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I took my oldest friend to his colonoscopy appointment. Doc took more time than usual to come back with the results. He told him he has a large tumor in his colon, and may be involving his rectum. Goddammit!
This friend and I have been close friends since 1979. We went through school together, births of our children, divorces, medical emergencies, and so much more. We are like brothers. I just can't fathom what he's about to go through soon, with chemotherapy, and surgery.
Oncologist tells him this tumor is 70% survivable, with chemotherapy and surgery. He is having a central line implanted to start the chemotherapy this Thursday. Then he has to see a surgeon to schedule surgery. May have to have a colostomy post-surgery.
All I can do at this point is offer support to him. Dammit! He is just 57 years old, and at least he has insurance to defray the cost of what's coming.
Give your friends and family hugs tonight. You never know what will happen!
urgranny
Sorry for your friend. You're the one that deserves cancer.
Bonevi
Be there for him. Spend time supporting him as that is the most valuable thing. I lost my best friend in 2019 to cancer. A day does not go by that I don't think about him. Fuck cancer.
skadoobdoo
Fuck Cancer! I hope your friend has a successful treatment and total remission.
Brightamethyst
As someone who had their colon removed almost six years ago now, I can tell you from personal experience that a colostomy is not as bad as it seems. Mildly annoying at times, but not nearly as life altering as you might expect.
Frostycopper
My father was told he had three months left when he had colon cancer. It's been almost a year and he's doing okay. Just remember the doctor's usually tell you the worst case scenario
RobertsSpawn
I mean people usually don’t die from colon cancer, they die WITH colon cancer. What normally happens is the cancer spreads to other organs and those organs eventually shut down. So with surgery and a good chemo regimen you can help prevent colon cancer from spreading. Wishing well for your friend!
Cats2cats
You are experiencing loss. And the inability to change an outcome. Hugs, just be you.
Gwenx
Please do continue being a good friend and help look afterbhim during and after chemo and surgery.
My mom worked as a nurse for almost 40 years with only cancer patiens, and more often its the side effects of either chemo or sugery that you should keep an eye out for, so please, do.
Big hugs
PrincessWendyB
And THC really does help with the symptoms
Gwenx
I will not say if it does or not, but just be aware that not everyone benefits from THC :)
Im not agaist it nor pro it. If it works it works, just be aware that its effect can be different for some people just like all other kind of medicine :)
PrincessWendyB
There have been and will be daily breakthroughs in the field of medicine. 70% is a fighting chance. Thank you in advance for supporting your pal.
Fight on, both of you, and may the odds be ever in your favor.
DrewThe3DPrinterGuy
I am bad with words but to you and your friend I give
smirdok
blwoodcock
Fuck cancer.
Sayagain
I knew something was wrong on my follow up when the nurse, (knew from school growing up), wouldn't make eye contact and pretty much sat me down and left the room.
NotSinceTheAccidend
If he is getting a Power Port placed, make sure to hold onto that paperwork (usually a plastic purple card)!
-from a CT tech
DJOldguy
As a person with stage four lung cancer let me say you are a dear friend. I don’t like folks asking how I am doing. I have friends that send little surprises in the mail or funny cards. We never mention the BIG C. It is a lonely place to be.
Good job, you are a stand up person!!!
PlayerBhatin
Both my father and mother survived colon cancer. while my mom still has chronic gastronomic issues and my father died (unreleted to the cancer btw) there is definitley a good rate of survivability. What's important is that he have the support he needs and not for people to treat him like he is terminal or a pity case. It's rough for him, and hard to watch a loved one go through this. I can't do much but I can at least send some good vibes your way.
tnin4u
I'm close to the end of my journey beating rectal cancer. Did the radiation, chemo, and surgery. I'm cancer free but I have one more surgery at the end of the month to reverse my colostomy. It's definitely hard but he can get through this, especially with your help.
CanadaDryGingerMale
Dad had this at 59. Lived to 82 cancer free. Your friend has got this
rockarolla
My father was diagnosed 2 years ago with stage 4 colon cancer. Absolutely devastating. There is hope and lots of resources out there for treatment. My heart goes out to you and your friend.
kevzeppelin
70% survivable...that's great news!!!! Hope everything goes well!!!!
ivedonewhativedone
I don't know what Roman number that is, but dang.
YouWillNeverFindMe
There's a community on reddit if he's into that, also keep an eye on him... Lots of scams out there that claim to help beat cancer.
