Readers Advisory: Body lesson ahead. Read just the first paragraph of the post to avoid tech talk.
Brain cancer is...
...an empathetic and competent caregiver.
Darrell took me in for my first routine colonoscopy today. We had an hour of "backwards day" emotions until they wheeled me in for the procedure. Darrell started the morning at home as the nervous driver, making sure we were packed and on time. I was the pincushion patient confirming my date of birth and medical history while wearing the airy gown. These turnarounds were in themselves unsettling to our eight-month routine. But they provided a good experience; we're keeping our brains flexible and working to adapt to changing roles. Ha!
The test went absolutely fine, and I luxuriated in a three-hour nap once back home. I don't need to go back for 10 years for another screening.
Because we're all in this together, Team D., Darrell and I thought we'd share a few things we've just learned about colorectal cancer and its screening. Many Team D members know lots more about these issues than we.
Our tidbits are targeted for our aged 40ish and 50ish team members who are considering a screening.
Poopy Chomp Colon Cancer and Screening Tidbits
- Fun fact: "Colon" is another word for "large intestine." Your colon begins at end of your small intestine and attaches to your rectum. (See a graphic here.)
- For US males and females both, colon cancer is the third highest occurring cancer. About 1 out of 22 adults contract it over their lifetimes. Compare that risk with 1 out of about 200 people contracting brain cancer. Read about these lifetime risks and more on this page at the American Cancer Society website.
- Colon cancer can be deadly (second only to lung cancer in terms of sheer numbers), but it's also highly treatable once detected early.
- There are several risk factors for colon cancer. The clearest risk that is outside of our control is age; 50 or better: Let's get screened!
- The most common screening is the colonoscopy. In case you're new, the colonoscopy involves a day of prepping your colon--so its clean and shiny for the camera--and then an exam the next day, which is performed while you are sedated. (Scroll down at this site to see a drawing of the procedure that pretty much says it all.)
- Apparently no one loves the idea of a colonoscopy. If you are feeling guilty because it's been easy to put off this test, here's my advice: Think about what bothers you most about the idea of the test, then ask your trusted friends and family pointedly about your fears or concerns. I think they will tell you--as my many friends and family colo-buddies did--that really any of my ideas of it was worse then than the actual prep and test. Everyone at the medical center was kind and supportive. I had a colon spa day!
- Finally, if you just can't get past the idea of the colonoscopy, don't let yourself off the hook. There are other tests to screen for colon cancer. One notable example is the fecal occult blood test. Tests such as this one are repeated annually.
- Darrell and his colon: A shameless plug: Before Darrell got his GBM diagnosis, he and I wanted a couple's colonoscopy. His colonoscopy is on hold because, as Tiana tells us, for people whose neutrophils are under assault (as is the case for chemotherapy patients), the colonoscopy can be risky. Here's a little guilt inducement from Darrell: He actually very much would like to rule out potential colon cancer right now and can't...at least not with the colonoscopy. We will ask Dr. Cloughesy about alternatives at our next visit. Colon screening: Do it for Darrell, Team D! ("I'm Darrell Guillaume, and I approve of this shameless endorsement.")
