Alty. You won't know until the tests are done. I need to have a colonosopy done. I haven't done it yet. However, there are some other possibilities.

Bleeding ulcers. Mom had them. They are controlled. But she was hospitalized twice. No NAISD's. No seeds, especially small ones like tomatoe. It's a combination of diverticulitus, drug side effects and seeds.

Well, your anemic because you losing too much blood and iron reserves in the process. Females in reproductive years need more iron anyway.

We have a neighbor who is going through rectal cancer right now. She also didn't heed the warning signs. It's been a grueling process for her, but things look optomistic. She underwent chemo at home and then surgery with a double colostomy bag. She is now going through radiation. The docs are optimistic. Yep, she has some extreme positive outlook because her daughter was going to have a baby and she definitely wanted to be around for that one.

Statistics say that colorectal cancer is pretty common. Liver and stomach doesn't have very good mortality. You can live without a colon. It's just majorly inconvienient.

Think "No negative waves". Hindsight is 20/20.

Besides, what would we do without you?

Like KISS said, there's too many possibilities for you to fixate on this one. You notice several people have said how common this is, so naturally the Doctor thought of testing for it.

We're all here for you, regardless. You've got emails and phone #s and all our psychic powers to help you through this.

Big Bear Hugs Alty

I'm so sorry that I can't be more helpful or be there to give you a hug in person

I really hope that its not as bad as it sounds,
You know you can email me if or whenever you want, for whatever reason :)

I am sorry I missed this last night, but I'm here for you now!

You,of all the people on this site,will have SOOOOO much support from sooo many people, you have always been the good sign on AMHD.

I am hoping this is something more simple and treatable than any cancer.

Maybe going back to better times might help, this is from November 2008. https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/other-...ms-260700.html

To look back and remember the times we all had with little to worry about(at that time anyway)

Alty,I am praying for you dear.

I lost my brother to colon cancer.

He was misdiagnosed for a rather lengthy period as having internal hemorrhoids.

His colon was eventually removed ,he had chemo and he lived for two years with a colostomy bag(he was very active as a teacher and a hockey coach) and it did not adversely affect his level of participation in life.

His cancer returned and he had chemo for over a year to no avail.However,that is only one story and there are many more that don't end that way.

I am hyperthyroid and I always have a low blood count as a result of my thyroid.
I think its important to get an endocrinologist involved in your care for that reason.

The C word is NOT the death sentence it was even 10 years ago.The strides that are being made are amazing.

Arm yourself with knowledge and above all,keep the faith.
Sending lots of healing energy your way!

Alty,
Be strong & keep faith.
Until you get the tests and results you won't really know for sure,then you can start making plans for what to do next.

Big hugs!

.

I followed the link you posted in the Café Alty. I'm very sorry to hear that, but I'll keep hoping that it's not a cancer. It would be really hard for me to hear that another person I know, a friend of mine, has got cancer.

I really hope it's rather a diabetes, or anaemia, or even stress which causes haemorrhoids. Try having a general blood test, if it's not already done. For the time being, try having food that will go on smooth with your colon, food rich in fibre (veggies, cereals, fruits, etc).

And yes, the colon cancer doesn't have a high mortality rate like the others said. In most of the cases, you can remove the part affected and get a shorter colon, without it really affecting your body. This will require some time to heal, along with chemo to make sure no cancer cells spread in the mean time.

I don't want to be pessimist, but if it really is a cancer, it would be curable (that is you can remove the cancer and be fine) but make regular check ups. Being aware that your parent both had cancer, you should be careful. You should not be afraid of it, but it should be your aim to prevent it from happening. This is how I see it.

You will have my full support. I have been with someone with a case very similar, my dad, except that he had liver cancer and was really too late. I don't want it to happen to you too :( Be strong, you are in my prayers. God is not deaf and will hear our prayers.

Hugs to you Alty. :)

Alty, many friends have given you their prayers, experiences and good wishes I want to add mine too. I know that you are scared but you know also that you have more strength than you think presently. I understand your fears and worries anyone would have them.

As I have mentioned before when my son was in his early 20's he developed testicular cancer which is very dangerous and he is fine now after over 15 years. He gets a checkup once per year.

