An old nemisis returns

Last December I was at my wits end. I had gone through about four of the worst months I have ever experienced. Ever since my bowel resection four years ago my intestinal tract has been disagreeable, but from August to December it was down right ugly. I did not seem to be able to have a BM without my system being upset. If I went it was usually an episode of repeated visits to the porcelain shrine accompanied by some action, some inability to go, cramping, bloating and pain that extended from my stomach region to my anus. Severe pain, and quite frequent during the day.

Without realizing it I was giving up and becoming very depressed. I never entertained the thought of harming myself, but I did feel that if this was going to be the quality of my life going forward I didn't want it.

Finally at the recommendation of my family doctor I saw a GI specialist. When I described the symptoms he said they were classic symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS. We began treatment with some anti-depressants and anti-spasmodic medications. Very rapidly the pain left and the frequency of my going diminished some. I seemed to be more tolerant of foods that previously had upset me. Progress was made and I was elated.

In addition the anti-depressants kicked in and my mood brightened to the extent my wife noticed and commented on my improved attitude.

I have bled from the rectum of and on for a number of years. I attributed it to hemorrhoids which are a common occurrence after bowel surgery. The GI thought of hemorrhoids also, however if we were unable to stop the occasional bleeding he wanted to do a colonoscopy. After three months of meds and improvement the bleeding continued and we did a colonoscopy. The GI did not expect to find anything but did not want to move on to other meds without making sure there was no inflammation or tumor.

Monday, March 18 was the colonoscopy. Sure enough Dr. Hightower, the GI found a tumor located very low in my colon right near the incision of the previous resection. It was too large to move. So after four years cancer is back in my life.

The visit with the surgeon was positive and relatively matter of fact. I will undergo six weeks of chemo/radiation followed by surgery. The CT scan seems to indicate the tumor is all contained in the colon so I am hopeful for another successful outcome.