John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, who posed the really important question, "Is it well with your soul?" That's what really counts when the shouting is over.
4 comments:
You are now a walking advertisement for colonoscopy, as miserable an experience as it was for you.
I am glad it was all discovered in the "pre" stage. That's hugely important.
Bless you! You are doing all the right things, which of course, are always the hardest things to do.
You are definitely doing the only thing you can do and that is to take care of YOU. It is never easy to change a lifestyle; but you are strong-willed like your FATHER, and when you make up your mind to improve your health, YOU will be successful! I have faith that you can do this. Love and patience from your family will always with you!
By the way, I would definitely contact the "colonoscopy doc" and insist on the full report. It is your right to your medical records!!!
Your brother-in-law quit smoking cold turkey after smoking 2 packs a day. He did this by carrying an open pack in his pocket and when he got the urge; he would take the pack out and smell the tobacco.
This continued for about 2 weeks; then he crushed and threw it away; and he has not smoked since 1962.
As a matter of fact, cigarette smoke is nauseating to him now!
He says you "will conquer your craving"!!!!
Thank you for cheering me on and for loving me no matter what. Who could ask for a better gift?
And tell Don that the last time I quit I also carried an open pack with me and promised myself that if I HAD TO HAVE ONE, then I could. I didn't. Was smoke-free for 5 years until Zach came to live here and I caved in again. It will take time, but I'll do it. I love you!
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