I turned 50 in July 2021. During my annual physical in January my doctor had made sure that I knew it was time for my first colonoscopy. With no history of issues in my family I did not feel this was an urgent task. I was officially scheduled for the procedure in July, but as the date approached, I made some excuse for why it wasn’t going to work for me. My colonoscopy appointment was then moved to November 10.
On the morning of the 10th I woke up and headed into the clinic. My dear friend accompanied me, and we made plans to have some fun after
the procedure, knowing I was probably going to be a little groggy, the plans were going to be pretty low key. As I went back and prepared for the colonoscopy, I was nervous of the unknown, but the hospital staff were wonderful. They wheeled me into the procedure room, and I was quickly put to sleep, not knowing what I would be waking up to.
As I came to, I remember my doctor standing over me. I was in and out of it but understood enough. They found something that was not supposed to be there, and my life would be changing. That definitely woke me up! A nurse from the Roger Maris Cancer Center came and broke it down very clearly. She used a word I never wanted to hear, tumor. Very quickly I had a series of appointments scheduled including a CT scan and blood work. Luckily all of my tests were scheduled for the same day, so I would not have to wait long for answers. Also, because things were moving so fast, I was in a state of shock and not truly understanding everything that was going on. The day moved along quickly and soon I was home alone starting to comprehend everything, and reality started setting in.
I continued to go on with my life without letting the pending news slow me down. The following Monday, during a work meeting I received the call I was not truly not prepared to receive. My doctor called to tell me the biopsy results are indicating I have colon cancer. COLON CANCER – WHAT? ME? Did they call the wrong person? You could have knocked me over with a leaf.
Shortly after my news I met with my surgeon, and he indicated we need to get surgery scheduled. He did an incredible job explaining everything. He felt good about what he was seeing through the blood work and the CT scan, but he would not know all the details until he operated. He explained the stages and what it all meant. I was blessed that my sister, who is a nurse, accompanied me to this appointment. I was so thankful to not only have another set of ears, but a knowledgeable set of ears. We left the appointment feeling hopeful. The words that stuck in my head at that point “This is very treatable.”
As the days went on, I found myself digging deeper into what those words meant. What treatment would I need? How will my life change? Will this kill me?
Surgery was set for mid-December. So much time to think. Anxiety was at an all time high. Aside from a c-section and wisdom teeth removal I had never had surgery. I had no idea what to expect.
The morning of December 10 finally arrived. We had to be at the hospital by 5:30 in the morning and for that I was thankful. I was ready to have this surgery and start the next stage of this journey. Everything moved very quickly and before I knew it, it was over. I woke up in my hospital room ready to start my recovery. I was incredibly fortunate that I had a very smooth and uneventful recovery. I was in the hospital for three days, at home recovering for a total of three weeks and was back at work as planned.
Six days after surgery I received the call we had been waiting for. When I looked down and saw who it was my heart froze a bit… What would my results be? What stage was my cancer? What treatment will I need to go through? The news was the absolute best news ever. I was diagnosed with stage I colon cancer. All of my prayers had been answered. Since then, I have met with an oncologist and I will go back for a CT scan in 6 months, but he is fully expecting everything to be ok.
I have learned so much from my experience, but one lesson I want to share is the importance of getting your colonoscopy. When you turn 45 get your colonoscopy and if you have anything that runs in your family 35. Don’t wait.
You may hear horror stories of the prep that you will need to go through.
Does the drink taste good? No, it doesn’t.
Is it a pain to go through the clean out process? Yes, it is.
But remember, these are hours of your life. Hours that give you years. There is no question. I will tell you one date that I will never forget. November 10, 2022. The date my colonoscopy saved my life.
Heather you are amazing! Having seen my nephew go through this it is hard, painful and scary; but you are strong, you are beautiful and you can do anything!! Thank you for sharing your story, soothers can catch it as well!
Hugs and prayers!