[Skip2MySue]

As promised I will continue reporting on the fun and games that go along with having colon cancer surgery. Today's episode will cover the pre-op testing and cardio clearance needed to get to the big show. The info will be after the initial story that I posted earlier.

Based on my previous post looking for a colon surgeon and the 29 replies and 1409 views it received I thought it might be worthwhile sharing my experiences with you all as a type of "paying it forward" for any of you who may hit this hurdle in the future. I'll do my best to keep it light but informative and hopefully some of you will find it educational as well as entertaining. This will be written in installments as I move thru the process.

Here's chapter #1.
PLEASE keep up to date on getting a colonoscopy!!!!!!!
No it's not the most fun I've ever had but it's a must to keep this silent killer at bay as we age. Fortunately I've been a regular and my cancer was caught in the early stages. After my latest colonscopy the GI doctor announced that I would need to see a surgeon to remove part of my colon as cancer had begun to attack it. So I was scheduled for a blood test and then a CT scan to begin the steps necessary to meet with a surgeon. The scheduled date for the CT scan was postponed because United Healthcare hadn't O.K.'d the procedure and it was rescheduled for 4 days later. The day before the new date I called the Scan office to make sure they had authorization. Nope, they hadn't rec'd the clearance. With steam pouring from my ears I called U.H. to find out what the hell was going on. Now they tell me they never rec'd a request from the GI doctor to have the procedure performed. So then I calmly (not) move onto the GI office to find out who was doing what. 3 hours later I rec'd a phone call from GI office that it's all straightened out and that it was U.H. mistake. So don't be surprised if these snafu's pop their little beady heads up along the route. Finally got all the tests complete and then the search starts for a colon/rectal surgeon obviously trying to find the best one available. Thru many responses from you guys I had narrowed my search down to two doctors, one in Florida and one in NJ. I started it off by having my colonoscopy, pathology and CT results faxed to the two doctors and seeing that I was heading back to NJ for the holidays I made an appointment for the initial meeting in NJ with a surgeon. Before leaving for NJ I checked in with the Dr. to make sure my test results had been received and of course they hadn't. I then returned to the GI office with fire in my eyes wondering what had happened with such an easy request. Asst. said they must have had trouble with the fax machine that day so I stood there and watched him fax the reports again. Wow, no trouble with the fax machine today!!! Prior to my appointment I had mentioned to friends that I was heading to see Dr. Glenn Parker and I was flooded with nothing but good comments about his ability and history. In the week prior to my appointment I must have received over 2 dozen recommendations from friends, relatives and neighbors about what a great doctor he is. So now I head for the appointment with trepidation rushing thru my veins. So many questions and thoughts racing thru my little brain it almost made me dizzy. But thanks to all the great things I had heard I had a much more positive outlook on seeing this doctor. And then all of a sudden I was sitting in his office discussing my condition and the plan of attack. As he went over his credentials and history with similar surgeries he mentioned that he is the Chief of Surgery for the largest teaching hospital in the area. I had previously had two hip replacement surgeries at this Jersey Shore hospital and was more then pleased with the care offered. He just exuded a bedside manner that gave me just what I needed to make me feel at ease with the pending surgery. With no guarantee of what he was going to find but his promise that he would give me 100% of his efforts to return to normal health I shook his hand and said, let's do it. I mentioned that all my doctors where now in FL. and he assured me that his office would set up all the testing I needed in NJ and we would proceed with complete backing of his staff and himself. I actually left the office with a little spring in my step knowing that I had made the right decision to move forward. Pre-Op and Cardiologist appointments are set for the week of Jan. 13th and surgery is to be performed on Feb. 7th. I'll be back after the pre-op tests to give you a little more info on how all that goes. Hope this play by play will help others.
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Well if everything goes as smoothly as my pre-op testing this whole thing is gonna be a piece of cake. First appointment was with the Cardio Dr. and an EKG. After consultation and a little small talk he gave me the O.K. for the surgery. Wow, didn't have to have another stress test which helped lessen the process by a week. This in turn would end up getting me back to the Villages for some fun in the sunshine prior to the surgery date even earlier. Then a couple of days later it was off to the hospital for a chest xray and 6 vials of blood and all were approved for surgery clearance. Once I verified with the surgery Dr.'s staff that everything was O.K.'d for surgery I was on the phone booking my round trip flight back to the Villages. So tonight I'm outta here and headed back to paradise and will not return to NJ until Feb. 3rd. Funny how the Villages lifestyle helps lessen the anxiety of the pending surgery. So the countdown begins but I'm pretty psyched as I have a loving wife and family support system, a super surgeon and much support from my fellow Villager's. As I've discussed my cancer with friends I've been able to steer 2 of them to having well past due colonscopies performed so my message has been able to help others. PLEASE don't but off this simple procedure which could certainly be a lifesaver. I'll look forward to writing another chapter after the surgery to share with you all of the complete recovery and clean bill of health that I'm sure will be forthcoming. Now repeat after me " I WILL GET A COLONOSCOPY ASAP FOR MYSELF AND THE PEOPLE I LOVE. "
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[graciegirl]

I am sending your post on to a friend who is afraid of having one and relies on stool blood testing.


I also want you to know that I am prayin' and sending much love and support and at least 4000 hugs to you and wife and KNOW I am to be counted on for any support needed in anyway.


Gracie.

[Lbmb24101]

I am praying for you as well
I took prepopek for colonoscopy prep ( i think that s the name) and though expensive, it was not hard to take.
I agree.
A colonoscopy s a must.

[duffysmom]

Skip thank you for sharing your journey with us. I so agree with you regarding having a colonoscopy asap. I was someone who put it off and was so surprised when it wasn't bad at all. Actually I fear the dentist more than the colonoscopy procedure.

Please know that my prayers are for your complete recovery.

[2BNTV]

Skip:

" I WILL GET A COLONOSCOPY ASAP FOR MYSELF AND THE PEOPLE I LOVE. "

I couldn't agree with you more, this is a necessary test. The prep work is much worse, than the procedure itself. I usually, sleep, through it.

Hoopefully, the surgery goes exceedingly well.

Best wishes for your future health, going forward.

[StarbuckSammy]

Thanks for sharing your story with us...good luck.