Colon Cancer related to breast cancer??!?!

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  • sunkistmi
    sunkistmi Member Posts: 287
    edited March 2009

    Oh Whoopsi,

    I'm praying for a sense of calm and peace while you have this awful wait and for only good news once you get it.  Thank you for the beautiful pictures of the elephants.  Our two elephants from the Detroit Zoo were sent to a wonderful place I think in TN to live out the rest of their lives in natural surroundings.  Somewhere I read that Winky had died recently.  I'm sure the other is grieving since they form such strong bonds.  This was a very special pictures of the two sisters.  I love your comparison to the sisters here at bc.org.  I totally agree.  My thoughts are with you and I send you a big hug.

    Blessings,

    Wendy

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  • Kindergarten
    Kindergarten Member Posts: 4,869
    edited March 2009

    Dear Deb, I just prayed for you. I especially asked the Lord to get that doctor to call you now!!!!!! Hang in there, God bless you, Kathy

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  • AnnNYC
    AnnNYC Member Posts: 4,484
    edited March 2009

    Oh Deb -- that SUX!

    They told you this morning at 9 AM that "the results are on his desk" --right???  I'm so mad at them for making you twist in the wind like this.  All I can think is that MOST doctors, when there's not-good biopsy news, are under legal/time pressure to let you know ASAP.  So while it's evil of them to take their sweet time telling you -- probably bad news would be lighting a fire under their collective butt...

    That's my story...  they're just a**holes, but you're good.

    ((((((((((hugs))))))))))))

    Ann

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  • TenderIsOurMight
    TenderIsOurMight Member Posts: 4,493
    edited March 2009

    Whoops,

    I'm thinking since the Doc knew you were calling and asking and worrying that if the results were positive, he would have taken a moment to say so when you called. It's against human nature to "want to delay" news, especially hard news and especially when the patient has the gumption to call. It makes the knower of the news look bad to his/her staff, and makes him or her feel bad for not offering pro-action. You'd have to be a bit of a control freak if you can't own a patient when she's suffering so.

     I'm praying and all twisted up for you that this is all benign. I think it's time to get a new GI doctor too. Better kharma.

    Best,

    Tender 

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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited March 2009

    Wendy, you are too cute! You made me smile in all this stress. Tennessee isn't where elephants go for "natural surroundings! LOL

    Whoops, we just went through this with you! Why can't your doctors be quicker to respond...you are in my prayers.

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  • suemed8749
    suemed8749 Member Posts: 1,151
    edited March 2009

    Deb - Thinking back on the last 14 months, they've always called me ASAP with BAD news. The good news - I've always had to call them. Shoot, my breast surgeon didn't even bother to call me with the results of my last MRI (all clear for my remaining boob) - I had to get it from my onc.

    Hoping that that's what's going on for you! What a day you must have had - do you have any fingernails left?

    Wishing you ALL the best - Sue

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2009

    This is what I posted on Facebook.  It's just too long to re-type. 

    At 4:57 they finally called. It wasn't even the Doc, it was the assistant.

    "Deb? Doc wanted me to call you and explain. The portion of the polyp that was biopsied was benign, but Doc wanted me to remind you that doesn't mean the entire polyp is benign. He wants you to get it removed and not take any chances."

    Well, first of all.............DUH. Like I'd keep the stupid thing in me. Let's see, I've had a borderline malignant mucinous cyst on my right ovary that was removed by emergency surgery just weeks before my wedding. That was a result of my own stupidity and a lack of insurance coverage after college. I knew I had a cyst, and it was not able to be removed by laparscopic (sp?) surgery. I let it grow for a year and stupidly could have killed myself with ovarian cancer.

    Then, there was that whole breast cancer thing. I had infiltrating ductal carcinoma as well as ductal carcinoma in situ. Therefore, I know all too well about cancer in one spot of the tumor and not in the other.

    I pelted him with question after question.....how big was the polyp? He didn't know. What was my tumor marker result? 1, which is in the normal range (praise GOD for that one, but of course I would rather it be zero!). Is it called pre-cancerous because it is a polyp, or because the cells are pre-cancerous? All polyps have the chance to be cancer. How many tissue blocks were taken? He didn't know.

    So, I don't feel relief. Not completely.

    What I do feel is gratitude. I have amazing friends. You are all an astounding network of support. Cancer has clearly shaken my confidence in many ways, but it seems clear that even while I am shaken, I still have strength.
    Please keep thinking of us, and praying for us. I still have surgery ahead. It will be my 12th! Yikes.

