Colon Cancer at 21?? - Cancer: Colon Message Board

FAPintheFamily · 10-12-2004, 11:22 AM

I am waiting - three weeks out - to have my third colonscopy and it is terrifying me. . .
Here is a bit of background, maybe someone can help me through the waiting because I am on pins and needles.

I believe I have colon cancer. Two aunts have died young from undiagnosed colon cancer, three cousins have have their colons removed at a very early age(all under 21), my mom and her four sisters have been diagnosed with FAP and or colon cancer. Of my mom and two surviving siblings, they have all had their colongs removed. My mother has gone through a horrendous amount of surgeries and such with her FAP and cancer. My doctor has told me over and over again that I need my colon removed, but cancer was never detected... I figured I was safe. I do not have insurance so this is coming out of pocket... but all my symptoms, plus knowing I have rapid growing polyps.... leads me to think I have cancer. I have this weird intuition that... makes me believe I have colon cancer. And I'm scared. I know there are many things out there to help, to remove the cancer... but I'm single. Twenty one. Starting college in Jan. and... well, I want my colon. I don't want a bag... I know, I'm being vane... but I just don't want to have that bag on the outside. I'm just scared with this all coming out, plus my mother is in the hospital at the moment getting her J-pouch removed. . . I just needed to get this out - and I can't talk to my family right now, because we're stressed out enough with my mother, I don't want to add to that.

Any words of encouragement? I could use them.

Thanks. Katie Mae.

CancerDad · 10-12-2004, 05:52 PM

Katie Mae:

Have you had genetic testing for FAP and tested positive? I'm a little confused, you say you have had no symptoms, but that the Drs want to remove your colon. Then you mention polyps.-- I know you don't have insurance, but you can always get state aid... are you from the US?

I know the family history doesn't look good, but try not to freak out about it until you have something to freak out about. That alone could make you sick. Concentrate on your Mom and helping her out, maybe helping her will take your mind off you until your Gastro appointment (which I would book ASAP for a colonoscopy). Hang in there!

Regards,
CancerDad

FAPintheFamily · 10-13-2004, 11:18 AM

Sorry - let me clarify. I'm a little stressed right now.

I was diagnosed by colonscopy at about fifteen with FAP - aggressive polyp growth as well. I have freckles in my irises and eyes, calcium deposits on my bones, blood in my stool, cramping, fatigue, pain(left side of my stomach - back and front - few inches from my belly button), gas, mucus in my stool, nausea, feeling of...like I can't get my stool to be completely removed at a bowel movement.

I have an appointment for a colonscopy with a new doctor (mine just became chief of surgery and is booked through until Dec.) on Monday - 10/18. This new doctor and my specialist are within the same office, so atleast my specialist will know what is happening(plus he is the one taking care of my mother). Mom isn't doing the best right now and I'm worried about her, as well as my own health. Dr. Madoff(my specialist) has been trying to get me to go in for removal of my colon since my first colonscopy, but I'm procrastinating because of the fear. Friends and family have pushed this on me, and I am greatful. Just terrified. Bleh. I feel like I shouldn't be so much of a drama queen.

With my history, family history and symptoms plus this weird feeling of a good intuition . . . I'm scared. Is all. That's it. I just needed to get this out there, hopefully finding someone who can relate. Thanks.

PS. Yes, I am in the U.S. I've been denied any insurance right now because I either make too much money or have the notes "NEED SURGERY" in my files. Denied. Denied. Denied. As soon as I start college I will be able to go underneath my father's insurance. That is what I had before I turned eighteen.

lilsunshine46 · 10-13-2004, 12:10 PM

By freckles in your irises do you mean you have nf1? neurofibromatosis as well as Fap?
Bonnie

CancerDad · 10-13-2004, 12:16 PM

Katie Mae:

First off-- I'm sorry to hear of all your troubles. That must be a really tough thing to go through at 21. I am 32 and was dx with stage 3c rectal ca at 31-- began bleeding at 28. My gastro is certain I have HNPCC-- my grandfather died of rectal ca., my brother just had 5 polyps removed-- one strong pre-cancerous. I worry about how this affects my wife (emotionally) and 2 kids(emotionally and genetically.) I am by the way going thru genetic screening. So-- different stage of worry, but worry nonetheless.

Anyway, I'm glad your friends are pushing you. You are allowed to be a drama queen, this IS a life changing step. But, a bag is NOT the end of the world. So many young people have colostomies/iliostomies you wouldn't believe it. [ removed ] Anyway, I had an iliostomy for 4 1/2 months-- it was not bad at all once I got used to it. In fact I was reversed in May, after rectal transection 4 1/2 months previously, and wish I had stuck with the bag. Better than diapers and incontinence, etc. There are others on this board with bags who can speak about having one, [ removed ] But I think you just need encouragement, you know what you need to do.

As far as insurance goes... as long as you are enrolled (on most plans) as half time, you are covered... even if you had to drop the classes for some reason, nobody would know the better;-) And even if you can't get insurance, there are special funds at hospitals to take care of the bills... you just talk to the social worker when you are there.

Best of luck with your mom. My prayers are with her. And best of luck to you. Please keep us posted.

Warm Regards,
CancerDad