Colon Cancer hits home at 40

[dunelover]

Hi all--I felt compelled to bring attention to colon cancer. I have been off the board for a while because I was recently diagnosed with colon cancer and have been recovering from surgery. I am an early stage which is great, but have a path of 6 months of chemo ahead. I want to use my new path to bring awareness to this horrible disease.

Our plan was to move to the area in January next year, obviously that won't be happening now. I just hope to vacation in beautiful sowal as often as I can. Thanks to so many of you for answering my questions about the real estate market and being so welcoming on this board. We were really looking forward to making sowal our next home.

First, I experienced symptoms for only a few days before having a colonoscopy to sort it out. I am 40 w/ no family history so the thought of having a screening never crossed my mind, especially since the recommendation is at 50. I had a mass (malignant) and 2 benign polyps. A few weeks later I underwent a resection of my bowel, fortunately w/ out the need for a colostomy.

What I have learned is this: If you have a family history of colon cancer or polyps in a first degree relative, you need to be screened w/a colonoscopy 10 years before their diagnosis or polyp was found.

Here are some symptoms of colon cancer:


The most common symptom of colorectal cancer is no symptom at all - that is why it is critical that everyone get screened even if they don't think anything is wrong. If you are having symptoms, you must get tested!

• the most common symptom is no symptom at all
• change in bowel habits (diarrhea and/or constipation, narrow stools)
• unexplained weight loss, vomiting
• anemia, lack of energy
• blood (often not visible) in stool or from rectum
• abdominal pain/discomfort (gas, bloating, cramps, feeling that bowel does not empty)

The above information is from this website: http://www.colonclub.com/aboutcancer.html


I am not wanting to scare anyone, just bring awareness.

[Minnie]

Thoughts and prayers and hugs to you.

[seagrovegirl]

Hugs.................

[kathydwells]

Prayers are with you Dunelover. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.

[Lisa Ruby]

Stay strong dunelover. I am entering my tenth year as a survivior of non-hodgkin's lymphoma and I have worked with many colon cancer patients.
It's a tough road, but keep your dreams of being in sowal alive. There are outstanding oncologists in our area.

[Miss Critter]

I know this is a terrifying diagnosis, BUT it seems to have been caught early and there's a very high survival rate when that's the case. Still, my prayers are with you and your family as you fight this battle.

Look on the bright side. By the time you do move here, with the way the real estate market's been going, you may have much more to choose from.

[ShallowsNole]

Prayers from our family - sounds good so far, and will be thinking of you in the months ahead.

[Lady D]

My thoughts and prayers are with you DuneLover. I suffer from ulcerative colitis which in itself can lead to colon cancer depending on the amount of colon affected and I have had a polyp removed before. Luckily only a small portion of my colon is affected and it is the lower left portion.

I am on Asacol for maintenance and some of the symptoms of ulcerative colitis can mimick those of colon cancer so I am screened regularly, not just to check for cancer but to keep an eye on my colitis. Luckily the one polyp I had removed well over 10 years ago was benign. My last colonoscopy two years ago January was normal.

I do have flareups on occasion but I have always gone to my gastro doctor when they occur and get checked and it has always been just that, a flareup of my colitis.

I'm sorry you've gone through what you have gone through but it sounds like a good outcome for you. Take care and keep us posted.

[Johnrudy]

My thoughts and prayers are with you too. Thank you for this information. I've been meaning to set up an appointment for myself and my husband. I'm calling first thing Monday a.m.

Please keep us posted on your recovery.

.

[cp]

glad you told us. sending good thoughts and prayers to you

[Bob]

My wife had this 11 years ago at 39 with no more warning but acute pain in her side. To all on this board, have imaging done/ colonoscopy if you feel something amiss in your abdominal area. Our family doctor acted as if my wife was imagining things, and told her not to worry. Fortunately, we were mature enough to sense the uninformed arrogance of his position and this attitude saved my wife's life! Folks, be aware!

