Wednesday, November 4, 2015

A SERIOUS POST! SERIOUSLY!!!!! It's about the BIG C WORD!

See this little girl?
Well, that is the ONLY cute thing in this post!
image-unknown
You know I don't talk about
serious issues often, right?

I don't like controversy so I don't 
promote my religious beliefs 
OR 
my political beliefs
OR 
post my opinions on controversial subjects
on my blog.

BUT TODAY
I want to talk about the 
DREADED COLONOSCOPY!
As Joan Rivers used to say...
Can we talk?
I am many years past the time when
I should have had my first one.
Finally, my doctor, 
bless her little black-spirited heart said-
GO GET YOUR COLONOSCOPY DONE IDIOT
(the idiot was implied).

Let me just say-
I cancelled my appointment 
SEVERAL TIMES.
I won't tell you how many because it is downright
EMBARRASSING.

You know what is 
NOT EMBARRASSING?
Having a colonoscopy!

I was prepared for the worst.
I simply DREADED the PREP 
that was coming.

Guess what?
It was NOT AS BAD as I thought
it was going to be.
The worst part was drinking 
"the koolaid".
There are two kinds:
The kind you mix with a gallon of water
OR 
The Elmer's Glue awful stuff that comes in 2 bottles
to which you add a cup of water .
I had the Elmer's Glue awful stuff.
THAT was the worst part for me-
getting that down.
The bathroom "end of it all" was not 
nearly as bad as I expected.
No cramping or miserableness
just a feeling of
GOTTA GO...and you GO!
After "drinking the koolaid" 
I was still able to sleep about 5 or 6 hours
in one stretch the night before the procedure.
Crazy, huh?

The morning of the procedure
you check in and they give you a relaxant
and then you can opt to watch the procedure
IF YOU WANT TO...
otherwise they will give you something to make
you forget the whole procedure.
MyHero wanted to be PUT UNDER and has 
NO MEMORY of anything happening at all.
I opted to be awake.
I was awake when they discovered a
WALNUT SIZED POLYP.
I was awake when they took it out and
sent it off to be biopsied.
I was awake when they sent me home with
instructions not to lift anything more than 
TEN POUNDS for TWO WEEKS.
Seriously?
My left ankle weighs more than that!

Anyway,
I got the news yesterday that the biopsy is
ALL CLEAR-NO CANCER.
Whoo-Hooo.
NO BIG C FOR ME!

Now here's the
REALLY FUN PART.
I get to go back in 
THREE YEARS 
and do this all over again.

Let me just urge you-
IF you have NOT had this done--
and are at the age 
when you should have had it done--
please do it.

Had the polyp been malignant
I would have had a very good chance
that it was contained and treatable.

Don't let embarrassment or fear
stand in your way.
If I can do this -YOU can do this!
Now- PICK UP THAT PHONE
and call to make your appointment!
NANA SAYS SO!

Ummmm-that being said 
I WILL NOT
be wearing this T-shirt!
Have a great day---
and PLEASE make that appointment!

your photo name

87 comments:

Jemma@athomewithjemma said...

Wonderful news on the biopsy! I am so thankful that you went to the Doctor and had your colonoscopy, they aren't so terrible and they actually continue to improve the prep. When I had my colon cancer at 40 years old, the preps made you sick, but not so much anymore.
Just make sure you go back for 3 year visit and stay on top of this.
xo
Jemma

Kathy said...

This is a wonderful post. I am so glad you are free and clear. People don't realize that colon cancer can spread to other parts of the body (which it did in my dad's case) and eventually kill you. Get it done while it is little and easily treatable.

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

The time between taking a medical test and getting the results is difficult. I know what a relief it is to get an all clear result. You are absolutely correct. It is an easy test and no one should be frightened and put it off. It is life saving.

Kim said...

Whew! SO relieved to hear that you got the all clear! Looks like we both got good news this week. Yay! So they may be scary, but these screenings are necessary, I agree. My sisters had breast and colon cancer. Both were caught early during routine screenings. You would think I wouldn't be such a baby about going to get the tests done. Geez. Well, I am THE BABY, so maybe it makes sense. Congrats and enjoy the week, my friend!

Julie's Lifestyle said...

Wow I'm so glad that the results came out good and that you had the polyp taken out and it's all ok!
It's very important to have this procedure done once you reach a certain age.
I hope you enjoy the rest of the week!

Adam said...

3 years? That stinks, but I'm glad yours went okay

Preppy Empty Nester said...

Great post. I know I need to go get mine done. So glad you got good news!

A Grandma’s Blessings said...

