MIDDLE-AGED WOMEN 40-60ish

barbe1958

Meant to add; that IS really funny about the cheeseburger comments!!!! hehehehehehehe (Is that what we REALLY wanted or was it a code word for the CIA???) hehehehehe

elimar86861

Momine,  I do ask which anesthesia I get.

From what some of you wrote, it looks like anesthesia for c-scope might vary; since at my center they don't use Propofol because they would need an anesthetist in the room, whereas just a nurse anesthetist is required for the Versed.  I did have Propofol for my Lx (and then woke up knowing how to moonwalk and wanted to adopt a chimp.)

Barbe, If early detection is accomplished, sometimes all that is needed is removal of a cancerous polyp.  (In that sense you can think of NativeMainer's case, where some of her 15 polyps were identified as pre-cancerous; or maybe hers would more parallel DCIS surgery, but you get  the idea.)   My CRC Dx was Stage IIIC, and for that I did get the full monty of treatment, not unsimilar to Stage III BC.  They don't use "Grade" so much for CRC, at least not like we commonly use it with BC, but they do look at the cell differentiation and the aggressiveness that it implies.

Momine

OK, one of the reasons I am scared of the colonoscopy is that I heard that they do not give you anything here for the procedure. I keep meaning to ask about that, but the bitch with Greeks docs is that they think it is a fine thing to fib to "calm" patients, so I never know when to believe them.

staynsane

I am stunned...I called to make my colonoscopy appt yesterday, and told the Kaiser nurse that I've been doing the home test for years, but I'm 55 and think it best to have the more thorough procedure.  She told me that they don't offer it until age 60!  WTF?  That's not what I've heard in the past.  Is this some new Affordable Care Act guideline?  I asked if that also applies to BC patients, and those with several family members who have had polyps removed.  She said she would check with the doctor and get back to me, which should happen this morning.

So here I am, having dragged my feet for so long, and when I finally get inspired to put on my big girl panties (or take them off as the case may be!) I'm told I am not old enough or suspicious enough to be part of the club.  We'll see about that!  Once I decide to do something, I am a really good advocate for myself.

luvmygoats

Eli - I know I got Propofol for colo. (now that my mind is straightened out) because I saw the syringe with the milky color and even remarked to the CRNA about it. No anesthesiologist present that I'm aware of. No clue what I got for LX, one of these days I guess I need to ask BS for her report. But did I tell you I'm now on the yearly plan with her.

StaySane - Interesting what diff. org consider right age. I can't speak to it since I was 60 when I had my 1st. Has your doc mentioned you having a colo? If not might be why. I know I wanted mine done in 2012 when I was on 100% paid by ins. what ever the results found. That's why 4 days after I quit my job (DH has the ins) I was getting it done.

I got a Pneumovax at PCP 2 weeks ago. Waiting to see if BCBS paid for that. Also have RX for Shingles vac. Waiting just a few weeks for immune system to settle down. Prob. will talk to my pharm. today about it when I go to get groceries. Anyone else had an immun. at a pharmacy? I also need my tetanus updated but def. have to wait a bit for that - my PCP does do that. DH and I can't remember how long it's been but has to be close to 10 years and I do live on a farmette.

Momine - on another thread lady had very minimal sedation for hers - basically awake - as she has trouble waking up from anesthesia. Surely they would give you some nice Valium or something. I wouldn't know how to remain still thru that though I did have a barium enema 16 years ago and survived that OK. The prep whatever it was for that was gruesome.

Momine

Luvmy, as far as I know, they do not use valium in Greece for some nutty reason. Anyway, I am seeing doc in a few weeks and I will ask.

MinusTwo

Momine - The first thing I ask w/any surgery is for a consult with anesthesiology.  I hated the doc w/my first colonoscopy & I hated the way the drugs made me feel.  When I switched, I had a long discussion w/my new doc about going w/o drugs.  His comment was - sure - but I couldn't change my mind half way through.  He did say that drugs are not routinely given in Europe or the Middle East and lots of patients fly in to the US for their tests because of that.  Sorry don't know about Greece in particular. 

Luv - I'm thinking about the concept of 'farmette'.  So you're going to do the shingles vaccine?  I can't make up my mind about it.  Anyone else?

barbe1958

Shingle vaccine up here is $185....don't know. Did get my flu vaccine at a grocery pharmacy last fall though with no problems. Hey, a vaccine is a vaccine...isn't it? I'd rather be done at a busy source than one where the drug may sit for weeks/months.

