My husband's colonoscopy today
Something strange was also found durihg his scope. The polyps were small, about 4cm each, and easily removed. So far, normal. But then way up towards the very end of the colon, he had a mass on each side. The GI Dr has never seen anything like it before. He's done thousands of colonoscopies. He called my tumor for what it was, on sight, before biopsy results. He consulted with another GI Dr in the practice today, and he'd never seen it either. These masses look a bit like cysts. When he probed and pushed them around muscas came out or them. They did not look inflamed. They did not look cancerous. So he did several bisopsies, but did not remove them. He said the risks of trying to remove something of their size outweighed any benefits since he didn't know if they were anything that needed removing. He wanted to biopsy just to be certain there isn't a problem.
Has anyone else ever heard of anything like that?
We'll have biopsy results Monday. If the 3 polyps were the pre-cancerous types, he'll have to be scoped again in 3 years. If they are the type that never becomes cancerous, and the other biopsies don't show any problems, then he doesn't have to return for 10 years.
The GI Dr told me I only have to be off Coumadin for one week before we can do my colonoscopy. I need a repeat since he only got a little ways into the sigmoid and hit my almsot 100% obstructing tumor. We need to check the rest of my colon for any polyps that need removing. No tumors or anyhing have shown up on any of my CT or PET (other than the one removed by colon resection) so if there is anything, it should be small.
I can say I'm not looking forward to my next scope. I really had no problem getting the first one. But when I walked into that office today, I started shaking - and had to step out, and then the tears came. It brought me back to that day of total shock. I never even thought for one second that I had a possibility of my problem being colon cancer. My CT scan said probable colitis. My GP agreed that was most likely the trouble - or possibly Chron's. So I'd been researching those. I'm not going back in that office without taking Ativan first. And they only do the twilight and keep you awake. Normally I have no issue with that. But I'm going to be too stressed. I need to be out. I'm going to have to talk to them about that.
Comments
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Your Husband's Colonoscopy
10 years? At 50? That doesn't sound right to me. No matter what they find, 10 years is an awful long time between scopes. I know, I know. Everyone's an expert. I'd get a 2nd opinion on that time frame, though. As you know, polyps are SO much easier to deal with than tumors.
And about your next scope - yeah, you don't need to be awake for that. If that doc won't do it, find one who will. Scoping is not such an art form that it matters greatly who does it...
Best of luck to you and your husband!!0 -
10 Yearsdirtyshirt said:Your Husband's Colonoscopy
10 years? At 50? That doesn't sound right to me. No matter what they find, 10 years is an awful long time between scopes. I know, I know. Everyone's an expert. I'd get a 2nd opinion on that time frame, though. As you know, polyps are SO much easier to deal with than tumors.
And about your next scope - yeah, you don't need to be awake for that. If that doc won't do it, find one who will. Scoping is not such an art form that it matters greatly who does it...
Best of luck to you and your husband!!
My husband had his first colonoscopy at age 51, one week after my first colonoscopy. As a result of my colonoscopy, I was diagnosed with colon cancer and have had two more colonoscopies since then and will have another this fall. His was completely clear and they told him to come back in 10 years.
Joy0 -
Kathryn
When you say "way up towards the very end of the colon" are you referrng to the ascending/right colon? If so I would be very diligent is resolving the problem...whatever it is.
My tumor was in the ascending and the first colonoscopy didn't discover it.Exactly one year later it was ulcerated, large as a mans fist, and blocking my colon.In all the reading I have done it appears that the right colon has the most missed polyps and tumors.Some think it is the way it is shaped and kind of folds in on itself; others insinuate that because it is the last colon to get to the doctors get in a hurry and do not take the time to do a good scope.
I am one that does think it matters who does the colonoscopy because the colonoscopy is only as good as the one performing the scope.I am a living witness to what a missed tumor can cause.
Best wishes.
-Pat0 -
KathrynJaylo969 said:Kathryn
When you say "way up towards the very end of the colon" are you referrng to the ascending/right colon? If so I would be very diligent is resolving the problem...whatever it is.
My tumor was in the ascending and the first colonoscopy didn't discover it.Exactly one year later it was ulcerated, large as a mans fist, and blocking my colon.In all the reading I have done it appears that the right colon has the most missed polyps and tumors.Some think it is the way it is shaped and kind of folds in on itself; others insinuate that because it is the last colon to get to the doctors get in a hurry and do not take the time to do a good scope.
I am one that does think it matters who does the colonoscopy because the colonoscopy is only as good as the one performing the scope.I am a living witness to what a missed tumor can cause.
