ROCKWALL, TX (March 15, 2014) A cancer diagnosis is one of those things we all hope to avoid. Unfortunately, statistics show many of us will face cancer eventually. The question is – how will we respond?
Michelle Mintling of Royse City knows this personally. She went in for a colonoscopy to learn that of the six polyps she had removed, one looked suspicious. A week later Dr. Kristie Blank with Digestive Health Associates in Rockwall, Michelle’s gastroenterologist, called with the news no one wants. Michelle had colon cancer. Later, after surgery, they learned that the cancer had also metastasized to her lymph nodes.
Michelle’s immediate response was not what you might think. Instead of overwhelming grief, Michelle said, “Ok, what do I need to do so I can get on with my life? This is not what’s going to kill me.”
If you have no family history you might think that the risk is low. However, evidence shows that while history increases the potential of contracting colon cancer, there are other relevant yet controllable factors. Those who smoke, have high fat diets or are overweight have an elevated risk.
Michelle’s treatment included 12 chemotherapy treatments every other week. Following each treatment there were several days she didn’t feel well and was hyper-sensitive to cold, a common complaint. With the support of her family, Michelle coped well during chemotherapy. She knew she must remain positive – continuing to smile and refraining from feeling sorry for herself. Focusing on her blessings kept her moving towards good health, which was very important when she learned during treatment that she also had skin cancer. Thankfully that surgery was successful, which allowed her to focus her energy on beating colon cancer.
The best way to prevent colon cancer, besides making healthy lifestyle choices, is to get screened. Michelle admits that she had experienced some symptoms but not everyone does until the cancer is more advanced.
The message Michelle wants to share is – Don’t put off getting a colonoscopy! If you are turning 50 you should speak with your family physician about a screening colonoscopy. Secondly, learn the symptoms so you can be evaluated earlier if needed. Coloncancer is not a disease to be feared. Instead it should be understood to prevent more cases and potential deaths from this preventable and curable disease. It is through sharing stories, such as Michelle’s, and talking about this disease that we can Rid Rockwall of Colon Cancer.
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Rockwall is on a mission to Rid Rockwall of Colon Cancer. Symptoms of colon cancer include bleeding, chronic constipation or diarrhea, and weight loss. However, many polyps cause no symptoms at all which is why regular screening is important.
To find a physician or to learn more about screening procedures, visit TexasHealthRockwall.com.
Submitted by Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Rockwall. Their Good Health guest columns cover a variety of topics at BlueRibbonNews.com.
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