I am so glad everything came out ok,,(no pun intended!! ) I have had several of these done and never look forward to them. I like not to know what's going on at the time, you are brave. The first one I had, oh so many years ago, I was awake .....that cured me.
Enjoy the day!

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

So glad to hear the polyp was benign...good you caught it when you did. Thank you for sharing, Diana!

Anonymous said...

Oh, Diana! I'm so thankful you're okay! Don't feel alone. I too avoided this for way too many years and when I had it done there were three little inverted polyps and I get to go and have another one in February, my three years are up! :) You take care of yourself and I only have too words for you - MILK IT! :)
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Lori said...

I had my first this year... put me totally to sleep and it was done and I woke in the curtained room. Clear! Now, every friend we have is nagging my husband to have it done. Last night while out to dinner with friends, they finally convinced him. It takes a village sometimes!

Laurie said...

Oh my gosh, I was a wee bit worried there for a second. So GLAD you are ok!

Vee said...

Very glad for the good news! Guess we can call you Katie now. =D And goodness, it's your blog, talk about anything you wish.

S H Elliott said...

Good for you! My doc did not give me the option of watching...but he gave me pics. Ha! I return next year. That prep I had was horrible. Weird grape flavor that was the worst cool aid I have ever tasted. Ha! I was not embarrassed at all. Everyone else was there for their same procedure. Ha. Sheila

Susie said...

Diana, I am so happy for you. My brother had a bit of colon cancer removed and the dr. told all of us siblings to get checked. I think three of us has been checked...I do not understand why the others have not. It's not fun to get any tests done...but to hear you are in good health is nice. At first my dr.made me get one the following year...then they said every five years and now I think it's ten. Whatever. Too many cancer have no tell tale signs...so if one can get a test to rule certain kinds out, they should get it done. Blessings for continued good health, xoxo,Susie

Sonny G said...

good for you Miss~! glad you had it done and all is well. Thanks for telling us what the procedure is all about. Mine is scheduled for feb. and now I wont have to worry about it so much...

xoxo
Sonny

Laura @ duke manor farm said...

oh good for you. you brave thing staying awake for that. Not me when it's my turn.

Cristina Garay said...

I'm so glad to hear everything is OK, Diana! You made me laugh with the Elmer's glue stuff :D

Anonymous said...

I hear you! Congratulations on no cancer! I had my first one at 52 and the ten year anniversary is coming fast. I'm scheduling it again. You're right there was nothing to it. My doctor didn't give me the option of watching. I'm kind of glad too. Chicken, I know! So happy about your good news!

Anonymous said...

Happy for you you Di have thumbs up. . I had to have that procedure every year when they found out what was happening inside me. Now this time. I am clear for 10 years unless any of my symptoms occur. Right now. I am feeling fine. I have never experience them finding a pulp ever. I am on medication for what they found. So singing for joy. I can go anywhere now. Each one of us women get different results back and some have to take meds and I am one and others not. . So yes the colonoscopy is a Gods blessing we have those test.

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Congratulations sweet friend on both counts! Colonoscopy is over and was not bad in itself and you caught the polyp on time; no big C.
God is good and I am thrilled to hear it!
We're off to our daughter Sofia's house, a 3 hour ride tomorrow, where the international airport is on our way to Miami for the birth of our new granddaughter.
See you early December, I will not be blogging all this time, as babies take lots of our time. I posted saying goodby, but couldn't not come and comment on your great news dear Dianne.
Love you and happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
FABBY

Penny @ Penny's Vintage Home said...

What a great post! My dad was 44 when he died of colon cancer so I am very pro colonoscopy! hugs...

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

Thank goodness for your good news, Diana. You are so lucky to have found that polyp early!! I'm so glad for your biopsy news!!! Thank you for reminding us all to get the dreaded test done! Too many die young of this cancer!!!! Now relax and enjoy your life! I know you will!! xoxo ♥

Patty Patterson said...

I'm glad the polyp was non cancerous and that you are fine. But drinking the Kool-Aid reminds me of the Jim Jones thing. What if its deadly? Nope.... I'm not drinking it. No way! LOL

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

I think the world of you for posting this! So many people are scared of things like this, but your post will put them at ease. I love how you explained how it all works because that's what so many of us are curious about. I guarantee you've put many people at ease and probably even saved a life or two with this post. You go, girl!!! So happy you had great results too! Yay for that!!!

Down On The Farm said...

Thankful for good test results. And proud of you for being so open about the procedure. I have to have my first colonoscopy next year and its reassuring to know its NO BIG DEAL!!! Hoorah for you my friend!!!

Estelle's said...

