Fifty Plus (50+) - Get a colonoscopy

I did my first century yesterday. Self-supported, 100.6 miles, 6:03:12 moving time, 6:38 total time. I did it to commemorate one year from the end of my second series of chemo following a diagnosis of stage 4 colon cancer. If the cancer comes back this year, as is likely, I get to look forward to a slow, painful death.

I read a study that shows a strong correlation between physical activity and the lack of recurrance of colon cancer, so I ride long and fast, trying to get stronger either to keep it away or to make it easier when it returns.

Colon cancer is a useless way to die. It is practically entirely preventable by getting a colonoscopy, which will remove pre-cancerous polyps. Everyone over 50 should get one, which means YOU, which means stop putting it off and get it set up today. It's not the most pleasant procedure, but take it from me, it sure beats surgery (I've had seven, three major and four minor), radiation (20 sessions), and chemo (total of about 14 months in 2 series). Don't think that because you're activity, not overweight, don't smoke, etc. that it can't happen to you. It can. Make August 07 the month you get the test.

I'm pullin for you kerlenbach! I put off the colonoscopy until my doctor finally beat me down. Glad I did! The worst part of it was the prep the day before. I slept through the whole thing so there was nothing unpleasant about it. Cancer can strike anyone, not just someone else. I lost my wife three years ago to cancer and it is one of the reasons I took up cycling. Besides numbing my hands and butt, it numbs my mind (sometimes).

Amen, Kerlenbach! Keep on a ridin! Thanks for the reminder!

Great advice--and best of everything to you.

Excellent time - congratulations!

I think I've had about 4 colonoscopies at this point. They found a polyp in the first one when I was 40, so I have remained vigilant and so far, no more polyps.

Good advice.

I'm working on a method that will allow you to hold your butt in front of the monitor so I can examine your innards from my CRT. There are just a few kinks in this technique that need to be worked out.

Until I get them figured out, get your colonscopy!

Good reminder. Had mine last year.

Had two done within a 3 year period. Both were negative and I was relieved. I'm happy for you that you have taken the route to stay fit and healthy and overcome that dreadful illness. Congrats on your century ride.

getting one done on friday.
So won't work thursday, take a 50 mi ride in the morning chug-a-lug the delicious nectar @ noon
stay close to the bathroom all of thursday afternoon and night get it done on friday ride saturday & sunday.

Since they found my cancer, I have to go every year and get checked and every year they find at least 4 polops. The golden years huh.

Great message, advice and reminder.

I've had 2 with another needed Sept/Oct this year. I was shocked at the number of polyps I've had removed.

Here's hoping your riding is continuing to keep stage 4 at bay.

Thank you for posting this. Family and friends already get their scopes, but I've been putting it off.
Your words have prompted me to just do it.
I hope that all the energy you are putting into cycling will translate into curative positive energy, and keep you strong & healthy. Best wishes! We're pulling for you.

+1! Great personal message. Just had mine last month so I am good for another five years. :)

Since they found my cancer, I have to go every year and get checked and every year they find at least 4 polops. The golden years huh.

Every year:eek: I thought my 3 year schedule was bad.

I did my first century yesterday. Self-supported, 100.6 miles, 6:03:12 moving time, 6:38 total time. I did it to commemorate one year from the end of my second series of chemo following a diagnosis of stage 4 colon cancer. If the cancer comes back this year, as is likely, I get to look forward to a slow, painful death.

I read a study that shows a strong correlation between physical activity and the lack of recurrance of colon cancer, so I ride long and fast, trying to get stronger either to keep it away or to make it easier when it returns.

.


Congratulations on the century. Great times!

You're very lucky to have survived the colon cancer and I hope your riding keeps it at bay.

Since they found my cancer, I have to go every year and get checked and every year they find at least 4 polops. The golden years huh.


golden years jeez seem more like problamatic years :rolleyes::(
but everyday is still a great day :D

Like a fool I waited until this year (I am 63) to do my first one. Yes, three polops, and large. No cancer, but I got them just in time. Now I gotta go back in a couple of years for another. Just go do it folks!! It ain't that bad, and a whole lot better than having colon cancer.

