Vegetarians and Colon Cancer

When I read this article, I was shocked! Because most people assume, vegetarians are healthy people. Actually, when I went through my professional training, I learned this is not true. It was something I realized, very quickly. But it is still something, that many people believe.

This study, was still shocking to me. Vegetarians are at a higher risk, for developing colon cancer? You always hear how meat, red meat consumption in particular, is linked to colon cancer. So how in the world, could vegetarianism, be linked too?

Well, it goes back to that thing called "inflammation." Which is bad, for a number of health issues. A leading cause, for many diseases. In this study, unsaturated omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, seem to be the trigger.

While I was working and going to college, we'd study many things like this. A positive, to going to a university, that focused on agriculture. One that worked closely, with our food consumption, in the United States. And you'd be shocked, by how many studies we'd do, that would find similar things.

Most diseases that we studied, were studied at the cellular level. Meaning that we'd study how the body's cells, reacted to different situations. What made, our cells change? And how did they change? What would happen to a cell, when it was influenced, by an outside trigger. Like diet, food additives, pesticides, disease, inflammation. Most of the time, we were looking for triggers. Because the links, between certain diets and diseases, were already established. We wanted to know, how and why things happened.

In my opinion, a well balanced, healthy diet is still supreme. Eliminating any food group, has risks associated with it. Yes, I practice Meatless Mondays. And try to keep my sugar consumption, relatively low. I just find this study, to be extra shocking.

At the end of the day, it is your right, to eat whatever you'd like. But just don't forget that fiber! Think about keeping most of your plate, packed with colorful fruits and vegetables. But it's still important, to eat protein. This study, is just another example of that. ❤❤❤

Coffee and Colon Cancer

If there is one thing, that you should know about my Daddy, he was a coffee drinker. Through and through. My entire family is. Really. I was once, a coffee addict too. But my Dad, he had us all beat! So when I came across this article, it sort of made me chuckle.

You see, you have a 26% lower risk of developing colon cancer, if you drink 1-2 cups of coffee daily. If you drink 2.5 cups or more daily, your risk is lowered 50%. It doesn't matter if it's caffeinated, or decaffeinated coffee. Just the amount.

In short, after all the other risk factors, associated with colon cancer, daily coffee consumption helps. Drastically. It makes me think, I should be incredibly grateful to my Dad's coffee addiction. Although he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer, his 4-6 cups of coffee, every single day...probably bought us some time.

And although this is a relatively small study, it does bring hope. Hope that there are things, that we do daily, that somehow protect our bodies. That give us, the slightest hope, that we can beat this beast. So coffee, Thank You! I'm sure, you gave me just a little more time, with my Daddy! ❤❤❤

Treating the Elderly

Fighting and treating colon cancer, any cancer really, is expensive. For us, like everyone else, there was a financial toll. My Dad had amazing insurance. But it didn't mean, that we were worry free. Medications, treatments, doctors' appointments, tests, and hospitalizations...they add up quickly! But when you are trying to save someone's life, those costs don't matter. You'd probably walk to the end of the earth, and back. I know I would!

When I came across this article last week, it didn't surprise me. When we first began, the battle, our oncologist warned us. About the costs, the side effects, and my Dad's projected life expectancy. Actually, in so many words, he encouraged us to go home, and enjoy my Dad...and his life, while we still could.

You see, my Dad was 81 years old. In relatively poor health. And all these treatments, might give my Dad, an additional year. MIGHT! My Dad had been diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer. He also had severe anemia, due to the cancer. He had diabetes, and epilepsy. And the cancer had spread into his liver. There was only one doctor, that would even consider surgery on his liver. My Dad was high risk. And his lifelong battle, with epilepsy, didn't help.

In fact, for his surgery, to remove most of his intestines and to place his stoma...we hit a road block. No anesthesiologists, wanted to treat him. Our surgeon had to practically jump through hoops, that were on fire. To get someone, to join him in the operating room. Because my Dad had, had a serious of seizures. After a million tests and scans...and some medical history, the doctors felt like the cancer was contributing to the seizures. Because my Dad had previously been seizure free, for over 3 years. So he was cleared for surgery.

But my Dad wanted to live. And if the chemo and radiation, would give him an extra day, he'd try it too. He'd try anything. And everything. My Dad didn't have the "typical" symptoms and side effects. But you could tell, that all the treatments, were taking a toll. He struggled a lot. With energy. With pneumonia. And with seizures.

We'd end up on Palliative Care. To help keep a better eye, on my Dad's health. Our doctor would personally call up our insurance company, many times, to argue about care. He'd give my Dad the options. My Dad would ALWAYS choose, to do treatments. And our doctor, would fight to get the treatments approved.

