gtotherizzle
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I went for my first colonoscopy for being a 45yo man. They found polyps and one is cancerous. I have a number of tests this week to see if it has spread. I found out today that depending on where the cancer was there's a chance that an invasive surgery may be needed which may lead to me having a colostomy bag permanently. If it hasn't spread I could do a smaller surgery followed by radiation or chemo. I am too pretty to lose my hair, but I definitely don't want to shit in a bag for the rest of my life.
tourniqet
Hey, 45yo man here whose hair is just starting to grow back after chemo. You got this dude. It’s just gonna be one more bullshit thing you lived through.
TheWisdomCube
I'm sorry friend. Life's been kicking a lot of people in the teeth lately. I hope the best for you
Gorglax9
I have a meme for you!
Eddyrock
Be strong soldier on…
But to help you forward here’s a hug:
1reallyhappydude
Don't panic. Just because you have one cancerous polyp doesn't automatically mean you lose your chocolate starfish. I had a rotten patch, chemo radiation, surgery, ostomy for 18 months (covid), reversed, and it's all good even with the occasional polyp. The knowledge in this area is growing exponentially even in the short time since my adventures A vaccine is in the works to keep you clean, radioactive butt plugs if you have the rectal variety and great chemo drugs.
Moose79
Dam I hope you recover quickly dude, fuck cancer
4charactersorlongerwasalreadytaken
Seems like a far strech from one badly behaved polyp to removing your rectum. How will you shitpost after?
silvimancer
I am very sorry to hear that. Had my first one at 45 as well. Here is hoping it hasn't spread anywhere. Good on you for going at 45 though. Not enough people take it seriously at that age despite it being the official recommendation now.
Kittenman15
Respects, OP. And 'a bag' is a better option than the alternative. I've gone through four or so colonoscopies ... big polyps but nothing nastier than that. Anyhow, here's hoping the best for you
diepgat
Good luck bro, here's hoping there's no spread.
Flounk
Colon cancer is SURVIVABLE! Good on you for getting the screening and sharing the results! That is how you help others survive!
Flounk
P.s. I always tell my patients, " the bag is better than dead." It's not as bad as you think, but it is a huge change to self image, and that needs recognition. You should talk to your team (especially your nurses) on how to handle that change if it comes. They have resources!
flornholio
I know it's hard, but try not to get ahead of the data. I've had family members who dealt with it, and sadly some who didn't. It's very treatable, but take it as it comes. Thank (G|g)od it was caught when it was and one step at a time.
gtotherizzle
Thank you. I am trying not to stay in my head about it, it's why I posted. I am most anxious about needing a poop bag
flornholio
Yeah - I get it. It's really hard to stay out of your head...esp given all the waiting, brain's got nothing better to do than dream up scenarios which may or may not come true. Stick to your plans, stay close to friends and family (if that helps), take it as it comes. And for heaven's sake, don't ask Dr. Google because, of course, it will always be lupus.
salunatics
Sorry OP.
IAmJacksViagraInducedErection
I relate this this gif. I'm stealing it
khora
The hair grows back. Sometime curly though.
gtotherizzle
Mine's already curly
jfifarek7
I’m ashamed to say that I went for my first one at 60 last November. Cancer found. Luckily, CT showed no spreading. Had surgery in January and they removed the section of the colon with the tumor. It ended up being stage 2. No bag necessary, even during recovery. Most patients don’t need them. I wouldn’t say it was fun, but it wasn’t as bad as I was expecting. You got this OP.
kimwimgoddess
Well, shit.
oh wait, don't do that. Make sure you're on a toilet, or learn how to use a bag. Or something.
I'm sorry to hear of this @gtotherizzle, there's only a few people I'd wish this on, you're not one of them. Keep us up to date, please, vent all you want. We're here for you.
Gif just cause I think it's a funny one.
noReallyIamPrincessBob
My bro has a colostomy bag. He had his entire colon removed, plus his anus. I joke that I can’t call him an asshole any more. He adapted well, even met someone and got married, and bonus - you get a tax credit to help pay for the supplies.
My BFF had a temporary colostomy for 1.5 years. She had more of an issue with gas and had to burp the baby fairly often often.
Apparently there are different types of setups, which ultimately make a huge difference, as well as the location of the stoma.
noReallyIamPrincessBob
So anyway, good luck w the C, here’s hoping you don’t need a bag, but it’s still better than dead.
