If you feel ill with fever, flu-like symptoms or respiratory illness, please call us to reschedule your appointment. Please Do Not Bring Children Under age 16 to Appointments.

The Quick and Easy Way to Learn About a Colonoscopy

Originally posted on 3/11/2019
Updated on 3/16/2022

 

If you’re not sure what is involved in having a colonoscopy, this easy-to-read infographic developed by the doctors at Granite Peaks Gastroenterology may answer your questions. A physician may use a colonoscopy to test for colon cancer, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and many other digestive health ailments. It allows a physician to visually examine the inside of your large intestine and remove polyps, gather biopsies or evaluate damage from other conditions.

It’s easier than you think and could uncover the answers to your digestive health problems. Contact Granite Peaks Gastroenterology, in Sandy or Lehi, to determine what is the next step to diagnosing your digestive issues.

 

 

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month!

Originally posted on 3/5/2019
Updated on 3/10/2022

 

By R. Kyle Barnett, MD

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men and women combined in the United States, but most cases are preventable with appropriate screening. Efforts to increase colorectal cancer screening are urgently needed.

Who should be screened for colorectal cancer?

The American Cancer Society recommends screening for people at average risk of colorectal cancer at age 45, although some insurance companies have not adapted this recommendation as of yet. Higher risk individuals (for example, those with a family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps, those with a prior history of polyps or those with inflammatory bowel disease) may need to start screening at an earlier age.

How should I be screened?

Various test options are available for colorectal cancer screening.

1. Stool-based tests check the stool for signs of cancer and include fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year, guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (FOBT) every year or stool DNA test (Cologuard) every 3 years.

2. Visual exams of the colon and rectum look at the structure of the colon and rectum for any abnormal areas and include colonoscopy every 10 years or less, depending on the outcome, CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every 5 years or flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years.

Note: If a person chooses to be screened with a test other than colonoscopy, any abnormal test result should be followed up with a colonoscopy.

Each test has pros and cons, and one might be a better option for you than another. The most important thing is to GET SCREENED!

My doctor recently recommended a stool DNA test for screening. Is that test as effective as a colonoscopy?

The simple answer is No.

-Cologuard detects the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells by testing DNA from stool samples. It requires no bowel prep, no pre-test diet or medication changes, is done at home and is fairly inexpensive, often covered by insurance.

-However, studies indicate Cologuard detects only 92% of cancers and detects only 42% of precancerous polyps, making it far less effective as a preventative tool.

-It has a 13% false positive rate (meaning the test reads positive in the absence of disease), requiring further testing or confirmation with colonoscopy. This colonoscopy would not be covered by most insurance companies as a screening test; it would be considered a diagnostic test.

-Cologuard must be used for screening every 3 years, as compared to colonoscopy every 10 years – if no polyps were found.

-Colonoscopy detects more than 95% of cancers and more than 80% of all polyps, some of which could be precancerous. In addition, colonoscopy can detect other diseases and allows for the immediate removal of polyps (some of which are precancerous growths).

Does insurance cover my colorectal screening test?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires both private insurers and Medicare to cover the costs of colorectal cancer screening tests. At this time, many, but not all insurers cover the cost of colorectal cancer screening before the age of 50. However, the ACA doesn’t apply to health plans that were in effect before the law was passed in 2010. Check with your insurance provider to be sure.

Make a difference in your life or the life of a loved one. Get screened! Contact Granite Peaks Gastroenterology to schedule your colon cancer screening today.

Two-Time Colon Cancer Survivor – Stacey Grundmann, Granite Peaks Gastroenterology Employee

Stacey Grundmann

I can now say I am a two-time cancer survivor, but it didn’t have to get this far! In summer of 2016 I noticed a change in my bowel habits and was having abdominal pain. I checked in with Dr. Barnett, but I was not honest with him about my symptoms and I did not have a colonoscopy done at that time of this appointment. I waited an entire year to finally see him again, as I was unable to ignore my symptoms any longer.