We have been friends beyond AMHD and we will always be so. If you would like to call me I am here always. I may not always have the words to say what is in my heart (like most guys) but you know that I care.

God bless you and I will pray that your test results come back negative to cancer. And should it, I pray that it is early and can be irradiated completely.

Hugs help I know you'll get tons of them. {{{{ HUGS}}}}

Stringer

For now, I would do some eating changes, if applicable, and they are: remove small seeds like grapes, tomatoes and cucumbers from your diet and avoid things like hot peppers. Avoid aspirin which will make you bleed easier.

Cheers.

Oh, KISS' post reminded me of something I forgot to say. I have a file on my computer about 'Medicial Chemistry of Anticancer Drugs'.

An edited quote from the book (I don't want to scare you with the scientific terms and I've italized the 'not necessary parts')
:

Quote:

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Several compounds with radical scavenging properties are being studied for cancer chemoprevention. However, it must be noted that, although many patients being treated for cancer use antioxidants in the hope of reducing the toxicity of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, mechanistic considerations suggest that antioxidants might reduce the effects of conventional cytotoxic therapies and a limited number of clinical studies have not found any benefit in these associations. The main antioxidants that are claimed to behave as chemoprotective agents are found in foodstuffs, especially of a vegetal origin, and are ascorbic acid, ergothioneine, green tea polyphenols, and lycopene.

Ergothioneine (not much info on here)
Ergothioneine is a component of white button mushrooms that is considered as an antioxidant with cancer chemopreventive properties.

Ascorbic acid
The antioxidant properties of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) are related to its ability to generate a stabilized radical at its C-3 position because of the operation of the captodative effect. This allows ascorbic acid to react with harmful, more reactive species and prevent their interaction with biomolecules. Ascorbic acid has been recommended for many years to prevent the appearance of gastrointestinal cancers, although a recent statistical study including more than 170,000 patients in risk of this type of cancer showed no evidence of benefit.

Green tea polyphenols
Green tea polyphenols are potent radical scavengers that are being extensively studied as chemopreventive agents. A Phase II clinical assay studied the modulation by these substances of the urinary excretion of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), an oxidative DNA damage biomarker. The results obtained suggest that chemoprevention with green tea polyphenols is effective in diminishing oxidative DNA damage.

Lycopene
Lycopene is an open-chain carotenoid found in several fruits, especially in tomatoes, which is accumulated in high concentrations in several tissues.It reacts with hydroxyl radicals giving a stabilized, highly delocalized species. Chemoprevention with lycopene has shown definite results in prostate cancer.

---

While scientists don't have concrete proofs that antioxidants really prevent, reduce or cure cancer, they have been widely used for those purposes. Sometimes, they worked, at other times, they didn't. Anyway, they never caused harm, so why not give them a try?

I just got back from my doctors appointment, I've never seen him this worried and he's been my doctor for 12 years. He's extremely concerned, apparently I'm critically anemic, had I left this even a few more days it could have been really bad.

Now he needs to find out why I'm anemic, he's sending me to specialists, he'll be calling me this afternoon, he's going to pull strings to get me in asap. He's talking about sending me to the hospital, he's making those calls too. He's put my on iron pills for now but wants to get to the bottom of this yesterday.

I don't know how much I'll be around here on AMHD. If I end up in the hospital I have no way to get on to AMHD. We don't have a laptop and can't afford one right now.

I'm still crossing my fingers that it's not cancer but my doctor is really concerned that it is. He's also concerned that I left this too long.

My body is falling apart. Why didn't I buy the extended warranty?

Thank you everyone for your well wishes.

Alty I hope everything works out okay for you!

I posted a really funny pic of a kid doing a face plant in the humor and comedy section It's titles Akward family photos, you kind of have to scroll down to see the pics!

You are in my thoughts and prayers .
Stay strong my friend and know that you have people all over the world praying for you and that is some powerful love working there!

Hmm, you could try getting some iron from your side too. Some green vegetables and lentils are the food I know are rich in iron.

Hang on Alty! :(

Thanks everyone. The doctor did recommend that on top of the iron supplement I eat iron rich foods. I'll get R to go shopping when he gets home.

I took a supplement already.

