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BC and colon cancer have correlation...get your colonoscopies

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Posted 10/23/2006 12:51 AM (GMT 0)
I was just reading in another forum about Farrah Faucet and the fact that she has late stage colon cancer. Being that it has been stated that bc and colon cancer have some correlation, this is a good time to remind all ladies to have your colonoscopies. No one has to die from colon cancer. It is a preventable disease. Colon cancer is a slow growing cancer. It takes 5 years for a polyp to grow and become precancerous. It takes another 5 years to become cancerous and another 5 years to spread. If you have a colonoscopy and all is clear...if you continue to have your routine colonoscopies on time, you will never suffer colon cancer as they will get to it before it has a chance to cause harm. The test is not that bad. I wasn't even put to sleep and watched the entire process on the camera. Don't let fear keep you from getting this test.

Cindy

Posted 10/27/2006 2:15 PM (GMT 0)
Y'know, my mom was telling me to get one because we have this risk.  I never did ask my primary for a referral.  I'm going to do that right now.  I figure while I'm on a roll and unafraid at the moment, might as well take advantage of this mood.
Posted 10/28/2006 3:41 AM (GMT 0)

Good girl! And don't be afraid. Really, it is not that bad. Most people say the prep is the worse part because after 6pm you have to fast and drink the stuff that makes you "go". I didn't find that part bad at all. Maybe because I started eating light a few days before.

I did some checking and found that Farrah has anal cancer, not colon cancer. It is said to be a rare cancer, with just over 4,000 women being diagnosed each year. It is also said that colonoscopies do not detect it. My gastroenterologist checked for it before he began the colonoscopy.

I hope other women follow your lead and make that appointment. Okay ladies, roll call. If you've had your colonoscopy chime in. If you havent and have made your appointment, let us know. Let's see how many we can recruit.

Posted 10/28/2006 5:25 AM (GMT 0)
I had one 3 years ago. My gastro said he feels I should have one every 3 years because of my history of bc. My reg Dr does not think this is needed unless I have symptoms. My gastro told me to invent symptoms if I have to. I just haven't done it yet. =( I will soon........ redface thanks for the reminder!
Hugs, Gail
Posted 10/28/2006 6:32 AM (GMT 0)

I'm usually on the Diabetes or Ostomy forums, but saw this topic and came in to say Hello and to stress the importance of regular colonoscopies.

In November 2004, my colonoscopy/biopsy showed a highly dysplasic anal ulcer.  The surgeon was able to excise it by expanding the anus; bm's were normal and pain free within a couple of weeks. 

To avoid my insurance deductible, I put off the annual followup colonoscopy till January 2006.  In those 14 months I had developed rectal cancer on the anal verge.  After APR surgery in February, I now have a permanent colostomy and a "Barbie butt" (anus/rectum removed and neat scar line). 

Upside of this is that because of early detection the cancer was contained and had not invaded lymph... Stage I... no chemo/rad required... surviellance only.  I am Truly Blessed!

Regular colonoscopies are a MUST.  Get one yourself and encourage your family and friends to have them, too.  It's not a difficult procedure; I've always been given a "twilight" sedative, and even the prep doesn't have to be awful .. if you ask, they'll give you pills or the 4 oz instead of the gallon!

:-)    Martha

Post Edited (wmnak) : 11/12/2006 11:32:21 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 10/28/2006 6:13 PM (GMT 0)
I am scheduled to have a colonoscopy and endoscopic (throat camera ?)on Nov.10 I will be in Twilight also,with this light sedation will i know when their doing these tests,im kinda nervous. Tammy
Posted 10/29/2006 1:38 AM (GMT 0)
possitive,

i have had both a colonoscope and whatever they call that tube down you throoat.  in my experience, they have been painless and not overly invasive.  i, too, was in "twilight" during the procedures.  if you consider the alternatives, these procedures are cheap insurance.

my wife and i share a userid, so i have to sign mine to distinguish between us.  by the way, i am a male and having a colostomy is just as impotant for men as for women.

best of luck

warren

Post Edited (wmnak) : 11/12/2006 11:33:11 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 10/29/2006 4:14 AM (GMT 0)
Gail, I'm definitely with your gastroenterologist. Who wants to wait for symptoms? Your regular doc sounds really "off" to me with that statement. I am for preventive...not the wait til it gets there and hope something can be done about it. Glad you will be making your appt soon.

Martha, thanks for popping in and sharing your story. I'm sure the sharing of your story will help make that decision for some who can't get past the fear. I am so sorry you had go go through all of that but glad to hear you are doing well. Continued Blessings.

Warren, you are so correct about the alternatives. Also, the short 20 minutes it takes for the colonoscopy is nothing compared to the time and pain that would be incurred for major surgery.
Posted 10/29/2006 9:20 PM (GMT 0)
Warren,thanks for responding.Question?do you know when the tube is going down the throat(choking) ?  Tammy

Posted 10/31/2006 5:40 AM (GMT 0)

Hi, Tammy ...

You'll know it, but you won't feel it.  The sedative is usually enough to allow it to pass, but should you have difficulity the Dr can spray a numbing medication which works immediately. 

Warren has an overactive gag reflex and sometimes needs the numbing spray if the sedation is very light.  Personally, I want them to knock me out, do what they gotta do, wake me up and let me go out for breakfast!  Since this is a fasting procedure, try to schedule it as early in the morning as possible.

Good Luck!     :-)   Martha

Posted 11/12/2006 5:33 PM (GMT 0)
Well i had my colonoscopy and it wasnt bad at all.The worst was the preparation.I recomend it for everyone. Tammy
Posted 11/13/2006 10:25 PM (GMT 0)
That's great, Possitive! Thanks for letting us know how it went. Any others out there got your colonoscopies scheduled?

Posted 9/17/2008 10:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Ladies,

My family doc suggested for a colonoscopy asap, but she can only book an appointment for the next year! Do you know the place(s) in Vancouver and around it where I can inquiry and possibly get this test scheduled for earlier date?

By the way, are there any private laboratories/clinics where I can get it done earlier?

 

Posted 9/18/2008 3:44 AM (GMT 0)
Hello .......I too saw the topic and had to read the thread. You see I have dense breasts and always have to have a follow up mammograms every time.......so far so good.....but it is sure scary. I've also have had 2 colonoscopies. The first one had a polyp. So they have me do them yearly now. Number 2 came out fine. I've been putting off my 3rd one only because of the prep. Like others have said the test itself is a breeze. So you've talked me into it......I'm calling my doctor tomorrow and setting up colonoscopy 3.

Thanks for a great thread.......... smurf
Posted 9/20/2008 3:00 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

I was diagnosed in 1992 with Colon Cancer,went thru treatment and havent had a problem with my colon since.
In 2000 I was diagnosed with stage 2 Breast Cancer. I am now stage 4 and still fighting this battle. I agree that BC and Colon Cancer are related. PLEASE make sure to get your colonoscopies and your Mammograms.We have to be
our own best medical advocate......

Hugs

Cathi
Posted 5/20/2009 10:37 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone,
I have been kind of keeping track of Farrah and her battle and have always wondered why "The Cancer Centers of America" wasn't her choice. I see them on TV all the time. Does anyone know if they have programs for colon/anal cancer?
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