Waiting for a diagnosis is the worst torture!

[lindrusso]

Hi everyone. I hope you don't mind if I vent my fears and frustrations here a bit today. Mamasue's post about Kari's stepfather was a bit eerie for me yesterday.

DH went in for a colonoscopy yesterday because of suspcious symptoms and, unfortunately, they found a tumor. It was too big to remove during the procedure, so they biopsied it and now we are faced with the longest week ever as we wait for the pathology report to come back. Whatever the ultimate diagnosis, DH will require surgery to remove the tumor. One positive note is that the doctor seemed to think it was contained within the intestinal wall, so if it is cancer, then perhaps surgery will take care of it.

He is turning 38 this Friday. It's been a bit of a shock. I'm trying to hope for the best, but it's so hard to keep the mind from running through all the awful possiblities. A week of this knot in my stomach is not going to be a pleasant thing. DH seems pretty positive at this point and can even joke around about it.

We haven't told anyone yet. His mom is a terrible worrier who is dealing with many problems of her own right now (a husband in the early stages of Alzheimers and a brother who has drunk himself into a nursing home at the ripe old age of 41), so we don't want to tell her anything until we get a definite diagnosis. My parents are on vacation. My best friend is married to DH's brother, so I don't want to talk to her until DH decides to tell his brother.

Thanks for listening. I'm heading to the gym to try to work off some of this nervous energy.

Alysha

[ebobbitt]

(((((Alysha)))))

[Gilgamesh37]

just wanted to send you big ((((HUGS))))

[Kayaksoup]

hope that it is good news. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. How frightening.

[KristinK]

Alysha, how nerve-racking! Please keep us posted about the diagnosis. Meanwhile, I'll be sending lots of good thoughts and prayers your way!

(((((Alysha and DH)))))

[wallycat]

((((((((((((((((Alysha)))))))))))))))))))))))

Waiting is always the worst!!!!
Your DH and doc have a good attitude...WORST case it is contained...best case it is just a polyp that will be removed and he will be screened regularly from now on with no ill effects.

Unfortunately, I am also a worrier and I know just how you and your mom feel :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

I'm sending prayers and thoughts your way.

[MrsReber]

Alysha- so sorry to hear this! My own DH went for the same test about 2 weeks ago. I was worried about it, but he joked about it and didn't seem worried. It's their defense mechanism. When DH came home after the test (and after being given a clean bill of health), he admitted how worried he really was. He has much cancer in his family.

I will be thinking of you and praying that everything turns out okay. Remember, early detection is the key here. They found it and it will be removed. That is a good thing. I understand how worried you are, though. Hope the gym helped some!

[Natasha]

Another worrier checking in...

I'd like to wish you all the best as you wait for the diagnosis. Please know that my thoughts and good wishes are with you!!

Natasha

[Leisa M]

(((((Alysha and DH)))))

Take care. I am sending good thoughts your way.

[linsleyd]

sending many positive thoughts and many hugs your way!

[LaraW]

Alysha, just wanted to offer my prayers and support. Good luck getting through this difficult waiting period, and I truly hope that you've got good news to hear next week.

(((Hugs))) to you and DH!

[Laura]

Hi Alysha, I am sending prayers for the best results, and peace during the wait. Laura

[gertdog]

(((((((Alysha and DH)))))))) Sending good thoughts to you.

[KathrynY]

(((Alysha))) Sending prayers for the best possible test results, and caring thoughts as you wait.

[Terri-Lynn]

Hi Alysha,

I hope that you and your DH recieve some good news soon, I will keep you both in my prayers.

Terri

[NewMrsG]

As everyone else, I'm thinking of you and hoping you get through the week as quickly and painlessly as possible. My DH was diagnosed with cancer 3 years ago and I remember the week of waiting for the biopsy results like it was yesterday. Keep yourself as busy as possible and we'll all be sending prayers and good thoughts your way -

[syzygy]

More good thoughts and prayers wending their way across the country...
(((((Alysha & DH)))))

[SueK]

(((Alysha and DH))) Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way....