Best wishes.
-Pat
Kathryn I hope all goes well with your husband's results...strange things...
On Friday for my husband's pre-op I had to get out too.....this coming friday is his actual colonoscopy and the hospital is about one half hour away...I almost wish I had asked another friend to take him....but an ativan is good idea...thanks...all comes rushing back
all the best to you kathryn
mags0 -
Hang in there Kathryn. I'm
Hang in there Kathryn. I'm feeling you on the Dr.'s office anxiety. I'll never go back to the office of my first colonoscopy. I had my recent one done at the hospital where I am getting treatment. I can't even go to the Starbucks across the street from that office.
Good for your husband for getting scoped. I've never heard of the kind of rectal cyst/thing that you described. I hope the results are good.
Roger0 -
UPDATE - BIOPSY RESULTS
Well, the news is good news/bad news after getting the biopsy results. The biopsies showed that the unknown growths in Bruce’s colon are polyps. They are not the type that will ever turn cancerous, but they are large (each 2cm and they are across from each other), and expected to keep growing, so they need to come out ASAP. The doctor said if not right away, within the next two months for certain. The three flat lesions are the type that can turn cancerous, so he needs to have his next colonoscopy in 3 years.
BUT – he really has to have his next colonoscopy in just a few weeks. They will remove the large polyps via colonoscopy on the same day he has his upper GI scope, also known as EDG for short or esophagogastroduodenoscopy - what a mouth full. Now you know why everyone says upper GI scope, or EDG. The good news is that they can do both of these at once, rather than having to do separate procedures on separate days. The polyps were tattooed, so if he’d needed to have them surgically removed it would help the surgeon find what they were looking for. But since they can take them out with colonoscopy, the Dr will already know how to find these. Bruce is bummed about having to go through the whole low fiber, then clear liquid-only diet again, but the alternative is a more drastic surgical procedure, which would still require doing the prep work to clean the colon. Or not doing anything, and winding up in the ER obstructed. No way around it – he has to prep again.
So, my husband has turned out to be the perfect Colon Cancer Awareness poster boy. He is 50 and was due for his first colonoscopy. He got it done. They removed 3 flat polyps that could have become cancerous if left to grow. And they found something strange, which turns out to be more polyps, which while they are not cancerous and never will be, they are large and growing and could cause a full blockage if they hadn’t been found.
Colonoscopies can find and fix potential problems before you end up with cancer or in the ER. So I've told everyone that once again I’m going to hound all of you that have been putting this off to get off your butt (pun intended), and schedule your scope! I've been posting on CaringBridge and FaceBook all month for colon cancer awareness, and went through the prep step by step and all, to hopefully get people to see it isn't that big of a deal to get a scope.
If you have zero of the type of polyp that can turn cancerous at your first scope, and no family history or other troubles with your colon, 10 years is standard for the next one. Those people are very low risk. But if you have just one of the type that can turn cancerous - 5 years is standard, as your risk is higher. Bruce had 3 flat polyps of the type that can turn cancerous, so the doctor wants him back in 3 years - he is considered higher risk now.0 -
polypKathryn_in_MN said:UPDATE - BIOPSY RESULTS
Well, the news is good news/bad news after getting the biopsy results. The biopsies showed that the unknown growths in Bruce’s colon are polyps. They are not the type that will ever turn cancerous, but they are large (each 2cm and they are across from each other), and expected to keep growing, so they need to come out ASAP. The doctor said if not right away, within the next two months for certain. The three flat lesions are the type that can turn cancerous, so he needs to have his next colonoscopy in 3 years.
BUT – he really has to have his next colonoscopy in just a few weeks. They will remove the large polyps via colonoscopy on the same day he has his upper GI scope, also known as EDG for short or esophagogastroduodenoscopy - what a mouth full. Now you know why everyone says upper GI scope, or EDG. The good news is that they can do both of these at once, rather than having to do separate procedures on separate days. The polyps were tattooed, so if he’d needed to have them surgically removed it would help the surgeon find what they were looking for. But since they can take them out with colonoscopy, the Dr will already know how to find these. Bruce is bummed about having to go through the whole low fiber, then clear liquid-only diet again, but the alternative is a more drastic surgical procedure, which would still require doing the prep work to clean the colon. Or not doing anything, and winding up in the ER obstructed. No way around it – he has to prep again.
So, my husband has turned out to be the perfect Colon Cancer Awareness poster boy. He is 50 and was due for his first colonoscopy. He got it done. They removed 3 flat polyps that could have become cancerous if left to grow. And they found something strange, which turns out to be more polyps, which while they are not cancerous and never will be, they are large and growing and could cause a full blockage if they hadn’t been found.