PotatoPirateTheThird
when my grandma had parkinsons and her relatives from missouri started trying to get her to buy this cheap faith healing essential oils crap that "cured parkinsons", I could see how much she wanted it to be real. Then we had her relatives trying to blame us for her death because we didn't let her spend 35k on snake oil. I wish people who took advantage of the desperate and dying were t̶o̶r̶t̶u̶r̶e̶d̶ ̶t̶o̶ ̶d̶e̶a̶t̶h̶ sent to live on a farm
TheOneAndOnlyButtStabber
id say, take advice from a doctor and not some bullshit on the internet.
Shazoozle
As a person who is in no way a doctor, I fully support this.
YouWillNeverFindMe
It's still valid to look on the internet for new types of treatment, but not on blogs and forums... I know I would ask my doctor about this, although it's really for after you are cancer free: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/stem-cell-transplant
TheOneAndOnlyButtStabber
I wont disagree because knowledge is power, but as a cancer survivor i dont suggest it. The amount of stress and false hope I found was as bad as getting the news "you have cancer". Have a conversation with your doctor instead and let them do the work instead of a patient trying to be a doctor, your only job is to not die. A SO other can be the warrior/ researcher for you IMO respectfully.
Qpnao
It is most likely a support forum
TexMexHex
I would die happy and feeling very loved if I had a friend like you.
thunderbuttski
Good luck to your friend… my surgery is Monday so I feel his pain and will be sending positive energy his way !!!
DesdemonaMoor
Sharing for those who are afraid or are putting it off ...You can also do a Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) for occult blood through your Dr., in the comfort of your own home. If it's negative you might get to avoid a colonoscopy assuming you don't have any risk factor. The more you know!
DesdemonaMoor
NOT ENCOURAGING anyone to delay if needed, but for those who are able, it's a great alternative to the hassle of drinking the liquid laxative and planning a day off/ride for the procedure.
jt42
I was just reading that a FIT test at home every year is as effective as ColoGuard every 3 years (at detecting cancer), but neither is as good as colonoscopy since it catches the polyps (which have cancer potential) better. At least that's the gist I got.
DesdemonaMoor
Totally true! Thus the secondary disclaimer that I am not discouraging people, but there is an alternative if the timing isn't right. I have had one previously so possible it's better to do the test when you're due for subsequent colonoscopies as you age.
jt42
It just seems like since it's so easy to do every year (and cheap), rather than 10yrs that's gotta make up for a lot. IDK how quickly colon cancer develops though.
Brunoemf90
Gastroenterologist/endoscopist here. More and more we are seeing younger patients with advanced tumors, even those in their 40’s. It really sucks, but I do agree that with proper treatment survivability is pretty high. Hoping it all goes well with your friend! And to who it may concern, start your preventive colonoscopies as soon as you turn 45, even earlier depending on family history. Stay safe!
stiltsonwheels
I know a guy that had a precancerous polyp removed when he was 27.If he had waited until the normal age to get a colonoscopy it could have been pretty far along. Family history is what made the docs decide to check things out more thoroughly when he had some issues.
SubtleOrc
just remember not all polyps turn into cancer ...
Brunoemf90
Good point. He was probably referring to an adenoma, which in turn have various classifications based on likelihood to become cancer. The histology helps determining the interval for the next colonoscopy, too.
Chickychookchook
Yeah- I get my cancer yanked Monday. I should ask the doc if I could have it post op. I want to violence and rage towards. Wouldn’t mind taking it to the 3 docs that dismissed my symptoms as “the womanly change” and “it’s natural part of aging”…..
hunlogem
Yes, as a non smoker with a cough…for two years I was told it was allergies. The pharmacist said…to get another opinion. Stage four lung cancer. I gave up chemo this year because I could not live like that anymore. There was no light at the end of the tunnel. Best thing I did. You realize how loved you are and what a wonderful life you have.
Best of health in the future!!
Totallyscrewedinaustin
Take a nice picture and make it into a card that says "I fucking told you something was wrong, you dumb motherfucker" and then hand deliver them and walk away
Chickychookchook
Attach the pic to a satisfaction survey- 0/5 and no recommend.
xj4low
Wife is getting colonoscopy next week and mine is scheduled for mid next year along with endoscopy. We are mid 40's.
satsukeshi
I've had like 10 so far (mid 30's). It's not that bad. If you can afford the better laxative, spring for that over the 5l jug of golytly.
