PSA Colonoscopy

[pwhite]

I know there have been threads about this but, I just want to say this. I just turned 55 on Dec 28, I waited to have my first colonoscopy on the 23 of Dec. I have 3 tumors that were almost evenly spaced from beginning, middle and end of my colon. After having a Pet Scan to make sure the cancer had not spread to other parts of my body I was given 2 options. Remove my entire colon and have a bag for the rest of my life or remove my colon and reattach my intestines which will result in very frequent trips to the bathroom and a pretty shitty quality of life. This happens tomorrow morning, and to be honest both options suck. For the last few weeks I have gone through different stages of just being pissed off at the world to wondering why me. I have never had any issues down there and thought that because I was like clock work every morning with let's just say stellar movement I was in the clear. In hind sight I should have gone much sooner and maybe the outcome could have been much better.
If you are of that age go do this, even if you are like me and aren't having issues early detection could make a world of difference. If you have not had a colonoscopy get one as soon as you can. The prep sucks but that's the worst part. I will be starting my prep again in a couple of hours but for the worst possible reason.

 

[Tone deaf]

Wow. Sorry to hear that. I was concerned that I had waited too long to get my first one (last month, posted here about it).

I will keep you in my prayers. Here's to a speedy recovery.

 

[Uncle Vinnie]

Saying a prayer right now for a miracle healing.

I'm 61 and have put off going for one because of the prep and of course the procedure itself. You have me rethinking my position.

 

[Bluesky]

So sorry brother . I know it's hard, but try to look at this with a glass half full attitude. Either option you are still alive.
My neighbor growing up had a bag , know one really knew. They have come a long way since the 70s. We are all full of shit. You wont be!

 

[MenaceMartin]

Props to you for posting your story for us and raising awareness of this @pwhite. I can't even begin to imagine how difficult things are for you just now. Sending healing thoughts your way and hope for a speedy recovery.

 

[pwhite]

So I guess my take a way is if I had not let my wife pressure me into having the colonoscopy the cancer could have spread by penetrating the walls of the colon. What really sucks is, other than being over weight I feel better now than I have in quite some time. I was a wreck this morning but I work for the School District so me and my grandson have been together all day for MLK day.

 

[dc007]

Dang dude. That is a lot to have to go through. I hope and pray the results will be a lot better than they are thinking now.

 

[Tone deaf]

Saying a prayer right now for a miracle healing.

I'm 61 and have put off going for one because of the prep and of course the procedure itself. You have me rethinking my position.

The prep isn't a bad as it sounds. I was leery of it, too.

 

[WaywerdSon]

Sorry to hear. The ostomy is the better option of the 2, not that either is great. There are lots more people out there everyday with one than you would imagine and for the most part have a fairly normal quality of life. Hindsight is always 20/20, but you at least caught it while its still treatable and your 5 year survival should be fairly positive. Best of luck for you

 

[TheX]

The prep isn't a bad as it sounds. I was leery of it, too.

Agreed, the whole thing was easier than I imagined it would be.

 

[Tone deaf]

Agreed, the whole thing was easier than I imagined it would be.

Plus, you get to make funny noises with your ass.

 

[SteveC]

Hoping you have a great outcome, even given the circumstances. Your grandson will be glad to have is pop around for many more years.

 

[redcoats1976]

think id want to re actach the intestines,just stay away from taco bell and papa johns pizza.seriously i hope this works out for you.

 

[MikeyTheCat]

Damn OP that sucks and I hope you do well.

I’m on the five year plan and will be heading in for my probe next month.

 

[Brians Evil Twin]

So sorry to hear this. Can't they remove the tumors arthroscopically?

I would at least get a second opinion from a good gut doc.

 

[Zungle]

I had mine back in Sept......

If your over 50 and haven't had one done please consider doing it asap.

 

[Zungle]

So sorry to hear this. Can't they remove the tumors arthroscopically?

I would at least get a second opinion from a good gut doc.

Not if they have penetrated the smooth muscle/ organ walls......if so they generally do a resection.

 

[SteveGangi]

I know there have been threads about this but, I just want to say this. I just turned 55 on Dec 28, I waited to have my first colonoscopy on the 23 of Dec. I have 3 tumors that were almost evenly spaced from beginning, middle and end of my colon. After having a Pet Scan to make sure the cancer had not spread to other parts of my body I was given 2 options. Remove my entire colon and have a bag for the rest of my life or remove my colon and reattach my intestines which will result in very frequent trips to the bathroom and a pretty shitty quality of life. This happens tomorrow morning, and to be honest both options suck. For the last few weeks I have gone through different stages of just being pissed off at the world to wondering why me. I have never had any issues down there and thought that because I was like clock work every morning with let's just say stellar movement I was in the clear. In hind sight I should have gone much sooner and maybe the outcome could have been much better.
If you are of that age go do this, even if you are like me and aren't having issues early detection could make a world of difference. If you have not had a colonoscopy get one as soon as you can. The prep sucks but that's the worst part. I will be starting my prep again in a couple of hours but for the worst possible reason.

On the one hand, you got bad news.

But on the other hand, it's better to know and get it dealt with while you still can do something.

 

[Rds]

Hang in there pw. You are so right, early detection is priceless. I lost a brother in law because he would never go be checked. When he had symptoms and was checked it was way advanced and too late. I'm glad you will survive. Prayers for ya brother. This community is behind you.

 

[Fret Hopper]

My brother suffered with Crohn's Disease for years...watching his diet...always knowing where the nearest toilet was. Got the "bag" a few years back and said it was the best thing he had ever done. Freed him up to so things he hadn't done in years like hunt and fish, travel without worries, etc.

This is a blessing. The possible alternatives could have been significantly different.