Colon Cancer related to breast cancer??!?!

Anonymous

So I had my colonoscopy today, and when I came to, the doc told  me I had two polyps.  One was removed, and the other, he said, was to be removed surgically. 

The other one, he says, "Looks suspicious.  It could be cancer."  He said this in a flippant tone, almost, as if he were practically saying, "It could be animal crackers." 

I burst into tears, and he had the nurse draw blood, and scheduled an appointment for me for a week from tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  

WTF?!?!?!?!?!?!!?!?!?!?!?!  I thought I had staved off the cancer beast (in the last three weeks).  Colon cancer?  I told my hubby, "Leave it to me to get cancer in the two most silly places to talk about....my boob and now my bum."  

sad face

very sad face

Help.  Where's my medical online team?   Love and prayers, Deb

REKoz

OMG! I just CANNOT believe that Dr.! Can you find another one? His comment is beyond belief and there's no way you should should have to deal with that attitude, let alone allow him to put anything up your bum!

Wondering whether you had a PET scan recently. Wouldn't anything in the colon light up if it were present?

Please get someone who will treat you with compassion. God knows, you deserve it. I will keep you in my prayers.

Ellen

candie1971

I so agree with Ellen...what a jerk!!

I am praying for good results for you!!

Hugs and prayers,

Candie

strongmom37

In researching my BRCA2 ++ status my sisters and i have found that Yes, in Fact colon cancer can be related to BC or at least being BRCA positive. My gastro confirmed this to me, although I have yet to get my first colonoscopy. I am tryting to get through my upper body first! I would get your films and go to another gastro guy to get a second opinion and hopefully a nicer attitude....

Anonymous

I am not brca1 or brca2 positive. 

Of course, I seem to have used up a bunch of my 9 lives.  I wonder if there is any connection there.  

I actually did ask for my films right away, and the nurse said she was going to ask the doc.  She came back and said that Doc. Animal Crackers said "not yet, let's get the biopsy results first." 

 Oh come on!  

Anonymous

And no, no PET scan.  My doc won't do them on me unless I have a raging and obvious concern for one. 

I know, that is cause for people to want to kick her to the curb, too.  She, however, completely has my trust.  She is a MacArthur genius grant recipient.  She also would never say "It could be cancer," in such a manner.  

I am in a very extreme, "THIS SUCKS" mood. 

Kindergarten

Dear Deb. Prayers are coming your way. I just know that everything is going to be fine. Worst scenario, polyp looks suspicious, they remove it, the end of it.  God bless you, hang in there. Kathy

Anonymous

Deb----my mom had bc 22 years ago and has never had a recurrence, but she has had colon cancer twice in the last 7 years (the good news is that she's doing great--will be 80 next week). My oncologist said bc and colon cancer are "cancer cousins", yet a genetic counselor told me there wasn't any real connection, so I don't know who to beleive. All I know is that I'm high risk for both diseases. Praying you get good results soon and strength and God's peace.

Anne

susan_CNY

whoopsie, I have had both colon and breast dx about a year apart, both run in my Dads family, multiple primaries can run in families so I assume that means genes ( I have had cervical also, my Dad had colon and throat, his Mom breast, colon and oral)   Colon surgery was painless for me, my docs were great, however I did change oncologists before starting any treatments, was very happy I did, remember the doctors work for you, and you are your best advocate. I wish benign results for you, and may the waiting time go swiftly. Hugs

lexislove

Woopsie...

I know your young, I'm 31, why did you feel that you need a colonoscopy in the first place?

I had no idea the two are "related". This is just greeeeeaaaat!

I know they recommend screening(colonoscopy's) starting at 50 but for younger woman with a history of BC I guess about 10 yrs earlier...

BethNY

Breast, ovarian, colon and prostate are related.... generally when they are taking your history to see if you are BRCA positive, those are the four that can have relation-- I'm sure you can find more info at www.facingourrisk.org and www.cancer.org

When will the surgery take place to remove the other polyp?

lexislove

Double great ! <sarcasim>

I now remember my genetic councellor talking about prostate cancer if you are a BRCA gene carrier. I kinda had an idea about the ovarian.....prostate cancer usually happens in males...hmmmmm...looks like oopherectomy will be in my future

PSK07

Yeah, they're related. Fun times, fun times. The first time I saw my PCP after my BC she was hitting the referral lists for a gastroent. and setting up appts for colonoscopies.  Now everyone thinks I'm over 50.

My MIL had 3 feet of her colon removed (unrelated to BC) and there is still plenty there for normal bodily functions. While they were checking it all out, they found some probable cancerous polyps, but she's had her colonoscopy since the surgery and everything is AOK.  My mom had BC, has had several polyps removed over the years, but she'd rather be safe than sorry.

Next time you see the doc, give her the hairy eyeball and remind her that sometimes flip remarks aren't so funny.  If she's as great as you say, then it should all work out.

take care, hope it all comes out ok.

Anonymous

So should I feel a little assured that I am not brca 1 and brca 2 positive? 

Of course, Doctor Do Little was not available.  