[grayday]

I wish you complete healing and recovery. Hope your chemo is gentle and you will be back at the beach soon. Blessings to you and your family

[Mango]

Thank you for the warning. May you have a speedy recovery. Prayers are with you and your family.

[Ocean Lover]

Thanks for sharing this...we're always here for support and to listen.

[njackie]

God Bless you and know that you are in our prayers!

[steele mama]

So sorry for what you are going through and so glad it appears to be caught in time. You will be in my prayers. I have a friend who just got home from having 12" of her colon removed, and a mastetctomy. It is really is amazing how many people are going through this. Thanks too for the reminder. I am one of those who has put off the first colonoscopy. I'll make my appt.

[DD]

Thinking of you dunelover.

[dunelover]

Stay strong dunelover. I am entering my tenth year as a survivior of non-hodgkin's lymphoma and I have worked with many colon cancer patients.
It's a tough road, but keep your dreams of being in sowal alive. There are outstanding oncologists in our area.

That is so good to hear. Congrats on your tenth year!

My thoughts and prayers are with you too. Thank you for this information. I've been meaning to set up an appointment for myself and my husband. I'm calling first thing Monday a.m.

Please keep us posted on your recovery.

.

Thanks for sharing. That is exactly what I want to do, inspire people to be proactive....good for you...

So sorry for what you are going through and so glad it appears to be caught in time. You will be in my prayers. I have a friend who just got home from having 12" of her colon removed, and a mastetctomy. It is really is amazing how many people are going through this. Thanks too for the reminder. I am one of those who has put off the first colonoscopy. I'll make my appt.

Wow, she had a major combo surgery. I thought I had it bad as I had a hysterectomy at the same time. And yes, this is happening younger and younger and it is the second leading cancer. Unfortunately the support or awareness around it is not as focused as breast cancer. The colonoscopy will be a breeze, if you want some tips just pm me. Good for you for making an appt.

Thanks to all of you for your kind words, thoughts and prayers. I knew this was a great group of people and you have made me feel that so much today.

[Teresa]

Dunelover, you are an amazing and courageous woman. thank you for sharing with your sowal friends. you may have saved a life through your story. thank you much. keep us posted on your recovery. we are all thinking of you!!!

[BrownEyedGull]

Thinking of you and wishing you a great recovery!
.

[Rita]

.

Dunelover,

I'm so glad you discovered this early. You sound as if your health is good otherwise and that will make the chemo treatments easier for you. Wishing you the best.

My wife had this 11 years ago at 39 with no more warning but acute pain in her side. To all on this board, have imaging done/ colonoscopy if you feel something amiss in your abdominal area. Our family doctor acted as if my wife was imagining things, and told her not to worry. Fortunately, we were mature enough to sense the uninformed arrogance of his position and this attitude saved my wife's life! Folks, be aware!

My Mom had most of the symptons that Dunelover listed. Her Doctor said he didn't give colonoscopies to his patients over 80. ..So she struggled along taking stool softeners, etc. We nearly lost her last summer but were fortunate to get some more time with her. She remained too weak after surgery (removed half her colon) for chemo - plus she's 87. She made a comeback to where she could do her normal "running around" and have a good quality of life again. It's been a year and she is now slowing again but won't be doing chemo at her age.

.

[Yahoodie]

Best wishes to you especially in the upcoming months of chemo. Thank you for having the courage to let us know and the thoughtfulness of wanting to help. Many prayers for you.

[JUL]

Thank you for your posting. Wishing you well in the days ahead.

[ThirtyAGal]

God bless you, Dunelover. Will pray for you during your chemo, and PLEASE keep us posted.

[rocketman]

Our family will keep you in our prayers..... My wife and I have both had colonoscopies within the last year..... We strongly recommend that everyone with a family history or are over fifty to have it done.... It is painless and will provide the best sleep that you have had in years.....

Rock on.....
Rocketman....

