Hello friends,
It's been a while since I have posted anything. My apologies. Here's why...
Sometime in October, Yesenia (my wife) and I were invited to go to India – yes, the land of Mumbai, Bollywood and the Taj Mahal. January 7th 2012 we depart to India for 3 weeks.
In the process of making arrangements for this trip – passports, permits, and all kinds of other crap I also had to get vaccinated – to protect myself of the unknown – of course.
Well, on December 4th I visited the doctor for the vaccines and while there I mentioned that in the previous 2 weeks I had been feeling a bit fatigued and “lazy”. Doc thought it might be a good idea to get some blood work done and since I was there… why not?
Well, several days later, the results of that test came back revealing that my hemoglobin levels where below normal – 7.8. I was anemic then.
Doc recommended a fecal matter test. Several days later the results came back positive. So another set of tests, endoscopy &/or colonoscopy, where recommended. Meantime, I was to take iron pills and B12 with folic acid to help myself feel better and whatnot while I could get referred to a gastrointestinal doc.
On January 4th, I arrived at the consultation appointment and explained to the doctor my predicament – you know wanting him to see me AND perform these procedures quickly because of me needing to go to India. He agreed. So the next day I came in for my procedures.
On January 5th, at 1:00pm I showed up, promptly before the appointed time, papers were completed and signed, procedures were explained, Yesenia was shown the waiting room and I was whisked away to change into the infamous backless hospital gown. After another short period of time – no one is really paying attention to time in here… I was on a gurney being intravenously prepared for some conscious sedating “juice” so I wouldn’t feel a thing. You see according to the doc’s plan, a quick colonoscopy to make sure things are normal then an endoscopy to find and locate the source of the internal bleeding – a bleeding ulcer. I’ve seen the procedures on YouTube… straight forward, no big deal.
I remember going in, saying hello to the doctor and his nurses in “the room” but I promise that I remember a half a blink and don’t remember much afterwards. Later, as I blinked my eyes open, I find myself in the recovery room. The nurse asking me how I was feeling...
In the meantime, the doctor had gone to get Yesenia from the waiting room, she was the only person waiting since I happened to be the last appointment for the day. She recalls that for the other patients, nurses had come to get their awaiting family members to take them to the recovery room and felt uneasy – rather uncomfortable seeing the doctor come to get her. But if you’ve met Yesenia, you too would want to be in her presence. She is of a pleasant personality, helpful, understanding, smart and very easy on the eyes too! So I’m not surprised.
The doctor stood by her with a single sheet of paper and a look that made her tremble inside. Yesenia smiled at him and he smiled back saying, it’s not good. The doctor explained to her that while going in for the colonoscopy he had discovered some tumor looking polyps and just like that I had Cancer in the Colon. He told her that he biopsied them to send them out for lab testing and she does not remember much because she found herself in a spell, an uncontrollable spin. Her eyes blinded by the tears swelling up within them like a tsunami.
I was admitted into the hospital that same day. The next day I was scheduled for surgery where my abdomen was opened and a hemicolectomy was performed removing approximately a third of my large intestine and suturing it to my small intestine. Twenty-five stitches on my abdomen later, I was sent to my room to recover.
Today, I am home - super glad to be working on the truck again, nothing else really matters. I have recovered somewhat completely - regarding the cancer..? My last P.E.T. scan revealed one single abnormal lymph node - most likely inflamed for other reasons but nevertheless of concerns to me. Doc says he will check it out in a few months. I hope I get to finish this 56 project soon so I can drive the dang thing - at least once!
Now that I have bored you with my personal life woes, please allow me to share some pictures of her (my truck). In the last two months I have managed to lay out, route, hide and make connections to the engine compartment and rear end. As soon as Autometer fills my Fuel gage the inside cab will be wired as well.
Here are a few pics for your pleasure - hope it is a pleasure.
Warm thoughts,
Paul
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...ictureid=97453

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...ictureid=97452

 

Dang Paul! No apologies necessary for not being around the forum. You have had your hands full! Glad you went in for the "routine" blood work etc. Sounds like the recovery is progressing. My prayers for your complete healing and for comfort and peace for you and your dear wife. BTW the 56 is looking fabulous and I'm confident you'll spend much time enjoying it. Blessings...

 

I've been putting off a routine exam, your story prompted me to get on the phone. Glad to hear it's worked out all right!

 

Thanks for sharing that story, Paul. I'm glad it worked out for you. Your story has kind of lightened my day. I've had to deliver a lot of really bad news lately to people not as fortunate as you. I hope you got to reschedule your vacation! By the way, your truck looks great!!

Guys listen--EVERYONE should have a screening colonoscopy starting at age 50 and every 5 or 10 years afterwards (depending on the circumstances). And they should have a fecal occult blood test yearly. There are some other procedures that can be attempted in place of the colonoscopy, but in my honest opinion, the colonoscopy is still the way to go. Take for instance the new fad--a virtual colonoscopy. If they see anything suspicious, they'll go right back with a traditional colonoscope. The "toughest" part of a colonoscopy is the prep itself. Just take your jug of "clean-out" juice to the shop with you and chug away while you turn wrenches on your truck (but don't stray too far from the bathroom ).

 

[quote=Doc;11675533]Thanks for sharing that story, Paul.

Jon, Ross & Shane...
Thank you for your kindest of words! For anyone else interested in reading and taking in the words of wisdom Shane speaks of - it's no joke! Those of you who have not had a colonoscopy performed yet, you're missing out - hahahahahaha. Seriously, as Shane mentions, the worst is the clean out juice. That stuff is something else I tell you. Do not even think about straying too far from the commode, you will be sorry you did...
Glad to be somewhat back into the swing of things...
My friends, have a wonderful & Happy Easter.
Paul

 

Your story reminded me how fortunate I am. A couple weeks ago I went to a Dr. because of a hernia. Because he had never seen me before he asked for medical history info. I told him I hadn't been to a Dr. for twenty years. He didn't seem to believe that was possible. I told him I know better and I have had good intentions, but I'm here now. He suggested several tests, including a colonoscopy. My blood tests came back great. I had the colonoscopy yesterday. The prep was not a pleasant experience. The colonoscopy was much easyier and the results were good. I had this done about 8 AM & was working on my truck by noon. I'm 56 and not going in for checkups sooner was a big mistake. Monday I go in for hernia surgery.

I hope your story helps others understand how important it is to take care of ourselves. It doesn't make sense to take better care of our trucks than our ourselves. Hope your health continues to improve. You're fortunate to have your wife there to help too.

Your truck looks great. These projects can be great therapy.

 

Congrats on your recovery! Hang in there! Prayers sent your way.

Truck looks great! Can't wait to get mine to that point. Got a ways to go.

 

53 Tonner,
Thank you for your kind words! Regarding my wife, I could not have done it without her... enough said. Hope your hernia procedure works out well for you - will be thinking and sending prayers your way man!!!
Brad,
Thank you as well. Keep at it and soon you too will be there.
PS. I can't wait to drive it.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...ictureid=97451

 

My mother just had the same surgery done between 6 months to a year ago.... She just had a visit for another colonoscapy and have been given another 5 years before another one needs to be done.... Congrads on finding out what was the mater and getting it taken care of... Keep plugging away.... And that truck will be done fast enough.... If you can ever really call them done...

 

Paul,
Sorry to hear about you recent medical iisues. Glad to hear you are on the road to recovery. Hope you continue to get healthy.
PS-The truck looks great!

 

Thank you smallello. I'm headed to get edumacated in Chimotherapy today. Just a class to learn all the wonderful things about chimo. Yuck!
Being openminded...
Paul