And yes, Old Age Sucks

Congratulations on your riding success and beating the return of cancer thus far. I wish you all the best and a complete recovery.

And thank you for another reminder. I've been seriously considering it the past 2 weeks, and your post is the second one I've seen. I will call and make the appointment.

Just to add my 2 cents. My wife pushed and pleaded with me to have the procedure done and I just absolutely dreaded it but finally gave in after running out of excuses and scheduled an appointment. After doing it I wondered what the big deal was. I would rather do that than go to the dentist. My experience was as follows:
Drank the stuff that tasted like water. Was told it was terrible tasting. It wasn't. Watched TV while the stuff worked and had to get up a lot more. It was like channel surfing without a remote. Went to the hospital in the AM they put me under and woke up with the procedure complete. Went to restaurant to eat. Wife drove. Did some shopping in the afternoon. Went out for a nice evening meal. Went home and slept very well knowing I am healthy, at least in that department.

My wife pushed and pleaded with me to have the procedure done and I just absolutely dreaded it but finally gave in after running out of excuses and scheduled an appointment. After doing it I wondered what the big deal was.

Had I done that five years ago, I wouldn't be looking death in the eye today.

Had I done that five years ago, I wouldn't be looking death in the eye today.
Were you completey surprised, or did you have symptoms?

There are about ten symptoms of colon cancer - I had seven of them before being diagnosed. I knew I was sick, but I was too young to have colon cancer (47) so I figured it must have been irritable bowel or colitis or someting like that. I was not overweight (well, I was overweight by BMI standards, but not overly so), I did not smoke or drink, there is almost no cancer in my family, and my diet was typical but not terrible. I had not been to the doctor in years because I was healthy. When the blood bank stopped taking my blood because I was anemic and I constantly felt like crap, I went to the doctor. The gastroenterologist told me my polyp was there for probably three years. Thinking back, I can idenitfy my first symptom (a change in bowel habits) occurring about 10 months before diagnosis. By the time of diagnosis (Sept 11, 2003, ironically enough), the cancer was in the lymph nodes (stage 3). It ultimately spread to my liver, resulting in another major surgery last year, and more debilitating chemo.

Prevention is the key.

Just a little word about the Big "C". Medical research has moved on greatly in the last 5 years and if a complete Cure is not possible- Then the treatments around are very effective at reducing the effects of the ailment or at worst keeping them at bay for extended periods of time.

I am saying the last 5 years as That is the period I have been watching for anything that mentions Cancer since having Prostate Cancer in 2001. I can say now that I was lucky in that I was caught in time so if you have any form of cancer check that should be done due to age or Hereditary reasons- Do not delay. And I have just gone through my first anniversary of being declared clear of PCa after 5 years of wondering.

And Joy of Joys- I now have 3 saddles on 3 different bikes that the Surgery is no longer affecting the comfort of. Took 5 years for that to happen but it is now worth it.


Edit- Posted this at the same time as Kerlenbach so is not meant as a reaction to his post.

Kerlenbach-- Hope that you will have the same end result as I have had.

If your insurance is hesitant to cover it, it is worth the cost. However, if you ever see blood when you wipe, be sure to tell your doctor... it seems that a non-prompted mention of blood in the stools can sometimes be enough of a warning sign to authorize a colonoscopy, and cause the insurance companies to pay that won't routinely cover them.

I've never been so happy to have mild hemmoroids (sp) in my life!

Other than hemoroids and mild divitriculosis I am fine... And the preparation is the worst part, and it wasn't too bad... and by the time I need my next one in 9 or 10 years, they may be virtual.

A timely post. My appointment for my first is this Thursday. Hopefully I don't pig out after, I'm hoping to lose a few pounds from the procedure.

Kerlenbach-- Hope that you will have the same end result as I have had.

+1, My mother died when she was 44 and I had to sisters die from it as well, so it runs pretty deep in my family, so I have to be real careful. I really think they have come a long way. I guy asked me, how many times would you go through what you went through. I said that's pretty stupid, as many times as it takes. I read the story of Lance Armstrong and his fight with cancer and I feel the same way, never give up.

