This is the time in your life, you will miss food the most, as all those sugar plums start dancing in your head...but you can't have any of it.  The patient has to follow the procedures for the cleaning of the system...or if not done properly...the procedure will be postponed and the prepping will start all over again.  So, it's important to get it right the first time. 

An I.V. was placed in my right arm, and I was told to lay on my left side.  I knew I was going to be in LaLa land soon...and that's what happened.  I don't remember what happened between 10 and 11 in the morning.  When I came to, the doctor was in the room, and I asked him when we were going to get started.  He told me, the procedure was already completed.  And, I asked what time it was...and it was after 11 in the morning. 

The doctor handed me the letter with the results of the procedure, and he told me that there was no cancer found in the initial screening, but that polyps were taken out and had to go to the lab and we would wait for the results for about 2 weeks.  This is the letter that the doctor gave me after the procedure was completed;

"Southwest Gastroenterology Associates, P.C.
March 7, 2011/Dr. Andrew Mason

Exam; colonoscopy

Indicications:  Screening for colorectal malignant neoplasm;

Medicines; Fentaryl (Sublimaze) IV 125 mcgs, Midazolam; (Versed) IV 5mgs

Procedure; After I obtained informed concent, the scope was passed under direct vidion.  Throughout the procedure, the patient's blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen saturations were monitored continuously.  Endoscope CFH-180AL-2704455 was introduced through the anus and advanced to the cecum, identified by appendiceal orifice & ileocecal valve.  The colonoscopy was performed without difficulty.  The patient tolerated the procedure well.  The quality of the bowel preparation was fair.

Findings;

- The digital rectal exam was normal.  Pertinent negatives include no anal lesion or abnormality was detected. 

- A sessile polyp was found in the ascending colon.  The polyp was 6mm in size.  The polyp was removed with a cold snare.  Resection and retrieval were complete. 

- The exam was otherwise without abnormality.

- Complications:  No immediate complications

- Impressions; Preparation of the colon was fair.  One 6mm polyp in the ascending colon.  Resected and retrived.  The examination was otherwise normal. 

- Recommendation; 

-  Await pathology results.  I will mail my recommendations when I hear back from the Pathologist.

- No aspirin; ibuprofen, naproxen or other non-sterpoda; anti-inflammatory drugs for 2 weeks

Signed; Dr. Andrew Mason"

END OF LETTER;

I was happy that the procedure went well and the initial results were normal and good news for me.  But, now I had to wait for the news about the polyps that were sent to the Pathologist for lab testing, which took about two weeks.  Again, this is the hard part...not knowing and waiting for the results.  After about two weeks, I finally got the results which were as follows;

"S.W. GASTROENTROLOGY MARCH 22, 2011

Dear Mr. Aragon;

The Pathologist has returned the final report on the polyps which were removed during your recent colonoscopy.  There was no cancer.  The vast majority of polyps fall into one or two categories; Hyperplastic or Adenomatous.  The categorizations of each polyp is decided by the pathologist, based on the polyp appears under a microscope.  A follow-up survelillance colonoscopy may be indicated in the future depending on your age, the type of polyps found on this exam, your family history, or the type of polyps found on a prior colonscopy in your past.  Your results and recommented follow-up are indicated below. 

Your polyp was adenomatous - These polyps do have the potential, as they grow, to turn into colon cancer.  However, only a minority of adenomatous polyps ever convert to cancer.  There was NO cancer seen in your polyps.  A patient found to have adenomatous polyps in the future.  For this reason, it is recommended that a patient found to have one or more adenomatous polyps undergo repeat colonscopies in the future. 

- Follow-up;  Another colonoscopy is recommeneded in 5 years. 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or my office. 

Dr. Andrew Mason"

END OF LETTER DATED MARCH 21, 2011

I am really relieved that the procedure went so well and the good news on both fronts.  At the age of 66 in 2011, I have to be even more vigilant about my health and not let anything get out of control. 

Therefore, I encourage everyone out there to get in a mode of prevention; get that necessary blood test as often as you can, and take the necessary procedures, screenings, and precautions to have better health...and to be worry-free.  Good luck and the best health to all of you out there.

The two most incredible words in the world at least for me at this time; NO CANCER! 

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