After an examination, he said my abdomen was full of tumors and he scheduled a CT scan the next morning. Later than morning, he let me know I had metastasized cancer and he had made an appointment for me with a surgeon on Friday and I was scheduled for surgery on Monday. I was devastated. I saw the surgeon who was upfront with me and said, “there are two outcomes here. We do nothing and you will die. If it’s a reoccurrence of breast cancer, there is nothing I can do. If it’s a different type of cancer, and I can remove it, I will do everything I can to remove all of it.”

I was scared to death as I went into surgery unsure of my situation. The surgeon found 30 lbs of a very rare “tubular” cancer out of my abdomen. Next, I had very strong chemotherapy to prevent any further occurrence.  It was miserable, but thanks to the support of family, friends and my team at work I knew I would beat it!

Now, 11 months later, I am back at work helping other people get in for their procedures. I have worked here more than 16 years, scheduling patients for their colonoscopy and other procedures. I call people who are past due and I admit, I am pretty insistent that they schedule their screening because of my past history. I KNEW better than to let it go and ignore my symptoms. I had cancer for several years and didn’t know it.

I am now due for my 5th colonoscopy and I am dedicated to staying on top of my own health and persuading our patients do the same. I have lost 30 inches of my intestines and my digestive system has changed so I take probiotics and fiber to help me.

I was lucky. If I had ignored it any longer I may not be here at all. I can’t stress enough how important this type of preventive medicine is. Prevention is the key.

I just had my annual colonoscopy February of 2019 and, sure enough, I had precancerous polyps which Dr. Barnett removed. You better believe I won’t delay any of my tests moving forward. It just shows how vigilant you must be in your own health care.

Be your own advocate. Don’t put yourself in the position to pay the ultimate price by ignoring important messages from your body, and don’t assume because you feel alright that you don’t need preventative screenings. If you’re 50 or over, or have a family history, don’t wait! Get it done!

Cancer Survivor Story: Stacey

Stacey works as a procedure scheduler at Granite Peaks Gastroenterology. When she was thirty years old and pregnant with her youngest child, she found a lump in her breast. The lump turned out to be cancerous, and it didn’t look good for Stacey. But after going through harsh chemotherapy and treatment, Stacey is a cancer survivor.

Eight years later, Stacey began working at Granite Peaks Gastroenterology. “At the time, I was desperately needing a job,” she says, “but I wasn’t happy about it…all I could think about was how upset I was to be talking to patients about their bowel habits all day.” Little did she know that her new job would be a blessing in disguise. Stacey tells us:

“One morning, I was chatting with a new coworker about my battles with breast cancer. One of our doctors, Dr. Heiner, overheard the conversation and asked me if I had ever had a colonoscopy. Shocked, I sternly replied, ‘I am thirty-eight years old, no I have not had a colonoscopy!’ He told me that breast cancer and colon cancer are very closely related, and the next thing I know, he’s scheduled me for a procedure the very next day.”

“So there I was, about to have a colonoscopy performed by my employer, wondering how I was going to go into work to face him after he’s seen my best side. As the sedation wore off and I woke up, Dr. Heiner was there smiling and proud and said, ‘The colonoscopy just saved your life.’ He went on to explain that he had found precancerous polyps and that I would have never made it to forty if I hadn’t had the procedure.”

“Thirteen years later and I am still here, a cancer survivor, preaching to the choir every single day. I have had five colonoscopies since and have had precancerous polyps each time. I can’t begin to tell people how important [colonoscopy screening] is. That’s why I love my job so much, I love sharing my story to help people understand and spread colon cancer awareness.”

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the U.S.. But when colorectal cancer is diagnosed early, the 5 year survival rate is 90%. Screening and early detection saves lives. Schedule a colonoscopy with Granite Peaks Gastroenterology today.

 

Colonoscopy Myths

Colon cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer death in this country.  Approximately 1 in 3 people who develop colon cancer die from this disease.  But colon cancer is preventable.  A screening can save your life!  So why have only two-thirds of Americans over the age of 50 been screened for a colonoscopy?  Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions about colonoscopies which may discourage people from undergoing this life-saving procedure.

Myth:  It hurts.