I got Propofol for my last scope as I recall the doc bragging that is was the Michael Jackson drug of choice. I was just hoping it wasn't the WHOLE cocktail!! 

I can't see how one could possibly RELAX enough for a colonoscopy! Seriously. I think I'd snap that bugger in at least two places if I was awake!!!!!

luvmygoats

I know insurance paid all of the Pneumovax. I talked with pharmacist today. She says I don't need my RX from my PCP. They use their own docs - must admit I don't understand the ins and outs of that but whatever works for them. I need to call my ins. to see if they will pay. Pharm. says most don't get shingles vac. until 65 so Medicare will pay for it. Both are live vaccines so have to wait 6 weeks in between. PCP was all for it and he's just a bit younger than I am (61).

Barbe - I think that is close to US but US might be just a bit higher. Agreed - knock me out so I don't give a flip.

Farmette in the sense I have barbed wire on my fence line and tend to back into things trying to get out of gates to quickly escape goaties. Also cow (and a horse and donkey) live next door and their you-know-what washes in with heavy rains. I had typhoid shots as a child in Hawaii. DM said the doc told her we needed them because where we lived used to be a dairy. Doesn't even make sense to me but know we got them. DM made us take to the bed in the afternoon for I think it was 3 shots. It was by golly gonna make us sick and bed was the best place. Not sure it even slowed DB and me down (7 year old and 9 year old).

staynsane

Colonoscopy update:  Not happening.  Nurse checked with PCP after telling him I had BC and family members with polyps removed (& mother died of ovarian cancer), but he still said age 60, unless I'm having signs of something unusual.  I've asked family if anyone has had CC since it's not something they would shout from the rooftops, but haven't found any yet.  I am ok with being vigilent and WILL demand one if I find definitive info that supports my case.

elimar86861

SnS,  That is hard to believe.  Maybe the question to ask is WHICH clinical guidelines HE follows?  I don't know what you are looking for as far as "definitve info." but this is straight off the American Cancer Society link I put on the last page:

------------------------------------------

Beginning at age 50, both men and women at average risk for developing colorectal cancer should use one of the screening tests below:

Tests that find polyps and cancer

• Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years*
• Colonoscopy every 10 years
• Double-contrast barium enema every 5 years*
• CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every 5 years*

Tests that mainly find cancer

• Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) every year*,**
• Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year*,**

*Colonoscopy should be done if test results are positive.

**For
FOBT or FIT used as a screening test, the take-home multiple sample
method should be used. An FOBT or FIT done during a digital rectal exam
in the doctor's office is not adequate for screening.

--------------------------------------------

Search the internet yourself and you will keep seeing that "age 50" just about everywhere.  Why is that?  Well, here is a lengthy articticle about CRC prevalence among adults 50 years and older.  And here's what it has to say about age:

http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/content/@epidemio...

Age

Incidence and death rates for colorectal cancer increase with age.

Overall, 90% of new cases and 94% of deaths occur in individuals

50 and older. The incidence rate of colorectal cancer is more

than 15 times higher in adults 50 years and older than in those

20 to 49 years.

The line has to be drawn somewhere.  When just about all you see is stuff like this, data using age 50 as the starting point, wouldn't you want to find out WHY your doctor seems so comfortable with waiting until age 60?  I would.

desalonde

The nurse is wrong. Get the colonoscopy. The ACA allows preventive screening colonoscopy "free"-no deductible and you seem to have add'l factors in addition to being over 50 and never had full colonoscopy.

Insist that they schedule you.

I had mine after procrastination til age 56 and had 3 large , thankfully benign polyps removed-totally no symptoms nor family history. One of those was type that-in not removed - is known to grow into invasive cancer. The GI doc actually came out post procedure to tell me how grateful SHE was that I had come in for the colonoscopy. She then advised another check in 3 yrs, which I did this year... found another very small benign but potentially precancerous type "sessile" polyp. I will repeat another colonoscopy in 3 yrs.

MinusTwo

Neither Medicare part A or B pay for the shingles shot and I understand it is expensive.  Apparently some part D (drug) plans pay but it depends what plan you've chosen.  Probably the same story with the Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) it would depend on your plan, but I stayed w/traditional Medicare.  I haven't decided what to do since I'm not sure if I had mild chicken pox as a child or not.

