The importance of a "Routine" Colonoscopy

[surveypro2016]

My boyfriend who is 54 was told by his doctor in December that he really needed to have his first colonoscopy. She ordered it and he had it done February 3rd. They found a mass in his colon about the size of a walnut and it was cancerous. He had a partial Sigmoid Colectomy on March 20. They also removed 26 lymph nodes and 5 of them were cancerous. Now, he has to have chemo. Meanwhile, the incision developed cellulitis and we have to pack and dress it twice daily. It's a big gapping wound in his belly.

He had NO symptoms and NO family history of colon cancer.

I have now become an advocate for colorectal screening. If you are over 50 and have never had a colonoscopy, I urge you to have it done. Quite frankly, it may save your life.

Thanks for reading my PSA of the day.

[sak4kat]

Your boyfriend is proof that with early detection some cancers can be "handled"  Knowing instead of not knowing is key.... it's all about preventative care.  On a lighter note... I work in a bakery and a customer called yesterday to place an order.  I present the usual dialect between myself and customer and when I follow up with I'm doing okay... how bout you?  He proceeds to tell me he has to go in for a colonoscopy... we had a good laugh when I asked if he wanted the script to read "Happy colonoscopy day"  But in all seriousness.  Routine everything is extremely important to extend our lives.

[pkrahmer]

Hope your boyfriend is doing ok. Both of you are in my prayers. Please keep us posted.
As much as I don't like going to the doctor I have a had a colonoscopy and try to keep up with the other screenings. early detection does save lives.

[ghunter]

Thanks for that, my Doctors have been trying to get me have a colonoscopy, but I keep putting it off.  I guess I will go ahead and get one soon.  Thanks

[JaniceSW]

If you are 50 or have a family history (you may need to get one sooner), get the colonoscopy.  The worse part is drinking that "stuff" and sitting on the toilet for about 5 hours.  The colonoscopy, itself, is not much.  You are out for all of it!

[jkhanson]

I agree that getting a colonoscopy is essential.  This kind of cancer has a good chance of detection, removal, treatment and long life.  Get it done!

[linderlizzie]

Anyone reading this that hasn't had one yet may think it's a terrible thing to go through, but you're put under anesthesia and you don't even know what's going on until it's over.

No big deal. 

And you only have to get it every ten years.

Now if you ask me to choose between a colonoscopy and going to Walt Disney World, I'd choose the latter.

[mrsmere]

It's always best to get it done early because you never know what's going on inside the body.  Sometimes when the symptoms show up, a lot of damage has already been done.

[bshee58]

I have had them twice already, and it came back all clear.

[vickysue]

I started  having them when  i turned 45,   So far so good,  It is not pleasant getting ready for one, but having it done is a breeze. you are asleep and don't feel a thing.   find a doctor you feel  comfortable with. I had one that i did not feel  that way with and will never go back to him again,  so i may have to go to another city to get  the next one if 5 years.

[mardukblood2009]

I am 40 and I am had around 6 of them so far. I have had polyps a few times when I did them and I was told that if I did not get the first one that when I did, I would have had cancer by age 30.

[bremer51]

I get one every 10 years as suggested by my physician.  As vickysue said, the procedure is not unpleasant.  Getting ready for it isn't my favorite way to spend the day.

[surveypro2016]

Thanks for that, my Doctors have been trying to get me have a colonoscopy, but I keep putting it off.  I guess I will go ahead and get one soon.  Thanks

Please do and I hope for the best for you! 

[vg7405]

I hope your boyfriend recovers quickly, OP. Thank you for the PSA. Much appreciated.

[potluck6]

My mother had colon cancer she was 70 and died at 74. She was bleeding form the rectom and they found cancer. I am going to get one soon. I know she ate alot of meat who knows what really causes cancer. I'm trying to cut down on meat and also dairy. I didn't have insurance for awhile but do now .So that appt. is going to happen.