Over the last twenty-five (25) years, I have had seven (7) colonoscopies. I have dreaded each one as I have a horrible reaction to the prep. My worst fears came true Monday morning, April 27, 2020. I have a large malignant mass (tumor) on my colon. The Doctor did not seem alarmed when he walked by to tell me my son had been summoned to come to my bedside. He said he wanted to go over instructions for the two of us to follow. No visitors were allowed due to the Coronavirus so I automatically knew there was a problem. We were told of the findings, given instructions and sent immediately to the lab for more blood work.
I go for a CT scan (Chest, Abdomen and Pelvic) Monday, May 4th to see if this ugly invasion has spread.
I meet with a Surgeon at Moffit Cancer Center on May 14th.
I have to complete my medical profile in Moffit Cancer Center Portal.
I was in extreme pain after the Colonoscopy as the Dr had a difficult time getting a biopsy and had to move me around. I think the device was similar to a rotor rooter.😄 Each day is a little better.
The shock was and is enormous as I have been so diligent getting tested every 3 - 5 years. My last colonoscopy was August 2017 and there were no signs of this. My Mom had colon cancer in her mid sixties and then rectal cancer in her late eighties. If she ever had fear, she never let on and graciously accepted this was something she would get through. She was very religious and knew God would see her through any obstacle put before her. I took care of her when she had rectal cancer. She never felt sorry for herself, never asked, “Why me” and held her head high through all the adversities of radiation, including cyber knife and chemotherapy. With a heart of gold, tenderness and caring, she never complained even when the affected area got blistered. Mom was two weeks shy of her 93rd birthday at her passing. I must remind myself of the example she set as I wonder if my character will match hers.
I am so grateful to have my son, Matthew and his wife, Nicole, in my corner. Not only was I was overwhelmed with the diagnosis but the prospect of having to make calls and set appointments was too much. I asked my son if he would help with the calls and he and Nicole took the reins and handled everything.
On a lighter side, I got my 1st tattoo Monday. The Dr tattooed the mass.😄.
I am trying to take and make something positive out of what lies ahead. . .
1) I will drop the impossible pounds that haven't budged in a year
2) I may get back in my good jeans with room to spare
3) If my hair falls out, I will have all kinds of head wraps and wigs to choose from
4) Maybe my hair will come back thicker and have waves
5) No housework, No cooking
6) I will get enough attention and pampering to last a lifetime
7) From the picture on the Internet, Dr isn't bad looking, maybe a little young, but at least he will be up on the latest medically
8) LaLa Land is a good feeling and the meds after, wonderful!
I wonder if I can get the 'Mass’ (tumor) bottled so I can see the tattoo.