[30A Skunkape]

And to those who just simply can't and will not ever get a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy, please know there is one non-invasive screening option, that being a fecal occult blood test. Your physician will send you home with a small card that has an area to place a stool specimen (in the privacy of your home) on. You mail it back in and the lab will look to see if there is blood present. Not perfect, but at least it is a screening test!

[DuneAHH]

Sending Prayers and Blessings your way Dunelover! Your ability to transform your hardship into an opportunity to help & care about others is courageous and beautiful.


Get those colonoscopies done folks!
My husband died at 52 from colon cancer. The doctors said he'd probably had it for
at least 10 years before it was discovered by accident (with NO family history).

[Hop]

thanks for the thread...

[Paula]

Glad you caught it early, Dunelover. I'm a BIG believer in early detection, so you may indeed have saved a few lives of people who may have postponed their colonoscopies (as Tootsie said). They're really not bad at all - the hardest part is not eating for about 12 hours before the colonoscopy and drinking some stuff the day before. So, the best thing to do is have a hearty meal at lunch the day before and then schedule your colonoscopy very first thing in the morning. They pretty much knock you out and then you wake up in another room.

I'll be sending you many good wishes for your treatment to go smoothly and quickly - and for your move to SoWal to be sooner rather than later! Definitely get to SoWal before home prices increase (from what I hear, you have some time...).

[dunelover]

.

Dunelover,

I'm so glad you discovered this early. You sound as if your health is good otherwise and that will make the chemo treatments easier for you. Wishing you the best.



My Mom had most of the symptons that Dunelover listed. Her Doctor said he didn't give colonoscopies to his patients over 80. ..So she struggled along taking stool softeners, etc. We nearly lost her last summer but were fortunate to get some more time with her. She remained too weak after surgery (removed half her colon) for chemo - plus she's 87. She made a comeback to where she could do her normal "running around" and have a good quality of life again. It's been a year and she is now slowing again but won't be doing chemo at her age.
.

That is just to sad that he wouldn't do a colonoscopy. My grandma was 80 when she had hers this past year, she had to have a resection like me, but it wasn't cancerous. She is recovering slowly only because she fell and broke her hip a few weeks after being home. She is back to her normal life now though of which I am glad. Wishing the best for your mom.

Our family will keep you in our prayers..... My wife and I have both had colonoscopies within the last year..... We strongly recommend that everyone with a family history or are over fifty to have it done.... It is painless and will provide the best sleep that you have had in years.....

Rock on.....
Rocketman....

Yea---I am glad to hear that, now just follow up routinely and you will be good.

And to those who just simply can't and will not ever get a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy, please know there is one non-invasive screening option, that being a fecal occult blood test. Your physician will send you home with a small card that has an area to place a stool specimen (in the privacy of your home) on. You mail it back in and the lab will look to see if there is blood present. Not perfect, but at least it is a screening test!

Good advice skunky, and as you said the test is not perfect. I had one type of those done in the gyn's office that was negative 4 weeks before I was diagnosed. I have heard that if you take the test home you should do a number of them, like 5 to watch for bleeding on a particular day. But, do know that nothing is better than a colonsocopy.

Sending Prayers and Blessings your way Dunelover! Your ability to transform your hardship into an opportunity to help & care about others is courageous and beautiful.


Get those colonoscopies done folks!
My husband died at 52 from colon cancer. The doctors said he'd probably had it for
at least 10 years before it was discovered by accident (with NO family history).

Dune-AHH--I am so sorry about your husband. It such a horrible diesase. It oftentimes is silent. You are right, removing polyps prevents the disease. I had no family history either. Now, I get to check to see if carry the gene for HNPCC (lynch syndrome). I am sorry this thread probably brought up sad memories for you, but thank you for sharing what can be done to stop colon cancer.

Glad you caught it early, Dunelover. I'm a BIG believer in early detection, so you may indeed have saved a few lives of people who may have postponed their colonoscopies (as Tootsie said). They're really not bad at all - the hardest part is not eating for about 12 hours before the colonoscopy and drinking some stuff the day before. So, the best thing to do is have a hearty meal at lunch the day before and then schedule your colonoscopy very first thing in the morning. They pretty much knock you out and then you wake up in another room.

