my colonscopy (the new and easy way) - Cancer: Colon Message Board

ladyanne · 10-01-2002, 11:33 PM

I am 39 yrs. old and just had a colonscopy. My mom is battling colon cancer that has metasticized into her liver and lungs over three years and I needed to know I was healthy.
I did some research and found a new drug in the form of pills a person can use to cleanse the colon instead of fleets or go light. It is so smooth and the pills have the added benefit of cleansing better than the above mentioned procedures (medically proven) and they stop working after three hours so if you have a long drive to the hospital....
I also asked to stay awake during the procedure as I wanted to see what the doctor was seeing and verify for myself and here his immediate comments, etc. It was not painful at all and I got off the table and walked into the "recovery" room. It was such a piece of cake...I wish I could do it for all my friends. A little bit of research made the journey so much easier....will not hesitate to go in for my next one!
If anyone knows of someone battling colon cancer that has metasticized to lungs and liver and has taken 5FU or the pill version I would love to hear from you and what to expect or your experiences with this.

Snuffy · 10-20-2002, 07:57 AM

Great to hear read about your experience. I am looking at a similar situation. My dad had surgery for colon cancer in 1996. He refused post-op treatment and he told me yesterday that spots have been found on his lungs. He does not want any treatment and I'm trying to find any data that will convince him one way or the other that his deceision is right or wrong.

I'm not anxious to have the colonoscopy, but I know it has to be done and your note made me feel better about it. Please share what you hear about 5FU users with similar conditions as our parents have. Thanks!

ladyanne · 10-20-2002, 10:09 AM

My mom used 5fu and I think it really helped the first time. It has continued to keep the cancer away from the colon yet it has not controlled the spread into the liver. She is currently adding a brand new drug to the mix....who knows how it will work, but it has spread into the lungs and lymph nodes. She still appears very healthy except for some fatigue.
The colonoscopy was such a breeze!!! Don't dread it and save yourself the worry and go in and DO IT! Remember, if you do have polyps they can simply be removed at the time of the procedure and the risk of that cancer is gone. It is the only cancer that is pre-curable, if you will.
Just make sure you ask about the pills, visicol. They made it so easy!!!

Snuffy · 10-20-2002, 02:37 PM

Thanks for the note. Glad to hear your mom is feeling well. I'm still sorta reeling from Dad's news about the spread. So, I am unsure what to expect since we have no idea how long the spots have been there. I really wish I could convince him to try the treatments as least once, but he is concerned that he will lose the quality to simply gain the quantity of life. That's why I'm on these boards trying to find people with similar experiences so that I can prepare myself or push him into treatments.

How's your mom holding up after her treatments? I hope these questions aren't too invasive. If so, just let me know. I can be reached privately at [removed].net
Thanks again for your help and encouragement. -Chris

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[This message has been edited by moderator2 (edited 02-17-2003).]

ladyanne · 10-20-2002, 08:25 PM

Thank you for being sensitive. My mom has gone through so much and has been so healthy otherwise, travelling overseas yearly, no financial worries now that the four kids are grown and starting/have families, grandchildren all within a 60 mile radius...She should not be having to lose this all so soon after living a very healthy, on the farm, lifestyle!! I want everyone to know that it can happen to anyone at any age with any lifestyle.
It is so nice to have someone to visit with and share notes with. I have even thought of writing a book later on what it is like to "lose your mom" as I wish I knew what to expect in so many ways.
I will email you personally with the specifics but if anyone has these circumstances or questions, post them! I can share my experiences and hopefully that may help BUT TO EVERYONE....
GET YOUR COLONOSCOPY!!!!!!