A timely post. My appointment for my first is this Thursday. Hopefully I don't pig out after, I'm hoping to lose a few pounds from the procedure.

You'll lose a few pounds, but it's only temporary.:D

I've had two so far. Both times there were no polyps and no diverticula detected. It looks good so far. The last one this past spring was with the new phosphate buffer method of purging which I found much more desirable than the gallon of radiator fluid I had to choke down the first time... just remember to stay home during the purge.

Kerlanbach- Congratulations on your first century . I also want to thank you for sharing your cancer history with us. I am 52 and have never had a colonoscopy. The last time someone started a thread about this I said to myself, I better call my Dr. and set one up, but I didn't. After reading your story I am calling tomorrow. Again, thank you.

Great advice. Had one five years ago and they found polyps so I'm on a 5 year follow up which is scheduled for next week. Very good friend of mine had his first two years ago and is now missing a part of his lower bowel but is recovering cancer-free after the chemo.

Best of luck to you and thanks for the great advice.

cheers

Amen, kerlenbach. And hang in there. As a few others have noted cancer treatments have advanced remarkably in the last few years. And many cancers are now treated as chronic diseases. Gotta live with them, but it can be a long life.

Congratulations on your first century. I am pulling for you to be cancer free. My wife owns and operates two Curves stores. Our charity is the American Cancer Society. Her Relay for Life Team raised over $11,500 this year. We're proud to try to be part of the solution.

As for my colon, I had five polyps removed in 2002. Doc said get another one done in five years. I've moved and my consultation with the new gastoenterologist is August 14. You offer very good advice in a very attention getting way.

I'm going to call my doctor tomorrow to schedule an appointment. I've been putting it off, and it is time.

Who's next?

On a lighter note:

Your First Colonoscopy: Going Where No Man Has Gone Before

So I'm waiting to go in and there's this cute blonde nurse and I say, "Hey blondie, why all he red pens?" and she says, "So I can draw blood."

And the doctor comes in after it's over with this certificate, and I say, "Hey doc, what's this?" And he says, "It's for your wife. It certifies that your head is not up your ass."

Ba-dum

So I have surgery and they take out a chunk of colon, and now I've got a semicolon. And they put in a colonostomy and glue a bag to my belly. And so I name the bag after George Bush because they're both full of ****.

Thank you very much! I'll be here all week!!

On a lighter note:

Your First Colonoscopy: Going Where No Man Has Gone Before

So I'm waiting to go in and there's this cute blonde nurse and I say, "Hey blondie, why all he red pens?" and she says, "So I can draw blood."

And the doctor comes in after it's over with this certificate, and I say, "Hey doc, what's this?" And he says, "It's for your wife. It certifies that your head is not up your ass."

Ba-dum

So I have surgery and they take out a chunk of colon, and now I've got a semicolon. And they put in a colonostomy and glue a bag to my belly. And so I name the bag after George Bush because they're both full of ****.

Thank you very much! I'll be here all week!!
Good stuff...especially the last one.:D Good luck.

So, since I have had mine, I can submit these.

1. "Take it easy, Doc. You're boldly going where no man has gone
before!"

2. "Find Amelia Earhart yet?"

3. "Can you hear me NOW?"

4. "Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet?"

5. "You know, in Arkansas, we're now legally married."

6. "Any sign of the trapped miners, Chief?"

7. "You put your left hand in, you take your left hand out..."

8. "Hey! Now I know how a Muppet feels!"

9. "If your hand doesn't fit, you must quit!"

10. "Hey Doc, let me know if you find my dignity."

11. "You used to be an executive at Enron, didn't you?"

12. "God, Now I know why I am not gay."

I have mine done on a faithful schedule

So, since I have had mine, I can submit these.

1. "Take it easy, Doc. You're boldly going where no man has gone
before!"

2. "Find Amelia Earhart yet?"

3. "Can you hear me NOW?"

4. "Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet?"

5. "You know, in Arkansas, we're now legally married."

6. "Any sign of the trapped miners, Chief?"

