Advice - Please read - Cancer: Colon Message Board

C Ross · 10-26-2003, 04:47 PM

I am a 26 year old male who has had digestive problems for some years now. I saw a doctor a few years back and told me I probably just had IBS and to watch my diet. Nothing seems to help. I usually have soft, loose, or watery stools and occasionaly find myself running to the bathroom right after a meal. When my stools are formed, they appear to be skinny and flat. I have had a dull ache in my lower left abdomen for approx 3 years and have had a dull ache in my rectum for appox 5 months. I finally saw a "good" doctor who sent me for a ct scan of my pelvis and abdomen. The scan revealed a "thickening in the wall of the sigmoid colon due to possible inflammation." I was referred to a gastrologist who scheduled me for a colonoscopy next week. He didn't seem all that concerned, but didn't offer many possibilities or explanations of what could be wrong with me. I'm paranoid and have managed to convince myself that it is colon cancer and am dreading the results. Are there any posibilities or explanations for these symptoms besides cancer? I am relatively good health otherwise and have never noticed blood in my stools. The fecal occult test was negative as well. No family history of cancer, however my father(56)had some pre-cancerous polyps removed 5 years ago during a colonoscopy. Any response would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

jthorp · 11-10-2003, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C Ross

I am a 26 year old male who has had digestive problems for some years now. I saw a doctor a few years back and told me I probably just had IBS and to watch my diet. Nothing seems to help. I usually have soft, loose, or watery stools and occasionaly find myself running to the bathroom right after a meal. When my stools are formed, they appear to be skinny and flat. I have had a dull ache in my lower left abdomen for approx 3 years and have had a dull ache in my rectum for appox 5 months. I finally saw a "good" doctor who sent me for a ct scan of my pelvis and abdomen. The scan revealed a "thickening in the wall of the sigmoid colon due to possible inflammation." I was referred to a gastrologist who scheduled me for a colonoscopy next week. He didn't seem all that concerned, but didn't offer many possibilities or explanations of what could be wrong with me. I'm paranoid and have managed to convince myself that it is colon cancer and am dreading the results. Are there any posibilities or explanations for these symptoms besides cancer? I am relatively good health otherwise and have never noticed blood in my stools. The fecal occult test was negative as well. No family history of cancer, however my father(56)had some pre-cancerous polyps removed 5 years ago during a colonoscopy. Any response would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

When I was diagnosed with colon cancer all of my children and immediate family had a colonoscopy per request of my surgeon. So if your day had some pre-cancerous polyps removed I would just insist that your doctor did it. I have meet so many that are in their 20 and early 30 with colon cancer. It is the gold standard and if all looks good you can work on keeping your risks down by exercise, good diet etc. Best luck and post your follow up. I tried for over two years to get screened and when they finally did it was too late. I have stage 4 and given only a little time left. Jthorp

Elaine · 11-15-2003, 08:29 PM

jthorp,
So sorry to hear you are in stage four, it has to be tough. I have watched so many on my dad's side die of all different kinds of cancer. Lung, stomach, colon, brain, seems to be the main ones. These are my dad's brothers and sisters, there were nine of them. Now three of my first cousins have developed cancer. One has prostrate but is in remission. The other two have both died, one of breast cancer and the other of brain cancer. So far, nobody in my immediate family has been diagnosed but they haven't been tested either. I am guilty of being 50 and no tests. After reading your post and some of the weird symptoms I have, also family history of cancer, I am thinking I better be checked out. Does cancer show up in blood tests of any type or do they have to be looking for cancer? I have had an abdominal CT scan but it was negative. My symptoms are horrible cramping, especially right after eating but not always. It is so painful that I end up nauseated, turn pure white and almost pass out. Usually after about 10 minutes, I end up with diarrhea and then my color comes back along with tingling from lack of blood flow in my body. It is too weird but so scary when it happens. The doctor thought it could be heart problems but all those tests were negative too. I have serious back problems including two fusions but don't know if that could be part of what is wrong.
Elaine