a little nervous

tiffers828

Hi, this is the first time I've ever been to this website. I feel like I should ask some people who have colon cancer about the condition I'm in right now. I am going to start from the beginning with a shortened version of my story. I am 22 years old and about 2 1/2 yrs ago I started having bloody stools, abdominal cramping, vomiting, fatigue, yadda yadda. After being in the ER, seeing 2 specialists, having an UPPER GI, I was told it was just stress and that I was too young to worry about it. Now, a few years later, I just got out of the Cleveland Clinic with a lower GI bleed a few months ago. I have abdominal pain, something actually rubbing on my ribs in the upper left part of my abdomen, vomiting, fatigue, anemia, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, lower back pain... Anyway, I am having a colonoscopy done on the 31st and I am nervous. I have been waiting two months now for this test after positive occult blood tests and my primary care physician feeling "a nodule that is probably just a healed fissure" during a DRE. Some of the diagnoses they've kicked around are Krohn's, Ulcerative Colitis, and of course, colon cancer. The symptoms I have match Colon cancer more than the other two and I just keep thinking "it can't happen to me", but deep down I know it very well could. I am a nurse and, let me tell you, when you are in the patient's seat you feel much different. I even know the answers to many of my own questions, but I like hearing the answers from others better because it makes them seem more real. I am just frustrated that the doctors let my bleeding and bad bowel habits go on for years now and every time they just kept telling me that I am too stressed and have IBS. Instead of doing an upper GI and blowing me off they should've done at least a sigmoidoscopy, especially since cancer does run in my family with my aunts, uncles, and grandparents. My mom also has had a hysterectomy at age 30 because of numerous benign tumors. I guess I just want to see what others think. I am nervous and I don't know what to expect. Thanks for listening (or reading).
Tiff

therese1919

Hi a little nervous. I too was nervous about the colonascopy. Really it wasnt bad at all. At first the doctors thought I had ovarian cancer. they thought it was just a cyst. I had a hysterectomy and my gall bladder out. after the surgery i startied bleeding when i went to the bathroom. Well They foung cancer in my ovary. They put me on chemo for four months last summer.When I was done with chemo they did the colonoscopy.Well I have colon cancer that spread to the ovaries.I going through chemo right now. I have 3 more and Im done.Im going to be fine.I was never sick a day in my life. To tell you the truth i think this the best thing to happen to me. Its a wake up call, and right now Im happier than Ive been in a long time. Just keep a positive attitude and youll be fine. therese1919

jsabol

Hi Tiff, what a journey you've been through. Don't be too nervous about the colonoscopy. Once the prep is done, the rest was a piece of cake for me. I had Versad, which removed any memory of the test, although my doc says I was awake through most of it! Hope that your findings are something easy to manage, but if not, we are here for more support, and you will get through this.
I'm a nurse, too, and you're right, it doesn't help alot with the anxiety, but at least you have a knowlegde base to help formulate questions and plans with your doc. Good luck and keep us posted. Judy

spongebob

Ahoy, Tiffers -

Glad to hear your docs are finally getting with the program. I was "too young", too. Remember that your docs are merely consultants and you are in charge of your care. Don't be afraid to be assertive with them. They may have a degree but it's your body and you seem to be very in tune with it.

Be well and keep us posted.

- SpongeBob

tiffers828

spongebob said:

Ahoy, Tiffers -

Glad to hear your docs are finally getting with the program. I was "too young", too. Remember that your docs are merely consultants and you are in charge of your care. Don't be afraid to be assertive with them. They may have a degree but it's your body and you seem to be very in tune with it.

Be well and keep us posted.

- SpongeBob

Wow, thanks everyone. I will be sure to let you know what is found out on Wednesday. I feel better already

Maggie215

Hi there. My dad was diagnosed with Colon cancer. They actually diagnosed it with the colonscopy. From what I gathered from him and my mom whose also had this procedure done.. it is not painful at all. They put you out and by the time you awake.. you are just drogy.
I'm a cancer survivor myself with having had Hodgkins 11 yr ago. I'm 31 now and I too was miss diagnosed at the beginning. Nevertheless, I'm here today.. and although its a HUGE fear of yours, especially knowing how long you've had these signs..just know this.. hope its reassuring. My dads polyps which were also cancerous.. the doctor said he's had for like 10 years..and now he has a tumore 9cm.. and it localized. Have faith.. if worse case.. it is colon cancer know that you are still in time.
Please let me know how your test went. Maggie215