HNPCC Survivor » January 2007

January 31, 2007

I am a pharmacist who was diagnosed with colon cancer at the age of 42. I feel that by sharing my story, it may benefit other colon cancer patients, and may even encourage people to seek prophylactic screening.

I have a strong family history of colon cancer on my father's side of the family. I requested a colonoscopy when I turned 40, but was told I only needed a flexible sigmoidoscopy. My flex sig results were normal so I was relieved. Approximately 18 months later, I was having GI problems, and again requested a colonoscopy, but my healthcare provider felt my symptoms were due to food issues, and said she would keep me on an every 5 year schedule for colonoscopy.

Long story short, I ended up in the emergency room with severe anemia 6 months later. A colonoscopy was done which showed a large tumor on the right side of my colon. A CAT scan revealed a tumor on my right kidney. The good news is that I am still here to write about it almost three years later. More to follow in future diary submissions.

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