Oh so happy for your good health news! What a brave girl! Thank you also, for sharing how your experience was! We can always be grateful for our health! Wonderful Diana!

living from glory to glory said...

Hello, So glad for the good report for you! I just wanted to mention that some people after having bowel surgery can not have a colonoscopy done, also a few have had a perforated colon injury and almost did not make it. So as you can see how when you can't have this done it is troubling. I try not to think about it as the last few have been unsuccessful. It is not something I will try to do again, and mine you I still had to pay for it!
But for most it can be a good thing to do! Hugs

Pondside said...

Good for you for writing this and hitting the 'publish' button. Even if only one person is prompted to have the test it has been a real service.
I love your sense of humor!!

God's Grace Overflows said...

That's great news Diana! Even in the most embarrassing dreadful moments you still make it funny and very interesting. ;0) Those seem to be the things you have to do the older you get. At least you survived to tell your story....
Have a great day!
Hugs, Amy

God's Grace Overflows said...

That's great news Diana! Even in the most embarrassing dreadful moments you still make it funny and very interesting. ;0) Those seem to be the things you have to do the older you get. At least you survived to tell your story....
Have a great day!
Hugs, Amy

Pam Kessler said...

So happy to hear it was all clear!

Penny @ Penny's Vintage Home said...

I just read your note about having to prove you are not a robot to leave a comment on my blog. I was not aware of that....how do I get it off!!! hugs...

RachelD said...

Just dropping in to say THANK YOU for visiting from bj's happy blog! She's just the dearest person, and insisted on inviting her friends in to visit at LAWN TEA. What a treat to know you grew up near TOWANDA!

Thank you from my heart for joining us, and for the sweet words of encouragement---next week will be my seventh blog-anniversary. I have two other little spots in which I write about Southern things---PAXTON PEOPLE and DYED IN THE COTTON---all just little remembrances of growing up in a small Mississippi Delta town.

I hope you'll drop in again soon!

rachel

Connie in Hartwood said...

I am another person who has put off a colonoscopy. I know it's not as bad as I have heard ... offering no excuses. Now I'm thinking that this should rise higher on my list of things to do. Thanks for the gentle elbow in the ribs this morning.

SImple and Serene Living said...

I had my first one last week. I opted to be knocked out. I had a "diminutive polyp" so I will be going back in 5 years. I had put it off for eons also. It isn't the worst thing ever. The prep isn't fun, but the worst part of that was the nasty stuff. Glad you went. xo Laura

Ann@A Sentimental Life said...

Glad you made it through it!

20 North Ora said...

such good news!

Judy

Our Hopeful Home said...

So happy to hear and appreciate your sharing this story. I'll have to fill you in on my daughter's experience via email! xoKathleen

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

I KNOW, I KNOW, I KNOW....I haven't had one ever...and with my sister having rectal cancer...I WILL, I WILL, I WILL have one!
Happy that you don't have cancer...
warmly,
deb

p.s. sister's surgery went better than doctor hoped, because of GOD and so many praying for her!

Simply LKJ said...

Praising God you got good news. I young, 30s, woman I know through Bible study and church was just diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer after thinking she had the flu!! Scary.

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

Glad yours went well - may need to find out the name specifically of what you drank. Omg, just bleck.

Red Rose Alley said...

This is good news, Diana. : )

love to you today,
~Sheri

Tessa~ Here there be musing said...

Had 'em and had 'em!

Last time, was told no more needed.

Guess the insurance companies have figured out, that after a certain age, they will pay less to treat an old person for cancer. Than the cost of continuing to pay for old people's colonoscopy tests.

Because you know, that every single thing about health care, every Rx written, every test covered, etc., etc., etc., are determined by the "bean counters" at the Insurance Companies.

Tessa

An Oasis in the Desert said...

That is such good news, Diana! I had put off having a colonoscopy, too, for longer than I should have, so I completely understand. When I scheduled mine, I was having some stomach issues and had an endoscopy at the same time.....so, yes, I was being invaded from both ends! The last thing I remember saying to the doctor was to please not get those scopes mixed up! I wasn't given the option of being awake, and I would not have wanted to be awake! You are braver than me!

LostRoses said...

Good job, Diana, and great news! The anticipation of the procedure is the worst part but so damn glad when it's done!

Barb said...

Diana, so glad all is well.

Thank you for this! God bless you.

Barb

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Yay! Good news on the results. I had a tiny polyp removed and it's time to have another scope done. I was knocked out and I remember feeling great for several days afterward like I was really rested up. lol! But I have to say, I hate being put under....that's the worst part for me.

Chatty Crone said...