[Jessica]

Sending positive thoughts your way. ((((Alysha and DH))))

[clairea]

(((((Alysha and DH))))). You will be in my thoughts.

Claire

[JenZen]

I'm sending thoughts your way. I'm would be sick all week if I were you. Medical issues tend to scare me to death.

Here's hoping all is well.

Jennifer

[Shirley Panek]

Prayers heading to you and your DH from Maryland. ((:())

[BarbaraL]

(((((Alysha and DH))))) Prayers and positive thoughts coming your way from New Jersey. Take care of yourself and DH while you anxiously wait. Hope the test results are negative.
Barb

[stefania4]

I will keep you and your DH in your prayers. And good for you for finding a constructive outlet for your nervous energy!

[lorilei]

Oh, Alysha - I, too, am a worrier. And things like this never seem to be easy!! I'm sending you lots of strength -- and happy thoughts. You and your husband will get through this!! Remember that.

Will keep you in our prayers.

[RunnerKim]

(((Alysha)))

Kim

[RebeccaT]

Oh Alysha, I cannot imagine the stress and concern you must feel. You, DH, and your boys are in my thoughts and prayers this week as you wait for the news.

((((Alysha and family))))

[slknight]

Sending hugs to you Alysha. I am the most impatient person in the world, and have been through similar situations, so I commiserate with you about how difficult this is for you. I am sending you calming vibes to get you through the next week, and will be keeping you and DH in my thoughts and prayers.

Susan

[lindrusso]

Thanks everybody.

It feels a bit better just to get it out there. I tend to be a talker when I'm stressed and I just can't talk about it right now for the reasons I listed above. I do have good friends here in town, but it's a small town where news travels fast :rolleyes: and I don't want any information circulating out there before we find out anything definite.

I think it will get a bit easier after today. I'm still getting used to being by myself all day with both boys going to school full time, so I need to make sure to keep busy (which is pretty easy to do, but still a bit lonely). I had DH here all day yesterday (recovering from anesthesia), so it was easier to be upbeat and positive. Being left alone to allow your mind to wander....not a productive situation! Working out felt good, though, so I'll make sure to keep that up.

And I need to get a few things ready for DH's birthday on Friday, so that will help. :)

Thanks for your good thoughts and prayers. They mean a lot. I know we'll get through whatever gets thrown our way, I just wish I knew what that was.

Alysha :)

[Mamasue]

((((((((((((Alysha))))))))))) I know its hard right now but please think postive. My MIL is a colon cancer survivor and she went through chemo and radiation in her seventies. I will certainly keep your DH in my prayers. Take care.

[Kay Henderson]

Wow! How scary! I will be thinking of you all week.

[gabbyh]

Alysha,
You and your DH are in our thoughts and prayers...I am a terrible worrier also...so I can imagine how you must be feeling...many, many positive vibes coming to you all from Florida....

~Gail H.

[maizeyoats]

Alysha.....I am praying for you and your DH. It's the truth the wait is worst part.

[funnybone]

I'd like to add my thoughts and prayers to your DH. I'm sure it isn't easy having to wait though.

[sharris315]

You know, Alysha, nearly all of the colon irregularities discovered are found to be ok--so you and DH have cause to be totally optimistic. BUT...having to wait a week, I'm sure, is miserable--I have never understood why these things cannot be hurried up, knowing how awful the wait is.

You're wise to keep busy--you'll get through this. Hope you'll get that good report sooner than a week!

Shar

[shoefling]

(((Alysha and DH))) Sending more thoughts and prayers your way.

[phantomcg]

((((Alysha and DH))))

I'm sure that the next week will seem very, very long for you. In fact I'll bet that, whatever the test results, the waiting will be the toughest part of this.

I'll be keeping both of you in my thoughts and prayers.

Cheryl

[Beth]

Amen. Been there. Try to keep busy and keep remembering that most cases are NOT worst cases. Hang in there girl. We'll be here when you need us. ((( )))

[yorkshirepud]

*hugs*

My thoughts are with you and your husband.