Fact:  With the use of the sedative propofol, there is no pain.  Most people say, “That was the best sleep I have had in years.”  There may be some mild cramping after the procedure which quickly goes away when you pass gas.

Myth:  The preparation is unpleasant.

Fact:  While many people say this is the worst part of the process, the fact is that bowel preps today really have minimal taste.  And you no longer need to drink an entire gallon.  Most preps are about 1/2 gallon given in a split dose; half the night before the procedure and half the morning of the procedure.

Myth:  It is embarrassing.

Fact:  A colonoscopy is an invasive test.  But your doctor and nurse will do everything possible to ensure the most private, respectful, and modest experience for you.

Myth:  There are risks.

Fact:  When performed by specially-trained physicians (gastroenterologists), colonoscopies are extremely safe.  The risk of perforation (tear in the colon) is less than 1 in 1,000, and the risk of bleeding is less than 1 in 100.

Myth:  It takes too long.  I’ll miss too much work.

Fact:  You will need to arrive 45 minutes before your scheduled procedure to fill out paperwork, have an IV started, and give your medical history to the nurse.  The actual procedure only takes 15-20 minutes.  You will then spend 15-30 minutes in recovery.  So the total time you are at the medical facility is usually less than 1 and 1/2 hours.  You are advised not to drive for 4 hours.  After that, it’s back to normal.

Myth:  Colon cancer only affects men.

Fact:  Men and women have nearly an equal risk of developing colon cancer.

Myth:  I don’t have any symptoms.  I’m not at risk for colon cancer.

Fact:  Colon cancer starts as a precancerous growth in your colon called a polyp.  Most polyps don’t cause any symptoms.  A colonoscopy detects polyps so they can be removed before they turn into cancer.

Myth:  It costs too much.

Fact:  Medicare and Medicaid cover 100% of a screening colonoscopy if you are age 50 or older.  Almost all private insurances cover colonoscopies as well.  And even if you don’t have insurance, many physicians offer a private pay discount.

Don’t delay.  Call the experienced specialists at Granite Peaks Gastroenterology and schedule your colonoscopy today.  It could save your life.  Join the many who have said, “If I had known how easy this procedure was, I would have scheduled it a long time ago!”

Digestive Friendly & Not-So-Friendly Foods

Summer is notorious for bringing people together, whether it’s a barbecue, July 4th & July 24th celebrations, birthdays, and even weddings.  You can almost always expect a smorgasbord of foods that may or may not agree with your digestive system. The following is a list of friendly and not so friendly food choices that could leave you partying with your friends and family, or spending the event uncomfortable and aggravated with GERD heartburn or other related concerns.

Worst:

  • High-Fat/ Fried Foods: for many, high-fat foods and fried foods produce acid reflux and heart-burn. This can cause a pale-colored stool called steatorrhea which is excess fat in the feces.
  • Spicy Food: can often cause heartburn pain
  • Diary: Those who are lactose intolerant should steer clear from many diary items because they don’t usually have lactase, an enzyme that breaks down lactose, which is the sugar in milk. If diary causes gas, bloating, diarrhea, or other GI issues, consult with your primary care provider.
  • Alcohol: This relaxes the esophageal sphincter, causing acid reflux and heartburn, especially if combined with spicy and fatty foods. Alcohol can also inflame the stomach lining, impairing enzymes and preventing nutrients from being absorbed.
  • Berries: Berries are a great source of antioxidants, but can cause problems for people with diverticulitis, which are pockets in the large intestine. Seeds can get stuck in these pockets and may cause infection.

  • Chocolate:
    This could cause problems for people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and since chocolate contains milk, those with a lactose intolerance could also find gas, bloating and other symptoms after eating this tasty treat.
  • Coffee, Tea, Soft Drinks: These beverages can act as a diuretic and can over-relax the esophageal sphincter, causing acid reflux and heartburn.