THANK GOD YOU GOT IT BEFORE IT TURNED CANCEROUS! I had the exact thing happen to me when I was 50. I am finally now going to every 5 years! Get cancer early! Good for you and going.

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

Good for you, Diana, for being proactive and taking care of yourself! So glad that things turned out well, too! Only you could make me laugh describing a colonoscopy! I needed a good laugh and a happy ending today! xo Karen

Sweet Tea said...

So thankful you PASSED the test - sweet relief!!
Wonderful post!! I've had this done a couple of times and am soon to have another one.
Yes, I hate medical things, but it is necessary and doable, even for the faint of heart like me.
Can't believe you watched!!! Not me!!

Marilyn @ MountainTopSpice said...

Whew! I am behind on blog reading, and I had just visited Kim's site where she was talking about her C-scare, and now yours! What! Anyway, so thankful that you, just as Kim, are C-free... Praise God! Indeed when it is time for me to have one, I will. Colonoscopies do save lives. A great shout out to encourage those side liners to have it done. :)

Junkchiccottage said...

Woooooo Hoooooo this is great news. So happy the results were great. So happy for you.
Kris

Boopnut said...

Glad everything turned out okay. Wish I had YOUR doctor back when I had my colon. My prep and colonoscopy were horrible. Maybe because it was so diseased? Well I am happy for you!
Deb

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

I did a little dance around when I read the god news yea yea yea. am so happy that everything is fine. Hopefully you will be up and running around with your VA friends.
Have a wonderful weekend Diana.
Hugs to my special friend.
Mary

Nonnie said...

Yay! So happy for you. Good job! I still haven't made my appointment. I will get this done before the end of the year. Watching is NOT for me. Give me the knockout. That t-shirt is funny!

bj said...

So glad it was all ok. I had my 2nd one last year and all was clear....I have an appt. for another one in 5 yrs...(at almost 78, I doubt seriously that I will be around to keep that appt.)...my best friend, however, had to have part of her colon removed as they discovered cancer....it is a test that every one should have done.

This N That said...

You had me scared there for a minute..glad everything was good?. Great advice. If you had waited longer the outcome could have been much different. I've had three or four of those. It's the prep that's bad ... Nope, no fun at all. The procedure is a piece of cake. I'm sure it's very comforting to have a good report.

Carla said...

Colon cancer is one of the most treatable cancers there is if found early! The prep has GREATLY improved. I had to drink 64 hours of a salt solution with lemon flavoring. Truly awful but that was 20 years ago. So glad it was benign.

Carla said...

64 ounces

JennyD said...

Whew, Great news!! It was the same for me: first time I was scared to death, but when I realized that no one cared, that all they saw were hind ends, well, they never saw my face so it didn't matter. That test showed all fine. Another 10 yrs goes by and time for the next. Rats, 2 polyps, but had they not been found, now that would have been a problem. So here I am, time for the next one and only 3 yrs after the last, but that's the way it works. No biggie, I can do it and it's no longer scary, just a....pardon this....pain in the butt. Messes up your plans for a couple of days, but it's better than messing up your life. So Diana, good for you! Let's all raise our hind ends in exaltation and cheer! We all have to do it, so there's no reason to ever feel like hiding again. (and oh, by the way, you know that country enameled sink? The big, deep one with the cabinets underneath? That is MY sink in my very old kitchen. I love that thing and wouldn't trade it for anything. The only drawback is the porcelain draining "sides". Takes up a ton of room that I would have liked as counter space, but ohhhhh, it's so darn charming, isn't it?

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Diana, So glad your new was great. I have to admit, your post just arrived in my inbox and the title gave me a scare. Thank God you are okay! Yes, it is so important after a certain age to have this test. So glad you wrote this post for those that are scared of the procedure. It really is not bad at all. The drink is worse then the test.
Have a great evening. Blessings xo

Jan said...

So glad your biopsy was benign-mine was too! I also go back in 3 years. My grandmother died of colon cancer back in the early 60's, so I don't mind getting it checked regularly. You're brave to be awake-I was glad to be "knocked out"!

Kirby Carespodi said...

Could have told you it was no big deal...that was a big polyp, though!! I have diverticulitis, so I go every three as well. Lots of water, girl!!

Stephen Andrew said...

Such wonderful news! Congratulations! Sounds like it was a grad time! Lol

Gypsy Heart said...

Outstanding!! I've had polyps each time I've had one and thank God they've all been benign. So, like you, I am "privileged" to have one of these experiences every 2-3 years! I think next year will be calling my name. :) I totally agree that everyone should have them...many situations have been discovered and many critical issues avoided.

