Partial Colonoscopy

Lisa Rose · June 2003

My name is Lisa this is my second time posting here,I had a third stage rectal cancer. So far I am doing fine and my tests are all negative and my blood work looks good . So 15 month,s and counting.

My problem is my brother he went in March and had his colonoscopy . At that time they found 6 polyps , 5 were benign and 1 was on the turning point of cancer . During the procedure the DR hit a blockage and had to stop .The Dr said it was probably just stool, I THINK NOT.

He lives in a very rural area and they are not going to repeat the procedure till late October . My feeling are that he should get his **** out to a larger centre and get some definite answers as to whats going on .The whole thing does not give me a good feeling.

So my question is should I butt in his life and try and help ,or leave it till October and see what happens.

Looking for some good advice?

Have a nice day.
Lisa

spongebob · June 2003

Hiya, Lisa -

First let me say congratulations on doing so well with your situation! You go, girl!

Second, let me say I enjoyed your double entendres in your posting ("get his **** out for another" "butt into his business" - we colon folks seem to all have a warped sense of humor about that. Butt I digress... (now you've got me doing it)

Did the doctor say it was stool? Was he able to visualize it? Has you brother had any problems moving stuff through his large intestine? Has his stool been of normal dimension (i.e.; not really thin like it is passing through a blocked area)? So many questions. If the doctor actually visualized it he'd probably know if it was stool - although if your brother took the same nasty stuff I do before my scopes, I doubt there was much of anyting left in there (hard to believe people actually pay hundreds of dollars for a colonic, and we get 'em for free).

As you know, colon cancer is extremely slow growing. My advice is that if your brother is having normal, dimensionally correct, formed stools, and having them on a normal schedule, you're probably OK waiting until October. Of course, that's free advice and usually worth what you pay for it. Ask your doc - get a second opinion. And if things don't seem right for him, by all means get in sooner!

One last thing to keep in mind - where did the doctor locate the blockage? Had he gone into the transverse or ascending colon yet? Most (not all, but most - I was an exception myself) colon cancer pops up on the left or descending side. That would be the first area the doctor examined as he did the colonoscopy. So, unles he had to back out before he "turned the corner" at the transverse or descending colon, he successfully examined the "high threat area".

Food for thought.

Be well,

SpongeBob

ron50 · June 2003

Hi Lisa' Fmaily history, 6 polyps , go to a real doctor for Gods sake get him checked out NOW. The cemetary is full of if onlys. Please but in and get him to another specialist. Iwas stage three colon and they couldn't get passed it had a follow up scope as soon as my colon was well enough healed to take it. Found nothing but at least we knew.Kindest regards Ron

StacyGleaso · June 2003

Hey Lisa!

You know my take on the situation! Screw the doctor's "wait & see" attitude! You know you'd be upset with yourself if you didn't step in and become the voice for your brother! Remember how I made my siblings get tested, and they thought I was a total jerk for doing it...but in the end (pun? no pun?) everyone was glad I was so persistant. As you know, I'm so glad you're doing so well! Hope you're still enjoying your Friday night wine!

Take Care,
Stacy

lynemc · June 2003

Hi Lisa Rose (what a nice name)
First of all, Thank God re: your cancer.
I have been supporting my husband in his battle against colon cancer for 2 years. 6 months before he was diagnosed, my best friend was diagnosed with a rare form of breast cancer. I am surrounded with supporting this demon. My girl friend was going to a questionable doctor, and I decided to "butt in" as SpongeBob said. If it meant making sure she stayed alive and healthy, I was willing to give up my friendship with her if my interference would in any way help. She ended up getting a 2nd opinion at MD Anderson and is now receiving better treatments. I feel that you, and your brother should feel confident and have no "if's" in your mind when it comes to cancer. Do what you have to to clear any doubts. Even if it pisses him off.

vcavanagh · June 2003

Lisa,
Re. your brother.
There is a family history of colon cancer in a first degree relative (you). He has six polyps, one of which is "pre-malignant." There is also a blockage of uncertain origin.I doubt if it was due to stool as the Doctor should have been able to see that.( it probably takes a polyp about 10 years to go malignant which means that the premalignant one has been there for a good while and there could be others.) I do not think he should wait until October. Could I suggest that he talk to his doctor again and request a repeat colonoscopy. If he will not do it and cannot tell what the block is, then I would go elsewhere. You ask should you interfere? The answer is one I got a long time ago which is " if you don't do it, no-one else will." Blessings,
V.C.

vcavanagh · June 2003

Lisa,
Re. your brother.
There is a family history of colon cancer in a first degree relative (you). He has six polyps detected, one of which is "pre-malignant." There is also a blockage of uncertain origin.I doubt if it was due to stool as the Doctor should have been able to see that.( it probably takes a polyp about 10 years to go malignant which means that the premalignant one has been there for a good while and there could be others.) I do not think he should wait until October. Could I suggest that he talk to his doctor again and request a repeat colonoscopy. If he will not do it and cannot tell what the block is, then I would seek advice elsewhere. You ask should you interfere? The answer is one I got a long time ago which is " if you don't do it, no-one else will." Let me know how you make out. Blessings to you both,
V.C.

Lisa Rose · July 2003

My brother is having another Colonoscopy in August instead of October.I"ll keep you all posted how he makes out.

Thanks To All You Replied,

Lisa

Partial Colonoscopy

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