I'll be sending you many good wishes for your treatment to go smoothly and quickly - and for your move to SoWal to be sooner rather than later! Definitely get to SoWal before home prices increase (from what I hear, you have some time...).

Paula--yes, I do hope I have helped someone, or saved a life. If anyone wants to pm w/ questions, please do. I can refer you to many expert websites. Having the colonoscopy first thing in the am is great thing. A study came out recently that showed that dr's find more polyps in the am w/no other variable than time being the reason---they must be fresher, or less behind schedule or something else, but am is best.

Thanks to all for the kind words, I have finished my first round of chemo, and came through w/ alot of fatique and a little nausea. I can handle that if it is nipping all these microscopic cancer cells.

One more tip for the day, my oncologist said in response to me asking her what the ideal diet would be to prevent colon cancer. She said red meat only 1or 2 x a month. No charcol grilled anything, no nitrates and 1/3 protein (fish chicken, tofu) w/ 1/3 whole grains and 1/2 veggies fruit---the reference is to a plate.

Enjoy paradise for me

[Johnrudy]

dunelover, I am having my consult this Wednesday and will proceed to schedule my scope. I may PM you with a few questions when I return home.

Thanks again.

[dunelover]

dunelover, I am having my consult this Wednesday and will proceed to schedule my scope. I may PM you with a few questions when I return home.

Thanks again.

Yea--good for you. Please pm w/ questions, or tips for the actual procedure and prep, I have a few. Wishing you peace w/ your dr. choice and a clear scope.

[Paula]

Paula--yes, I do hope I have helped someone, or saved a life. If anyone wants to pm w/ questions, please do. I can refer you to many expert websites. Having the colonoscopy first thing in the am is great thing. A study came out recently that showed that dr's find more polyps in the am w/no other variable than time being the reason---they must be fresher, or less behind schedule or something else, but am is best.

Thanks to all for the kind words, I have finished my first round of chemo, and came through w/ alot of fatique and a little nausea. I can handle that if it is nipping all these microscopic cancer cells.

One more tip for the day, my oncologist said in response to me asking her what the ideal diet would be to prevent colon cancer. She said red meat only 1or 2 x a month. No charcol grilled anything, no nitrates and 1/3 protein (fish chicken, tofu) w/ 1/3 whole grains and 1/2 veggies fruit---the reference is to a plate.

Enjoy paradise for me

Good reminder about the red meat. I forgot about that...

Paradise will be waiting for you when you're good and ready! In the meantime, take good care of yourself.

[DuneAHH]

Good reminder about the red meat. I forgot about that...

Paradise will be waiting for you when you're good and ready! In the meantime, take good care of yourself.

... and charcoal grilling.

[Paula]

How about grilling on a gas grill? I love vegetables with olive and garlic and kosher salt all grilled on the gas grill.

[Johnrudy]

How about grilling on a gas grill? I love vegetables with olive and garlic and kosher salt all grilled on the gas grill.

I'm curious about this too. Many years back the charred and blackened crisp stuff on the meat was considered carcinogenic. Then I read where that had been revised and was NOT considered dangerous. So who knows. I don't think it matters if its gas or charcoal.

[DuneLaker]

Glad you caught it early, Dunelover. Everyone should have testing as soon as possible. The prep work is worse than the procedure which is a piece of cake since they put you under. I had one at Sacred Heart and it was like being on General Hospital. Knew everyone in recovery, lots of the volunteers. It was amazing all the Sowallers who hang out at the hospital. I'll be thinking of you and praying for a speedy recovery.

[organicmama]

Just sending my prayers and thoughts your way! I've just read the thread & my heart goes out to you and everyone else dealing with similar situations.

Hugs!

[dunelover]

How about grilling on a gas grill? I love vegetables with olive and garlic and kosher salt all grilled on the gas grill.