I know this is outside the 60ish label, but thought it might be worthwhile in case anyone is breathlessly awaiting age 65.  (ha ha)

macatacmv

Here's my experience with the c scope: Had my first one at 52, then I was told 5-10 years, right before dx with bc I was having some issues, so we started the process of scheduling another one, then that was put on hold to get through bc stuff. So last spring I had my 2nd and now am on the 5 year plan. I thought 50 was the starting age. I am now 61. Anyhow, I always like to ask lots of questions and find out what drugs they will use and such. I said I didn't want to watch, so as far as I know I was out. They used Propofol for both my lx and my last c-scope. I can see why someone would like it so much, but administering anesthesia every night is a hard way to go. 

Now for the shingles vac: I got one last year. I had to pick it up at the drugstore and bring it to the office to be administered. I had the chicken pox real good when I was a kid. My kids, too. I also got the adacel vac which is tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis all in one. My PCP wants me to be protected as much as possible. I was having lots of breathing issues after rads, so she  gave me the pneumonia one also. I am coming up on my annual physical so we'll see what else she has in store for me.

now I've forgotten who is getting the colonostopy and when?

staynsane

Thanks for weighing in regarding colonoscopies, ladies (and the recommended guidelines, Eli).  The plot thickens...my aunt told me yesterday that my paternal grandmother died from colon cancer.  She lived into her 90's, so I don't know if that will affect a decision or not.  The nurse I spoke with on Friday told me that, after checking with the doctor, 60 is the starting age (barring signs of problems).  My cell phone died Friday, and when I got a replacement I had another message from Kaiser telling me that my PCP was out Friday and that I would receive a call on Monday!  So I don't know if the first nurse was "winging it" or what, but I will voice my concerns and probably push when I speak to someone on Monday.  Normally I really like Kaiser, but they don't seem to "have my back" in this case...

barbe1958

SnS, even here way up in Canada we start scopes at 50! Would your onc be more prone to schedule you one?

As for the shingles vaccination, I haven't read up much on it. I had chicken pox when I was little (LOVED the name at the time!) so does that make me more prone to shingles? I thought shingles was the "adult" version of the pox...so if you'd had the pox you had a lesser chance of getting it. Have I been wrong all this time (like, 5 days?)?

NativeMainer

Barbe--the virus that causes chicken pox is the same one that causes shingles.  When you get chicken pox as a child (or adult) your immune system attacks the virus until it goes an hides in the nerve roots where the nerves come off the spinal cord.  Later, as in decades later even, the virus can reactivate, usually when the immune system is weakened.  The virus crawls down the nerve and that irritation gives the classic rash, itching and burning.  Often the itching and burning start before the rash, and can last long after the rash clears up.  The shingles vaccine is designed to boost the immune system's memory of the virus, and help keep it in the nerve roots and not let it out.  So, you can't get shingles unless you have had chicken pox in the past. 

barbe1958

Ahhh, a very good description! I know of two people who have had it and know it is very painful. My step-father had a morphine pump installed!!! He thought he hadn't had chicken pox and that's why he got shingles so I guess he was wrong. Another guy I worked with was just in the process of investigating why his wife couldn't get pregnant when he got shingles. He took that as an omen and they stopped trying. He thought he had a chance of becoming infertile with the shingles (but that's mumps isn't it?).

elimar86861

Since some of you seem to know a lot about the shingles vaccine, what would happen if you got the shot but never had c. pox in the first place?  I am one of those who did not have it as a child (but could have been exposed to the virus because I remember my neighbors being quarantined on their porch.)  Then, I managed to nurse my own two kids through it without sprouting any pox myself.  Kind of makes me think I must have built up immunity somehow.  Would that shingles vaccine be a good thing or a bad thing for me?

luvmygoats

Eli - I have read of having a chicken pox (varicella) titer done but no clue on the cost. I don't know the answer to your question. Pharmacist might know since they give them. My bet is you had a subclinical case but then again not sure what rxn might happen with a vac. if you didn't. Do you like to research stuff - hint, hint???

Momine

Luvmy, and Eli, I had titers done when I started college (because I didn't know my vax record and had to show proof of either positive titer or vax). The titer was simple blood test and it was not expensive (back then at least).

Loral

marlegal

Three pages back...amazing how quickly that happens! Just dropping in to say hi to everyone. Life is good in my world, just busy. Our 17-mo old grandson recently decided he likes FaceTime'ing with MomMom almost every night (goes to their iMac and keep chanting MomMom over and over till DD calls us!) It makes my day every single time he does that, but it also is at the exact time that I used to check the Boards!