Someone tell me to stop calling Dr. Google.  I started to feel assured as I was reading one site and read some hoo-haa about "a polyp with a wide base is most likely cancerous." 

Then I read that one of the symptoms is extreme tiredness, and I have been EXTREMELY tired for a YEAR.  I could even go back to the quack who I was sent to and yell, "WHY DID YOU BLOW ME OFF!!!!" because I was sent to someone last January when I said how tired I've been feeling.  He attributed it to the stress of losing my Dad. 

Lexislove-I had the colonoscopy because I noticed a feeling of fullness and bloating in my abdomen, and had also noticed some dark stool (twice).  I did the fecal occult test and tested positive for blood. 

One other thing I forgot to mention: I thought I was supposed to be under twilight anesthesia.  I thought I was supposed to not feel a thing. 

WRONG! 

I remember feeling the procedure start and SCREAMING that I could feel it.  I remember screaming that it HURT and BEGGING for more. 

Why didn't they fix it?  That was awful.  I remember reaching up and grabbing for the nurse who was there and squeezing her hand. 

Awful. 

Anonymous

Whoopsie

Did you have issues with alot of heartburn?? I am fighting extreme fatigue that has never gone away and am taking tamox so attributed it to that but since the heart burn started a couple of months ago and seems to be a daily thing Im beginning to wonder as, like you, Dr. Google was NOT helpful at all....scarey actually...

There is also colon cancer in my family history but since Im under 50 no one has ever ordered a colonoscopy....Ive been trying to convince myself to call and make an appt with my primary for the heart burn but am fearful that she will start this ball rolling...

I know, I know, better early that too late!!!!!

Thanks

Jule

Anonymous

Jule, yes, extreme heartburn has been an issue. 

From this experience, all I can say is GET YOUR BOOTY IN THERE AND GET CHECKED! 

Member_of_the_Club

Did they remove the entire polyp?  My understanding is that when they can do that, the cancer is gone.  poof.  Cured.  You will be monitored more closely in the future for new polyps.  I insisted on a colonoscopy after I finished bc treatment, even though I was only 43, because my grandfather died of colon cancer so unlike bc there was at least that in the family.  The gastroenterologist said that having had bc increased my risk for colon cancer, but only slightly.  He said it was enough to get a colonoscopy because I wanted it, but probably not enough to push the procedure on someone not interested.

shelloz1

I'm brca1 & 2 negative, recently I was at my Genetics counsellor and was discussing my family history with him.  I have an Aunt, grandmother (and her 2 sisters) that had Colon cancer, my father had prostrate cancer, my uncle had thyroid cancer, an aunt with Malinoma and 1 aunt that had breast cancer and then pancreatic cancer.  I was very concerned after having IDC that there was some connection to these other cancers, but he said I shouldn't worry.  Recently I have read that there may be a connection to Colon and Breast cancer, and am now worried, does anyone know what the chances are, I haven't seen a lot of women on the board talking about Colon cancer.  I did have a colonoscopy 2 years ago and it was fine.

Jpann, I have been having a real issue with heartburn, it's been around 4 months now, the doctor said it was my age (can you imagine).  I did a stomach US and they said I have a small hernia, so I'm guessing it's from that.  I take Losic every day, it helps wonders.

shelley

susan_CNY

I was 50 when dx with colon cancer (51 when dx with breast), tumor was a blockage so I had surgery the next morning. My surgeon told me that the tumor had been growing at least 10 years.  I was treated with weekly infusions of 5FUand leukovorin for 6 months. So the ten years earlier than dx of relative kicked in, my oldest girl was 30 when insurance allowed her 1st colonoscopy, she had 2 polyps removed then. She is now 35 and will have her 1st mammo next month. Early screening is so very important.

Springtime

Hi Ladies,

I have my first colonoscopy next month <gulp> really looking forward to the prep, NOT!!!  When I was in mid chemo for BC, I went in to see my proctologist about hemmarhoids and fissure, and he said, oh we should do the colonoscopy now as BC and CC are "related". (My onc said I had to wait until the end of chemo, surgery, and rads, etc).

This whole thing has me NERVOUS!!!  Needless to say, I do not want COLON C down there!!! But, only one way to find out. I thought b/c I had a CAT scan (during BC staging) all was clear, but apparently, this is not a good way to tell?

A friend wtih BC was told she needs to go every 5 years now instead of every 10 for her colonoscopy...

UGH. 

Springtime...

shelloz1

Hi Springtime,

My Proctologist also told me that I should have mine done every 5 years, but it seems to me a far stretch.

Good luck with your colonoscopy (it's not that bad really)!

Shelley

susan_CNY

springtime, I love your signature, very inspiring and comforting.

sunkistmi

After my first round with bc in '06, they sent me to genetic counseling because of family history.  I had thyroid cancer in '74, my mom died of bc w/mets to bone & brain in '86, her brother has skin cancer, his daughter, my first cousin had breast cancer, my dad died of pancreatic cancer 3 months later, his sister and mother both died of ovarian cancer, my sister had colon cancer.  I was diag w/bc in the other breast in '08.  They told me at the counseling session that the bc, ovarian, colon and pancreatic could all be found on the BRCA 1 & 2, so I was all set to have my other ovary removed; one's gone already.  Imagine my surprise when the tests came back and she told me "it was all random and nothing is related".  I just don't believe that, there is just too much.  Because of the results, if I want the ovary out, insurance won't cover it because "there is no need for it to be done medically".  I'm trying to watch it very carefully since ovarian cancer is so sneaky.

