Hi BlessingsGalore,

I was just reading your reply to another post, and colon cancer runs in my family. My father died at 41, and my sister died at 28. When they found my sister's cancer it had already spread to her liver. I'm 33 and I've had 4 colonoscopies, and all of them had polyps (very small ones), which makes me more paranoid, and stressed out. On my most recent one, I had two very small polyps and hemroids. I feel stressed all of the time. I'm always afraid to go to the washroom, because I think I'm going to see blood. I'm always thinking what if the GI doctor missed a polyp? I've been experiencing some lower back pain, but I'm not sure if that has anything to do with my overall bowel problems. I drink two cups of metamucil a day, take iron, vitamins, and calcium pills everyday. I drink 2 to 3 liters of water a day, increased my fiber intake (foods), and I eat only fish and chicken. My doctor says since I'm on top of it (having colonoscopies every year) I should be fine. How often do your husband have colonoscopies? I just nned some reassurance. My obession with cancer has ruined my social life and marriage.

Just following up with you.

July

Hey July.....................soooooooooo sorry I missed your post, I don't get on every day, and have also been out of town.

To answer your question: You are doing great things.

My husband now only has a colonoscopy about every 3 years. He did have one every year for 3 or 4 years after they found the cancer. It had eaten into the 3 layers of his colon wall, but not into the organs....thanks heavens. He did a year of chemo and max radiation however, since they called it an EARLY SPREAD.

We are now 16 years out. Every single time he has a colonsocopy.....he has more polyps. They think he was at least 36 or 37 when the others were growing that were cancerous. SLOW GROWTH KIND...most are. His Dad died of Liver cancer at age 34. We now believe it started in the colon .......that was way back then and knowledge had not increased like it has now on colon cancer.

TAKE A DEEP BREATH: you're doing great. In most cases it takes a long, long time for these things to grow. My hubbys boss just had it at aget 47 and it was a HUGE polyp. Much bigger than my hubbys and he didn't have to do any chemo or radiation because it was contained.

You are doing all the right things, and therefore can REST. I know the C word is a hard one to deal with, but honestly, I think you're on the right road and because of the very slow growth of them, you will be on top of it.

My hubby also had Melanoma in 1999 behind his right ear lobe........that was an even bigger shocker than the colon cancer. They say it's NOT connected.......but I say HOGWASH !

I hope this has helped to ease your mind some ! :wave:

I have been doing lots of research lately. Have you heard of baby aspirin every other day? The more I read it sounds like its worth a try. I started my aspirin yesterday. Good luck.

God Bless

Brad,

Yes I have, but I haven't tried it. It doesn't sound like a bad idea. So are you taking calcium pills as well?

BlessingsGalore,

Thank you so much for replying. The people on this board are so supportive of each other, and we've never met. I am happy to hear that your husband is doing well. Does colon cancer run in his family? What age was he diagnosed? I am scheduled to see a genetic counselor on May 5th. This should put my mind at ease, at least I hope. I have learned so much about my families history with colon cancer that it amazes me. When my dad was diagnosed with colon cancer, over 30 years ago, my mother asked his doctor would this affect my sister and I, and he told her no. I wish I knew where that doctor was today. If we would have known, my sister may very well be alive today. Thanks to her, I am still alive today. I owe her my life. I just wish she was here with me today. Again, thanks

July

July,
No calcium pills yet but I'm having cereal every morning with lots of milk. Fiber One has 59% of the recommended fiber. Has anyone found anything better?

I havn't been taking calcium pills but I have been eating lots of cereal with milk. Has anyone found a good cereal? I've been eating Fibre One. Its supposed to have 59% of the recommended amount.

Hey July and ALL. He was 39 when diagnosed with colon cancer but they said he probably had it for several years then. His Dad was 34 when he had it. We did not have that info about his bio dad then. Had no idea we needed to be LOOKING at that.

We were told to start getting his girls colonoscopies 10 years younger than he was when they found his..........which would mean 29 years old.
We saw 21 year olds with colon cancer as he did a year of chemo, and max radiation. The stuff is soooooooooooooo SILENT.

I'm sooooooooo sorry about your sister. Sooooooooooo sorry. How old was she ? :wave:

Hi blessingsGalore,

My sister was 28, and my father was in his 40's. I am seeing a genetic counselor on May 5th. She will go over my medical records, family tree and review the death ceritifcates of my sister and father. I am hoping to learn a lot and stay on top of prevention meds or whatever necessary to live a long healthy life and to see my children grow up.