Let's start from the beginning. I don't go to the doctor like I should. Do you have to say that? Well...I hope this might get you to reconsider...and make an appointment. But...I can say I had a colonoscopy about 3 and a half years ago...so I thought I was doing good.
If you ask me did I feel anything...I will tell you NO. But there were signs. (OK...this is going to be graphic, but I need you to be aware!) There was blood in my stool. I justified that I had a tear...hemorrhoids maybe, but that was the extent of my worry. Until One Night. I immediately went to the doctor the next day.
The prep for this particular procedure was something else. It took me 4 hours every 15 minutes to drink the liquid I needed for the prep. It worked.
I have to share a funny! The wonderful young nurse that was getting my IV ready had her name tag on...I read...Bekah Colon Nurse. Of course I was curious and asked her, "what made you want to specialize and become a colon nurse?" She smiled and answered, "My Husband...that is his last name!" God does have a sense of humor. He knew I needed that!
I have to share a funny! The wonderful young nurse that was getting my IV ready had her name tag on...I read...Bekah Colon Nurse. Of course I was curious and asked her, "what made you want to specialize and become a colon nurse?" She smiled and answered, "My Husband...that is his last name!" God does have a sense of humor. He knew I needed that!
Because an hour later on August 5, 2014 I woke up to hear the doctor tell the nurse there is a mass. Tears filled my eyes and the nurse at my side rubbed my arm. She told me her relative had stage 4 colon cancer seven years ago and was doing fine. I tucked that information away. It was something I could use to help Charles (my husband) face this news with me. A biopsy was performed during the colonoscopy and I would get the results when I met with the surgeon later that week.
August 6, 2014 Meeting with the surgeon was quick and to the point. Not knowing the results, I asked my son Brandon to go with us in case I zoned out from the report and he could relay the information. But...it was reported BENIGN!!! We were celebrating but the surgeon put a warning out. The mass is large. (still not sure what large means) I am going to treat it as if it was malignant. Fine with me I thought to myself. But it is Benign...I called my daughter...my other sons...went by the office. We cried and laughed at the fears we had been nursing. He explained the procedure, what he would have to do...and we left with a date for surgery. Almost 6 weeks from then. Everyone had the same question...why so long? Hospital scheduling!
The minute I left the surgeon I received a phone call from the digestive health clinic. Another mini colonoscopy was scheduled for August 12. Another biopsy was prescribed. They did not trust the first report due to the size. Another biopsy.
But, there were more tests scheduled. August 11 th was a Barium and Air test (to determine if there was something further in the colon because they could not get around the mass) was one that I would not wish on anyone. During the procedure I was heard to say, "Jesus, Help me!" several times by the radiologist conducting the test. I made it through. I kept thinking of small children having to go through similar tests.
A CAT scan was scheduled for on August 14 . But as they attempted to conduct the test, the barium still in my body caused the x-rays to be unsatisfactory. Can you come back on Monday?
The minute I left the surgeon I received a phone call from the digestive health clinic. Another mini colonoscopy was scheduled for August 12. Another biopsy was prescribed. They did not trust the first report due to the size. Another biopsy.
But, there were more tests scheduled. August 11 th was a Barium and Air test (to determine if there was something further in the colon because they could not get around the mass) was one that I would not wish on anyone. During the procedure I was heard to say, "Jesus, Help me!" several times by the radiologist conducting the test. I made it through. I kept thinking of small children having to go through similar tests.
A CAT scan was scheduled for on August 14 . But as they attempted to conduct the test, the barium still in my body caused the x-rays to be unsatisfactory. Can you come back on Monday?
Monday, August 18 - CAT SCAN. In by 8:00am back at work by 9:30am.
I flooded the doctor who had performed my second colonscopy for the results. He called.Another result. Malignant. My mind was spinning. Now the fear of it being out of the colon wall and in my liver was in motion. Each time I talked with the doctor, lymph nodes and liver was considered a risk. CAT scan showed swollen lymph nodes but liver was fine. Charles and I did what we had done on and off during the last 14 days. Hugged, cried, and thanked God for the good news of the results.
But. We were still wondering what other option there may be for surgery. Of course, my wish was to get the "monster inside me" out!!! September 8th seemed so far away. So, in hopes of getting a second opinion or at least an earlier surgery date, I turned to a surgeon in Jackson that a colleague had experience with.
Appointment was made for September 3rd to see him. Cancelled my September 8th surgery in Starkville. Surgeon broke his leg...still operating. Had to go to Memphis for professional development...yes, you guessed it. Surgery will be September 18th. Ten days after original scheduled surgery. Let's get it on!
I flooded the doctor who had performed my second colonscopy for the results. He called.Another result. Malignant. My mind was spinning. Now the fear of it being out of the colon wall and in my liver was in motion. Each time I talked with the doctor, lymph nodes and liver was considered a risk. CAT scan showed swollen lymph nodes but liver was fine. Charles and I did what we had done on and off during the last 14 days. Hugged, cried, and thanked God for the good news of the results.
But. We were still wondering what other option there may be for surgery. Of course, my wish was to get the "monster inside me" out!!! September 8th seemed so far away. So, in hopes of getting a second opinion or at least an earlier surgery date, I turned to a surgeon in Jackson that a colleague had experience with.
Appointment was made for September 3rd to see him. Cancelled my September 8th surgery in Starkville. Surgeon broke his leg...still operating. Had to go to Memphis for professional development...yes, you guessed it. Surgery will be September 18th. Ten days after original scheduled surgery. Let's get it on!
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