I am not sure about the difference in charcoal and gas grill based on what my onc. said. My mom gave me an article recently that I wll try to find and post in the next few days that said that charcoal grilling was carcinogic but the level were high because of the heat the meat was cooked at which turned the animal fat into the carcinogic, it also said it could be reduced by 95% by marinating. I will find it to make sure what I am saying is true. give me a little time, i am really not feeling great right now.

I'm curious about this too. Many years back the charred and blackened crisp stuff on the meat was considered carcinogenic. Then I read where that had been revised and was NOT considered dangerous. So who knows. I don't think it matters if its gas or charcoal.

hopefully the above answer will answer this question when I get the article. I just know what my oncologist said for sure.

[Johnrudy]

I am not sure about the difference in charcoal and gas grill based on what my onc. said. My mom gave me an article recently that I wll try to find and post in the next few days that said that charcoal grilling was carcinogic but the level were high because of the heat the meat was cooked at which turned the animal fat into the carcinogic, it also said it could be reduced by 95% by marinating. I will find it to make sure what I am saying is true. give me a little time, i am really not feeling great right now.


hopefully the above answer will answer this question when I get the article. I just know what my oncologist said for sure.

I think I would follow the ocologists advice.

Feel better.

[ThirtyAGal]

Good Morning Dune Lover - I hope you are feeling well today. Rest, rest, rest. Take good care of yourself now, and let others do things for you. There are so many of us thinking of you and hoping your side effects are not too bad. Hugs!

[Beach Runner]

Good Morning Dune Lover - I hope you are feeling well today. Rest, rest, rest. Take good care of yourself now, and let others do things for you. There are so many of us thinking of you and hoping your side effects are not too bad. Hugs!

Ditto. So, so sorry that you are having to deal with this at such a young age. Not fair.

And to those who just simply can't and will not ever get a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy, please know there is one non-invasive screening option, that being a fecal occult blood test. Your physician will send you home with a small card that has an area to place a stool specimen (in the privacy of your home) on. You mail it back in and the lab will look to see if there is blood present. Not perfect, but at least it is a screening test!

If you are doing this test, to avoid a false positive, make sure you:
Avoid 7 days prior to and during the test period:
- Aspirin or other NSAIDs.
Avoid 72 hours prior to and during to test period:
- Vitamin C in excess of 250 mg per day
- Red meat (beef, lamb) including processed meats and liver
- Raw fruits and vegetables (especially melons, radishes, turnips, and horseradish)
Avoid "straining" especially if you have any hemorrhoids.

Actually the only uncomfortable thing about a colonoscopy is drinking that stuff the day before and the resulting effects. Oh, yeah, and waiting for the biopsy results. Very scary.

The day of, they give you so much Versed that one is in lala land. It's an awesome drug. The medical staff always teases me because in recovery I always say over and over, "I love you, Dr. R., I love you, Rhonda." (She's the nurse I usually have).

Dunelover, you are in my prayers.

[dunelover]

Ditto. So, so sorry that you are having to deal with this at such a young age. Not fair.

Thanks for that......I certainly didn't expect it as I am the very first in my entire family with cancer.....but, I am going to let it change me for the better. I am living each day, enjoying each sunset, each moment with my kids, and doing everything i ever wanted to do and frequently dreaming of my return to sowal.

If you are doing this test, to avoid a false positive, make sure you:
Avoid 7 days prior to and during the test period:
- Aspirin or other NSAIDs.
Avoid 72 hours prior to and during to test period:
- Vitamin C in excess of 250 mg per day
- Red meat (beef, lamb) including processed meats and liver
- Raw fruits and vegetables (especially melons, radishes, turnips, and horseradish)
Avoid "straining" especially if you have any hemorrhoids.

Actually the only uncomfortable thing about a colonoscopy is drinking that stuff the day before and the resulting effects. Oh, yeah, and waiting for the biopsy results. Very scary.

The day of, they give you so much Versed that one is in lala land. It's an awesome drug. The medical staff always teases me because in recovery I always say over and over, "I love you, Dr. R., I love you, Rhonda." (She's the nurse I usually have).

