Colonoscopy and Endoscopy while on chemo?

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AnewBeginning
AnewBeginning Member Posts: 536
edited August 2015 in Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After

Hi

Has anyone had to have a colonoscopy or Endoscopy while on chemo? I was due for my 2 year colonoscopy when I started my chemo but MO said it had to wait until I finish chemo which will be many months from now. I am having issues and saw my gastroentorologist and he wants to schedule me for both. Has anyone been in this situation or would you know why it is not good to have. MO never said why and I didn't question it at the time but I wonder what the reason is. Could it be risky?

Any and all advice welcome.

TIA

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  • Jackbirdie
    Jackbirdie Member Posts: 4,693
    edited August 2015

    I think they like to avoid any "procedures" of any kind (even dental work) while on chemo. Not sure all the reasons, but immune system suppression affecting healing, more prone towards infection, being in a hospital or surgical setting where there are germs all would be in play.

    Having said that, depending on the severity and risk of your other situation, gastroenterologist could trump MO. They should probably have a chat about you and decide who takes precedence.

    Good luck. It does seem cruel and unusual punishment to have those and chemo at the same time. So sorry.

    😥


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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited August 2015

    anew - when are you done with chemo proper? Herceptin isn't chemo so as long as your blood counts are OK you can have procedures while on it - people do exchange surgery or begin reconstruction while on Herceptin only all the time.

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  • AnewBeginning
    AnewBeginning Member Posts: 536
    edited August 2015

    Jackbirdie, Kayb and Special K

    Thank you all for your input. I spoke with MO and he said absolutely not until 2 weeks out from Taxol so maybe we will get an answer from the stool test or abdominal sonogram........

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  • AnewBeginning
    AnewBeginning Member Posts: 536
    edited August 2015

    kayb

    I have 3 more Taxol.......cant wait to finish!!!!

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  • sas-schatzi
    sas-schatzi Member Posts: 19,603
    edited August 2015

    They're is a risk with either procedure of micro tears. Why are you on a two year plan? What are you're issues? Each specialist has their body part or system. They all think that whatever they are following has the highest degree of need.

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  • AnewBeginning
    AnewBeginning Member Posts: 536
    edited August 2015

    Sas-schatzi

    I am on a 2 year plan because each time polyps appear and 2 years ago I had a tubular adenoma which my gastro dr explained turns to cancer. He explained this week it takes a long time so he's not thinking it is cancer but my problem is when I have a bowel movement I am seeing undigested food and he is concerned with that and of course I am thinking the worst.

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