Although some patients never experience any symptoms of colon cancer until the cancer has advanced to a late stage, there are several signs and symptoms that you should report to your physician if you have noticed them for more than two weeks. These may indicate the presence of colon cancer:
• A change in bowel habits: diarrhea, constipation, or stool consistency changes
• Narrow, “pencil-thin” stools
• Rectal bleeding: blood in your stool on more than one occasion
• Persistent, abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, bloating, or pain
• A feeling that your bowel doesn’t completely empty
• Sudden, unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
• Constant fatigue
From this website, which has more great information about colorectal cancer: http://www.humed.com/coloncenter/fact.shtml
Pay attention to your body, and if you notice something isn't right, get to your doctor. Is it embarrasing talking about your ass to a stranger? It can be, but you know, I have to tell you, it's worth it. I don't even want to think about the progression of my cancer if I hadn't gone in when I did.
So as we start this busy week, remember that this Friday is Wear Blue Day! Wear your blue proudly! Want to do other things tohelp? Send some people to my blog, check out colonclub.com to read some inspirational stories of cancer survivors, or just vow to pay extra special attention to your body this month. Eat something healthy, get some exercise, relax.
Here's hoping for an okay dressing change tomorrow, and I have chemo this week too. Wait, wasn't I just there?? Sigh.
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