Mark G’s story

Just a quick story that may help some people.

7.5 years ago I had a colonoscopy and polyps were removed.

I was told to come back in five years.

Time passed and no letters from hospital or doctor so I didn’t bother.

A few months back my local doctor detected low iron and ordered a colonoscopy and endoscopy.

I was convinced it was my pernicious anaemia causing the low iron.

I was determined to avoid the procedure as I was extremely scared. I don’t even get in aeroplanes.

So I did a faecal test and it was positive.

The procedure went ahead. This time polyps were detected in three separate regions of the colon and were very big, over 3 cm long.

I was required to undergo major surgery to remove them as they could be pre-cancerous.

I was frozen with fear and decided to try some antidepressant/anti anxiety medication.

It really worked and the surgery came around and I was feeling resigned to the fact. If this was going to kill me, so be it.

I woke up and surgery was successful with 13.5 inches of colon and small intestine removed.

Years of diverticulitis had severely damaged the ileum. The right hemicolectomy procedure removed the appendix and a third of the colon.

The hospital staff, from cleaners to surgeons were dedicated and amazing professionals.

A few days ago, the pathology report showed a tiny colon cancer the size of 4 mm by 2 mm was encapsulated in the end of one of those polyps. This was not know, till after the operation.
I had dodged a bullet.

So, my point now is I am glad a doctor pushed me to do the colonoscopy and I’m glad the Gastroenterologist advised surgery and I’m glad the surgery removed the Stage 1 cancer.

If you’re scared and begin this process, I can only say proceed with urgency as the longer it’s drawn out the worse will be the prognosis.

The surgery would have cost $20,000 (glad my years of tax paid for it)!

Do your bowel tests because bowel cancer truly is a silent killer if left unchecked.

My one piece of advice:

Get tested even if you think you’re okay.