Chemo/Radiation done...back to feeling normal

[CajunMama]

It's hard to me to post this out on the open board because i am pretty guarded about my life on the internet. But i have been extremely blessed and i feel that it should be shared.

Back on August 20 i had my first colonoscopy at the request of my internist. The only reason she wanted it done was because of my age. I am in debt to her for the rest of my life. Preliminary findings that day were great...one polyp removed. But i got a call a week later saying that the pathology report came back for a lesion near my rectum had suspicious pre-cancer cells (think farrah fawcett). I made an appointment with a surgeon (who happens to be my next door neighbor). He thought he could excise the lesion in his office but couldn't. So this morning I had outpatient surgery to remove it. Great news...no radiation or chemo is needed. All i have is some discomfort and some great pain pills (valium & vicodin).

I had no symptons whatsoever and God was truly watching over me. As the gastro doc said, "I am the poster child for colonoscopys". If your doctor suggests you get one or if you're 50 or older...please get one. It really can save your life.

[ConvergenceZone]

I'm glad everything turned out okay for you CajunMama. You are right though. The key is to catch it early. It can be a life saver....

[WeatherLovingDoc]

Seconded, and so very glad for your good personal news. Colonoscopy saves lives! It's second cousin, a sigmoidoscopy, does too but views only up to left colon and corner. General age of starting these tests is 50, but if there is a family history at a younger age, most recommend commencing screening 10 years prior to the age family members diagnosis. Family member here generally means first degree relative (like sister, dad etc).

There will be more discussion in the US towards moving to sigmoidoscopy as the favored general screening method for colon cancer. The reason behind this is it can be done in-office, often without as much sedation, and is faster and of course cheaper, especially when considering the masses. I just read a paper about this proposal. Of course, you're only screening the left side, and assuming nothings on the right which seems a little odd to me (a non-expert on this matter for sure). So, I'm not sold. New items being discussed are DNA testing of stool to identify atypical cells and beyond.

I had my first colonoscopy at age 51, and now will return for my second because we do have a family history and it was right sided. I just hand myself over to my doctor, nurses and anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist, with a humorous reminder to make sure that take their time, do things right and look thoroughly.

That last point, look thoroughly is very important. It's wise to know how many procedures your doctor has done. Superficial precursor lesions may take a lot of experience to recognize and are something you don't want missed.

Thanks for starting this thread and sharing your early diagnosis to urge us on. To good health:

[Aquawind]

YAY CajunMama!! Congrats and Thank You for the reminder. Being a healthy male most my life I tend to ignore preventative care and my uncle died quickly from colon cancer..

[brunota2003]

My grandpa was similar, except his was in the early stages of cancer. They removed several inches at the beginning of August (the cells that were cancerous, plus a couple inches on either side to ensure it did not spread), and a few weeks later I went on leave and we visited Alcatraz. He also had no symptoms.

[dizzyfish]

Wow CM. I'm not sure I could have opened up like you did and posted this. Kudos to you kiddo!

So glad everything turned out good for you. I just turned 51 and I know my doctor is going to send me for "the test" soon. I will be thinking of you.

[CajunMama]

Dizzy, it's not easy to talk about it. It's rather embarrassing but the point of it is life is short, fragile and valuable. If it wasn't for a preventative test I wouldn't have known until it was too late. We all think something like this won't happen to us and it's quite sobering when it does. If I can help someone else catch, stop and prevent cancer it is worth the embarrassment of putting this online for everyone to read.

[breeze]

*High Five* to you, my crawfish-eatin' friend!!

I'm so glad it turned out well! I had one last year after over-the-counter naproxen
caused a gastro-intestinal bleed episode - one polyp removed, no cancer. I get to
wait three years for the next one. Yaaay!

LOL, I tried to convince myself that the Go-Lytely prep was margaritas, but by the
time I got to the end of it, I was sorely disappointed...

[tronbunny]

At the beginning of this year, I lost a long-time friend to colon cancer. He had mild symptoms that developed very quickly. Of course, the symptoms were very vague and by the time they occurred, the disease was rampant. Although the exact cause of his death was complications from the surgery, his system had been compromised.
He had been a normally healthy guy all his life with no known risk.
He was only 47.

Please, explore your family history and don't be put off by the nature of the procedure.
Do this for your friends and loved ones, if not for yourself.

I am so happy to hear that many people have had a wonderful prognosis due to early detection.

Thank you for the reminder CajunMama!

