I Could use your thoughts on this

Cat64
Cat64 Member Posts: 1,192
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Today was my first post treatment 3 month visit with my Onc. I love him, he's very thorough. However, in the past year I have had more tests than I had ever cared to or even thought was necessary, had to suffer major anxiety over the possible results of them all, and so far, all have been clear. (TG) Well, now he wants me to have a Colonoscopy to rule out Colon Cancer. His concern is my CEA Marker which is still higher than he would like, (which could be from smoking), and that I also have family history of CC. I am now on self pay, which is my first concern. Then I wonder if he is looking for something that he feels is lurking somewhere, but not sure where, or is it just to be sure? (There's that thought of it being better to be safe than sorry). Well, at what point do I "refuse" to have any more tests? How do I decide what's in MY best interest at this point? Or do I continue to leave that to him? Is this process the norm after a diagnosis & treatment?
♥ Cat

Comments

  • lynn1950
    lynn1950 Member Posts: 2,570
    #2
    Oh Cat, I know how tired
    Oh Cat, I know how tired you must be of tests, and tests, and tests. I notice in your profile that your age range is 40-49. Since you have a family history of colon cancer, a baseline screening colonoscopy is probably a good idea. I believe I had my first colonoscopy when I was 49; I have a family history of colon cancer.

    The good thing about colonoscopies is if polyps are found, they can be removed immediately which precludes them from growing into cancer. If nothing is found, I believe you can have the results right away (at least, that is my experience). If something IS found, well then you have found it as early as possible.

    Paying for these tests is the double whammy. Perhaps there are resources through the hospital or some other organization that can help you. Be sure and ask the social worker at your hospital. Otherwise a payment plan may help? Hugs and best wishes....xoxoxox Lynn
  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    #3
    I have had colonscopy every year for 18 yrs
    BUT i have colitis...but I do not know your age...but my husband just had his first one at 50 yrs...just because....I have heard of others...so maybe jurt routine and nothing to panic about. The test is not bad (honestly) the prep on the other hand..mmmmm
  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    #4
    Cat, I know you are sick to
    Cat, I know you are sick to death of tests, but a colonoscopy will not only diagnose cancer but can prevent because, if they find any little polyp or potential future problem-causer, they will remove it. I have had 3 colonoscopies since my diagnosis, because I also have a history of cc in my family. The first time, the doc removed 2 polyps. Since then, I have been clean. But I do get my colonoscopy (as recommended for me) every 5 years, because I know it is important. I don't do it because I enjoy it--that's for sure ;-)
  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    #5
    I have had colonscopy every year for 18 yrs
    BUT i have colitis...but I do not know your age...but my husband just had his first one at 50 yrs...just because....I have heard of others...so maybe jurt routine and nothing to panic about. The test is not bad (honestly) the prep on the other hand..mmmmm
  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    #6
    I have had colonscopy every year for 18 yrs
    BUT i have colitis...but I do not know your age...but my husband just had his first one at 50 yrs...just because....I have heard of others...so maybe jurt routine and nothing to panic about. The test is not bad (honestly) the prep on the other hand..mmmmm
  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    #7
    I have a Colonoscopy (sp?)
    I have a Colonoscopy (sp?) scheduled for Feb 4th. It's not my Chemo Dr who wants it but my PA as she says that being IBC that that's an area that 'it' likes to go so lets check. She sort of wanted to do it last year but as there were no indications of problems wanted to give me a year without nasty tests unless needed. Also sets a base line for the future. Is it what I just can't think of anything else I want to do - Definately can think of a lot of other things but makes sense to me to do.

    Susan
  • natly15
    natly15 Member Posts: 1,941
    #8
    Cat if it were me I'd get
    Cat if it were me I'd get it. CC also runs in my family and I asked for a colonoscopy. It has to be expensive and that I understand, is there any way you can get help financially for it? You only have one life and when it comes down to it, God knows I'm a money worrier, I think I'd do whatever is necessary to get it done. Just my slant.We will always have bills and this is one bill that could save your life. Wishing you the best with your decision.
  • cahjah75
    cahjah75 Member Posts: 2,631
    #9
    Cat
    I too am tired of tests. 2011 is my year for 2nd colonoscopy. I had one 10 years ago and I was clean. All 3 of my sisters have had polyps removed. I don't know anything about the blood test/marker you mentioned. If I had to pay for anything I would ask dr why he/she wanted you to have it and if it was absolutely necessary.
    {{hugs}} Char
  • carkris
    carkris Member Posts: 4,553 Member
    #10
    cahjah75 said:

    Cat
    I too am tired of tests. 2011 is my year for 2nd colonoscopy. I had one 10 years ago and I was clean. All 3 of my sisters have had polyps removed. I don't know anything about the blood test/marker you mentioned. If I had to pay for anything I would ask dr why he/she wanted you to have it and if it was absolutely necessary.
    {{hugs}} Char

    colonoscopies are
    colonoscopies are recommended screening, and with a history it is a no brainer. I know someone who recently had a routine screening without history and turned out to have cancer. diagnosed early but needed to have surgery. I also have had it with tests, tired of doing them tired of worrying about them. Sometimes i just want to run away, then I tell myself to put my big girl pants on and deal, that all of this it to empower me to be healthy and well. But I hear ya so sick sick sick of it.
  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #11
    cahjah75 said:

    Cat
    I too am tired of tests. 2011 is my year for 2nd colonoscopy. I had one 10 years ago and I was clean. All 3 of my sisters have had polyps removed. I don't know anything about the blood test/marker you mentioned. If I had to pay for anything I would ask dr why he/she wanted you to have it and if it was absolutely necessary.
    {{hugs}} Char

    Cat .. I'm in the same boat .. Almost think to myself and
    out loud, that is if anyone cares to listen ... When is enough, enough? Testing, procedures, needle pricks, endless waiting in various doctor's waiting rooms, surgeries, pre-op visits, not to mention the travel time and our sanity (ok, no wise cracks about my lack of sanity during the recent rain storms here in California .. switching my UGG boots to flip flops - shopping in the rain -- ahhh good times) .. Seriously, if you have insurance, and it is a necessary procedure .... scream away, throw around some dirty dishes .. then go ahead and make your appointment. Gotta love these doctors and their many test .. better safe than sorry! //:)


    Vicki Sam
  • DebbyM
    DebbyM Member Posts: 3,289 Member
    #12
    This hasn't been suggested
    This hasn't been suggested to me, but, I am sure it will be someday. I am sure he is just wanting to be sure that everything is good with you. You don't have to have the colonoscopy if you don't want to. It is your choice Cat. Good luck in whatever you do.


    Hugs, Debby
  • Curlz
    Curlz Member Posts: 42
    #13
    DebbyM said:

    This hasn't been suggested
    This hasn't been suggested to me, but, I am sure it will be someday. I am sure he is just wanting to be sure that everything is good with you. You don't have to have the colonoscopy if you don't want to. It is your choice Cat. Good luck in whatever you do.


    Hugs, Debby

    It IS your choice, but...
    Time after time, we've learned that early detection is THE key to getting ahead of this beast. Research has shown a connection between breast and colon cancers, so it makes total sense for your doc to recommend a colonoscopy. I'm going to have my first this year. Not looking forward to it, but since I've taken my mom for hers over the years, I know it's manageable--and a friend and I have sworn we'll "make a day of it" so we can go together.

    Since my breast ca was found on my annual mammo, I can't help but think that if we want to have some bit of control, we need to take the tests that are available. That's my two cents...
  • sal314
    sal314 Member Posts: 599 Member
    #14
    Wouldn't Be a Bad Idea
    to get a baseline colonoscopy, especially given you have a family history. There is a very famous study that was done several years ago (sorry, I don't remember the name of it...blame it on Chemobrain) but they've found there is a link between breast cancer and colon cancer in a certain number of bc patience. So...your doctor is probably just playing it safe since you do have a family history.

    I was 35 when first diagnosed (9.5 years ago) and asked about getting colonscopies. He told me that unless I had a family history, he wouldn't recommend on until I turned 50. So...that's fine with me! :)

    I know it's exhausting and a financial burden, but if you can do it, I think it's worth it. You've come this far, why not make sure all's clear on the other end?! LOL. JMO.

    Blessings,
    Sally
  • Wolfi
    Wolfi Member Posts: 425
    #15
    Colonoscopy
    Cat,

    I wouldn't put too much into the fact that he wants you to have a colonoscopy. If there is a family history of it then it would be better to check early rather than late. You are too young (from a medical recommendation) to have a colonoscopy but if I were you I would have it done just to know the results.