Best:

  • Yogurt: Our GI tract contains trillions of bacteria that help break down and digest food. Yogurt contains some good bacteria to promote a healthy system. Look for products that say “Live & active cultures”.
  • Lean Meat & Fish: Easier for your body to digest than high-fat red meats and is not associated with colon cancer.
  • Whole grains: Americans need 20-30 grams of whole grains, but the average consumption is around 12 grams. Whole grains help you feel full longer and can help lower cholesterol. However, those with Celiac Disease must stay away from the whole grains which contain gluten.
  • Bananas: “A Banana A Day is a Healthy Way” and can restore normal bowel functions, electrolytes, and potassium.
  • Ginger: Ginger can relieve nausea, vomiting, motion sickness, morning sickness, gas, colic, and lack of appetite.

Go forth, and have a healthy and happy gastrointestinal tract through the summer. If you have uncomfortable reactions to foods, but you’re unsure why, call 801-619-9000 to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists. Granite Peaks can help get you back on track and enjoying your summer without discomfort.

March 31, 2014 and Beyond…

Today is the last day of Colon Cancer Awareness Month, but that doesn’t mean the fight against colon cancer stops today. Here are some things you can do to help yourself, your family, and your friends:

  • Get Screened!  If you’re 50 and over, schedule your screening colonoscopy today.  It could save your life.
  • If you have a family history of colon cancer, the US Preventative Services Task Force recommends screening starting at age 40 for those with a high-risk, or 10 years earlier than the youngest age of colon cancer diagnosis for any affected relative.
  • Colon Cancer is 80% preventable when detected early, but is still the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S.
  • If you’ve been screened, good job! Now spread the word through social media, blogs and word of mouth. We need your help to inform others.

Learn about the symptoms:

Colon Cancer typically has no symptoms.  If you have any two of the following symptoms, call your gastroenterologist immediately to discuss screening and other options:

  • Rectal bleeding
  • Weight loss with no known reason
  • Weakness and fatigue
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea, constipation or narrower stools than usual
  • Bowel never feels empty
  • Blood in stool (bright red or very dark)
  • Persistent cramps, gas, pain, or feeling full or bloated.

Contact Granite Peaks to schedule your appointment!  Follow this link (https://www.granitepeaksgi.com/service/colonoscopy-screening/) and select “Book Appointment” at the top of the page to schedule your colon cancer screenings.  You may also call us at (801) 619-9000. If you have questions or need more information, here are additional resources for you:

Screening Colonoscopy Information (Granite Peaks)

Colon Cancer Alliance

 

Dress in Blue, Presidential Proclamation & Screening Day

On February 28th, 2014, President Barack Obama proclaimed March as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and said, “I encourage all citizens, government agencies, private businesses, non-profit organizations, and other groups to join in activities that will increase awareness and prevention of colorectal cancer.” (Click for full Proclamation)

In an effort to raise awareness for colon cancer, today (the first Friday of March) is National Dress in Blue Day.  Why Blue you ask?  According to the Colon Cancer Alliance , “the nationally-recognized blue star represents the eternal memory of the people whose lives have been lost to the disease and the shining hope for a future free of colon cancer.”

In addition to National Dress in Blue Day, March 7th, 2014 is also National Colonoscopy Screening Day! Click to watch a video to learn what a colonoscopy screening is really like.  Here’s a hint: it’s much easier than you are imagining. 

  • Colorectral cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S.
  • Your likelihood is 1 in 20 (this will vary based on family history, first degree relatives, and lifestyle)
  • 136,000: the number of new cases of colorectal cancer each year in the U.S.
  • 1 in 3 American adults (roughly 23 million) aren’t screened for colon cancer, as recommended.
  • Colon cancer is 80% curable when detected early, and most colon cancers can be prevented with appropriate screening.
  • Colon cancer claims more than 50,000 Americans each year.
  • The recommended age for a screening is 50, however, if you have a family history of colon cancer, your first screening should be 10 years before the relative was diagnosed with colon cancer.

Please call Granite Peaks Gastroenterology to get scheduled for your colonoscopy, if not for you, do it for those you love.  

