I have an AAA that's been at the ??? edge for the past 20+ years; an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm that's been at the "do or don't" try to bypass decision for those 20 years; both of which carry risk. I get it checked every 18 months with a pass through the CT scanner followed by a chat with the surgeon. So far, all his visits have started with pleasant chit-chat followed by "... well I have some good news for you today ...", followed by more chit chat and finally "... see you again in 18 months." Then he leaves and closes the door to the little exam room behind himself.
What he doesn't see is my little routine that follows. I hop off the exam table, and pull out the little step-stool from under the exam table, then I kneel on it with my elbows on the exam table, cross myself, then press my hands together in prayer, and say "Thank you God. Thank you, thank, you, thank you; and I have even been known to shed a few tears of joy.
