positive Cologuard

Lindaaa
Lindaaa Member Posts: 4
in Colorectal Cancer #1

68 y/o just received notice from my doctor i have a positive Cologuard result.  Now scheduled for colonoscopy which I have never had....bad, I know.  I have normal hemoglobin, no occult blood was noted when my ob gyn performed his in office fecal test recently.  No symptoms.  I am of course terrified and my doctor seems to be cavalier about it as his nurse when she called.  I am trying not to freak.  My father I think had primary colon cancer but he was a heavy drinker and ate tons of red meat and dairy.  diagnosed at 59 lived one year after surgery and colostomy.  he refused other tx.  that was years ago.

Can anyone alleviate my anxiety?

Thank you so much.

Linda

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Comments

  • Joan M
    Joan M Member Posts: 409 Member
    #2
    Good you scheduled the colonoscopy!

    That way you will know what you are dealing with.  There is no need to agonize over it before you have the procedure done.  

    There are many good treatments available now if you do have cancer.  The survival rates have increased over the years.  Many people are cured, and there are many who have survived for several years despite having cancer.  It is sad your father only survived one year after diagnosis, he would have probably survived much longer with other treatments, but of course there are no gauarantees. 

    Hope you have good news!

    Joan

  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,804 Member
    edited February 2017 #3
    Welcome

    And I hope we never see you here again after your Colonoscopy.  There, the forum that doesn't want members; have you ever heard of such a thing. 

    People handle stress in different ways. I personally like to TRY and step back. Ask myself the question, 'Does freaking out help?' 'Does it make the outcome different?' The answer of course, is no. So I TRY and take a calm approch to things. Take my lastest CT Scan and bloods. My Onc was in India, so no results for three weeks (yes, I could have called). Do I freak out for three weeks? Would it change the results? No! So I pretended like I'd never had the test done. Sure, it popped up in my head MANY times, but I squished it back. Go me! HA! 

    I can tell you that we have heard about many false positives with the Cologaurd test. It is definitely not as accurate as the colonoscopy. 

    Sure, a colonoscopy isn't a fun thing to do. The prep is worse than the procedure, just to warn you. But its worth its weight in gold. 

    Try your best not to be totally stressed as you wait for your colonoscopy. Worry is a human weakness for sure, but there are things to do to help aliviate it. 

    I'm sorry about your dad; but treatment for CRC has definitely improved over the years. 

    Good luck! We hope to see you back telling us that all is well, and we will wave a fond and happy farewell to our short acquaintance. 

    TRU

  • Lindaaa
    Lindaaa Member Posts: 4
    #4
    Joan M said:

    Good you scheduled the colonoscopy!

    That way you will know what you are dealing with.  There is no need to agonize over it before you have the procedure done.  

    There are many good treatments available now if you do have cancer.  The survival rates have increased over the years.  Many people are cured, and there are many who have survived for several years despite having cancer.  It is sad your father only survived one year after diagnosis, he would have probably survived much longer with other treatments, but of course there are no gauarantees. 

    Hope you have good news!

    Joan

    Thanks Joan for your helpful

    Thanks Joan for your helpful words.  I am being as hopeful as I can.  I really don't believe I have CA but maybe a precancerous polyp but will deal with whatever.  My husband is amazing and will be here for whatever happens.  Cheers and hope you are doing well!!

  • Lindaaa
    Lindaaa Member Posts: 4
    edited February 2017 #5
    Trubrit said:

    Welcome

    And I hope we never see you here again after your Colonoscopy.  There, the forum that doesn't want members; have you ever heard of such a thing. 

    People handle stress in different ways. I personally like to TRY and step back. Ask myself the question, 'Does freaking out help?' 'Does it make the outcome different?' The answer of course, is no. So I TRY and take a calm approch to things. Take my lastest CT Scan and bloods. My Onc was in India, so no results for three weeks (yes, I could have called). Do I freak out for three weeks? Would it change the results? No! So I pretended like I'd never had the test done. Sure, it popped up in my head MANY times, but I squished it back. Go me! HA! 

    I can tell you that we have heard about many false positives with the Cologaurd test. It is definitely not as accurate as the colonoscopy. 

    Sure, a colonoscopy isn't a fun thing to do. The prep is worse than the procedure, just to warn you. But its worth its weight in gold. 

    Try your best not to be totally stressed as you wait for your colonoscopy. Worry is a human weakness for sure, but there are things to do to help aliviate it. 

    I'm sorry about your dad; but treatment for CRC has definitely improved over the years. 

    Good luck! We hope to see you back telling us that all is well, and we will wave a fond and happy farewell to our short acquaintance. 