Phone: (801) 619-9000 or simply request an appointment by clicking here

‘A Journey into my colon- and yours’ by Dave Barry

Dave Barry is a writer for the Miami Herald and wrote a cometic piece about his experience having a colonoscopy.  Not only is the following column informative, but it sheds light on a reality that happens more often than not.  Click here to link to the Miami Herald website, where this article was originally published February 22, 2008.    

“OK. You turned 50. You know you’re supposed to get a colonoscopy. But you haven’t. Here are your reasons:

1. You’ve been busy.

2. You don’t have a history of cancer in your family.

3. You haven’t noticed any problems.

4. You don’t want a doctor to stick a tube 17,000 feet up your butt.

Let’s examine these reasons one at a time. No, wait, let’s not. Because you and I both know that the only real reason is No. 4. This is natural. The idea of having another human, even a medical human, becoming deeply involved in what is technically known as your ”behindular zone” gives you the creeping willies.

I know this because I am like you, except worse. I yield to nobody in the field of being a pathetic weenie medical coward. I become faint and nauseous during even very minor medical procedures, such as making an appointment by phone. It’s much worse when I come into physical contact with the medical profession. More than one doctor’s office has a dent in the floor caused by my forehead striking it seconds after I got a shot.

In 1997, when I turned 50, everybody told me I should get a colonoscopy. I agreed that I definitely should, but not right away. By following this policy, I reached age 55 without having had a colonoscopy. Then I did something so pathetic and embarrassing that I am frankly ashamed to tell you about it.

What happened was, a giant 40-foot replica of a human colon came to Miami Beach. Really. It’s an educational exhibit called the Colossal Colon, and it was on a nationwide tour to promote awareness of colo-rectal cancer. The idea is, you crawl through the Colossal Colon, and you encounter various educational items in there, such as polyps, cancer and hemorrhoids the size of regulation volleyballs, and you go, ”Whoa, I better find out if I contain any of these things,” and you get a colonoscopy.

If you are as a professional humor writer, and there is a giant colon within a 200-mile radius, you are legally obligated to go see it. So I went to Miami Beach and crawled through the Colossal Colon. I wrote a column about it, making tasteless colon jokes. But I also urged everyone to get a colonoscopy. I even, when I emerged from the Colossal Colon, signed a pledge stating that I would get one.

But I didn’t get one. I was a fraud, a hypocrite, a liar. I was practically a member of Congress.

Five more years passed. I turned 60, and I still hadn’t gotten a colonoscopy. Then, a couple of weeks ago, I got an e-mail from my brother Sam, who is 10 years younger than I am, but more mature. The email was addressed to me and my middle brother, Phil. It said:

“Dear Brothers,

“I went in for a routine colonoscopy and got the dreaded diagnosis: cancer. We’re told it’s early and that there is a good prognosis that they can get it all out, so, fingers crossed, knock on wood, and all that. And of course they told me to tell my siblings to get screened. I imagine you both have.”

Um. Well.

First I called Sam. He was hopeful, but scared. We talked for a while, and when we hung up, I called my friend Andy Sable, a gastroenterologist, to make an appointment for a colonoscopy. A few days later, in his office, Andy showed me a color diagram of the colon, a lengthy organ that appears to go all over the place, at one point passing briefly through Minneapolis. Then Andy explained the colonoscopy procedure to me in a thorough, reassuring and patient manner. I nodded thoughtfully, but I didn’t really hear anything he said, because my brain was shrieking, quote, “HE’S GOING TO STICK A TUBE 17,000 FEET UP YOUR BUTT!”

I left Andy’s office with some written instructions, and a prescription for a product called ”MoviPrep,” which comes in a box large enough to hold a microwave oven. I will discuss MoviPrep in detail later; for now suffice it to say that we must never allow it to fall into the hands of America’s enemies.

I spent the next several days productively sitting around being nervous. Then, on the day before my colonoscopy, I began my preparation. In accordance with my instructions, I didn’t eat any solid food that day; all I had was chicken broth, which is basically water, only with less flavor. Then, in the evening, I took the MoviPrep. You mix two packets of powder together in a one-liter plastic jug, then you fill it with lukewarm water. (For those unfamiliar with the metric system, a liter is about 32 gallons.) Then you have to drink the whole jug. This takes about an hour, because MoviPrep tastes — and here I am being kind — like a mixture of goat spit and urinal cleanser, with just a hint of lemon.

