So, I know I owe you all a report on our trip to Puerto Rico (short version: the Ritz has crap coffee and is across the street from the cockfights. I wish I were kidding) and I've got something else of import coming up in a few days but I wanted to post a quick note pertaining to a subject very close to my heart.
Well, not so much my heart as it is my butt. Yes, we're going there.
We are now in the month of ides, Guinness, lions and lambs but also awareness. March is coloRECTAL (sing it!) cancer awareness month. You all know my story by now, so I will spare a rerun, but it is my duty (or is that doody?) to deliver the following PSA as a CRC veteran.
Colorectal cancer--and all cancers, really--does not discriminate, nor is it logical. I am proof of the fact that you can be so low risk as to be practically risk-free and still get The Cancer. It is critical that you remain ever vigilant and tuned into the ebbs and flows of your body.
It is up to you to inform your doctor of any irregularities, whether it be unexplained weight loss, weakness, bleeding, changes in bowel habits (translation: they look different, happen more/less frequently, etc).
If things have been amok for a while and are not improving, be the squeaky wheel. You must be your own advocate. And if your doc tries to pass them off as hemmorrhoids, have him/her give me a call. You know I love a good excuse to read someone the riot act.
Spread the word, and if symptoms warrant, spread your cheeks. I've said it before, but I'll say it again:
Oh and PS, contrary to what you've heard, the prep is the second worst part of a colonoscopy. The worst worst part is being told you have cancer.
glad to see you're back - i was thinking you gave up blogging for lent!!!
ReplyDeleteWelcome back! I just registered for a run that's a fund-raiser for colorectal cancer; thanks for the PSA.
ReplyDeleteHH--I'm pretty much a Catholic drop-out, so we don't roll with Lent much these days (read: at all). I do still get amused with the increase in Fillet O'Fish advertising this time of yearm tho.
ReplyDeleteTricia--WOO! Glad to hear that the blue ribbon is getting it's props. ;)