The Colon Club

Hello all,

I have had narrow stools for several months, which have progressively gotten worse. I went to a gastroenterologist just over a month ago, who said to wait and see if symptoms would diminish. If not, I would need a colonoscopy. I’m now waiting on my referral appointment with another GE (we relocated) to get a colonoscopy.

I also have what I always assumed were hemerrhoids. Now I’m of course worried they are cancer. I finally let myself look at them, and they don’t look red or swollen like pictures of hemerrhoids I see online.

The last few days, even with a laxitive, it is incredibly difficult to have a bowel movement. I strain to pass anything. I do think my stool looks a little mucousy, but I don’t have any bleeding. I also have very little appetite, and have had nausea the last couple days. Maybe it’s anxiety?

I have been under a great deal of stress (my sister died about 5 months ago, and I have become guardian of her 16 and 12 year old...and had to relocate them from Texas to Hawaii, where I live).

I’m only 29, and don’t have family history that I know of. I have two young children (3 and 5) in addition to my niece and nephew. We live FAR from family, so I’m worried about what will happen if I am sick or if I die. I also don’t know what kind of medical care we will have here. Second opinions may not be an option if something is wrong.

But honestly I am just scared. I don’t know if anyone else has young kids, or extra kids, and has gotten a diagnosis. How do you tell them? I really hope I don’t have cancer, but I just have this sinking feeling that I do. I can’t stop thinking about it, and I am now laying in bed, crying and avoiding everyone to write this. Any advice while I wait on my appointment?

Please get a colonoscopy like I did because I had hemmy's too. The polyp was benign but my mom's wasn't. She had stage 3, but now in remission and having reversal in 4 days. I wish you the best. This is a good support group.

Hello.

I am now 38, but I was diagnosed with colon cancer at 35. My wife just had our fourth kid three months prior to diagnosis. It really came out of no where for me because I didn't really have "classic" symptoms but in hindsight I should have known something was wrong. My oldest kiddo was 8 at the time so she was really the only one that understood something was up. We told her I had cancer but she obviously did not fully understand the gravity of what was happening, we basically told the kids that Daddy was sick and I needed medicine to get better. Then we explained that chemo would make me very tired. They were so young so we were able to keep it basic.

At this point you need to take a breath and try and relax. You are worrying about something that you may not even have. I know that is easier said that done! Prayers that this is nothing!

Ted

I'm sorry you're going through this and hope you won't have to wait long for a colonoscopy!*hugs*

I am so sorry for the loss of your sister.

I can only tell you what I told myself when I was in the hospital recovering from emergency surgery and waiting for pathology to confirm the cancer diagnosis and stage me: try not to freak out before you know for certain that you have reason to. And even if you get bad news, allow yourself to wallow for a few hours and then put those thoughts out of your head and concentrate on surviving.

I know that is hard to do. Right now, you should get out of bed and try to do something fun and positive with those wonderful kids. Accept support from people who are caring and positive, and don't let people boohoo over you and bring you down.

Bear in mind that even if you do have colon cancer, the cure rate, especially for the earlier stages, is really good, much better than it used to be. The medicine is evolving quickly. You are young and strong. You can do this.

Hugs, and best of luck.

I know you're scared and I think it's human nature to jump to the worst case scenario but here's the best advice I was given when I was diagnosed: don't get ahead of the data. In my experience, you can make yourself crazy with what-ifs and worry. Often our imagination is worse than reality. You're in an especially vulnerable place because of the loss of your sister, and I'm so sorry for your loss. But try - I know it's hard - to assume the best until there's data to the contrary.

Just my opinion, hope it helps.

Hello all,

Thank you for your support. I just came out of my colonoscopy and there were no polyps. They found a parasitic infection, and took biopsies from all over (is that normal?) but I’m thankful I’m wheeling out of here to go care for our four children without a big C stamped on my chart.

All of the people in this community are on my mind and in my heart. Thank you for showing me love through my journey here. May everyone have the best of outcomes.

Kimberley

Yes, taking biopsies during scopes is very normal