Adele

[Pico]

Prayers for you both. I know how hard it is: waiting, wondering, hoping for the best... Whatever the diagnosis, I'm sure you'll make it through this. (You've got us on your side, right? ;) )

[Wendy w]

((((((((Alysha & DH))))))))))

Sending positive thoughts to both of you.

[Molli526]

(((((Alysha & DH)))))

You and your family will be in my prayers.

[ErinM]

Ugh! Waiting is HORRIBLE! I will hope with all of my heart for the best news possible. Try your best not to worry about it, as hard as I know that is. I, too, can easily talk myself into doomsday scenarios, and I have to constantly remind myself that it does no good!

Good thought and karma for the best news possible coming your way!

[kwormann]

Alysha, thinking of you. All WILL be ok!! MY best friend just finished going thru this with her DH....at 26 he was diagnosed with colon cancer. He is now 30 and cancer free!!!

Things will turn out for the best!!!

[sneezles]

Alysha,
I am sorry that you and your DH have to deal with the waiting, nothing can make it easier either! Just know that you will be in the thoughts and prayers of your BB friends.

[Mareli]

I just wanted to add more thoughts, prayers and good wishes from California. Stay positive. We are with you virtually and will always listen.
Mareli

[SusanL]

((((((((((HUGS))))))))))
Hopefully the good news will come earlier, it is a sin to make patients and their families wait that long! I understand they want to be cautious but it really wears the patient and family down! Keep busy and and I know you will make Friday the best party for your DH!! We're here for you!!

[Peggy C.]

((((Alysha and DH)))) I'll keep you both in my thoughts and prayers.

[HARRYET]

Alysha,

Sending my thoughts and prayers for you and your DH.

Be thankful your husband had the peace of mind to go to the doctors, most men put the doctors off. Also remember early detection is the key!

Ann

[Alethea]

You and your DH are in my thoughts. I'm sure this waiting must be nerve-wracking! Best wishes that all will turn out okay!
-Thea

[HRJ]

(((Alysha and DH)))

I'll be sending positive vibes your way, and looking forward to hearing good news. Yes, the waiting is the worst part. Remember your virtual friends are here 24/7.

Helene

[lindrusso]

Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers.

The doctor actually got back to us today, and it was not the news we were hoping for. DH does have cancer. I think we both felt it was cancer, but we wanted to hope for the best.

Now we have another excruciating wait - from what we've been told, we won't know what stage he is in until after they go in and do the surgery.

DH meets with a surgeon tomorrow. I'm glad they are getting this rolling so fast, but I also have no idea about any of the surgeons in the area, so I want to make sure that DH takes into consideration that he can "shop around". I don't know how quickly the surgery should be done, but I'm hoping we have a little time to make sure he gets a good surgeon.

The kids are at my friend's house here in town. I needed some time to fall apart a bit before I try to face them - I found out 5 minutes before I had to pick them up from school. Poor kiddos. My oldest is so sensitive and sweet (well, they both are, but he is especially sensitive - cries at the sad parts in movies and all that) - it will break my heart to tell him his Daddy is sick (no matter how positive the prognosis ends up being). :( :(

I just wish my parents were not on vacation! I can't bring myself to call them while they are gone. They should be home sometime tomorrow and I don't want them to have a nerve-wracking drive home.

Thanks for listening again. We are praying fervently that the cancer has not spread beyond the intestine - from what I've read, the prognosis for early stage colon cancer is very good.

Alysha

[ClaraB]

((((((Alysha and DH))))))
I can't imagine what you must be going through right now - somehow we think that things like this can't happen when we're so young. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

[jmarie]

posted by maizeyoats
It's the truth the wait is worst part.

Prayers for a good report!
Joyce

[DmOrtega]

Sorry to hear about your dh. One thing to keep in mind is that medicine has changed and continues to change almost daily. Also, the human body and spirit is strong which will help in healing.

