It's the end of March, the last day of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. One of the instructions from my Oncologist last week was to go see my gynecologist and to go get a mammogram and a bone density test before I see him again in June. So, today I had an appointment with the gynecologist. This has never been one of my favorite days of the year, but I can say with utmost certainty that it does not seem nearly so bad now after all my appointments with the colorectal surgeon!
The interesting thing today was the shock on the faces of the nurse and the doctor as we discussed the last ten months of my life. They were both surprised that I have no family history of colorectal cancer, surprised that it was found, and surprised that I am so young. Of course I gave them the same advice that I have been giving to all of you: Go get screened. Don't assume everything is fine. Don't wait until you have symptoms. Cancer is not just a disease of "old" people.
I have been amazed at how many people who actually have a family history of colorectal cancer, or other forms of cancer, who haven't been screened for cancer due to fear - afraid to find out if they have it too. It is so important to catch cancer early so that you have the very best chance to beat the disease. Please don't let fear stop you from getting screened. It could save your life! Call your doctor today!
One last video in honor of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, hope you enjoy it!
Lou Rawls Colonoscopy Exam
I guess I can look this...curious what age people should start screening. I know I have to be screened annually due to Chron's but I think I read not until 50 do they start screening???? Going to look it up now, for my husband's sake. Now I just need to convince my Dad. Perhaps you can work on that in Costa Rica!
ReplyDeleteI have been encouraging my husband to go in for a colonoscopy or at least a screening. He is 41, but still with the family history I just get concerned. He is actually an Internist and also a Pediatrician so you would think he would go and take the preventative approach since he is doctor. It is like pulling teeth. His mother was diagnosed in her late 50's with colon cancer and went through treatment, similiar to yours and is in total remissions today. Anyway, with the family history, I just want him to go in to make sure there are no worries. I guess I will keep encouraging and praying that he eventually goes in.
ReplyDeleteYou need some pom poms and a megaphone and hit the streets ! Your really good!!!! :)
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