Colonoscopies can find and fix potential problems before you end up with cancer or in the ER. So I've told everyone that once again I’m going to hound all of you that have been putting this off to get off your butt (pun intended), and schedule your scope! I've been posting on CaringBridge and FaceBook all month for colon cancer awareness, and went through the prep step by step and all, to hopefully get people to see it isn't that big of a deal to get a scope.
If you have zero of the type of polyp that can turn cancerous at your first scope, and no family history or other troubles with your colon, 10 years is standard for the next one. Those people are very low risk. But if you have just one of the type that can turn cancerous - 5 years is standard, as your risk is higher. Bruce had 3 flat polyps of the type that can turn cancerous, so the doctor wants him back in 3 years - he is considered higher risk now.
I had a colonoscopy in January of 2007. I had had blood in my stool for years, at least 8 years, they found a polyp which was flat and could not be removed during the colonoscopy. It was cancerous, I had to have a resection, woke with a temporary ileostomy, received chemo and radiation, and then more chemo, then 8 months later my reversal. I am 3 years cancer free. If I had been checked earlier I might not have had to go thru all this.0 -
Thanks for the update andKathryn_in_MN said:UPDATE - BIOPSY RESULTS
Well, the news is good news/bad news after getting the biopsy results. The biopsies showed that the unknown growths in Bruce’s colon are polyps. They are not the type that will ever turn cancerous, but they are large (each 2cm and they are across from each other), and expected to keep growing, so they need to come out ASAP. The doctor said if not right away, within the next two months for certain. The three flat lesions are the type that can turn cancerous, so he needs to have his next colonoscopy in 3 years.
BUT – he really has to have his next colonoscopy in just a few weeks. They will remove the large polyps via colonoscopy on the same day he has his upper GI scope, also known as EDG for short or esophagogastroduodenoscopy - what a mouth full. Now you know why everyone says upper GI scope, or EDG. The good news is that they can do both of these at once, rather than having to do separate procedures on separate days. The polyps were tattooed, so if he’d needed to have them surgically removed it would help the surgeon find what they were looking for. But since they can take them out with colonoscopy, the Dr will already know how to find these. Bruce is bummed about having to go through the whole low fiber, then clear liquid-only diet again, but the alternative is a more drastic surgical procedure, which would still require doing the prep work to clean the colon. Or not doing anything, and winding up in the ER obstructed. No way around it – he has to prep again.
So, my husband has turned out to be the perfect Colon Cancer Awareness poster boy. He is 50 and was due for his first colonoscopy. He got it done. They removed 3 flat polyps that could have become cancerous if left to grow. And they found something strange, which turns out to be more polyps, which while they are not cancerous and never will be, they are large and growing and could cause a full blockage if they hadn’t been found.
Colonoscopies can find and fix potential problems before you end up with cancer or in the ER. So I've told everyone that once again I’m going to hound all of you that have been putting this off to get off your butt (pun intended), and schedule your scope! I've been posting on CaringBridge and FaceBook all month for colon cancer awareness, and went through the prep step by step and all, to hopefully get people to see it isn't that big of a deal to get a scope.
If you have zero of the type of polyp that can turn cancerous at your first scope, and no family history or other troubles with your colon, 10 years is standard for the next one. Those people are very low risk. But if you have just one of the type that can turn cancerous - 5 years is standard, as your risk is higher. Bruce had 3 flat polyps of the type that can turn cancerous, so the doctor wants him back in 3 years - he is considered higher risk now.
Thanks for the update and the info. I think it's safe to say that you just saved your husband's life; or at least saved him lots of pain and trouble. Good work. I hope that you are doing well today.
Roger0 -
WTG!!
Great job on being your husband's advocate. He's riding with experienced help
Very proactive and sounds like a plan - good job to the both of you for finding things early on. You spared him untold woes by getting it done now.
Good to see you again!
-Craig0 -
Kathryn,Kathryn_in_MN said:UPDATE - BIOPSY RESULTS
Well, the news is good news/bad news after getting the biopsy results. The biopsies showed that the unknown growths in Bruce’s colon are polyps. They are not the type that will ever turn cancerous, but they are large (each 2cm and they are across from each other), and expected to keep growing, so they need to come out ASAP. The doctor said if not right away, within the next two months for certain. The three flat lesions are the type that can turn cancerous, so he needs to have his next colonoscopy in 3 years.