    I had digestive issues when I was in my early 30's and my doctor recommended a sigmoidoscopy(sp?) just to check for polups and anything else. If I was forced to wait 20 years to have a colonoscopy then who knows what they would have found.

    What is a "normal" process for one person may seem like overkill for another person - it all depends on diagnosis, general health and family history.

    Personally, I hope you continue with the treatments and tests your doctor recommends. If you have doubts about your doctor then maybe you should get a second opinion on the colonoscopy.

    Good luck with whatever you decide.

    Wolfi
  • tommaseena
    tommaseena Member Posts: 1,769
    #16
    Wolfi said:

    Colonoscopy
    Cat,

    I wouldn't put too much into the fact that he wants you to have a colonoscopy. If there is a family history of it then it would be better to check early rather than late. You are too young (from a medical recommendation) to have a colonoscopy but if I were you I would have it done just to know the results.

    I had digestive issues when I was in my early 30's and my doctor recommended a sigmoidoscopy(sp?) just to check for polups and anything else. If I was forced to wait 20 years to have a colonoscopy then who knows what they would have found.

    What is a "normal" process for one person may seem like overkill for another person - it all depends on diagnosis, general health and family history.

    Personally, I hope you continue with the treatments and tests your doctor recommends. If you have doubts about your doctor then maybe you should get a second opinion on the colonoscopy.

    Good luck with whatever you decide.

    Wolfi

    Cat
    Cat,
    I had a colonoscopy after I finished my treatments as well at age 46 because it was recommended by my onocologist because she stated that because of the history of breast cancer some colon cancer cells are so similar to breast cancer cells that it is best to have a screening colonoscopy done after treatment.

    Better to be safe. Mine came out fine and your will too.
    I was fine with the decision I made because after what I had been through I wanted to make sure every thing was 100% fine.

    This is my thoughts.

    Hugs,
    Margo
  • Cat64
    Cat64 Member Posts: 1,192
    #17
    Thank You
    all for your thoughts on this, I appreciate it very much! You have brought up things that I never would of considered otherwise. I know I should get it done, and somehow I will. I am just sooooo tired of all of this!
    I have been anxiously & patiently waiting for my turn to meet with NED & instead I get I am "in remission". Although that's great, I desperately want to hear NED!! So, if more tests is what it may take to get there, I'll pull up my Big Girl panties for a little while longer...
    ♥ Always,
    Cat
  • Grandma X 6
    Grandma X 6 Member Posts: 135
    #18
    Cat64 said:

    Thank You
    all for your thoughts on this, I appreciate it very much! You have brought up things that I never would of considered otherwise. I know I should get it done, and somehow I will. I am just sooooo tired of all of this!
    I have been anxiously & patiently waiting for my turn to meet with NED & instead I get I am "in remission". Although that's great, I desperately want to hear NED!! So, if more tests is what it may take to get there, I'll pull up my Big Girl panties for a little while longer...
    ♥ Always,
    Cat

    Hi Cat
    I know how you feel with all the test,I think we all feel that way. I just had my first Colonoscopy. It was not that bad at all. I had to take 4 stool softeners and an 8oz bottle of Miralax in an 64 oz bottle of fruit juice not red juice and that was it.I started at 4:30 PM and was fine my bed time. The procedure only took the Dr. 20 minuets. No problems after went home about 1 hour after. Just make your appointment as early as you can, since you can't eat much the day before. My result were fine and so will yours. I think it is worst to think about it just go get it done. Talk to them about the money they should some programs to help you. Good Luck Cindy
  • Bella Luna
    Bella Luna Member Posts: 1,578 Member
    #19
    I can relate to being tired
    I can relate to being tired of going in for tests and then waiting anxiously for the results. But... as many have said on in their responses, if colon cancer runs in your family, better to get a baseline. You've gone this far, why not go a little further. It's in your best interest.

    Good luck with your decision.
    BL
  • phoenixrising
    phoenixrising Member Posts: 1,508
    #20
    My husband's innocent polyp
    My husband's innocent polyp turned cancerous within a few short months. Let me tell you that you don't want to deal with CC. With an elevated CEA and family history I think he'd be negligent not to test you. I know it's hard to wait for one more test but the end is near and soon you'll be swept off your feet by NED. It really is worth it,
    hugs
    jan

Discussion Boards