    So, there it is.  I don't feel like jumping for joy, but I feel better.  When the assistant told me to call my PCP (who I don't exactly love) to get referred to a surgeon, I bluntly told him I was going to go to U of C, where I trust the care I receive. 

    Zing.  (!)


    I love you, dear Elephants.  Love and prayers, Deb

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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited March 2009

    Whew, not bad, Deb. You can stay in my prayers tho.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2009

    Hugs, dear elephant sister!  Thank you! 

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2009
    Deb - JMO - ANY Dr who lets his patients continue to worry when HE KNOWS that you're worrying is total arrogance and disregard. Isn't is a Dr's job to ELIMINATE fear whenever possible! (And to have a patient awaken during a procedure -H-E-L-L-O! wtf is wrong with him! Was he extremely late today because one of his sugical patients awoke during a procedure and he couldn't figure out how to knock 'em out!) He has the bedside manner of a terrorist. And his nurse sounds about as empathetic as a hungry Alligator. My gawd... this just infuriates me... sorry. I just had to vent on your behalf. Hang in there... you have lots of empathetic elephants surrounding you and holding you up. Keep us posted.
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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2009

    Deb - We were posting at the same time!

    I'm glad they called back. But not glad that you didn't get EVERY question answered... you have every right to know the answers to any question you may have.

    Okay... deep breath... one step at a time... good bye terrorist and hungry Alligator - U of C - here she comes! Hang in there!.

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  • mzmiller99
    mzmiller99 Member Posts: 894
    edited March 2009

    Deb - what is it with surgeons??  They should be made to take courses in compassion and communication, along with cutting and chopping 101!

    Hugs and prayers.

    Susan

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  • ADK
    ADK Member Posts: 2,259
    edited March 2009

    {{Deb}}

    I am so glad you called and got them to give you some information.  Please try to concentrate on the good news that the portion that was examined is benign.  Also, even if the worst happens, colon cancer when caught early can be 100% curable.  Colon cancer is slow growing and beatable.  In 1992, I had about a third of my digestive system removed because of Crohn's and my quality of life is just fine.  We've had similar issues - I had an endometrioma the size of a grapefruit removed from my right ovary and 3 years later, I had a cyst removed from my left ovary.  Finally in 2006 after the BC dx, I had everything taken out. 

    I know it is hard, but try to distract yourself from worrying about it.  You said it best with your quote about worrying - it doesn't do any good.

    We are here for you. 

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  • Curlylocks
    Curlylocks Member Posts: 1,060
    edited March 2009

    Glad to hear that you got some answers, sorry it doesnt give you 100% confidence yet.  Come on April 12th hurry up......

     Michele

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  • candie1971
    candie1971 Member Posts: 4,820
    edited March 2009

    Deb, hugs to you and prayers. At least you got some answers. It sounds like good news as we know for sure a big part of it is b9...so now praying for the rest to be b9....you will be in my prayers.

    Hugs and prayers

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  • sunkistmi
    sunkistmi Member Posts: 287
    edited March 2009

    Hi Barbe,

    Yeah, I know TN isn't "natural" natural but it's better than the hard ground and cold of Detroit in winter.  I'm glad I made you smile, it did sound kinda funny.  I just remember the news report when they showed them getting off the truck and they didn't know quite what to do.  The enclosure at the zoo wasn't real small but it certainly wasn't what they were going to live with for the rest of their lives.  It made the front page of the News when Winky died.  Guess its better than reading about another murder.

    Deb, I'm so glad you at least got some kind of answer.  I will continue to keep you in my prayers as you approach your next surgery. Know you are loved.

    You ALL are.

    Blessings,

    Wendy

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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited March 2009

    Layne! You threw a prescription at a cardiologist? You are my new hero!

    I once had a doctor fire ME because he kept saying I was drinking alcohol as my liver tests (Gamma GT) were too high. I was the one that found out Nexium raised them. He wasn't too pleased at my detective work so he "fired/canceled/cut-off/didn't want to hear from me again"! Doctors just can't stand being wrong.

    The one I have now listens to everything I say as he knows I am very in touch with my body and research a lot. He prescribes stuff to me from Dr. Google.....hehehehe. I haven't been wrong yet! 

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  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited March 2009

    Deb and all.,

    Phew, so far so good in step one. Now to get the sucker out. 

    What an idiot. that doctor, the office. I second the sister above who said "All doctors should be patients". 