AlonzoMoselyFBI
Colonoscopy prep is the worst part, but it was pretty easy for me. Shitting out vast amounts of liquid isn't as bad when it's planned. Just try to finish up before you go to bed. The procedure was simple and quick.
satsukeshi
The worst part is drinking 5l of liquid over a couple hours
AlonzoMoselyFBI
I had to take 4 doses of Dulcolax pills (easy) & one container of Mirolax divided into 2 giant glasses of water. Mirolax' consistency made the water like lotion. I gagged it down, but that was not cool. Mind over matter.
satsukeshi
Yeah, the golytly tastes like.... Idek. Like water that has 'body' to it. Not thick, but... So so strange
Hrafna55
Honestly the worst part is not the procedure or shitting liquid for six hours. It is drinking the laxative. Two stages over two hours. It made me want to vomit.
satsukeshi
Be glad you didn't have to drink the 5 liter jug of awfulness
xj4low
I'm glad we have 2 bathrooms.
TheChook
Wife and I are both 45 and just did ours this year. So much pooping. Anyways, ours were clean. I had one polyp removed that was nothing and I don’t have to go back for 5-10 years. Hope yours goes as well as ours.
xj4low
I'm more concerned about the endoscopy. Being on the liver transplant list stuff needs to be monitored that can lead to a life threatening vein pop that has a very low survival chance. Even if you are already at the hospital.
7thor8thcaw
I just turned 40 a few months ago. I keep wondering if it's something I should schedule.
llandy
I just had my first one last year. The procedure itself is really easy and I felt a lot better getting it done. He removed things that could have turned into cancer eventually so it was good that I did it a little earlier than most. The prep was a bit annoying and it was kinda tough for a guy like me to find a ride there, but I'll be more ready next time with all that stuff.
HelpfulCorn
You need to be 45 for insurance to cover unless something is wrong
imoutofnames
Yeah. And to ease fear. They aren't that bad. You'll be hungry for a day when you do the prep and you'll poop a lot. But the prep itself has gotten better over the years. Sometimes small like 8oz bottles of meh tasting liquid followed up by LOTS of regular water. Or a mixable powder you add to juice or something and it'll again taste just mildly off. It's mostly the quantity you need to drink that's the most difficult. The actual procedure is quick and easy.
chackstar
Stop wondering! If caught early surviving is almost garanteed.
AHornyRhino
yes
jt42
I hear 45 is the the new 50 as far as when to start.
Cravanicus
That’s what’s now recommended, yes. I’m 45 and having a colonoscopy in December.
[deleted]
[deleted]
jillymaree761
Nope! 45 is the recommended age for first screening. Much earlier if you have a primary blood relative with history of colon cancer.
xj4low
This is correct. She is taking most of the week off due to the meds she has to take before. Basically, it's gonna flush you out. After it is done, she may not have any bones left. It actually recommends not leaving the bathroom as there won't be time to get to one even if already at home.
Booklover4life
Had half my colon removed because of cancer and have had a colonoscopy. You can’t eat much on the day before, I suggest lemon icy’s and having your Netflix loaded on your phone. Also wet wipes are a good friend :-)
jillymaree761
It's usually only one day of prep.
SubtleOrc
if there is a family history of polyps or bowel issues then yes, once you turn 40
7thor8thcaw
I'm adopted, so I'm not sure. What I know, I've never heard anything. My blood father is an impeccable specimen at 62yrs old. I've never had bm issues other than a hemorrhoid, but figure it's worth looking into.
ilovebunnies
You might want to look into genetic counseling if you're very concerned. They can tell you if you're a carrier for some cancers.
SubtleOrc
colonoscopies are not riskless so take that into consideration but yeh. chat to your GP. 40 can be early for regular ones without a family history but it might be worth checking for polyps. if they find none then you might be able to leave it another 5 years until your next one
SubtleOrc
(I am not a doctor)
polarbearbaby
I nagged my GP into referring me for a scope at 39 bc my mom had just had surgery for colon cancer. Wouldn’t you know it, there was a large pre-cancerous polyp in my sigmoid colon in almost the same spot as my mom’s. Saved my life. Def worth drinking that whole gallon of Colyte.
xj4low
Wow, guessing not in the US. Here it would be denied by insurance until they say it is required and no amount of doctors saying it needs to be done would have it authorized. Meaning you get to pay full out of pocket for it which could be $1,250 to $4,800 or more.
polarbearbaby
Canadian.
cmsport2
A lot of these things unfortunately come down to insurance company, specific policy, and the persuasiveness of the doctor writing the order. They can fight back against insurance decisions sometimes and make a difference. The family history is a major factor to tip the scales. Business-wise for them, it's a lot cheaper to pay for pre-cancerous intervention than cancer.