Dunelover, you are in my prayers.

Thanks again, I would add that the gi dr. will give some warnings as to what to avoid as well. Iron containing products for one as they stain the bowel. And yest the procedure is a breeze and the versed is great. For me, my gi dr. told me right away he thought my "mass" not polyp was cancerous and I was fortunately still in a versed haze that it was dulled just a tad....

Good Morning Dune Lover - I hope you are feeling well today. Rest, rest, rest. Take good care of yourself now, and let others do things for you. There are so many of us thinking of you and hoping your side effects are not too bad. Hugs!

Thank you, that is soo sweet. I am doing well, had my second round of chemo today and think I am on a steroid high. Cold sensitivity and neuropothy are my biggest problems and they will be shortlived. I can do this....I know the Lord will only give me what I can handle.

I am not sure about the difference in charcoal and gas grill based on what my onc. said. My mom gave me an article recently that I wll try to find and post in the next few days that said that charcoal grilling was carcinogic but the level were high because of the heat the meat was cooked at which turned the animal fat into the carcinogic, it also said it could be reduced by 95% by marinating. I will find it to make sure what I am saying is true. give me a little time, i am really not feeling great right now.


hopefully the above answer will answer this question when I get the article. I just know what my oncologist said for sure.

Ok, can't find the article online sorry. It was in the "bottom line" magazine or publication. But, I found this one by a nutritiotionist at Dana Farber, a top cancer center and she says there is a minimal risk and gives tips to reduce the risk. Hope it helps. sounds like veggies are fine as long as they are not burnt or smoked too long.http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH...=dmtHMSContent

[dunelover]

I'm curious about this too. Many years back the charred and blackened crisp stuff on the meat was considered carcinogenic. Then I read where that had been revised and was NOT considered dangerous. So who knows. I don't think it matters if its gas or charcoal.

Here is a story out today about the risk. http://www.yahoo.com/s/925373

[Beach Runner]

I am so sorry, dunelover. Prayers going your way.

[Minnie]

One more tip for the day, my oncologist said in response to me asking her what the ideal diet would be to prevent colon cancer. She said red meat only 1or 2 x a month. No charcol grilled anything, no nitrates and 1/3 protein (fish chicken, tofu) w/ 1/3 whole grains and 1/2 veggies fruit---the reference is to a plate.

Thanks for sharing this. Little did I know 6 years ago when I had a very serious episode with reflux that I would end up eating this very diet. Have red meat only once or twice a year when on vacation and get a good steak. Gave up charcoal grilling when I got an indoor grill and veggies and fruit are what is best for my reflux.

Thinking of you daily.

[Johnrudy]

Here is a story out today about the risk. http://www.yahoo.com/s/925373

Very helpful info. Thank you.

How are you feeling?

[Franny]

Sending thoughts and prayers to you Dunelover.

Sending Prayers and Blessings your way Dunelover! Your ability to transform your hardship into an opportunity to help & care about others is courageous and beautiful.


Get those colonoscopies done folks!
My husband died at 52 from colon cancer. The doctors said he'd probably had it for
at least 10 years before it was discovered by accident (with NO family history).

[dunelover]

Well just a little update and prayer request. I have just rec'd second opinion pathology from MD Anderson, and w/ out speaking w/ them, from my oncologist opinion they have diagnosed me w/ a very rare colon cancer. So, my oncologist has recommened that I go to MD Anderson for consult and possible treatment. I sure hope these 4 rounds 8 weeks of chemo have not been a waste. Anyway, I am just praying that I get accepted and quickly.

I find it ironic that we were thinking about going to galveston and now we might be headed to Houston. Too close, maybe I will get to see the dirty brown beach afterall.

Thanks for so many kind words and pms, you all are such intelligent, caring people. I know I would love each one of you if I were to meet you in person....maybe next year.

[Jdarg]

Your posts are very courageous, and your story has been very inspiring. I am sure we will hear a good report from you - we will keep you in our thoughts, and you keep us in the loop!