    I don't know if any of you have read, "Anti cancer, a new way of life" book, but the author is a medical Dr. who goes through being diagnosed with brain cancer (twice) and elaborates what it was like for him, a doctor, to be the patient. It changed his life and attitude.  (not surprisingly!)

    Too bad a doctor had to get cancer to "get it". 

    Spring....

    PS. I am confessing this: at first glance I thought the elephants were having SEX!!!! lol.

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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited March 2009

    Well we know what's on Springs' mind.....wrong thread dahling, go to the Mojo one!

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  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited March 2009

    Layne, hit him in the forehead, I am cracking up... LOL

    Springie

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  • cp418
    cp418 Member Posts: 7,079
    edited March 2009

    I have no family hx of female cancers (breast, ovarian, uterine, etc) but my father was dx with colon cancer age 78  surgery only and now age 87.  I have two maternal uncles dx with prostrate cancer in late 70's.  I was dx with IDC when I just turned 49 so they would not BRCA test me based upon my lack of family female cancer hx.

    I am very fair skinned and have had about 6-7 moles removed in the past where 2 were precancerous.  Frankly I always thought I was high risk for Melanoma and breast cancer was not on my radar screen when I was diagnosed.

    I had my first colonscopy done age 51 and was told to return in 3 years due to my father's colon cancer.  I used the Fleet orange drink cleanser and tolerated it (hate the taste). My internist implied there was an association between breast and colon cancers.  IMO there is also an assoication between family hx with prostrate cacner as it is also hormone driven.

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  • candie1971
    candie1971 Member Posts: 4,820
    edited March 2009

    I had a colonoscopy and endoscopy done at the same time a year and 1/2 after my bc dx. I had 2 polyps removed from the colon..one was benign the other a ademona which my gastro doc said was precancer. The endo showed a hiatel hernia and a wart on my esophagus (p). he said nothing to worry about there. He removed the wart. I had been complaing of acid reflux and heartburn Gastro doc said it was from doing cytoxan by mouth for 6 mnths. I take a pill every night before bed and as long as I watch what I eat (ehich I dont most of the time) I dont have it as much. I have to have colonoscopy every 3 years. The prep wasnt that bad..I did the lightly stuff (cant remember the correct name) I didnt use the flavor packet as I thought it might make it taste worst. I didnt take the pills along with it either. He put me on a special diet for the week before which is why I didnt think I had it so bad. Now why didnt they remove that polyp and why do they have to do it surgically?

    Hugs and prayers

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  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited March 2009

    Candie, where is that in your pic? I was born and raised in NJ...

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  • Joviangeldeb
    Joviangeldeb Member Posts: 213
    edited March 2009

    I'm actually going through some of this myself.  I had a ct scan of the pelvis and lower abdomen on friday and am awaiting the results.  We think I've got Diverticulitis but my medical Doctor and my surgeon wanted to find out what exactly is going on.  I've been suffering for 2 weeks now.  N/V, low grade fever, lower left abd pain that comes and goes but is never really bad, diarrhea/mucus.  I'm tired of this and hope it goes away soon. Even tho the symptoms point to Diverticulitis, I can't help but be scared that maybe its colon cancer.  The waiting is the worst.

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  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited March 2009

    Jovi, amen sister. The waiting is the worst... hang in there.

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  • Joviangeldeb
    Joviangeldeb Member Posts: 213
    edited March 2009

    thanks, Springtime.

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  • susan_CNY
    susan_CNY Member Posts: 276
    edited March 2009

    Calcium and vitamin D. Their potential roles in colon and breast cancer prevention.

    Garland CF, Garland FC, Gorham ED.

    Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of California, San Diego 92093, USA. cgarland@ucsd.edu

    The geographic distribution of colon cancer is similar to the historical geographic distribution of rickets. The highest death rates from colon cancer occur in areas that had high prevalence rates of rickets--regions with winter ultraviolet radiation deficiency, generally due to a combination of high or moderately high latitude, high-sulfur content air pollution (acid haze), higher than average stratospheric ozone thickness, and persistently thick winter cloud cover. The geographic distribution of colon cancer mortality rates reveals significantly low death rates at low latitudes in the United States and significantly high rates in the industrialized Northeast. The Northeast has a combination of latitude, climate, and air pollution that prevents any synthesis of vitamin D during a five-month vitamin D winter. Breast cancer death rates in white women also rise with distance from the equator and are highest in areas with long vitamin D winters. Colon cancer incidence rates also have been shown to be inversely proportional to intake of calcium. These findings, which are consistent with laboratory results, indicate that most cases of colon cancer may be prevented with regular intrelation to bone health. [Evid Rep Technol Assess (Full Rep). 2007]

    was vitamin D-fortified milk. Vitamin D may also be obtained from fatty fish. In addition to reduction of incidence and mortality rates from colon cancer, epidemiological data suggest that intake of 800 IU/day of vitamin D may be associated with enhanced survival rates among breast cancer cases.

