Re: Sister-in-law diagnosised with colon cancer
From: AR George (argeorge_at_whoisit.com)
Date: 07/23/04
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Date: Fri, 23 Jul 2004 20:02:34 GMT
On Fri, 23 Jul 2004 05:45:12 -0800, bobbi wrote
(in article <5b1fbf5e.0407230545.21e239b@posting.google.com>):
> This morning we were awaken to some shocking news: my sister-in-law
> has been diagnosised with colon cancer. She is young - 35 - or I think
> she's young to be battling disease, but then again I don't know
> anything about colon cancer.
>
> We have some sketchy details, we haven't been able to talk to her or
> her husband yet. All we know is that my husband needs to be testing
> for the genetic form of this disease. What the heck is genetic testing
> anyway?
> It's all alittle overwhelming .. and I guess I don't need to tell this
> group that eh? :-|
>
> I don't know why I'm writing, as I don't have a specific question yet.
> I guess I just need to reach out ...
>
> Does anyone know of a good web site where we can read more about
> genetic colon cancer? I guess we'd better start reading and educating
> ourselves.
>
> I'll be back later today with more details ....
>
> bobbi
Whoa there,
First things first. Your sister-in-law was diagnosed with colon cancer and
that means that your husband should first get a colonoscopy, then you worry
about the genetic testing. Having one should be a relatively pain free
process, the worst part is getting prepped, drinking a laxative to clean you
out. Make sure you ask around about the doctors in your area and find a
gastro who is both thorough and gentle during the exam.
Now have your husband find out if there is a history of colon cancer in his
family. If there is, all the more reason to go in and have an exam done.
The genetic testing you refer to is a simple blood test, and a routine blood
draw. There is no such thing as genetic colon cancer, genetics can make you
more susceptible to cancer, but does not cause it (other opinions may differ
on this site).
Caught early and before your husband has any symptoms means that if the tests
come back positive means you will have a good chance of taking care of it
before it causes to much damage. Advice: Go in and get checked.
I am a relatively young man to have Stage IV colon cancer, the cancer didn't
seem to care. I went to a GP and a gastrointestonoligist, both said I had
an impacted colon, constipation. It wasn't until I insisted on a
colonoscopy that they discovered the cancer, and if I hadn't insisted on
getting the test I probably would have made it to Feb. this year, my GP's
estimate. They both felt terrible that they had missed it, and have both
been great to work with on the road to recovery.
I didn't find out my family had a history, on both sides, until after the
diagnosis. It was something both families didn't talk about since it was so
dirty. We all talk about it quite a bit now, and most family members have
been tested, except my sister who thinks she is immortal.
Don't get crazy, just get your husband tested and see what is up. If he has
a thing about getting a colonoscopy, ask the hospital if they offer a virtual
colonoscopy using an CAT scan. The prep is the same, but nothing is
"inserted". Good luck and let us know how things go.
George
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