    TRU

    thank you

    Tru, thank you for your support.  You sound like a wonderfully upbeat person.  I tend to worry about everything.  BUT I am really trying not to be completely immobilized by this.....and I know most on this forum are dealing with much more than me.  I just needed to hear from some strong people.  Thank you so very much and I wish you the best!!!! I will post an update after next week.  Best, Linda

  • High Anxiety
    High Anxiety Member Posts: 2
    edited February 2017 #6
    cologuard

    Took this test because I dont want a colonoscopy, I am so afraid the prep. will make me so sick that I wont be able to have the test done, I cant take a laxitve without getting very sick. anyway the test came back positive, My anxiety is so high that I cant think straight. Have been under allot of pressure lately. this all seems so silly to me, there are so many with so much more to handle. I have tried ti convince myself all is fine since I do have hemroids. Well anyway thanks for listening.

  • danker
    danker Member Posts: 1,276 Member
    edited February 2017 #7
    Linda

    Even if you have cancer, it is no longer a death sentance!!I had my fist colonoscopy at age 77.  Cancer,stage 2/3.  After bumpy road,new colonoscopy showed NED(no evedence of disease).  Currenly 84,looking forward to my 85th birthday this summer.  I'm proof, it can be beat.  Good luck to you!!

  • judemiller1
    judemiller1 Member Posts: 1
    edited February 2017 #8
    Me too.

    Just got the call from my doc today that Colo-Guard test was positive.  There is NO kind of any type of cancer in my family or ancestors, but I am scared.  Scheduled colonoscopy for March 30th.  I was considered very low risk and have never had a colonoscopy.  Now I am hearing about false positives on this Colo-Guard test?

  • High Anxiety
    High Anxiety Member Posts: 2
    #9
    Thank You Trubrit

    I also did not get mine at 50, now 68 and so much more scared because of my age. I am so sorry for what you are going through but know this, You Have Helped me more than I can tell you. Thank you and God Bless.

  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,804 Member
    #10
    High Anxiety said:

    cologuard

    Took this test because I dont want a colonoscopy, I am so afraid the prep. will make me so sick that I wont be able to have the test done, I cant take a laxitve without getting very sick. anyway the test came back positive, My anxiety is so high that I cant think straight. Have been under allot of pressure lately. this all seems so silly to me, there are so many with so much more to handle. I have tried ti convince myself all is fine since I do have hemroids. Well anyway thanks for listening.

    Talk with your GI

    Tell him about the fear of being sick. There are many preps out there now. Some you can mix with Gatoraid. I'm sure he can come up with something to help. 

    I didn't get a colonoscopy at 50 because I was scared of the IV. Yeah! Now I'm going to die because I was scared of needles. Really, take it from me, its not worth the fear.  And, if you're sick for a day or two with the prep, its better than the long, harrowing death that can come with Cancer. 

    Just saying!

    TRU

  • Tinasyoga
    Tinasyoga Member Posts: 3
    edited September 2017 #11
    danker said:

    Linda

    Even if you have cancer, it is no longer a death sentance!!I had my fist colonoscopy at age 77.  Cancer,stage 2/3.  After bumpy road,new colonoscopy showed NED(no evedence of disease).  Currenly 84,looking forward to my 85th birthday this summer.  I'm proof, it can be beat.  Good luck to you!!

    thanks for sharing

    Thanks for sharing, i just got a postive colon guard test, so am pretty scared. I have no symptoms 

  • Tinasyoga
    Tinasyoga Member Posts: 3
    #12
    Just got my results

    Hi folks, 

    Just got a positive result.. and Dr is scheduling me a colonscopy.. I am scared and hoping for the best but bracing for anything.. I have no symptoms and eat very clean.. any one else? 

  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    #13
    Tinasyoga said:

    Just got my results

    Hi folks, 

    Just got a positive result.. and Dr is scheduling me a colonscopy.. I am scared and hoping for the best but bracing for anything.. I have no symptoms and eat very clean.. any one else? 

    Colonoscopy

    Colonoscopy can only determine really if it is positive.  I'm really not comfortable with the cologuard as I've heard many people complain that the results weren't accurate.  It's good that you are having a colonoscopy done.  Wait for those results.  Don't worry until you have the scope done.  Most people do fine with that test.  Keep us informed and good luck.

    Kim

  • Tinasyoga
    Tinasyoga Member Posts: 3
    edited October 2017 #14
    While waiting

    Hi There,

    I had a positive cologuard test as well. I am scheduled for a consult the end of November and the colonoscopy hopefully soon after. I have no family history, am healthy, eat not red meat or junk food. What I am focused on while waiting is extreme good self care, really healthy eating, there are a ton of resources out there about positive steps we can all take to prevent cancer. I would not worry about the cologuard test (look on their website and you will see a low rating from patients displeased with it for a variety of reasons. So while waiting, eat very clearn, avoid alcohol, chemicals in foods, exercise if you don't and meditate or do yoga.. focus on the good, read INSPIRATIONAL material. Mentally keep positive and be kind to yourself. Hope all goes well. But I admit. it does linger, be glad to get this test done and over with. :) 

  • heidie
    heidie Member Posts: 4
    edited October 2017 #15
    Also waiting

    I just got my positive Cologuard test and was paralyzed with fear when hearing the possiblity for "C".  I have never had a colonoscopy for fear of having my colon perforated. I have had negative stool tests in the past.I am in good health, exercise every day. No family history of colon cancer and a vegetarian for over 40 years. I read all the above posts with interest and I could not find one that shows that anyone has had a positive Cologuard test AND positive colonoscopy for CRC. I am scheduled for a colonoscopy on Nov. 22 and I hope my results will be negative. It will be a long three weeks....I am still afraid but see that many of you have been in the same boat or know someone who has been.

