I was diagnosed with this general type of cancer just before I turned 52. Colonoscopies are recommended at age 50 for persons with no history of that type of cancer in the family. Don’t be like me and delay. Maybe if I had gone in at 50, the polyp wouldn’t have yet become cancerous. Then I wouldn’t be minus a couple body parts. Do yourself a favor…call to schedule your colonoscopy TODAY if you’re of the right age.

I’m not a huge fan of Dr. Oz, but this video (kind of gross at times) shows him getting a colonoscopy. He went into it thinking…oh not me, there will be nothing wrong, etc., etc. But his doctor found a polyp, thankfully before it had a chance to become cancerous.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tS5eR0917ts

An older man I worked with for 15 years was diagnosed a year ago with the SAME EXACT TYPE of cancer as me…same location, same type of polyp. But I think his was more advanced than mine. He went through two courses of chemo, which I think was more to extend his life than cure the cancer. He didn’t have radiation or surgery…and he passed away this past Friday. RIP, sir, you made me laugh at work more times than I can count!

I’d like to close this post with a laugh, so I’m including this video of the actor/comedian Billy Connolly talking about the prep for his first colonoscopy.

http://vimeo.com/24340828

NSFW, mainly because you’ll be LAUGHING so hard!!! But language, too

Borrowed from chauceriangirl:

current time: 1:56 p.m. (a word of caution…the tone of this post will go from light hearted to not just after the “feeling good about” prompt, so…be forewarned

in my mug: Just a little bit of tea that I need to finish

in my belly: a bite size Butterfingers and most of that cup of tea

in my ears: besides the ringing, I hear folks talking in the conference room next to my office

in my bag: I just switched bags this morning (thanks, Michelle!). in it are the following: iPad and cover, two pens, 2 lips glosses, 3 zipped pouches (containing various and sundry things), a Coach wristlet, small camera, checks, coupons, wipes, brush, hand lotion, aleve, tissues, gum, mints, anti-bacterial goop, and a doggy poop bag.

feeling good about: I’m sure there’s something but it’s just not coming to mind right now because mostly I’m…

feeling bummed about: the fact that Cindy lost her husband Chris this morning, a scant month after his diagnosis of Poorly Differentiated Adenocarcenoma…fucking cancer. God damn fucking cancer. [AAAAAAAIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEE--that's the scream I want SO BADLY to let loose right here, right now, to echo the hallways at work but...I can't. Soon, in the car, on the way home. Better believe it!!!]

thinking about: how life can change in the blink of an eye

This past weekend was the one year anniversary of Brown Friday and to celebrate, we had this done:

Yup, it helps having a wicked sense of humor to get through this life!

Day 14 – Picture of something you could never imagine your life without.

Who could imagine life with an @$$hole??? I couldn’t…until I was diagnosed with rectal cancer in June of 2009. The clinic where I had the colonoscopy done is where my primary care doc is located and she referred me to the colorectal center to have it done. I just when in for a routine checkup (they recommend getting one when you reach 50…I was a bit late)…no symptoms, no nothing. I woke up during the colonoscopy, very briefly, to see a polyp on the screen. Little did I know that polyp was my enemy, and I think I woke up so I could look it in the face, so to speak (just google a polyp and draw a face on it in your mind). The diagnosis was rectal cancer, and the surgeon called me on the phone to tell me of the diagnosis. I wasn’t too happy with that, and went for a second opinion to Mass General, where I had the most amazing, kind and considerate surgeon, Dr. David Berger. He confirmed the initial diagnosis (kindly, gently, in person) and ultimately he had to surgically remove part of the colon, the rectum, the anus and all the muscles in that area. Knock on wood, I’ve been free of cancer since the surgery.

ps. aren’t you glad I used Wolf’s for an example rather than mine?!