take the small victories

[mellowtigger]

So.... how about a little good news?

I learned today that back in November the gastroenterologist removed a potential pre-cancer in my colon. The message was delivered a month ago, but I wasn't on the correct health website (it's slightly confusing, locally) to see it until today. The lab notes were:

The specimen is received in formalin with proper patient identification, labeled "large intestine, transverse colon polyp". The specimen consists of 3 gray-tan to pink, sessile fragments of mucosal tissue, ranging from 0.6-1.3 cm in greatest dimension.

The doctor's interpretation to me is included below. I am amused that the doctor used the wrong pronoun for me. I'm reminded again that I wish English would just stop with the sex-based pronouns.

The pathology of the polyp removed during the last colonoscopy came back as sessile serrated lesion. These are benign but precancerous polyps with the potential to turn into cancer if not removed completely during colonoscopy. Thankfully we were able to remove the entire polyp. Because we found this polyp during her colonoscopy, I recommend repeating another one in 3 years.

Take the small wins where you can get them. Even if they're only 1.3cm long... which doesn't actually sound "small" for a polyp.

Comments

[dewline]

Congratulations on getting this one zapped before it could zap you!

[mellowtigger]

I've had colonoscopies many times more than most people, starting in my 30s. They frequently find polyps, always non-cancerous at the time. After reading up on this kind, though, I'm glad that I finally went in for the exam, despite the awful bureaucracy in arranging for pickup due to some new Minnesota law. I successfully violated it by having someone deliver me home without them staying in my home the next 24 hours (or whatever the new law says). Anyway, I'm happy about it too. :)

[threemeninaboat]

That is good news :)