There were also many "supportive medications," that my Dad took. To keep his quality of health, somewhat better. These medications, often times, had high costs attached to them. But my Dad was a fighter. And he was trying to live.

Looking back, I don't know if it was the best decision. But it was my Dad's decision. My Mom and I would listen to the doctors, and my Dad would make the decisions. We were his support system. I can't say, that if I were in his place, that I would have made those same decisions. But we were all educated on the issues. And supported my Dad's decisions.

From the time that we first met our oncologist, until my Dad's passing, it was around 9 months. At our initial appointment, we were told, without treatment, my Dad would have just about a year of life. With treatment, it could extend his life, by possibly 6 months to a year.

We were also told about side effects. And quality of life. And what it would take, to seek treatments. All of it, would be true. My Dad would spend much, of those 9 months, in the hospital. I can't tell you, that life would have been better, had he not received treatments. I don't know if he would have lived longer. Or if this was just God's plan, all along.

What I do know, is that Palliative Care, was our saving grace. That our doctors were very supportive, of my Dad's decisions. Even if they didn't always agree, with him. Our oncologist, really became the one person, that would fight anyone...for the treatment my Dad wanted.

With the elderly, like with all of us, they don't want to give up. They want to live. Any option that is available, they want to try. No matter the side effects. But there has to be a better way, to treat the elderly. There has to be a way, to give them a fighting chance. That not only extends their lives. But improves their quality of life. More than anything, you need to remember, it's their life. They have the right, to fight for it.

Our elderly, should be respected. And their wishes, should be honored. We shouldn't think any differently, because of their age. Medications, should be developed, to improve their lives. And the quality of their lives. We need to remember, they are a particularly weak part of our population. Susceptible to all sorts of things. And really, at the end of the day, they want to live as long as possible.

Big businesses, like insurance companies, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies, don't think about these things. These are very important things. The things, that really determine a person's real quality of life. You are your loved ones biggest supporter. Their caregiver. And probably, the only person in their corner, really fighting for them. Think about it. Don't just think about costs. But also about their quality of life. What type of care is available. And how your loved one, will live out, their last few days. ❤❤❤

At Home Screening

We all know, just how important cancer screening is. Especially, if you are considered, "High Risk." Often times, insurance companies, aren't so happy to approve screening. Especially if you are young. It doesn't matter to them, that you are carrying a high risk. That means nothing, to them. They just see dollar signs.

And the reality is, it would probably cost them less, to screen these types of people. Like myself. If it's caught early, there is less care needed. Therefore, it costs the insurance companies less. And it gives us, the high risk people, a better shot at a long and healthy life.

I found this article. And was stunned. I'd never heard about, at home screening. A simple little test. That possibly could save lives. Or at least, grab the attention of your doctor. Cologuard was even approved by the FDA, in 2014.

While I still think, a colonoscopy is the best way to go, for screening. I would definitely like to try this. It's another safety precaution, to take. Especially, if you have the risk, in your family. And are a young adult. I know on the website, they talk about people who are 50+. But I think, this is a good option, for those people, who can't get colonoscopy approval.

Even with the amazing doctor, that I have in my corner, I'm fighting to be approved for a colonoscopy. I'm 32 years old. Healthy. And I appear, to have nothing wrong with me. In today's world, that gives the insurance company, all rights to say no. No to my screening. Until I'm 50 years old.

It's crazy. The doctors in my corner, are all fighting for me. Just so I have a better chance at life. A sense of ease. With knowing, if I am a true risk, or not. But with a HUGE list, of people waiting for colonoscopies, and just to see GI doctors....I know I have an uphill battle.

So here are my thoughts. Our health, is in our own hands. If we don't fight for ourselves, who will? It took my Dad, almost 3 1/2 years, to receive a colonoscopy. And he was sick. Hospitalized many times. For weeks, at a time. He had ALL the signs, of colon cancer.

For me, the relatively healthy young adult...must fight. And if this is what I have to turn to, well I'll be going to my doctor. Asking for a prescription. And you know what? I'm thankful, to have something like this, to lean on. At least, it gives me, a fighting chance. ❤❤❤

Benefits of Aspirin

Aspirin is used, in many ways, to prevent disease. In fact, both of my parents, have taken a daily dose. It's something that most people, don't really think of.

My Mom has taken aspirin, for a few years now. A recommendation, from her doctor. My Dad, took aspirin, in his last year or so, of life. It had to do with other medications, that he was taking. It didn't add much, to the daily medications, that he was already taking. And the cost was minimal.