Glad all is well my friend!
xo
Pat

AnnMarie aka Vintage Junkie aka NaNa said...

So glad you are all clean inside! I had mine late too but it is done and I just have to figure out when I am supposed to go back!

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

Good advice.... one of these days I'll get one done!

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

Forgot to say- glad everything was ok!

Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home said...

So glad all went well! I keep putting it off😳
Blessings,
Cindy

Beemie said...

Welcome to the colonoscopy club...my meetings have been held since 2005 when I too went for my first colonoscopy at the young age of 43 due to family history. Woo-hoo...my prize two pretty polyps that if had been left unchecked would have been the C -word by the age of 50. I have had 3 colonoscopies since and due to go again next year. Each time my parting gifts have been polyps...I will drink the glue and continue to go because I intend to be around for weddings and births of future grandchildren. I am happy that you went also, next time I am mixing and drinking my glue I wll toast to you.

Heaven's Walk said...

Oh I'm so glad, Diana! I had my first one 2 years ago (I kept putting it off too). I suffered through the prep. Was extremely nauseated and couldn't even finish my solution, and was so weak and dizzy the next morning. Ugh. But the procedure was a breeze and I had the best sleep ever during it. lol Luckily, I don't have to back for 8 more years. (Praise the Lord.) So glad that you're spreading the word about how important this procedure is!

xoxo laurie

Rose L said...

So glad to hear, all is clear!!!!

Anonymous said...

A friend's colonosopy was scheduled for St.Patrick's Day and to celebrate he put temporary shamrock tatoos on his backside. The doctors and nurses loved it and everyone had a good laugh.

Nellie said...

The same thing happened to me, Diana. When I went back in three years, all was clear, and the usual time for me to return now is a few years away. It is such a relief to hear that your polyp was not malignant! xo Nellie

Cozy Thyme Cottage said...

Hi! So glad that you had good results! I am afraid to write that I will be 76 in a week and have never had one done. I don't mind the actual procedure. It is the fasting and prepping! Bad me! Nancy

At Rivercrest Cottage said...

I was out of the office for a while with a back surgery in 07 when my supervisor called me one day to tell me goodbye. She had decided to retire. She told me she and her husband were changing insurance companies and they required a few procedures to ensure "all clear". She was 55 and grudgeingly agreed to a colonoscopy. It saved her life. They found cancer and removed part of her colon on the spot! She decided to retire and "smell the roses" and warned all of us to go get it done! Needless to say, I went right away as did my husband. And we bought had one done again last year. Glad you got an all clear too. Just thought I'd share that even if they find a problem, it's better to catch it as soon as possible.

tammy j said...

the best words in the world to hear... it was benign.
XOXO♥

jmac said...

Giiiiirl......you singin' to the choir on this one!! I just had one after my gyno has hollered at me for last 5 yrs. Same thing....I couldn't stand the thought of that prep. But I did the one where you only have to drink 8 oz of junk three times. Bam....done. And now???? I'd almost give anything to be back in that wonderful lala land that I was in after it was over!!!!!!! Heaven, I tell ya!!!

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

Wonderful news!

Feral Turtle said...

Ahhhh that is such good news Diana!!! I am so happy for you and glad that you can put it out there and tell others to get it done!! Cheers to you girl.

Kelly said...

I'm so glad that your polyp wasn't cancerous! I'm sure they want to see you back so soon is because you had a polyp to begin with. At least you got it removed because it could've turned into cancer if it wasn't removed! That's the magic of a colonoscopy. They can remove it right then and there. I'm always asleep when they do mine. I don't want to see inside my colon or think about what they're doing! Ha Ha.

Leena Milligan Lanteigne said...

Excellent advice! I'm really glad that it wasn't a bad experience for you. The next time, you won't worry about it at all! One question - did you order the video or the 8x10 glossies? So happy that you got great news! Hugs, Leena

Carla from The River said...

Great news. xx oo
Carla

Cathy @ My 1929 Charmer said...

I'm happy everything came out OK.

June said...

Such a great post Diana!!!!!!!!! SO glad you had this done. It is so imprtant! I opted to be out for all of mine :))) Not as brave as you. Wish I hadn't because whatever they gave me made me throw up the whole way home (30 miles of the total trip of 60 miles) hubs was thrilled, as you can imagine :)))) They did find a polyp and it was not cancer either, but glad it's out of the way. I never felt so squeaky clean in my whole life after
drinking the clean-out stuff though.
sending hugs...

Amy at Ms. Toody Goo Shoes said...

So glad to hear that you are "all clear," Diana! Bravo to you to doing this public service post! It's so important!