7. "You put your left hand in, you take your left hand out..."

8. "Hey! Now I know how a Muppet feels!"

9. "If your hand doesn't fit, you must quit!"

10. "Hey Doc, let me know if you find my dignity."

11. "You used to be an executive at Enron, didn't you?"

12. "God, Now I know why I am not gay."

True story, My doc had the scope at its end, (pun intended) and said "Oh s***" - I said "Doc, I did use all the purge drink I was supposed to". he said "No the damn light went out". I said "I hope you can find your way out". Nurse lauged, Dr didn't see the humor.

Congratulations on your century and your cancer-freeness. I hope you maintain your health -- I'm pulling for you, for sure.

Thanks for message. From the responses you've gotten you can see how many fifty-plussers are going to stop procrastinating and get the procedure.

I did mine a few months after my 50th and am clear for 10 years, G*d willing. :)

So, since I have had mine, I can submit these.

1. "Take it easy, Doc. You're boldly going where no man has gone
before!"

2. "Find Amelia Earhart yet?"

3. "Can you hear me NOW?"

4. "Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet?"

5. "You know, in Arkansas, we're now legally married."

6. "Any sign of the trapped miners, Chief?"

7. "You put your left hand in, you take your left hand out..."

8. "Hey! Now I know how a Muppet feels!"

9. "If your hand doesn't fit, you must quit!"

10. "Hey Doc, let me know if you find my dignity."

11. "You used to be an executive at Enron, didn't you?"

12. "God, Now I know why I am not gay."

:roflmao::roflmao: Hilarious!

True story, My doc had the scope at its end, (pun intended) and said "Oh s***" - I said "Doc, I did use all the purge drink I was supposed to". he said "No the damn light went out". I said "I hope you can find your way out". Nurse lauged, Dr didn't see the humor.

Man, the sedative must have not worked on you if you were awake during the whole procedure, or is this another joke? I don't think I could handle the deliverance of that scope.

I've had the Stage 4 CA but haven't done the century as yet. Hang in there it can be done. It's been 6 years since my dx and I'm clean so far (knock on wood).

Good stuff...especially the last one.:D Good luck.

+1

When I got my first one, when they found the cancer, the jerk didn't use any sedatives or anything. All that was on the table, was the back of my head and my ankles.

I am 52 and have never had a colonoscopy. The last time someone started a thread about this I said to myself, I better call my Dr. and set one up, but I didn't. After reading your story I am calling tomorrow. Again, thank you.


I'm going to call my doctor tomorrow to schedule an appointment. I've been putting it off, and it is time.
OK - not to be a nudge, but did you guys make you appointment? I have a dear friend who keeps on putting it off - such a simple thing to do....

friday @ 6:00 A.M.

mmmm. Thursday morning I was planning to do about 50 miles on my bike before I drank the wonderful fluid, now I dunno ,do they let you know the results after or if there are any problems?

You usually get a report right away. If there are any problems with polyps, they are removed immediately. They are then sent to a lab to see if the are cancerous, etc. You usually get the results back in a week or so. For most people, having polyps isn't a big deal, the vast majority are not cancerous. However if they are pre-cancerous they usually want you to come back in a year or so to make sure all is well.

You usually get a report right away. If there are any problems with polyps, they are removed immediately. They are then sent to a lab to see if the are cancerous, etc. You usually get the results back in a week or so. For most people, having polyps isn't a big deal, the vast majority are not cancerous. However if they are pre-cancerous they usually want you to come back in a year or so to make sure all is well.

thank you.
not really worried but information is always good to have

When I got my first one, when they found the cancer, the jerk didn't use any sedatives or anything. All that was on the table, was the back of my head and my ankles.

Jeeze!:eek: Where were they sticking the scope????:D

OK - not to be a nudge, but did you guys make you appointment? I have a dear friend who keeps on putting it off - such a simple thing to do....

I called today and got a referral from my primary doc to a gastroenterologist in my area... found their web site, and printed the forms (medical hx, privacy info) which I will complete, sign, and fax tomorrow. They'll call me to schedule an appointment. So, my foot is in the door.... :eek:

Who's next???