None of us know how long we will be alive, we just live day to day and do whatever we need to do to survive. Some more that others. Our family is dealing with prostrate cancer with my foster father. He is pretty stubborn and refused to see the doctor until he could barely walk. Now, he is going through hormone treatments and radiation. It's pretty hard on him and he complains about not taking another treatment, no matter what. My kids (11 & 13) are spending every Sunday morning with him. They know that he will have very bad days and they seem to be ok with that. They are very supportive and understand that it is important to take care of ourselves and leave the rest in God's hands. We enjoy whatever time we have together. Btw - he is improving.

May God give your dh, your kids and you, peace of mind and strength of body and spirit.

[Beth]

Alysha, I'm sorry the news was not brighter. I know how hard it is not to tell your parents, but I think I would also wait if they are due back tomorrow. It doesn't sound like they could get home much sooner. I will be adding my hopes and prayers that this was caught very early and all will go very smoothly.

[Abbey]

My DH's boss was diagnosed with colon cancer 2 yrs. ago, and she was only 40. She had surgery and is fine now. I wish you all the best. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Abbey

[Canice]

Alysha, I am so, so sorry to hear this news. My heart goes out to you and your family - I know how difficult this is.
If it's any small consolation, my mother was a medical assistant for many years to a doctor who specialized in that field and she always talked about the high cure rate, especially with early detection. Do talk to the doctor about finding the very best surgeon you can get. (((Alysha & Family)))

[lorilei]

Alysha -
I can only imagine what thoughts are rolling through your mind at this juncture! I thought the situation with my aunt was hard to handle -- but now I'm imagining a similar situation with my DH. Be STRONG!! My thoughts and prayers are with you -- absolutely.

My prayer will be that the prognosis is good for your DH -- and that all goes well and smoothly. I know things like this are difficult, but I also have faith that there is GOOD that comes of tough situations like this one.

Sending you hugs -- to you (personally) and your entire family.

[Sami]

Alysha, I am so sorry to to hear about DH. Know that my prayers and thoughts are with you both and I hope the tumor is contained.

Sami

[katygirl]

Thoughts and prayers your way...

[stefania4]

I'm praying for strength for you and your DH, and for a positive outcome -

Stephanie

[Laura B]

Alysha, I am so sorry to read your news. I will be thinking of you and your DH and your boys and hoping for the best. HUGS.

[Grace]

Oh Alysha, I too am so, so sorry to hear the news. I really don't have any words of wisdom for you, but I just want to say that I will be thinking of you and praying for you and your whole family. I only know from my own recent ordeal that it is hard on everyone, and I saw how rough it was on my poor DH, so I have an idea of how you must be feelinig. Many, many hugs and good wishes to you. Let us know if there is anything at all that we can do. XO

[ErinM]

Alysha -

I'm sorry to hear the news wasn't better. I'm glad that the doctor called you back earlier than expected, give you both a head start on beating this thing! I agree, the prognosis for early detection is VERY VERY good, and I pray that is where this falls into. Continue to be strong for your DH, but don't forget to take some time for yourself too, when you need it. We'll always be hear to listen!

I hope everything turns out well!

[SandyM]

Originally posted by lindrusso
We are praying fervently that the cancer has not spread beyond the intestine - from what I've read, the prognosis for early stage colon cancer is very good.

Alysha - please try to hold strong and fast onto these words.

Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family.

[SueK]

Alysha - I'm so sorry to hear the news wasn't better. I will be sending many prayers and positive thoughts your way. Please take care. (((( )))))))

[Lrimerman]

Alysha, I am so sorry for you, DH and your entire family. It is a really terrible thing to go through. My FIL was diagnosed with Colon Cancer 3 months before my wedding. He had surgery, Chemo and Radiation and now he is 5 years cancer free, and it is considered cured. There is a really high cure rate with early detection, so be positive. The surgery, chemo, radiation and all the side effects that went along with it were awful, but after about 2 years he was much improved, and able to do most of the things he was doing before the diagnosis.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Lisa

[phantomcg]

((((((Alysha))))))

I'm sorry to hear that the news was not better for your DH. Hold tight to the fact that the prognosis is good since it was detected in the early stages. I'm glad that your friend took the kids for awhile - please make sure to continue to take care of yourself as well as your family.