I say this, because the benefits are great. Outstanding really! I'd been hearing about a connection, between aspirin and gastrointestinal cancers, for over a year now. From a colleague. In fact, it was recommended to me, to begin the daily low-dose, aspirin regimen.

After reading this article. And reading through the original article, from the JAMA, I'm convinced.  A 19% drop, in colorectal cancer. And a 15% drop in gastrointestinal cancers. That is amazing! It gives someone like me, some hope. I'm a high risk individual. But most insurance companies, and doctors, don't believe I should be screened for...another 12+ years.

Aspirin, will never take the place of a colonoscopy. But there is significant research, and evidence, that it helps. And if it helps, why not try it? Especially, if you are someone with a family history, of colon cancer.

Just remember, always talk it over with your doctor first. There are also risks, involved with taking aspirin. And your total health, should be considered. But for me, and I'm assuming many individuals, the benefits, outweigh the risks. I know, what I'll be adding to my morning routine. ❤❤❤

In the Genes?

Interesting. That's what I thought, as I read this article. Makes me wonder about a lot of different things. Especially, over the last few months. I've researched a lot of different areas...associated with colon cancer.

And now, what I'd always thought...seems to be backed up. With a little research. Don't get me wrong. There is still much to be researched, and studied.

But for me, it just solidifies the importance, of colonoscopies, screening, and knowing your history. Yes, it is very important to live a healthy lifestyle. But equally as important, is knowing your history. Knowing the chances of a possible cancer. And staying on top, of all those things.

I just find it intriguing, that the mutation of the APC gene, was found in an 18th century mummy. Goes to show, just how important our "Family History," really is. Did it cause colon cancer? We don't know. But it was there.

Can you imagine, all those years ago...having this mutation? This early research, doesn't really prove what causes modern day colon cancer. Much like, "What came first? The chicken? Or the egg?" But we know have a better understanding, of the importance, of screening. ❤❤❤

Colon Cancer and Young Adults

Along this journey, there have been few things I fear. One, obviously, was my Dad having cancer. Two, was losing him. Three, was me, one day being diagnosed.

It's not the kind of thing, that I stress about daily. It's the type of thing, that I wonder about. From time to time. Like when I try and schedule a routine colonoscopy. And I'm told I'm too young. Or don't have high enough risk factors. And I think, my Dad had Stage 4 Colon Cancer. Which spread. And he died...

It's become something, that I've put on my radar. But not "worried myself to death" about. Do you know what I mean? I might read a few more articles about colon cancer. Or sometimes, think in the back of my mind, could this be a symptom? Should I be concerned?

And then, I might get literature from work. Stating that colon cancer is on the rise. Something that shouldn't be put aside. It should be on people's radars. And I think again. Should I be concerned?

I came across this article, and I realized, I'm not crazy. I need to stay on top of this. I do eat a well balanced diet. High in fresh fruits and veggies. Lots of fiber. I try to exercise. And keep my weight healthy. But that doesn't guarantee anything. My Dad had Stage 4 Colon Cancer. I need to be proactive.

If one doctor says, no to a colonoscopy, it's not only my right...but my choice to find another doctor. One that can make me feel better. I've learned, that it's also essential, to lean on our medical team. The one, that cared for my Dad. They know his history. Therefore, they'll know most of mine. And my risks. And will probably be, the only ones that really listen.

After reading this article, I know I'm not crazy. These are serious topics. It's our life, in our hands. I watched my Dad, battle this disease. I saw him before, and after, his diagnosis. I insisted for years, that he have a colonoscopy. And now realize, that without my pushing, who knows if he would have ever been diagnosed.

It's made me a stronger person. With me, more settled in my ways. I'm now insured. And hope, against all hope, that I can be tested. At least, within the year. I'm a person that monitors a lot. By nature. It's not strange that I monitor my stools. I'm a trained RD. And for much of my early career, it was my job, to measure and monitor people's stools.

So I try to make sure I'm OK. Most of the time. I try and watch what I eat. How tired I get. What goes in, and out, of my body. I also would like to know, if I had cancer. No matter what my age is. Now, in 10 years, or in 30 years. It's my right.

Would I seek treatment? That's a loaded question for me. One that would depend on my age. If I had children. What was at risk? How early had they caught it? Would I have a fighting chance? If not, I couldn't imagine, going through what my Dad went through. Putting my body through all of that, to know where I was headed. But that's also my right.

As shocking as this all seems, we're just young adults. And we have rights. We have the right, to be checked. And told the honest truth. We have the right, to make decisions, about our future. And if we don't fight for ourselves, who will? Don't forget that. If nothing else, educate yourself. Who knows, when you'll need the information. ❤❤❤