A New Feeling

Because my family has a strong history of colon cancer, I had my first colonoscopy 8 years ago this December. This was recommended by my father and oldest brother's surgeon, following my brother's diagnosis and surgery.

My sister also had her first one at that time. She had polyps removed, but I was totally fine.

I dragged my feet on having another, because at the time Blue Cross would not pay for this procedure as a screening device -- you had to be symptomatic.

But now they've added "strong family history" to the acceptable reasons to have this done, even before the age of 50.

Anyway, I had my second colonoscopy this morning. And polyps were found. The largest was 2 cm, which is considered "pre-cancerous." I am awaiting the biopsy report and should have an answer on Monday.

I'm not terrified or anything, but this the first potentially "really truly" thing I've ever had, and it's a humbling reminder that things can be going on in your body about which you have no clue.

It's mixed feelings I'm having, to be sure. I'm relieved that there's not question my insurance will kick in for this, but to be added to the Colon Problem Fraternity in my family, even in this small way, is sobering.

I truly am not freaking out -- I'm going on the assumption that having this thing removed today addresses the problem completely. But I'm also going to quit Googling about it, since I've been reading that those with the gene for this -- which I may well have -- are often advised to go on NOW and have surgery to remove at least a portion of the problem area.

Not going to borrow trouble -- worrying about it won't be productive, after all -- but this goes out as a warning to people I love to get over their squeamishness about the procedure.

Colonoscopy is one of the few diagnostic tools that also can provide a cure benefit at the same time. Mostly, when even a pre-cancerous polyp is removed, no further treatment is necessary although they will step up the rate at which you need to have further tests.

There is a beauty in that -- a true beauty. Early detection might have bought my father more "stroke-free" years (his stroke was caused by blood clots thrown off by the cancer in his colon). He likely would have had a stroke at some point -- the artery to his brain remains severely narrowed --but had his cancer been found early and "snipped out" he very likely would have enjoyed several more years at peak form.

You cannot put a price on that.

On another note, when I called my father to tell him the results of today's procedure, he said, "Welcome to the club!" and we laughed. You also can't put a price on that.