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.

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

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!!

Good stuff...especially the last one. 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

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.

Hilarious!

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).

+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.

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.

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

Jeeze! Where were they sticking the scope????

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....

Who's next???