You Have Colorectal Cancer

This has been a rough week. After CT scans, PET scans, colonoscopies, and biopsies a close family member was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer. Three days later surgeons removed an entire large intestine and have already scheduled chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

I can’t imagine hearing a doctor say, “You have cancer”. It must be like being struck by lightning – it comes out of nowhere. Your entire life changes instantly. 100 years ago this would be a death sentence but thanks to advances in science and medicine people can continue living for decades after treatment. Even with these advances, the state of the art in cancer treatment is barbaric. Some day doctors will heal the damaged tissue with some Star Trek looking device and wonder how me made it through these dark ages.

In almost all cases, life is preferable to death. As I sit here in her hospital room watching her recover, I’m so happy that she is still here – I hope I can appreciate every moment with her. She has been made to pay a high price for her life and though her faith in God is strong I know that the road ahead is going to be very painful.

If you’re over 50 years old and have not had a colonoscopy, don’t be stupid, get one now. It’s a fairly simple procedure and it may save your life.