Colon Cancer and my father

Pascual V. Ledesma - My father- Colon cancer survivor for six years after diagnosis.  


I know the importance of regular colonoscopies.  My father was a victim of colon cancer.  My father loved meat and lots of it with plenty of gravy.  He was a lite smoke and lite drinker.  When it was discovered he had colon cancer in 2002, he had a colonectomy .   He was never the same after the surgery.  He would often appear pale, yellow, and weak.  My father used to pace back and forth at night because he was in so much pain. He was given plenty of pain medication that didn't seem to help.  My father was fighter though.  



He was a prideful man, so he refused to walk with a cane.  He tried to be as normal as possible.  He fought for his life and won.  My father had chemotherapy and survived six more years.   I love to watch my parents hold hands as they walked down the bay front in Corpus Christi Texas.  In the end, it was a heart attack that claimed his life.  He died in his sleep at the age of 69 on October 26th 2008.  


My family, especially on my fathers side, has a genetic predisposition to cancer.  There are many things that we can do to help us fight cancer and our chances of getting colon cancer.  The following is from WEBMD.COM: http://www.webmd.com/colorectal-cancer/default.htm

"Colon cancer and cancer of the rectum usually begin as a small polyp. While most colon polyps are benign, some do become cancerous. Colon cancer symptoms may include a change in bowel habits or bleeding, but usually colon cancer strikes without symptoms. That’s why it’s important to get a colon cancer screening test, such as a colonoscopy. If the cancer is found early, the doctor can use surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy for effective treatment."

One of the earliest signs of colorectal cancer is bloody stool.  Rectal bleeding; sometimes can be mistaken for hemorrhoids. Narrow stools for a long period of time.  Bloating and cramping are other signs to look for.  Constipation, black tarry stools, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and weight loss for no apparent reason.  Go to World Village.com  for more information: http://worldvillage.com/what-are-colon-cancer-early-symptoms

The earlier you catch the polyps the better your survival rate.  Especially if you have a family history of cancer and are above the age of 50.  I had mine done after my father was diagnosed.  His detection saved my life.  My physician found polyps on two separate occasions.  This was in my early thirties and again in my forties.

Colon cancer is curable, if it's caught early.  Today there are many avenues to take.  There is the removal of polps and prevention, such as:

• Report any unsual changes in bowel habits to your physician.
• Schedule a colonoscopy. (Especially if you have a family history of cancer)
• Don't eat to much red meat.
• Drink a glass of wine with dinner
• Drink green tea 
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables for fiber.

Watch your diet and try to maintain a healthy weight.  Go for walks.  You don't need to run to lose weight.  If walking is difficult try swimming.  Stay active and eat plenty of fiber, drink water with your meals. Cut back on fat.  Remove the skin from the chicken and cut the fat off of meat.  

To conclude.  You're the best person to detect the early signs of cancer if you know what to look for.  The earlier you seek treatment the better your survival rate.   Know  the signs and seek help immediately.

 Written by Donna C. Ledesma

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References:
WEBMD.com  http://www.webmd.com/colorectal-cancer/default.htm
World Village.com  http://worldvillage.com/what-are-colon-cancer-early-symptoms

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