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Dramamama's Blog

by Dramamama from Marlboro, MA

Last Post 57 days, 7 hours Ago


Colonoscopies
May 26, 2008 | 9:08 AM
Category: News
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I know nobody wants to have one, but everyone over 50 should have one. I made an appointment for my husband and I to have one, as he has it in his family, and I felt if I had one and he saw how it went, then he would be more willing. Well, I had one, and everything was fine. He went in a few weeks later and a large polyp was found, that couldn't be removed. Surgery was hastily scheduled as he has colon cancer in his family. The polyp was found on Weds, our son graduated from Boston University on Sunday and he went into the hospital this past Friday and is still there. Everything went ok, but it will be a long recovery before he can work again.  I know you don't want to hear it, but you MUST get a colonsopy, if over 50. IF it is in your family tree, you must have one at 40. It will save your life. It is painless and done in under 30 minutes. His screening saved his life. 
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Member Comments Total Comments: 6
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fenwaydav read my blog view my photos
May 26, 2008 | 9:50 AM

DM, I hope Capt. is doing well. I too have a history in my family. My father died at the age of 57 with brain cancer that started out as colon cancer. He died in 1972, if it were today, I would probally still have him. They recommend for me every five years. That may change as I get older. It's a small price to pay. I have a history of skin cancer due to years of baking in the Coney Island sun. We didn't no back in the 60's and 70's what we no know. When I see people baking in the sun, I want to smack them.. I hope things go well. Send regards.....
JuneInMA read my blog view my photos
May 26, 2008 | 11:37 PM

dramamama,

Best wishes for a speedy recovery for the Captain. If you don't my me asking, is the recovery usually long or are there special circumstances?
Dramamama read my blog
May 27, 2008 | 8:30 AM

June,
It takes time to heal, as there is a lg incision, plus the colon is stapled together afterwards. Normal time is 6-8 weeks. As he does physical work, it is harder on someone like him, than someone who sits at a computer. Right now we are in the 'pain stage'.

Fenway, his dad had colon cancer 20 yrs ago, but is still around, and 86, though his mom died of breast cancer 25 yrs ago. My mom had breast cancer and lived, but my dad got prostate cancer and died at 70. So I'm very aware of my family history and keep track of everything. I have a history of skin cancer, due to my dumb teenage years. I always want to go up to people laying in the sun and show them my scars.
Xantun read my blog view my photos
May 27, 2008 | 12:34 PM

Drama, best wishes for the Captain here too...And, if you want to keep him occupied, I've found a free video podcast he'd love. It's called Cult Of Kung Fu. It's in MP4 format, so it can be played by quick time, and it should keep him distracted from some of the pain. :)

And oh yes, with the family history of cancer, I'll be starting the whole screening things in the next couple of years. I managed to avoid the whole sun thing though, so hopefully skin cancer's off my list. (Guess there's more than educational benefit to being a bookworm when you're in your teens huh?)
Chip read my blog view my photos
May 28, 2008 | 5:57 AM

Dramamama,

As I'm sure you and your husband know, you are in my thoughts and prayers. (as an aside, I sent him a relatively funny...hilarious...email. Screen it so he doesn't pop a stitch!!!)

As a man in his fifites, I too should be screened. I have avoided it (cowardice) for years, and have listened to my physician's lecture yearly. Recently (three weeks ago) I had three lesions of skin cancer removed from my left arm, and two more biopsied on my chest. I am fortunate that ALL came back negative.

It was a wake up call. I will not refuse the colonoscopy at my next visit....
kayleisnana read my blog view my photos
May 29, 2008 | 2:49 PM

Drama--I am sorry to hear about your husband; I hope he is doing well. Please know that you are all in my thoughts. I can say--my husband and I, both in our mid-50's, had ours done just about 6 months ago. It really isn't a bad thing to go through-and it can save your life!!! I was "clean", but they removed 3 polyps from my husband; fortunately, they were benign, however, he needs to have it repeated in three years. You can bet your life he will be there. Chip--Get moving--get in there and get it done!!! Do it for your family!!! It is totally painless. The "prep" is worse than the actual procedure, but, at least you can live with that.
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Dramamama

Mom, married, 2 sons. Raised on West coast, (CA & UT) married to the best man in the world for 25 years this September and moved to the beautiful Boston area. I work with kids in the schools, and do a lot of theater work--directing and teaching. Active in church and community.

Member Since: 12/27/2006


 

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