Worried about colon cancer

HelenLovesRoses · New User Joined: 03 Feb 2008 Posts: 1

Hi. I am worried about the possibility of colon cancer. The reason I am so scared is that my grandfather died of colon cancer, and my uncle had colon cancer, and I have colitis which is a risk factor for colon cancer. My doctor says I need a colonoscopy. I went to another site and they said it isn't that scary to get a colonoscopy, but I am scared to hear what results I may get. Should I get a colonoscopy or just leave well enough alone and wait until symptoms appear and hope I don't have anything. Sometimes, no news is good news.

Vee Smith · Moderator Joined: 12 Feb 2006 Posts: 567 Location: UK

Difficult to answer - it rather depends whether you will be continually worrying that you have cancer or can forget the possibility. If your doctor advises one in order to be certain, surely it is better to follow the advice.

brainman · Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2008 7:52 am Post subject: Re: Worried about colon cancer

I do not like the "leave well enough alone" option. What if you have colon cancer? Catching it now before any symptoms are apparent would be great! And even if no cancer is found, that knowledge will give you a great peace of mind.

It is a difficult choice that only you can make. You are in my thoughts and prayer as you try to make a decision.
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In · Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2008 6:29 pm Post subject: Re: Worried about colon cancer

I'm in agreeance with Jim- the sooner diagnosed the quicker and better you can fight it.

But also like Vee siad- will you stop worrying, making yourself think of it all the time, make yourself sick- if you leave it be. ?? Will it be in the back of your mind, ruining your life and joy, worrying about it. ???

Get it looked at = free mind, A better chance if you have, and a great fight. Plus if not- then free to live life, worry free.

Wink

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Dahms · New User Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Posts: 3

hi im new here, and i would love to take part in this forums. I am 15 years old, and my grandfather and father died of colon cancer. My mother survived breast cancer two times. And of course, i got tested for cancer this year. I went in and got tested to see if i had the gene. Luckly i did not have the gene. But that deosnt mean i dont have colon caner, or i am still able to get cancer. But my advise would be, is to get tested as soon as you can. Just because my grandfather and father, died from colon cancer, befor the date they were scheduled to get a colonoscopy. So, in my opinion, i would get it done as soon as you can!

REB · Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2008 10:55 am Post subject: Re: Worried about colon cancer

I know how you feel. After I found out I had colon cancer, I also found out there was something on my Liver. At the time, we didn’t know how far my cancer had spread. I had a PET scan done and was terrified at what it might say.

I was so relieved to find out my cancer had not spread beyond my colon and that the spot on my liver what just a cyst.

You do not want to wait. Stage I and II colon cancers are easily treatable and you probably would not have to go through chemo. Stage III you would probably do chemo, which sucks. You also may end up with a colostomy if you wait too long. Stage IV is much more dangerous. You do not want to wait until it has spread this far.

I would get checked out if I was you. I have learned the hard way that sticking your head in the sand is not the right way. I wish I had gone to the doctor when I first started feeling bad. I am just thankful we caught it at stage III. It was about to become stage IV, as it had spread all the way through the colon wall.
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DulcimerGal · Regular Joined: 01 Apr 2008 Posts: 36 Location: Virginia

Agree - go ahead and get the colonoscopy, the great thing is that if there are any polyps up there, they will take them out now. The polyps are the growths that can turn into cancer. That will give you peace of mind.

I have rectal cancer and I am making my two children in their 30's go
get the colonoscipy now - I wish I had gone sooner too!

DulcimerGal
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Finished 6 weeks of radiation and chemo 4/23/08
Surgery planned for June
6 months Chemo to follow

interval · Regular Joined: 11 Apr 2008 Posts: 14

HelenLovesRoses, I know what that means.

On the other hand you must face the things. It is for your own good to detect a problem in its earlier. I do not know more things about you, but I am sure you have a lot of good reasons to perform a colonoscopy. Just think to people and things you love. Start with roses.

Be well and happy

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