Newbie trying not to PANIC! - Cancer: Colon Message Board

BSWhee · 02-15-2006, 11:37 AM

Just found the board...thought I'd bounce

some stuff off you guys!

Sorry this is long and drawn out but...

First a lil history, we lost my Mom to Colon Cancer last June. She was diagnosed and started Chemo in August 04.

It all started with an irritated spot on her lower left abdomen, no blood in her stool or any other symptoms. When the Doc went in to get it he found a large mucinous tumor that had mastisized (sp?) throughout her abdomen. Doc said he got all he could find and was confident Chemo would get the rest. Not so much.

About the time all this started I thought about the fact that I have had a little blood in my stools off and on for probably 10 years or more, I always just attributed this to hemmoroids and didn't think twice about it until the other day. I had been having a sharp pain in my lower right abdomen that gave me a twinge every now and then...until last Sunday...it was so bad and every few minutes, that I had to go to the ER. They did a CT, blood work and Urinalysis. All came back negative except the rectal, it came back positive for blood...surprise.

They sent me home wasted on Demerol and said to go see my Doc. When I did yesterday he sent me immediately to a Gastro Doc who scheduled my Colonoscopy for Monday.

OK...I know I'm an idiot for not addressing this sooner especially with my Moms problems...and I realize that it is probably a polyp that may, or may not, be cancer.

I'm trying not to panic as our loss is still pretty fresh and I don't want to upset my wife or kids but I am really concerned.

Anybody else had a similar situation?

Seriously appreciate the feedback and PLEASE don't pull any punches I need to hear all the good and bad!

Thanks!

Scott

lalee · 02-15-2006, 05:27 PM

Hi BSWhee, I can understand your worry, especially as you have recently lost your mother to colon cancer.

You are doing the right thing having a colonooscopy. This will let you know one way or another what is going on. I know it's easier said than done, but try not to panic. It could easily be hemmoroids, or non malignant polyps, but until you get the results you wont know. Even if it did turn out to be something more serious, there is so much they can do these days.

Many of us on this board know the worry and fear that you are feeling right now, and someone is always here to help with any questions you have, or just to support you through this difficult time.

I hope all goes well for you. Please let us know how you get on.

Best Wishes
Lalee

Mazrose · 02-16-2006, 11:44 AM

Ditto to what Lallee has said.. and that youve come to the right place. Let us know the results and take it from there.
Take care
Maz

BSWhee · 02-16-2006, 01:57 PM

Thank you ladies, I appreciate the encouragement!

It would seem my "pet pain" in the lower right abdomen doesn't want to miss the party...I think I'll name him Sheldon...

Sheldon has gone from a nagging cramp every now and then to a stabbing pain every few minutes on Sunday, and now to a distinct burning sensation.

I took 2 Lortabs last nite and it didn't seem to do anything but knock me out...hope the colonoscopy finds a reason for the arrival of my annoying new friend Sheldon. He sux!

CancerDad · 02-16-2006, 02:50 PM

Scott:
One word of advice from a Stage 3C Rectal Cancer Survivor (33 y/o male)... DON'T beat yourself up over could of, would of, should of. Work from today forward. You have made the right decision to go in for a colonoscopy. I commend you for that. It TRULY is a nothing procedure... worst part for me time and again is just the prep. The knowledge you will gain from this will be priceless... either it's IBS or something you can easily manage, or something worse that many of us survivors can tell you can be beat (knock on wood)!

I wish you luck, and please don't hestitate to ask any questions, and let us know what happens.

Thanks,
CancerDad

Remember: Attitude IS everything!