  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,804 Member
    #16
    heidie said:

    Also waiting

    I just got my positive Cologuard test and was paralyzed with fear when hearing the possiblity for "C".  I have never had a colonoscopy for fear of having my colon perforated. I have had negative stool tests in the past.I am in good health, exercise every day. No family history of colon cancer and a vegetarian for over 40 years. I read all the above posts with interest and I could not find one that shows that anyone has had a positive Cologuard test AND positive colonoscopy for CRC. I am scheduled for a colonoscopy on Nov. 22 and I hope my results will be negative. It will be a long three weeks....I am still afraid but see that many of you have been in the same boat or know someone who has been.

    This is the thread

    Normally we like new threads, but this one is good, because it shows folks like you that the Cologuard has a high incidence of false positives. 

    Try your very, very best to not worry too much - easier said than done -  Fill your time with lots of wonderful things.  And good luck with your colonoscopy. The prep is far worse than the procedure. Of course ther is a chance of perferation, but all the folks I have known here on the forum for the last five years, plus friends and relatives, have never run into that probelm, so I think the odds are totally good that you will breeze through your procedure with no problems. 

    I hope you pop back on and report a clear scan, and we can congratulate you and send you on your way. This is a forum where we are happy that new members don't have a reason to ever come back. 

    Tru

  • Kmessier
    Kmessier Member Posts: 79
    edited October 2017 #17
    Let us know
    I've never done the cologaurd mine was caught on a colonoscopy my prayers are that all of y'all will have negative cancer on your colonoscopy good luck the prep sucks but I made it and I've had bypass surgery on my heart stents and I have multiple sclerosis that said I've made it through surgery and radiation and almost finished with chemo only 3 left and I made it through having c-diff after surgery so good luck many prayers for all of y'all
    ~~ K
  • heidie
    heidie Member Posts: 4
    #18
    Trubrit said:

    This is the thread

    Normally we like new threads, but this one is good, because it shows folks like you that the Cologuard has a high incidence of false positives. 

    Try your very, very best to not worry too much - easier said than done -  Fill your time with lots of wonderful things.  And good luck with your colonoscopy. The prep is far worse than the procedure. Of course ther is a chance of perferation, but all the folks I have known here on the forum for the last five years, plus friends and relatives, have never run into that probelm, so I think the odds are totally good that you will breeze through your procedure with no problems. 

    I hope you pop back on and report a clear scan, and we can congratulate you and send you on your way. This is a forum where we are happy that new members don't have a reason to ever come back. 

    Tru

    Thank you Tru! Trying to

    Thank you Tru! Trying to sstay positive and hopeful thateverything will be alright. Heidi

  • heidie
    heidie Member Posts: 4
    #19
    Trubrit said:

    This is the thread

    Normally we like new threads, but this one is good, because it shows folks like you that the Cologuard has a high incidence of false positives. 

    Try your very, very best to not worry too much - easier said than done -  Fill your time with lots of wonderful things.  And good luck with your colonoscopy. The prep is far worse than the procedure. Of course ther is a chance of perferation, but all the folks I have known here on the forum for the last five years, plus friends and relatives, have never run into that probelm, so I think the odds are totally good that you will breeze through your procedure with no problems. 

    I hope you pop back on and report a clear scan, and we can congratulate you and send you on your way. This is a forum where we are happy that new members don't have a reason to ever come back. 

    Tru

    negative colonscopy

    Well I had my colonoscopy and had one polyp removed. My doctor said I can stop worrying as the scope was otherwise negative.  Thank you Tru for being a pillar of strength and hope.

    Heidi

  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,804 Member
    #20
    heidie said:

    negative colonscopy

    Well I had my colonoscopy and had one polyp removed. My doctor said I can stop worrying as the scope was otherwise negative.  Thank you Tru for being a pillar of strength and hope.

    Heidi

    Congratulations!

    Thank you so very much for sharing this wonderful news. Here is our speical friend to help us celebrate image

    May you have a long and healthy life. 

    Tru

  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    #21
    heidie said:

    negative colonscopy

    Well I had my colonoscopy and had one polyp removed. My doctor said I can stop worrying as the scope was otherwise negative.  Thank you Tru for being a pillar of strength and hope.

    Heidi

    WooHoo

    Great news.  That is one thing you can be thankful for Thanksgiving.  It's an awesome report.  Time to celebrate.

    Kim

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