colon cancer - Cancer: Colon Message Board

Heather1977 · 10-15-2003, 08:09 PM

Hi, my name is Heather. I am 25 years old and have already had cancer. I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in March of this year. I have had a thyroidectomy and all is well with that. But lately I have been having very thin, black, tarry stools and my anus itches terribly. Actually my anus has itched for over a year now but I thought I was probably allergic to toilet paper or something. I saw my cancer doctor yesterday. I finally broke down and told her what was happening. She ordered a colonoscopy as soon as possible. So that is set for tuesday. Is it possible I already have cancer again? Are these symptoms of colon cancer? I am just so scared. I have a 4 year old daughter that needs me (actually I need her more than she'll ever need me) and I love her so much. Ok, enough of me having a pity party. I've never had a colonoscopy. Is it painful? Thank you all for any advice I recieve, I really appreciate it.

God Bless,
Heather

Denise F · 10-15-2003, 09:38 PM

Try not to worry too much your Dr. is just trying to be careful.
Blood and an ichy anus is most often hemoroids(spelling?)
The worst part about the colonoscopy is the no eating and
the cleaning out. I had to take pills rather than drink the
ucky stuff. But you might want to get some baby wet wipes
or vasaline for your rear end. I got pretty sore having to go to
the bath room so much getting cleaned out. The procedure was
a piece of cake. I don't remember a thing.

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jaydees · 10-16-2003, 12:48 PM

Having had cancer once, and going through all the mental contortions that brings, you are probably stressing about this too much. I empathize having had cancer myself and wondering if any change anywhere in my body is a bad thing. (I tear up as I type that. Emotional gyrations still getting to me))

Simply follow the prep instructions to the letter. I cannot stress enough how important it is to drink lots of clear fluids. Sports drinks are OK, water and apple juice as well. The procedure is no sweat, honestly.

Blood in the stool is a sing of both cancer and a few other maladies, hemmeroids being the most common. Your history dictates to the doctor that you should get the colonoscopy done.

Heather1977 · 10-16-2003, 06:38 PM

Thanks for your comments. I am a little stressed out. But I keep telling myself even in worst case scenerio I can beat it. I've done it before I can do it again. I forgot to mention I have had part of my bowels removed. This happened when i was 8 years old. I was told I had diverticulosis. I have mentioned it to my doctors and they believe it was impossible for me to have that disease at such an early age. Could that have anything to do with my symptoms I'm having now? Sorry to bother all of you with my thoughts that could be nothing. Even if no one responds its still nice just getting to write this out. Writing always makes me feel better. Thx for listning.

Heather