I'll be keeping your entire family in my thoughts and prayers.

Cheryl

[Robyncz]

(((((((Alysha)))))))))

[valchemist]

I will be praying for you and your husband, Alysha.

[Pico]

I'll be praying all the harder, Alysha. Hang in there. You two can beat this.

[AnnaSue]

I'm so sorry to hear what you are going through Alysha! I hope everything turns out alright.

[Leisa M]

Alysha, prayers and good thoughts coming from TX. Keep laughing. I have a friend who is going through chemo and radiation now, I always send her e-mail jokes, etc. She shares with others when she goes for her shots.

Norman Vincent Peal healed himself with laughter. Keep good thoughts and laugh (even if you don't feel like it), laughter is contagious. Even Dr.s say people who have good attitudes and laugh tend to heal better.

[kwormann]

Alysha, please keep us updated. We will all go thru this with you!!!

[Peggy C.]

Alysha I'm sorry to hear about your DH's diagnosis. Bigs hugs and lots of prayers for your whole family. I know you'll be taking care of everyone...don't forget about yourself.

[lhall]

Alysha,

I am so sorry. Hugs & Prayers for your whole family for a good prognosis.

Stay strong and have faith. Your DH can & will fight this. He has you and your wonderful children to help him along.

Leigh

[Tiger]

I'm so sorry for this stressful time for you. As someone who works in the medical field I've seen many cures for colon CA. Thank goodness we have so much colon that most the time it's just the matter of removing the infected section. Stay strong and hopeful.

[Kismet]

Sending thoughts and prayers to your family. So sorry that you are having to face this. (((Alysha & family)))

Suzi

[RebeccaT]

Oh, Alysha.... I am so sorry that the news wasn't better. I am praying for you and for your family, and those two precious boys, for strength as you go through this together. These are the trials we sign up for when we commit to share our lives with other human beings, and I know that your DH is so grateful to have you by his side.

((((Alysha, DH, and boys))))

[KristinK]

Alysha,

I am so very sorry to hear your news. My heart truly goes out to you, your husband, and your boys. You have my best thoughts and prayers, as well as my strongest support. Have faith and be strong.

[Kayaksoup]

I am adding my thoughts for you and your DH. And I always say that just because its cancer, it isn't the end of the world. One of my friends had a golf ball sized tumor in her brain, had it removed and underwent treatment and is now cancer free.

[JenniferJJ]

Prayers from Michigan, too.

[KathrynY]

Oh Alysha, I'm so sorry. Sending you (((hugs))) of support and strength, and keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers.

[LaraW]

Alysha, I just wanted to say that I am so sorry to hear that the news you got was not the news you were wanting. Hang in there and know that we are all here for you.

(((Alysha, DH,and DS's)))

Lara

[MusicMom]

Just wanted to add my good thoughts. Try to stay positive- it helps so much.

- Vivian

[lisas3575]

Adding my good thoughts and hugs, Alysha. Please keep us updated about the surgery.
(((( ))))

[Terri-Lynn]

Alysha I am sending you my heartfelt prayers that you and your DH stay strong. I know as a mother of two small boys that would be the hardest part, Please know we are always hear to listen.

Terri

[lindrusso]

Thanks again, everyone. It is comforting to come here and read all of your posts and notes.

I've been able to tell a few close friends in the area and even though it's therapeutic to be able to talk about it, I also feel like I'm talking about somebody else. Quite surreal. I didn't realize how hard it would be to tell other people - how do you say something like that nicely?

Well, off to mow the lawn. It's strangely calming to do the mundane, everyday, boring chores! :) And it's a beautiful, cool, crisp, clear day to boot - good for the soul.

Alysha :)

[MrsReber]

Alysha, I'm so sorry to hear the news. How horrible for you and your family. I will be praying that all goes well for your DH. How difficult to have to tell your children, too. I wish you luck with that. At least they found it and are taking care of it quickly. I have heard many positive stories about early detection in just the past few months. You know we'll all be thinking of you!!!

