Comments on: How Early Should Testing Begin If You Have a Family History of Colon Cancer?

By: BOB FREE

BOB FREE — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 02:02:48 +0000

I HAD COLON CANCER @ 57. I DIDN’T HAVE THE SUGGESTED TESTS AT ALL UNTILL IT WAS TO LATE. AND THEN ALL ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE. YOU CAN’T IMAGINE THE ABDOMINAL PAIN. LUCK WAS WITH ME. I’M RETIRED MILTARY AND THE MILITARY HOSPITAL AND STAFF TOOK EXECELANT CARE OF ME. I HAVE HAD THE COLONOSCOPIES AND BLOOD TESTS FAITHFULLY SINCE.
I ALSO HAVE SEVERE ACID REFLUX ALONG WITH BARRETT’S ESOPHOGUS. A CAMERA UP AND A CAMERA DOWN. THAT WAS WHEN STOMACH CANCER WAS FOUND. JUST LOOKING AROUND THE CORNER FOR ANOTHER ONE. BUT I WILL BEAT THAT ONE TOO.
I’LL HAVE THE CAMERAS UP AND DOWN THE REST OF MY LIFE. BUT THAT IS BETTER THAN THE ALTERNATIVE.

By: Katherine Stone

Katherine Stone — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:39:42 +0000

My mother passed away from colon cancer 12 years ago, and I have not had a colonoscopy yet. All 4 of my siblings have had it done, but I am terrified, since I am on alot of meds and they told me I had to have anesthesia, which scares me to death. Am scheduled to have one done Dec. 1st and sonder if they can Valium me till the anesthesia!!

By: Paul Stein

Paul Stein — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 19:42:10 +0000

Anybody know of the rate of complications from a colonoscopy, including deaths directly related to bowel perforation? Yes, Im sure its less then those who undiagnosed will die from the cancer, but nevertheless shouldnt that enter into the equation for testing (and repeat testing)?

By: John S

John S — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:04:58 +0000

My father was diagnosed @ 70 with stage 4, passed away at 75, I was 46 @ the time, and had my first colonscopy done and the insurance paid 100%. It was no big deal, the technology now a days make it a much easier these days. It provided me a peace of mind knowing I was clean before 50. After I had mine done a number of friends who were at least 10 yrs older than me who never had one done, had theirs. Get it done!!!

By: Peter Massa

Peter Massa — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:27:36 +0000

Hey!
Live, live, live and smile and be happy.
I have a colonoscopy every two years because both my parents died from colon cancer.
In those days, a colonoscopy was almost an unknown. No publicity. If so, my parents could have lived longer lives.
If you don’t have a colonoscopy, you’ll never be able to take advantage of this first sentence.
It’s nothing to it. Just do what you have to do.

By: Sandy Holmes

Sandy Holmes — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 11:25:04 +0000

Does “family history” ,for example related to colon cancer, only include parents and siblings? Don’t some diseases skip generations? Why wouldn’t a grandparent’s history of colon cancer be important? I expect it is something to do with gene science of which I know nothing. But I’m curious and any explanation would be gratefully received. Thanks, Sandy