Marsupialmessiah
Fuck cancer. The chemo they used on my dad worked on the colon part but left him without feeling in fingertips. Didnt help with all the other tumors because his was stage 3B. Theres much better alternatives now, a coworker had part of his colon removed and replaced with a plastic tube, he had to drink water constantly but no colostomy bag, so you got this! Ama, i work in pharma and have experience with cancer since i was/am a patient myself
SkamanSam
Hey @op. I truly am sorry for your cancer. I know this is a tough time for you. I went through it 2 years ago. 7 days from diagnosis to surgery. It wasnt enough time to come to terms with it. I woke up with an ileostomy. It was not nearly as bad as I thought. I have a colostomy now which is way easier to manage. Msg me if you wanna talk. It does get easier.
dbox
Survivor here, go with the best medical advice you can. And use this. It helped me.
AtomicVanillaArtist
I just had my first in June but I was clear. But I had cancer a lot earlier in life. It leaves scars. I’m rooting for you op
ToBlaaaathe
Not the same, but I was diagnosed with severe intestinal disease in 2007. First guy said I'd need to remove my large intestine. GET A SECOND OPINION!! Thankfully I did, don't poop in a bag, and have things in control. Here's to your quick healing
shanasphone350
Hopefully, it hasn't spread. Sending good hopes. Did you have any symptoms? Ask questions, any questions that come up, write it down, and ask. Take someone with you to write responses down. This doesn't mean you will lose your hair, by the way there are folks that LOVE baldies. Please look at all options. If you are insured, get a case manager. They can help you navigate. Love to you. F cancer.
gtotherizzle
Literally no symptoms. Unless constant gas is a symptom
ILikeFood2000
Nip it in the butt! You got dis
IAmJacksViagraInducedErection
Heh butt
AntaNce
The one instance where this malaprop is fitting exactly, IN THE BUTT!
gtotherizzle
Lol
Choopsha
Choopsha
i wish u the best process. I hope things get better!
RigoryMorty
Colostomy is a hassle, but it's not the end of the world. I'll probably need one too eventually.
SkamanSam
Its not. In the last 2 years since my cancer diagnosis i have had a temp ileostomy and a now have a permanent colostomy. Its not fun, but its not the end of the world. I do like 95% of the same things I did before. Its definitely not like it used to be - there are a lot of choices with it.
spoonman8562
beat the shit out of it
homoerection
Hey fello 45 year old! I just had mine, too. As I’m coming out of anesthesia the Doc comes in and says “you have a 1 in 5 chance of have cancer, but don’t lose any sleep over it!” And bounced leaving me there thinking “did he just say what I thought he said?”. My polyp was pre cancer, so I’m on the every-3-year colonoscopy plan.
gtotherizzle
My doc told me not to worry but sent it away for a 2nd opinion. 1 month later I have 2 docs wanting tests as fast as possible. I have a scope Thursday, a CT Friday, and an MRI Saturday
homoerection
Oh jeez, best of luck to you. Early prevention is Key. Glad you’re getting checked out.
zorroboracho
Good work going in promptly at 45. Most men don’t. Might be what saves your life.
liveOffOfDownVotes
Hopefully I get healthcare by 45.
sufferinsuccotash
You can pay out of pocket. Sometimes it's reasonable. Can even get Care credit to finance procedures interest free. Don't delay preventative care.
faiah
Got mine a few weeks ago, age 38. Got scared from a lump down there, went to gastroenterology and got scheduled for a colonoscopy. It was hemorrhoids... probably from sitting too long on the toilet, lol.
My co-worker died from cancer, which got me thinking of my mortality and set up life insurance(CHEAPER IF YOU START EARLY!), short and long term disability insurances, critical something insurance, etc. Also got a Living Trust for my fam just in case.
Mansooratyale
Been doing colonoscopy since I was 37 due to digestive problems. Every time they pull more of those fuckers which saved my life. Good luck @op, we are rooting for you. https://media4.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPWE1NzM3M2U1b3JoanNnbjFod3Y4YTQ3cWZzMWo1dTB2d2wwZTM0OWZ0bWYxZzBwdyZlcD12MV9naWZzX3NlYXJjaCZjdD1n/kBtp8iR154Hx6/200w.webp
an0therthr0waway
52 here and my first one will be next month.
gtotherizzle
I mean I hit 46 in a couple weeks. But the scope was in May
HighSorcerer
That's a long time to have it up your backside.
AGiantSlor
Was there any reason you got the colonoscopy at 45 besides being told it should be done? Like did your doctor suggest it based on other factors?
gtotherizzle
Nope. Totally routine. No symptoms whatsoever.
AGiantSlor
Good to know. I'm not yet 45 but I'll consider it worth the trouble I think I'm a couple years
forsteri80
The colonoscopy itself is a total nothingburger. The prep doesn't even taste bad anymore, which used to be what people complained about. The procedure is like the best nap you'll ever have. You'll be hungry before, and farty after. Get er done.