Shingles - not sure if it's our insurance co or local docs or who exactly, but very strong advertising around here for anyone over 60 who had chicken pox to get the vaccine. I know several people who had Shingles and I will be making an appt to get the vaccine as soon as I hit 60.

Colonoscopy - it's 50 here for that too. My docs have been gently nudging me each time I see them. It is definitely something I intend to do within the next 3 months. There...I put it in writing, so now it's real and I can't back out

Eph3_12

"Regular screening, beginning at age 50, is the key to preventing colorectal cancer.1 The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening for colorectal cancer using high-sensitivity fecal occult blood testing, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy beginning at age 50 years and continuing until age 75 years.1" From Centers of Disease Control.

Anonymous

I'm still a page behind. Sheesh!

SnS, my ins (Aetna) has been bugging me for colonoscopy since I turned 50 (some years ago), constantly getting reminders. Am told this is the norm for cancer screening, even more so with BC. My bro (53) just found out he has shingles, don't know how that will apply to me.

Elimar, beautiful St Patricks picture.

Turned out to be an insane week last week. Saw my MO Tuesday and didn't get to post a couple of comments. About TM's: he does those routinely (CA 27.29) but he said it's another story about CTC's: he had just returned from a conference about that (he's an MO "expert" on another BC site) and according to him, many of us have them. Now, hoping I can restate accurately what he said. My understanding: however, the problem he said is that they haven't figured out yet (to his satisfaction) which will become problem cancer cells and which will die off or be eliminated from the body before they do damage so he doesn't care to test for that. 

So the scan on Wednesday. I vaguely remember years ago that some time prior to procedure, red meat shouldn't be eaten. Wasn't given that direction. Only no raw fruits and veggies, nuts, seeds or pop corn beginning two days prior scoping (so, for me, that's tomorrow). Tuesday is all-clear-liquid diet, no red, purple, or orange liquids. 

Momine, since I get various PONV reactions, I get a copy of the anesthesiologists' repts from sx's medical records. Nominal fee. I keep an on-going medical history (sx's, meds I'm on both Rx and OTC and my reactions to anesthesia. I update it before/after each procedure and hand it to the admission nurse so if my Xanax slurs my speech and I'm thinking unclearly, everything is documented. I also have a separate list of questions/concerns/comments for surgeons, anesthesiologists, etc which I hand to the appropriate person. Want nothing left to chance and saves a bunch of grief and time.

macatacmv

ahhh, 2TA, it's you getting the scope. We've just been yakking about this subject since you brought it up. Good luck with your prep! Yeah, no hard or stringy things to eat. 

Also I would stay away from the green beer. 

Anonymous

Mac, am postponing St Pat's celebrations this year till after the procedure. Please have one for me and save me some green beer for afterwards! 

NativeMainer

Barbe--many people
in our parent's generation got what is called "subclinical" cases of
chicken pox, meaning they caught chicken pox and had a very, very mild case and
never noticed it at the time, so they have the virus in them, and get surprised
when they get shingles.Your friends
were warned not to get pregnant while he had the shingles becausehis wife was being exposed to the virus,
pregnancy causes the immune system to weaken some (to prevent rejection of the
baby) and if the baby is exposed to the virus during development it may die, or
have serious birth defects.It is mumps
that can cause male infertility when caught as a teen or adult.

Elimar--the shingles
vaccine is the same vaccine given to kids to prevent chicken pox, it just has
another name for adults so more adults will accept it.If someone hasn't had chicken pox they can
get the chicken pox vaccine and will also be protected from shingles.The shingles vaccine is more like a chicken
pox booster vaccine than anything else.You probably had a very mild case as a child and it was never picked
up.You can be tested to see if you have
the antibodies, that will determine if insurance will pay for a chicken pox
vaccine or a shingles vaccine.Antibodies present, insurance will cover the shingles vaccine.Antibodies not present, insurance will cover
the chicken pox vaccine.Same vaccine,
just have to have the correct label applied.

barbe1958

All great info Native!!! But, if it's the "same vaccine" then why does it matter how someone tests?

And 2TA, thanks for the CTC update, that too, is why I don't bother getting blood work done for them as they are no indicators of anything at all!

Momine

Barbe, if a titer shows that you have a good amount of antibodies to XYZ already (due to prior infection or vax), then there is no reason to vax.