I started having yearly colonoscopies immediately after my sisters' diagnosis.  This was 5 years before my diag w/bc in the right breast.  I hate the prep most of all.  The last time I went on a liquid diet for just under a week so it wouldn't be so bad.  The anticipation of it is much worse than the procedure itself.  I had been concerned that they wouldn't put me 'out' enough during the test but so far, so good.  It takes ALOT of meds to get me out and many times, they just look at my slight frame and weight and way undermedicate me.  When I have the steriod injections in my back, they give me 11 mg of Versed just to get me to stop talking and relax.  They said that they have never had anyone that needed that much medicine and they are awake and walking out 45 minutes later!  Sometimes it is hard to convince docs that I need that much and my greatest fear is being awake during the colonoscopy.  I probably should get going and get my appointment made for this year.  YUK!!!!!  But better safe than sorry.  My sister is a 7 yr survivor so we keep thinking positive.

Whoopsiedoodles, I am so sorry you had such a terrible experience.  It's bad enough when done well so I can't imagine being awake.  That's my nighmare.  Next time make sure they know of the prior experience and insist on more medication.  They should have been able to have put more in the IV tube and put you out.  I think it's bad medicine and just makes people run away even faster from having the procedure.  Early screening is so important because if caught early enough, colon cancer is completely curable.  Best of luck to you and your future test.

Take care sisters,

Wendy

mikita5

Yes, bc and colon cancer are related. Also, melanoma, as I was told by my surgeon at J. Hopkins.

PSK07

((((whoopsiedoodles)))  how awful!   It shouldn't hurt at all.  You should have been knocked out, given lovely drugs to do so, gotten a good nap, then had whatever the heck you wanted to when it was over.

As far as I know, your age doesn't matter when it comes to getting a colonoscopy after BC. Normally you get your first at age 50, but the gastroent told me that a BC dx gave me a free pass to an immediate, early, colonoscopy (I'm 47).  On her list of questions, BC was at the top; insurance approved the test w/o complaint.  This is another one of those tests you don't want to put off. 

I don't know the relationship of colon cancer to breast cancer, only that there is one and it is not BRCA gene dependent, either.

smithlme

I get my BRCA 2+ status from my dad. His mom died of BC and my dad is a colon and kidney cancer survivor. My dad had surgery both times, but no chemo and he's 83! I had my hysterectomy w/BSO last June and I'm having a colonoscopy in May. I've seen my dermatologist for a full body check and screening for melanoma.

I'll do whatever test I'm offered to stay one step ahead of this beast...

Linda

Springtime

Sun, you talked about liquid diet for days prior. What did that do for you? Less trips to the bathroom or just less "stuff" once you got to the bathroom?

Spring

sunkistmi

Spring,

When I told the dr. what I had done, I did not have to drink that awful liquid since I had eaten no solid food for the week.  It (the liquid) had made me so sick the year before that I just could not go through it again.  It not only cleaned me out from below but I vomited for over 4 hours.  I have a vertebre out of place in my back and just could not handle it, I was in such pain.  I understand there is a pill that does the same thing as the liquid drink so I may ask her about that instead but she said I scoped fine with no problems.  If it worked once, I should be able to do it again.  Unfortunately, it's not something I can just forget about and not do; not with my family history.  I still have a couple of months to get it arranged so it's not immediate, but it is sure interesting how God reminds us of things.  I had totally forgotten about it for this year with everything else going on and all of a sudden, up pops this thread.  I had read somewhere that coincidences are God's way of remaining anonomyous.  Sounds good to me.

Blessings,

Wendy

Anonymous

The GI doc who did my colonoscopy said it was good I came in because of my "strong family history"--(mom has had colon cancer twice in last 7 years, and her mom died of it.) I had it done 5 years ago (at age 47, about 7 months after bc diagnosis) and will be going for another next month. Actually, some articles I've read say you should go as early as 40 if there is a family history of colon cancer, but at least by 45. (50 is the standard for people with no family history). Now I just have to convince my older brother and sister to go for theirs!!!!! Personally, I think my mom is alive and doing well today because of the colonoscopies she had that caught her cancer early (surgery needed both times, but didn't have to do chemo or rads).

Anne

lexislove

So ...I actually mentioned this to my family doc yesterday....lol

about getting a colonoscopy, and she basically said that I was too young yet. I'm 31...she said maybe in 10 -15 years. Should I ask my onc about this?

Springtime

Lexi, I would do it. What the hay. I hear that "colonics" are good for us. lol.

Wendy, I asked for the "pills" vs the "gunk to drink" and was told that the pills were taken off the market because a few folks did not drink enough and developed Kidney issues! (I am in NC, not sure if this is everywhere!).

Spring.