@1nan

What a great topic. Yes, having tests and waiting for results is difficult for us all. I have had three occurrences of a rare form of cancer, carcinoid cancer. It's a peculiar type of cancer. As it usually isn't found the typical way, i.e., CT scans, x-rays, MRIs, etc. (unless of course, it has metastasized). Therefore, doctors have to go on, what I call a "fishing expedition" to find any recurrence. As my carcinoids have been found in the duodenal bulb, that means the way to find them is to do an upper endoscopy "EGD" (put a tube with a camera down the esophagus and thread it through the stomach and into the duodenum).

This is a timely discussion for me, as my next EGD is later this month. The good thing is the results always are revealed at the time of the procedure. While a biopsy is done, a good GI specialist knows what they look like and when I leave the hospital I know if I'm clear or not.

Do I feel apprehensive? Of course, I do. It's only natural and human to fear the unknown. However, I try to practice thankfulness as much as possible. For example, I'm thankful that I'm going to a renowned hospital and have a good doctor on staff there. I'm grateful for the health insurance that will take care of this for me.

In addition to thankfulness, I think that if worry continues to distract us from living our life, we have to take action. By this, I mean doing something that you really enjoy. So, it could be yoga, taking walks, spending time with friends, reading a good book, watching a movie, or binging on a Netflix series. Whatever I really enjoy, I just do it!

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