Test results

The report about Earl's Barretts came in the form of a double postcard. It didn't really say much. Just stated he had Barretts and should follow-up with another biopsy within two years. We assume there is no big concern right now. He will be monitored over the years to make sure it doesn't change to cancer. Apparently it will not go away.

Earl is taking his daily Nexium and feels fine. Says he can't really tell any difference from before he started taking it. He has had no signs or pains of the ulcer, so guess the "marginal" indicates it was just beginning or in an early stage.

Earl has marginal ulcer & Barrett's esophagus

Philadelphia surgeon, Dr. Watson, said some people develop ulcers following the Whipple procedure that Earl had. He was right. Earl does have a large marginal ulcer. I haven't looked up the term "marginal" to know what this means. They seem likely to occur after any gastric surgery. Has something to do with the blood flow in that area. These photos show Earl's ulcer. We were told the ulcer should heal and Earl was put on Nexium to control the acid to allow healing.

Then, there's his Barrett's esophagus that was discovered during the endoscopy procedure. We are supposed to get the results of the biopsy, taken on 2/8/08, within 10 days, so should get that next week. About 10% of Barrett's esophagus progresses to cancer of the esophagus. If he does not already have cancer of the esophagus, Earl will be monitored annually and he will be on medication to control the acid for the rest of his life. There is no cure for Barrett's other than medication to control acid reflux in an effort to slow or prevent further damage. I'll not go into the options now. Let's be optimistic until we know more.

Below are photos of the Barrett's. The first photo on left was taken on 1/31/08, when the procedure was aborted. The other three were taken Friday, 2/8/08.


The esophagus is normally a nice red color, perhaps like the red in the top photos of his ulcer. The salmon color suggests Barrett's. Wording under the two middle photos is "Mucosa suggestive of Barrett's esophagus". The last photo says "inlet patch".

I hope the photos don't upset anyone. I just find it interesting to be able to "see" what's going on and learn something new about our amazing bodies..... even when it's something going wrong. By the way, I did get Earl's permission to show all!

Will update when we know results of biopsy. Please continue to remember Earl as you pray. His options, if it is cancer, are not.... well..... I'm just not ready to share that. Just pray earnestly and diligently.

Thank you to all who stop by to keep tabs on Earl. Your caring interest means so much.