[David Holmberg]

I suppose the fact that our common interest is old cars, we tend to be a little older as well. Death is a part of life that we all deal with, but we don't need to make it any easier than it has to be.

As you all know over the past few months we've lost several members, but they were more than that. They were good friends, fathers, brothers, people that we relied on and will miss.

In their memory, I'm going to challenge all the forum members 50 or over to get a colonoscopy if you've not already done so. (earlier if there is a family history) I'm 51, I had one 8 years ago but Mike Nixon made me promise to get another one ASAP. I scheduled the initial appointment that day and my procedure is tomorrow at 9am. I'm doing this for Mike, but more importantly for my children and grandkids, I don't want to leave them a day earlier than I have to.

I urge all of you to please do the same, I don't want to lose another friend too soon.

How about it?

[69goatboy]

I'm living proof that it can hit earlier than 50. I was 43. I'm also living proof that if it's caught early enough, it can be taken care of.

I have a friend that was in his early 20's when he was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer (he's my age now, so his story ended well).

If there is a history of colorectal cancer in your family, the suggestion from the doctors is to get checked out about 10 years earlier than when your family member was diagnosed. So if your father was diagnosed at age 55, get your butt scoped at 45.

If you so much as see a hint of blood where blood shouldn't be, get your butt to your doctor pronto.

[400 4spd.]

I went through a very thorough physical in late 2012. I was about to start a new business and I wanted to know that my health was good. Scoped in a few places, prodded, x-rayed, stuck and scanned, I was lucky and thankful that I checked out okay. At 57, I don't even take any prescription meds, so I feel very fortunate.
Last month Mike and I exchanged PMs and the last thing he said was for me to be sure I got checked and looked out for my health. I bet he said that to more than a few of us.

[Txbobcat]

Everyone needs a wellsness check with the doctor at least once a year. They can check your blood for cancer and other problems in addition to the colonoscopy. My wife is a nurse so she makes me go and I probably wouldnt otherwise. I had the colon thing last year but already have an appt for the wellness check. As a favor to your family and friends PLEASE MAN UP and GO.

[David Holmberg]

Originally Posted by 69goatboy

I'm living proof that it can hit earlier than 50. I was 43. I'm also living proof that if it's caught early enough, it can be taken care of.

I have a friend that was in his early 20's when he was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer (he's my age now, so his story ended well).

If there is a history of colorectal cancer in your family, the suggestion from the doctors is to get checked out about 10 years earlier than when your family member was diagnosed. So if your father was diagnosed at age 55, get your butt scoped at 45.

If you so much as see a hint of blood where blood shouldn't be, get your butt to your doctor pronto.

I had every intention of including that, but today is Prep day and I ran short on time. Excellent point!

[Bob Dillon]

Originally Posted by David Holmberg

but today is Prep day and I ran short on time.

Good luck, buddy. Say hi to Judge Crater for me.

[Jerry H.]

I'm 59, and I had a colonoscopy a few years back. I have a doctors appointment next week and I'll find out exactly went it was and we'll discuss when I need the next one. I've got so many health problems I sure don't need any more. I probably won't live many more years, but I want as many as I can.

[Hooter]

Due to family history, had my first at 42. Mike's unfortunate illness reminded me it's been 5 years. Having another one next Friday. With a 4 year old, I'm hopefully around a while to raise him in true Pontiac fashion.

[carsmymistress]

Good call David. We lost my father in law back in 05 to colon cancer. Unfortunately he never went in for the scope. I had mine last year when I turned 50 and happy I did. I am now on the 5 year plan instead of 10 but much better to know we have an eye on it.
Good preventive maintenance just like on our cars.

[poncho-mike]

I'm 56 and had my first colonoscopy about a month ago. The doc removed a couple of polyps, so I'm on the five year plan.

No colon cancer in our family, but dad had polyps removed several times in his 60s. He passed away at 81.

[David Holmberg]

My Father was diagnosed with Colon cancer at 71, he was given 5 years to live if he did nothing. We had a long talk about it and at his age his decision was quality of life for the next 5 years.

Unfortunately he died of a Stroke two months later just as I was coming to grips with the time he had left.

[Pontiacdaver]

Originally Posted by 69goatboy

I'm living proof that it can hit earlier than 50. I was 43. I'm also living proof that if it's caught early enough, it can be taken care of.

I have a friend that was in his early 20's when he was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer (he's my age now, so his story ended well).

If there is a history of colorectal cancer in your family, the suggestion from the doctors is to get checked out about 10 years earlier than when your family member was diagnosed. So if your father was diagnosed at age 55, get your butt scoped at 45.

If you so much as see a hint of blood where blood shouldn't be, get your butt to your doctor pronto.

69goatboy, I'm with ya. My Dad had prostate cancer, and had successful radiation treatment. I was told that if your father has prostate cancer, it makes you twice as likely to have it.

When I went it for my yearly exam in Aug 2012, things didn't check out, so on further checking, they found cancer. Upon discussion with my wife, I decided to have it removed. So far, I have had no ill effects from the surgery. Since I am the oldest of 4 sons (including Ponchjoe, a member here as well), I am always reminding them to get their yearly exam. Good advice, 69goatboy.

Dave

[Firedup6975]

I'm not a Man LOL but I had to have one before my bone marrow transplant in 2011, and had another in 2013. As well two Endoscopes a camera down my throat into my stomach.

[MYGOAT]

Had a couple of gut issues a few months back, Doc suggested a Colonoscopy but I baulked at that idea based on my previous episodes with fat fingered doctors. Since reading about Mike's issue went back last week and asked for it to get done.
For those that have the same fear as I did, let me assure you that you don't feel a thing even after you wake up. At most I can say the cleansing procedure is a bit of an inconvienance. (Just don't plan to go anywhere that night).
In my case had a couple of biopsys taken but just found out all is good.
Seriously, just do it, if not for yourself do it for your family.

[PunchT37]

I'm going in on June 4'th for upper and lower GI. I just hope they do the upper 1'st.

[Garry Sr]

Have you guys ever wondered why doctors never seem to get sick even though they're around sick people all the time? It's like there's an unspoken law of nature going on there, if they're allowed to break, who will fix the broken ones?

[GTOMazz]

I was tested last year and all was good. I just don't like when you go in the office and the light are dim and they are playing soft music. LOL I have to go back for the upper test, stomach problems.

[Steve Hoog]

Mine started brewing ball park of 37; my butt is on fire right now and chemo Thursday.

Get one sooner than 50, please.

[The Champ]

I'm 60 and just had my 2nd one in February (for my 60th birthday... ).

They now have a two stage prep - 1 liter the night before and a 2nd liter early the next morning. Still tastes like crap, but much better than a gallon the night before.

It's called Movi Prep, IIRC.

[Goats_Hogs]

My dad passed from colon cancer 3 years ago in Feb. I got one shortly after. Like others, I'm on the 5 year plan now. I also do the wellness check annually. Actually, next Monday is my appt for the check up, so I will play the doctor's puppet once again.

Good thread David....