[DanKellFla]

Dizzy, it's not easy to talk about it. It's rather embarrassing but the point of it is life is short, fragile and valuable. If it wasn't for a preventative test I wouldn't have known until it was too late. We all think something like this won't happen to us and it's quite sobering when it does. If I can help someone else catch, stop and prevent cancer it is worth the embarrassment of putting this online for everyone to read.

Embarassing? As far as I know, every humang being alive uses their colon on a daily basis. Or, at least hopes too. What would be embarassing is dying because of some squemmishness.
Quick story: A school friend of mine fathers died because he didn't want to talk to his doctor about his MONTHS long case of diarhea. You guessed it, it was cancer. It was liver cancer that spread to the colon. When he finally went to the doctor he had a few months to live. Now that I am a about the same age as that guy was when he died, I think he was incredibly selfish for not talking to a doctor about it. He had two children in high school at that time!!!!

Good for you CJ. Just remember. The only thing worse than getting older is getting dead.

[bvigal]

CM, I'm late finding this thread, but soooo happy to hear your good news!!

The Importance of a Second Opinion:
Probably those living in the U.S. don't need this extra warning (because you can sue for malpractice there), but it happened to me. My doctor ordered a colonoscopy for a specific reason, and it was done here at the considerable medical facilities of a prominent BVI doctor. The results were "completely normal". A month later I had an MRI done in St. Thomas, USVI, 876 photos. The owner of the radiology clinic had my results very fast, all negative. I took the CD to the mainland during Christmas and spent almost all my Christmas money to have it read for a 2nd opinion. The radiologist found everything my doctor had suspected, and in writing proved that both the colonoscopy and the MRI were initially read wrong (or not read at all, or read by someone without enough expertise to know what they were looking for).

[Stephanie]

CM, I'm late finding this thread, but soooo happy to hear your good news!!

The Importance of a Second Opinion:
Probably those living in the U.S. don't need this extra warning (because you can sue for malpractice there), but it happened to me. My doctor ordered a colonoscopy for a specific reason, and it was done here at the considerable medical facilities of a prominent BVI doctor. The results were "completely normal". A month later I had an MRI done in St. Thomas, USVI, 876 photos. The owner of the radiology clinic had my results very fast, all negative. I took the CD to the mainland during Christmas and spent almost all my Christmas money to have it read for a 2nd opinion. The radiologist found everything my doctor had suspected, and in writing proved that both the colonoscopy and the MRI were initially read wrong (or not read at all, or read by someone without enough expertise to know what they were looking for).

I'm glad that you did get that second opinion!

[Tireman4]

Thanks for sharing Mama.

[CajunMama]

Well folks, my surgery followup appt wasn't like i thought it was going to be. Appears that i have stage 1 which means the cancer cells invaded the tissue. I go tomorrow morning for a PET scan (full body) and i'm waiting on a call from the oncologist (who is another friend and bil's best friend). During my appt. my dr. called the oncologist and from what they discussed they think i'll have about 6-8 weeks of chemo and I'm not sure about the radiation. I already glow and i'll be glowing more for sure!

GET YOURSELF TO A GASTRO AND GET A COLONOSCOPY IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY (and if you're 50+ or have family history)

[srainhoutx]

Cajun Mama, thank you first for sharing your story and also for following up with us. As you know, I too have been down the same road with this type of cancer. I as well as you do not like to share my life on the internet, but I cannot stress how important it is to be checked regularly. I am alive today because of early detection. It has been nearly 8 years since my diagnosis and treatment. I strongly encourage all men to request a colonoscopy before age 50. I was 45 at the time that cancer was found, with no family history. It likely would have gone undetected had there not be other issues. We lift you and your family up in prayer and will be here to support you throughout the process.

[sunny]

Kathy, I am sending up prayers for you. Please let me know if there is anything at all that I can do.

[CajunMama]

PETscan was clear! No other signs of cancer. Oh happy day!

[Stephanie]

PETscan was clear! No other signs of cancer. Oh happy day!

At least you received some good news for a change! We'll all be here to support you through your treatments over the coming months.

[vbhoutex]

Praise God for some good news!!! Prayers still flying from Houston.

[bvigal]

PETscan was clear! No other signs of cancer. Oh happy day!

Thank God!! Sorry to hear you must have some chemo, but it's worth the precaution to be sure any remaining cells are dealt with now! Will keep you in prayers, Sweetie!!