BUT – he really has to have his next colonoscopy in just a few weeks. They will remove the large polyps via colonoscopy on the same day he has his upper GI scope, also known as EDG for short or esophagogastroduodenoscopy - what a mouth full. Now you know why everyone says upper GI scope, or EDG. The good news is that they can do both of these at once, rather than having to do separate procedures on separate days. The polyps were tattooed, so if he’d needed to have them surgically removed it would help the surgeon find what they were looking for. But since they can take them out with colonoscopy, the Dr will already know how to find these. Bruce is bummed about having to go through the whole low fiber, then clear liquid-only diet again, but the alternative is a more drastic surgical procedure, which would still require doing the prep work to clean the colon. Or not doing anything, and winding up in the ER obstructed. No way around it – he has to prep again.
So, my husband has turned out to be the perfect Colon Cancer Awareness poster boy. He is 50 and was due for his first colonoscopy. He got it done. They removed 3 flat polyps that could have become cancerous if left to grow. And they found something strange, which turns out to be more polyps, which while they are not cancerous and never will be, they are large and growing and could cause a full blockage if they hadn’t been found.
Colonoscopies can find and fix potential problems before you end up with cancer or in the ER. So I've told everyone that once again I’m going to hound all of you that have been putting this off to get off your butt (pun intended), and schedule your scope! I've been posting on CaringBridge and FaceBook all month for colon cancer awareness, and went through the prep step by step and all, to hopefully get people to see it isn't that big of a deal to get a scope.
If you have zero of the type of polyp that can turn cancerous at your first scope, and no family history or other troubles with your colon, 10 years is standard for the next one. Those people are very low risk. But if you have just one of the type that can turn cancerous - 5 years is standard, as your risk is higher. Bruce had 3 flat polyps of the type that can turn cancerous, so the doctor wants him back in 3 years - he is considered higher risk now.
It sounds like you
Kathryn,
It sounds like you have saved your husband some pain + anguish down the road; good for you for encouraging him to have the colonoscopy done. They are not fun, but seem like a walk in the park compared to what so many on this forum have gone through. I am glad there is such a good plan in place for your husband.0 -
Goodness!Kathryn_in_MN said:UPDATE - BIOPSY RESULTS
Well, the news is good news/bad news after getting the biopsy results. The biopsies showed that the unknown growths in Bruce’s colon are polyps. They are not the type that will ever turn cancerous, but they are large (each 2cm and they are across from each other), and expected to keep growing, so they need to come out ASAP. The doctor said if not right away, within the next two months for certain. The three flat lesions are the type that can turn cancerous, so he needs to have his next colonoscopy in 3 years.
BUT – he really has to have his next colonoscopy in just a few weeks. They will remove the large polyps via colonoscopy on the same day he has his upper GI scope, also known as EDG for short or esophagogastroduodenoscopy - what a mouth full. Now you know why everyone says upper GI scope, or EDG. The good news is that they can do both of these at once, rather than having to do separate procedures on separate days. The polyps were tattooed, so if he’d needed to have them surgically removed it would help the surgeon find what they were looking for. But since they can take them out with colonoscopy, the Dr will already know how to find these. Bruce is bummed about having to go through the whole low fiber, then clear liquid-only diet again, but the alternative is a more drastic surgical procedure, which would still require doing the prep work to clean the colon. Or not doing anything, and winding up in the ER obstructed. No way around it – he has to prep again.
So, my husband has turned out to be the perfect Colon Cancer Awareness poster boy. He is 50 and was due for his first colonoscopy. He got it done. They removed 3 flat polyps that could have become cancerous if left to grow. And they found something strange, which turns out to be more polyps, which while they are not cancerous and never will be, they are large and growing and could cause a full blockage if they hadn’t been found.
Colonoscopies can find and fix potential problems before you end up with cancer or in the ER. So I've told everyone that once again I’m going to hound all of you that have been putting this off to get off your butt (pun intended), and schedule your scope! I've been posting on CaringBridge and FaceBook all month for colon cancer awareness, and went through the prep step by step and all, to hopefully get people to see it isn't that big of a deal to get a scope.
If you have zero of the type of polyp that can turn cancerous at your first scope, and no family history or other troubles with your colon, 10 years is standard for the next one. Those people are very low risk. But if you have just one of the type that can turn cancerous - 5 years is standard, as your risk is higher. Bruce had 3 flat polyps of the type that can turn cancerous, so the doctor wants him back in 3 years - he is considered higher risk now.
My goodness! I'm glad he got checked, and I hope this will keep him out of trouble.
I also hope you'll be able to relieve some of your stress about your scope.
*Hugs*
Gail0
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