Susan

[clairea]

(((((Alysha and Family)))))).

Claire

[Linda in MO]

Sending hugs your way! Stay strong!
((((((((Alysha, DH, and the boys)))))))))

[HejazSunKat]

(((Alysha))) - I've been out of town for a couple of days and just catching up with the board. I'm so sorry you and your family are going through this and I hope that the news you'll be getting from the doctors concerning the stage of the disease and course of treatment will be positive. I'll be keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. Take care...

[JanetJ]

(((((((((Alisha and family))))))))))

My thoughts and prayers are with you. Stay strong.

Janet

[Jessica]

Alysha--I am so sorry this is happening to you and your DH. I am sending all my best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery.

You asked about doctors. I know Chicago magazine runs lists of the best doctors and some of them are in NW Indiana. I don't know how far you are from Chicago but a list like that might help you find some referrals if you need them.

(((((Alysha and family)))))

[Leisa M]

Originally posted by Jessica
Alysha--I am so sorry this is happening to you and your DH. I am sending all my best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery.

You asked about doctors. I know Chicago magazine runs lists of the best doctors and some of them are in NW Indiana. I don't know how far you are from Chicago but a list like that might help you find some referrals if you need them.

(((((Alysha and family)))))

Alysha, the dr who is treating your DH now will know good drs too. They can probably give you a name or 2 as well.

[wallycat]

We have never met and yet I feel like a good friend just told me this.
I wish I had some great words of comfort. I am sooooooooo very sorry that your family will be dealing with this.
Please do keep us updated if you don't mind sharing.
My thoughts and prayers will be with you.
I wish I could offer to do something :( :(

[jjsooner73]

I'm so sorry you and your family are going through this. Be strong and have faith.
I'll keep you all in my prayers.

[lindrusso]

Originally posted by wallycat
We have never met and yet I feel like a good friend just told me this.
I wish I had some great words of comfort. I am sooooooooo very sorry that your family will be dealing with this.
Please do keep us updated if you don't mind sharing.
My thoughts and prayers will be with you.
I wish I could offer to do something :( :(

Thank you Ana (and everyone else!), that is so sweet.

We're hanging in there. DH went in for CT scan today, but we may not know any results until Tuesday, with the holiday weekend and all that. I'm a bit more reassured with the surgeon and care he is receiving - they seem to be following along the course of treatment that is outlined in all the websites I've been pouring over.

Our friends in town have been wonderful with their offers of meals, babysitting, etc. Either his mom or my mom will be here with us next week when he has surgery, but it's nice to know that our Indiana family is looking out for us too. We've even had offers to get him into and drive him to the Mayo Clinic! And hopefully we won't need to take anyone up on that offer either!

Today feels a bit more normal, whatever that is, and a bit less panicky, but it comes and goes. It's DH's birthday, so we're going to try our best to celebrate a bit.

So, now our hopes for a clean CT Scan and a successful surgery next week - at this point he is scheduled to go in for surgery on Thursday morning. I hope and pray that at this time next week his body will be free of cancer and we can begin to slowly move forward again.

Thanks again everybody. :)

Alysha

[NewMrsG]

Like everyone else, I'm so, so sorry to hear that you're going through this.

My DH was diagnosed with melanoma 3 years ago, and, like you, we had no information about what stage he was in, etc. until we met with the surgeon. We had already planned an out-of-town weekend and were supposed to leave town the day after he was diagnosed. After some discussion about whether to postpone the trip, we decided to go and try best we could to "forget" the diagnosis, impending surgery, etc. And it was honestly the best thing we could have done at the time - there was nothing we could really do at that point and it was nice to spend time enjoying each other and pretending we didn't have to deal with this for a few days.

I don't mean to make this about us, just wanted to pass along something that was helpful to us and let you know that I, like others, very much feel your pain.

Jori

[linsleyd]

Alysha, my thoughts and prayers are with you and DH and your family throughout the next week. Stay strong and be positive!