The instructions for MoviPrep, clearly written by somebody with a great sense of humor, state that after you drink it, ”a loose watery bowel movement may result.” This is kind of like saying that after you jump off your roof, you may experience contact with the ground.

MoviPrep is a nuclear laxative. I don’t want to be too graphic, here, but: Have you ever seen a space shuttle launch? This is pretty much the MoviPrep experience, with you as the shuttle. There are times when you wish the commode had a seat belt. You spend several hours pretty much confined to the bathroom, spurting violently. You eliminate everything. And then, when you figure you must be totally empty, you have to drink another liter of MoviPrep, at which point, as far as I can tell, your bowels travel into the future and start eliminating food that you have not even eaten yet.

After an action-packed evening, I finally got to sleep. The next morning my wife drove me to the clinic. I was very nervous. Not only was I worried about the procedure, but I had been experiencing occasional return bouts of MoviPrep spurtage. I was thinking, ”What if I spurt on Andy?” How do you apologize to a friend for something like that? Flowers would not be enough.

At the clinic I had to sign many forms acknowledging that I understood and totally agreed with whatever the hell the forms said. Then they led me to a room full of other colonoscopy people, where I went inside a little curtained space and took off my clothes and put on one of those hospital garments designed by sadist perverts, the kind that, when you put it on, makes you feel even more naked than when you are actually naked.

Then a nurse named Eddie put a little needle in a vein in my left hand. Ordinarily I would have fainted, but Eddie was very good, and I was already lying down. Eddie also told me that some people put vodka in their MoviPrep. At first I was ticked off that I hadn’t thought of this, but then I pondered what would happen if you got yourself too tipsy to make it to the bathroom, so you were staggering around in full Fire Hose Mode. You would have no choice but to burn your house.

When everything was ready, Eddie wheeled me into the procedure room, where Andy was waiting with a nurse and an anesthesiologist. I did not see the 17,000-foot tube, but I knew Andy had it hidden around there somewhere. I was seriously nervous at this point. Andy had me roll over on my left side, and the anesthesiologist began hooking something up to the needle in my hand. There was music playing in the room, and I realized that the song was Dancing Queen by Abba. I remarked to Andy that, of all the songs that could be playing during this particular procedure, Dancing Queen has to be the least appropriate.

”You want me to turn it up?” said Andy, from somewhere behind me.

”Ha ha,” I said.

And then it was time, the moment I had been dreading for more than a decade. If you are squeamish, prepare yourself, because I am going to tell you, in explicit detail, exactly what it was like.

I have no idea. Really. I slept through it. One moment, Abba was shrieking “Dancing Queen! Feel the beat from the tambourine . . .”

. . . and the next moment, I was back in the other room, waking up in a very mellow mood. Andy was looking down at me and asking me how I felt. I felt excellent. I felt even more excellent when Andy told me that it was all over, and that my colon had passed with flying colors. I have never been prouder of an internal organ.

But my point is this: In addition to being a pathetic medical weenie, I was a complete moron. For more than a decade I avoided getting a procedure that was, essentially, nothing. There was no pain and, except for the MoviPrep, no discomfort. I was risking my life for nothing.

If my brother Sam had been as stupid as I was — if, when he turned 50, he had ignored all the medical advice and avoided getting screened — he still would have had cancer. He just wouldn’t have known. And by the time he did know — by the time he felt symptoms — his situation would have been much, much more serious. But because he was a grown-up, the doctors caught the cancer early, and they operated and took it out. Sam is now recovering and eating what he describes as ”really, really boring food.” His prognosis is good, and everybody is optimistic, fingers crossed, knock on wood, and all that.

Which brings us to you, Mr. or Mrs. or Miss or Ms. Over-50-And-Hasn’t-Had-a-Colonoscopy. Here’s the deal: You either have colo-rectal cancer, or you don’t. If you do, a colonoscopy will enable doctors to find it and do something about it. And if you don’t have cancer, believe me, it’s very reassuring to know you don’t. There is no sane reason for you not to have it done.