If I do end up going to the hospital then all the tests my doctor wants done will be done there. I just want to know what I'm dealing with here so I can fight it. :(

Hun, I am here for you. If you have to go in, make sure R keeps in touch with me through FB. I just wish we were closer.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by J_9

Hun, I am here for you. If you have to go in, make sure R keeps in touch with me through FB. I just wish we were closer.

---

I'll tell R. :)

He's going to have his hands full. If I have to go in I have no idea what we're going to do about the kids. We can't afford for R to miss work and the kids have to go to school. I take care of all that. Heck, I take care of everything. I don't know how he'll handle it.

I guess I can ask my neighbors and friends for help. I'm hoping that if I have to go in I won't be in long. Crossing my fingers.

Doctor hasn't called yet, I know he's busy making arrangements for me.

The only time I've been to the hospital for something serious was when I miscarried. Even then, they did the D&C and I was out that same day.

I'm really scared everyone. I'm trying to stay positive but the look of worry on my doctors face, the fact that he kept saying that he's really worried about me, that scares me. He never worries!

Alty honey, no matter what happens it will all work out one way or another. I am a firm believer that things happen to us for a reason. Why don't you ship the kids to me for a while? Ya know, if they weren't in school I'd be happy to take them for the summer.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by J_9

Alty honey, no matter what happens it will all work out one way or another. I am a firm believer that things happen to us for a reason. Why don't you ship the kids to me for a while? Ya know, if they weren't in school I'd be happy to take them for the summer.

---

I would ship them, they'd love it.

I'll figure something out, one thing I do have is great friends. It's going to be a bit of a shock for them because I haven't told anyone but my AMHD family about what's going on. I know that I just have to make a few phone calls and R will have pots of food brought over while I'm gone, the kids will be taken everywhere, go for sleep overs, they'll be taken care of.

I have no idea how long I'll be at the hospital if I have to go. I just hope I get to leave.

Alty honey, let's take it one step at a time okay? You haven't been given a diagnosis yet, so don't put the cart before the horse.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by J_9

Alty honey, let's take it one step at a time okay? You haven't been given a diagnosis yet, so don't put the cart before the horse.

---

It's in my nature to worry. I a worrier. Until I know what it is I'm assuming the worst. I'm really trying not to but it's hard.

Actually, I hope he does send me to the hospital, all the tests can be done there and hopefully I'll get an answer. If I have to wait for appointments with specialists it could take months. :(

And thankfully you live in Canada!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Aurora_Bell

And thankfully you live in Canada!

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LOL! Yes, the medical care is free but if I have to see specialist it could take months to get in, unless I'm willing (in this case able) to dish out $5000 to push ahead in line. I don't have $5000.

They won't let you fade away! :) My daughter had to see a specialist and there was a 6 month waiting list, unless I wanted to fork out all kinds of cash that I just don't have. I was considering selling my car. Luckily, (?? ) it got to a point where she was being hospitalized and there was nothing any of the local doctors could do, next thing you know I had an appointment 2 days later!

You are in my thoughts Alty, I pray for your speedy recovery healthy return!

I'm just now coming onto this thread, Alty.

Are you okay for now?

Thanks!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Clough

I'm just now coming onto this thread, Alty.

Are you okay for now?

Thanks!

---

Hi Clough.

Actually, no, I'm not okay. I'm very weak right now, due to my hemoglobin being so low. I'm also very worried and scared, that's not helping.

Right now I'm just waiting for instructions on when to go in for testing, where to go etc. I'm also hoping the iron pills work soon (I only started taking them so I'm expecting a lot from these little pills ;))

I'm trying to stay positive and not cross any bridges until I know for sure what's going on but it's always on my mind.

Thanks for checking in. :)

Hello Alty:

I just want you to know that you're very loved, and by a lotta people.

excon

Quote:

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Originally Posted by excon

Hello Alty:

I just want you to know that you're very loved, and by a lotta people.

excon

---

You know I could make this into something naughty, don't you? :p

I'd even wear a cat suit to whip you into shape, You should have been in the hospital yesterday. You've been naughty and deserve to be punished. Oh, I forgot, not being punished would be punishment.:D

"No negative waves"!

My doctor and I talked and he agreed to let me stay home, wait to see if the iron pills help. I'm under his watch, he's right on top of things. If my hemoglobin doesn't go up in a few days then I won't have a choice, I'll have to go to the hospital.

