The Beginning - Colonoscopy & Diagnosis

I have had some history of cancer in my family. My mother died a difficult death of pancreatic cancer at the age of 48. My father passed at 85 of colon cancer, but the age was considered advanced enough that it was not necessarily considered hereditary. But when my younger brother had polyps removed during his colonoscopy, I knew it was way overdue for me.

The procedure was easier than I thought, both the prep and the actual colonoscopy done expertly by Dr. Stein MD were really not difficult. I just used light sedation instead of a full MAC (monitored anesthesia care), so I could follow the procedure on a separate screen provided. The first two polyps were removed and no surprise, but when we hit the cecum at the end of the road (right ascending colon), there was a large mass visible. I knew I had a problem, but with a breath felt quite calm about it!

The reported results in the consult a few minutes later were no surprise. Dr, Stein expected the samples to be benign, and he recommended Dr. Bertelson for a surgeon.

Despite the fact the colon cancers tend to be slow growing, I felt compelled to act and line up the needed actions and decisions. I was not happy, but felt calm and collected about the situation.

We had our consult with my surgeon, Dr. Bertelson, one hour after the first diagnosis.