I am so eager for you to do this that I am going to induce you with an Exclusive Limited Time Offer. If you, after reading this, get a colonoscopy, let me know by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to Dave Barry Colonoscopy Inducement, The Miami Herald, 1 Herald Plaza, Miami, FL 33132. I will send you back a certificate, signed by me and suitable for framing if you don’t mind framing a cheesy certificate, stating that you are a grown-up who got a colonoscopy. Accompanying this certificate will be a square of limited-edition custom-printed toilet paper with an image of Miss Paris Hilton on it. You may frame this also, or use it in whatever other way you deem fit.

But even if you don’t want this inducement, please get a colonoscopy. If I can do it, you can do it. Don’t put it off. Just do it.

Be sure to stress that you want the non-Abba version.

©2008 Dave Barry

This column is protected by intellectual property laws, including U.S. copyright laws. Electronic or print reproduction, adaptation, or distribution without permission is prohibited. Ordinary links to this column at www.miamiherald.com may be posted or distributed without written permission.”

Let My Heartache Be Your Wake-Up Call

“I miss his hands. He had these really strong, loving hands that always made me feel safe. When I see others with similar hands, I always think of my dad,” reflects Jenny Chavez, who lost her dad, Joe, to colon cancer four years ago. “He really should still be here. We still need him,” adds Jenny, who regrets that they were not more aware of this kind of cancer and how easy it is to prevent.

Joe was the loving patriarch of a family that included six kids and a plethora of grandchildren as well as stepchildren and step grandchildren. He babysat his grandchildren and surprised them with mini-adventures. Jenny’s son, Cameron, was always close to his grandfather’s side. “Dad called Cameron his little sidekick,” recalls Jenny, pointing out her dad’s enthusiasm for family road trips and adventures hiking or riding snowmobiles or four-wheelers. “He embraced life and loved his life,” says Jenny. “He worked hard and played hard always including his family.”

Despite Joe’s enthusiasm for life, he was stubborn about going to doctors. “He was a tough guy and always had the attitude of ‘I’m fine, I can handle this,’” admits Jenny. She attributes some of his hesitancy to seeking out medical care to being self-employed and scarce health insurance options. Joe was an electrical contractor. It was only when Jenny found him at home, feverish and sick and barely being able to walk, that she got him to the hospital. He was diagnosed with diverticulitis and an infection had formed; when the doctors went to drain the abscess they found a tumor. He had Stage 4 colon cancer and passed away four years later at 60.

“If he had gone in for a colonoscopy at 50, which would have been six years prior to the diagnosis, I honestly believe that it would have saved his life or at least caught the cancer earlier allowing for a better prognosis.” Jenny laments that she knew so little about the importance of colon cancer screenings yet was well-educated and diligent regarding screenings for breast cancer. No one in her family had ever had colon cancer before.

“I would have really pressed my dad to get screened if I had been more educated,” says Jenny, who now reminds her brothers regularly to get screened as they approach 40 (the age appropriated to those with a family history). She herself has had three colonoscopies as a result of other conditions. “It’s so easy, especially considering the alternative. Watching my dad die was painful.” Jenny talks openly now with her children and other family members about the screenings and being more educated about the risks of colon cancer in their family. “My kids know as they get older that this is just something we do—it is part of the routine of how we take care of ourselves,” explains Jenny.

When Jenny misses her father—especially on his birthday or Father’s Day—she visits his grave or re-visits memories or meditates to be with him again. Grateful for what he modeled, Jenny has learned to live life in a similar way. Joe was a fair and honest man who put a high value on integrity and put 100% into everything. Jenny adds, “he showed up unconditionally for others; always available as a support system for others.”

“Taking care of yourself is not only about you; it is about everyone that surrounds you,” stresses Jenny. “If you were to be gone, how is that going to affect the people that love you?”

Let My Heartache be Your Wake-up Call is part of a Centers for Disease Control Campaign to build awareness about the importance of colon cancer screenings. 

 

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