[MrsReber]

Alysha, I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Enjoy every bit of it! I'll be thinking good thoughts for you and your family.

[funnybone]

I'm just seeing that you got the diagnosis. I'm sorry it wasn't what you had hoped for. DH's cousin had colon cancer surgery over a year ago and is doing fine. She's only 38 now. Just think positive thoughts - try not to worry. I know it must be easier said than done though. I'll keep you and your family in my thoughts.

[d_ferrero]

What Ana said!

It amazes me how we can come to care so deeply for a group of people we've never met face to face. Although I don't have the words to take the pain and the fear away, please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers Alysha. Please let us know if there's anything we can do out here to make this journey easier for you and your family. Hugs!

[Beth H]

I am sorry to hear the news about your DH's diagnosis. Wishing you good thoughts during this difficult time. Perhaps we all need to make sure that our DH's get this test on a regular basis.

[DmOrtega]

Originally posted by Beth H
...
Perhaps we all need to make sure that our DH's get this test on a regular basis.

This is good advice for both men and women.

[Natasha3]

Alysha,

I didn't see the update until now. I am sorry that the diagnosis wasn't what you'd hoped for, but will remain optimistic as you are, and will keep praying for the best for you all next week. It's nice to know that you have support from family and friends (and, of course, all of us). Take care of yourself.

Best wishes,
Natasha

[lindrusso]

Originally posted by Beth H
Perhaps we all need to make sure that our DH's get this test on a regular basis.

That's what's scary. They don't generally do these tests or even recommend them until 50 years of age or older unless there is a family history.

I have read that if you have a history of colon cancer in your family, you should get tested 10 years before the age at which your family member was diagnosed. Guess what I'll be getting my sons for their 27th birthdays???? :D

Take care of your husbands but don't forget about yourselves, ladies. I have read one sight where it says that women and men are at equal risk for colon cancer, whereas the Mayoclinic site claims men are more at risk. Also found this: The leading cancer in women, regardless of race, is breast cancer, followed by lung/bronchus and colon/rectal in white women, and colon/rectal and lung/bronchus in black women.

Alysha

[newcook]

Alysha,
I just wanted to add my well wishes and prayers. May the surgeon's hands be guided, may health and healing overtake your DH, and may courage and peace be yours.
Daniele

[sharris315]

I'm sure this is the hardest thing you've ever faced, BUT you WILL all get through. The prognosis is good--and you'll be looking back on this years from now...just remember that "this, too, will pass." My best thoughts and prayers are with you.

Shar

[KimKelly]

Alysha, we wanted to add our hopes and prayers as well. Know that you will be in our thoughts. I hope for stregnth for you and your family. I think it is almost harder for something like this to happen to the husband as they are generally the "providers" and really aren't used to being taken care of.

Kim

[lindrusso]

Originally posted by newcook
Alysha,
I just wanted to add my well wishes and prayers. May the surgeon's hands be guided, may health and healing overtake your DH, and may courage and peace be yours.
Daniele

That was beautifully written, thank you. I will keep your words in mind for others who, in the future, may be in need of the same kindness and comfort.

Alysha :)

[boisewinesnob]

Since school started I haven't had much time to be hanging around the BB, so I just read about your DH. I will be praying for you all!

[NancyR]

..............what everyone said times 100..........

[mst]

Thinking of you all. I am wishing good thoughts for your family and especially your DH.I am glad that your husband went for the colonoscopy, and hopefully, you all will have caught the cancer early.

As a society, we need to be less afraid of colonscopys and realize that they can save lives. So, everyone out there on the board- get checked!

Enjoy your weekend. Experiences like this remind us all to live life to the fullest.

[Guest]

I am so sorry to read about your husband's diagnosis and pray that his treatment will be successful.

[Lisa W]

Thoughts and prayers from PEI.

Lisa

[jazzcat]

Alysha,

Wishing you, DH and your family comfort, strength, and the best possible news to come. Sending you a huge HUG.

Beth