I have to say that I really don't look good in a hospital gown. Also, why the heck is the back open like that? Does everyone really need to see my a$$? Is it just for a cheap thrill or is there really a purpose for those gowns?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Altenweg

Hi Clough.

Actually, no, I'm not okay. I'm very weak right now, due to my hemoglobin being so low. I'm also very worried and scared, that's not helping.

Right now I'm just waiting for instructions on when to go in for testing, where to go etc. I'm also hoping the iron pills work soon (I only started taking them so I'm expecting a lot from these little pills ;))

I'm trying to stay positive and not cross any bridges until I know for sure what's going on but it's always on my mind.

Thanks for checking in. :)

---

Alty you may experience some nausea with you iron intake.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Altenweg

My doctor and I talked and he agreed to let me stay home, wait to see if the iron pills help. I'm under his watch, he's right on top of things. If my hemoglobin doesn't go up in a few days then I won't have a choice, I'll have to go to the hospital.

I have to say that I really don't look good in a hospital gown. Also, why the heck is the back open like that? Does everyone really need to see my a$$? Is it just for a cheap thrill or is there really a purpose for those gowns?

---

:):D:rolleyes:

I'm really concerned about you Alty. You know that hemoglobin is the oxygen carrying portion of the blood? Your hemoglobin is at a critical low. Your organs aren't getting the oxygen they need. I know you need to stay home, and sometimes staying home is better than being in the hospital. But this time... well... never mind.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by J_9

I'm really concerned about you Alty. You know that hemoglobin is the oxygen carrying portion of the blood? Your hemoglobin is at a critical low. Your organs aren't getting the oxygen they need. I know you need to stay home, and sometimes staying home is better than being in the hospital. But this time... well... never mind.

---

I'm being watched very carefully J, really, my doctor is great. He won't let things slide, if my hemoglobin doesn't go up then he won't hesitate to drive me to the hospital himself. That's how he is.

He's the doctor that came to my moms house when she was too sick to come into his office. Unless the patient goes to the doctors office, the doctor doesn't get paid. So he drove to my moms house to check on her. She had only seen him once before that. That's the kind of doctor he is.

He's already called me today to see how I'm feeling. He said he'd call again at noon then at 4 then right after dinner and before bed.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Altenweg

I'm being watched very carefully J, really, my doctor is great. He won't let things slide, if my hemoglobin doesn't go up then he won't hesitate to drive me to the hospital himself. That's how he is.

He's the doctor that came to my moms house when she was too sick to come into his office. Unless the patient goes to the doctors office, the doctor doesn't get paid. So he drove to my moms house to check on her. She had only seen him once before that. That's the kind of doctor he is.

He's already called me today to see how I'm feeling. He said he'd call again at noon then at 4 then right after dinner and before bed.

---

Wow. This is a great Doc. Does he have Paypal? I can spare a couple of bucks US for gas.

Change is coming. Here is just one link for a modest hospital gown: EverythingHealth: Modest Hospital Gowns

Maybe that's next, the hospital nic knack store to have a "hospital fashions" department complete with fitting rooms.

Cats, his office isn't very far from my house, it's right by the kids school. He is great.

It took me most of my life to find such a great doctor. I've been with him for 12 years now. Sadly he's been talking about retiring. He's well past the age of retirement and actually made plans 3 years ago to give up his practice, he just couldn't do it.

I don't know what I'll do when he retires. I dread it.

Okay, I feel better now. Thanks for sharing your story about your doctor.

I just become very protective about people I care about.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by J_9

Okay, I feel better now. Thanks for sharing your story about your doctor.

I just become very protective about people I care about.

---

I appreciate it J. I like that you're protective of me, makes me feel pretty good that you care that much. I hope you know that I feel the same way about you.

Okay, mushy moments not good today! I cannot cry right now, I don't have the energy. :o

I do have to run, have to get another blood test done. I find that odd. I have low hemoglobin, so don't I need all my blood right now, yet they take out 6 vials of it when they do their tests. :rolleyes:

I'll be back later. Thanks everyone for the support, it means more then I can say.

Just tell them to put the blood back when they are done using it.