Colon Cancer hits home at 40

[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/WS/35320/35327/777885.html?d=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.

 

[Rudyjohn]

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!