Today I had my first procedures prompted by my positive diagnosis for Lynch Syndrome. Prep day was yesterday. Drinking the solution that clears out your digestive tract is the worst of it :)
Today I went to the hospital w/my husband. Gorgeous morning & I was wishing I was anywhere else. The nurses and doctor were all wonderful. I had an upper endoscopy and he took 3 biopsies, esophogus, stomach, (and one other that my husband couldn't remember :) I'll get the results in a few days but the doctor said everything looked good to him. He discovered that I have a hiatal hernia. Then he did a colonoscopy and found one small polyp which he removed. That made me understand again that I can never let this type of screening go. 15 months ago when I had my first colonoscopy I was completely clear. If I had waited the 2-3 years that had been normal for another colonoscopy I could have been in real trouble.
In three weeks I will have a prophylactic hysterectomy & oofrectomy. I am ready to do this. Actually I have been telling my doctors for two years that I thought it should be done and that was BEFORE I knew I had Lynch Syndrome. My mother took DES when she was carrying me so I have had an increased risk of cervical cancer as well. With the double whammy of Lynch Syndrome my doctor said to do this immediately.
In the 3 weeks I have until surgery I will do what I can to make myself as strong as possible, physically and mentally. I decided to buy an amulet from a local indian store this week. I don't believe in mystical powers or that they will cure what ails me. But as I looked at each stone and the power that the writer had assigned to them I began to pick up stones that I thought would remind me to think certain thoughts. One to remind me to be strong, one to remember healthy thought, the power of the earth, to remember to calm my spirit. So each time I look at it I remind myself to breathe, to think positive, to do something healthy.
If they find cancer in my uterus then I'll have to deal with it. I send a prayer up now that they will not. I do not have any symptoms. If they do not, then I will be able to step one step forward and begin a year that I can feel free. Free from cancer. I think that will be the only way I can live happily. Get the tests then close my eyes and breathe for another year. That's my idea anyway.
Steve & I start morning bike rides tomorrow....
I don't know anyone could have a better or more proactive attitude under the circumstances, Karen! You are a great example of a strong and determined woman.
ReplyDeleteHi, my name is Jessica. Not sure if you check this anymore as your last post was several years ago. I searched this URL because it was on my heart to start a blog. I'm 29. I found out I had lynch syndrome when I was about 21. My 16 year old cousin had colon cancer and my gramma had uteran cancer and died of a brain tumor and breast cancer has also been in the family. Anyway, when I was 21 I found out and I was single and they told me that they wanted to remove my reproductive organs by the time I'm 35...so I should probably be done having kids by then. At 21 that seems super logical. "Of course," I thought. I'll be married with children at 35. Well, I'm 29. Still single. And the reality of that hits hard. I put my faith in Jesus and not in these circumstances, but it is hard. I just had my 5th colonoscopy today, 2nd endoscopy and needless to say my throat hurts and I'm a bit tired. Anyway, what a journey this is. I'd love to talk to you, if you're still available and open to it. Not many people know about this journey...I feel it's one I want to share! Hope you're well ❤️ Hope to hear from you.
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