    PMID: 10668487 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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  • Jasminn
    Jasminn Member Posts: 51
    edited March 2009

    I haven't read through this whole thread, so I apologize if this has already been mentioned...but yes, there is a link between colon and bc, and it is a different gene mutation than the BRCA 1 & 2.  My BS just sent me in for another blood draw 2 weeks ago to check for this genetic mutation.  Unfortunately, I don't know the specific gene they are looking at.  She also said that they usually don't test for this unless there is a specific reason or concern.  Hard to get insurance to cover it.  I got approved because I was adopted, have no idea what my family history is, and am relatively young for ILC (43). 

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2009

    Well, my appt is tomorrow to see what my primary says about all this heartburn....wish me luck ladies....will let you know what she says.

    Hmmmm, gall stones??  When I had the mri for my original bc dx the surgeon asked me if I knew I had gall stones...I didnt but at that time 2 1/2 yrs ago he said that they were small and nothing to worry about...makes me wonder!!!!

    Jule

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  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited April 2009

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

    I found this on another thread, and am posting it for Deb.. If you pray, please pray for her and pass on request for prayers. Spring.

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

    Posted in: Recovery, Renewal, & Hope + Moving Beyond Cancer, Created: Mar 31, 2009 06:07 pm
    Taking a break from the group

    Hey ladies,

    I'm breaking my own oath just to beg for your prayers. Please, oh please, oh PLEASE........

    I just got back from from a 6 hour day of 3 doctors. The first doc (PCP) says "whoa, that is big, you gotta get that polyp out ASAP" He proceeds to call a surgeon in front of my face and talk about how "she has to get in right away, she has a very large tumor." I get scheduled to go to the surgeon right after the colonoscopy follow-up.

    Colonoscopy follow-up: doc who did it was just a total peach (not at all the demon I remember). "This is okay! No big deal at all, just get it out because these types of polyps can grow to cancer in 6-12 months." Then he gave my son a tickle and left.

    Huh?!

    Then, I get to the surgeon. By that time I am a freaked-out mess, and am thankful for my baby. The surgeon seems to be directly related to my old rads oncologist. He had an immediate calming presence. I loved him immediately.

    He asked all sorts of questions about my bc, and I told him everything. He asked about my reconstruction, and sounded very curious, so I told him what I tell every single person who is curious.

    "It's all right if you see them."

    He got embarrassed, and said it was because his daughter was about to have surgery for breast cancer. He got teary.

    I loved him more.

    He then got serious. This is where it got scary.

    "We treat this as though it is cancer. It may have been benign for your biopsy, but it is a large-based growth, and has obvious potential to grow into cancer or already be cancer. We will (ICK) cut out a large portion of the polyp and re-structure your colon. The polyp is where the colon bends, and that is why it was not able to be removed already. We will check the lymph nodes to see if there is involvement there, and if there is, they will decide what kind of chemo to give you."

    I gagged. "CHEMO?!"

    "You will have to go on a liquid diet immediately and do a colon cleanse. Your surgery will be this Friday."

    I cried. "AGAIN?! I HAVE TO CLEANSE AGAIN?!?!?!?!??!?!?!!?!?"

    I wailed. I wept. He hugged me, and opened up Daniel's chocolate milk.

    He hugged me and said, "remember, this is a major surgery. You will be in the hospital 5-7 days. You will have restrictions."

    I whispered, "Please make me okay. Promise me I'm okay."

    He whispered back, "I will do everything I can."

    So, I am breaking my vow to ask ANY and ALL of you to please submit my name to any and ALL prayer lists you know, please splash this post on every appropriate thread on our sisterhood site, and please, even if you don't believe in God, please just hope with all your might that I am okay.

    Thank you ladies. Thank you for the notes of love and affirmation, too.
    Please, ask everyone to pray for whoopsiedoodles. I don't care if you say my name, either!

    I love you, and have missed you so very much. Please, spread the news to the other ladies that I am having a surgery where they are removing what they are pretty sure is cancer

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

    I found this on another thread, and am posting it for Deb.. If you pray, please pray for her and pass on request for prayers. Spring.

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