How Long Do We Put Important Things Off?
From Member John R. (Nick) Olenick
I retired from the Agency in late 1989
after 33 years of government service. For the next three years I
worked part time as a cryptologic reservist at the National
Cryptologic School. During the latter period, I recall an instance
when a former member of B group, also working at the school, told
me about his recent colonoscopy test and the results that
indicated he must have surgery to remove polyps from his colon. He
strongly urged me to have this same test to make sure I avoided
any major problems such as colon cancer. Did I follow his
suggestion? NO! Shortly after that incident, I heard about another
Agency employee who had to have a portion of his colon removed
because of colon cancer. He too recommended that I have a
colonoscopy. Did I follow his recommendation? NO! I am afraid I
like so many other people I felt that I could have this done
later, even though I was past the age of 55. In addition, my wife
normally had this test done once every two years as part of her
normal checkups. Her doctor would talk to me about having the same
test done when I took her in to see him. However, I kept putting
it off until I almost reached the age of 70.
In November 2003, I had my first colonoscopy and the results
indicated I had a growth in my colon. The next month I had surgery
to remove a third of my colon and a biopsy indicated the growth
and two of 26 lymph nodes located nearby were cancerous. Thus I
had to undergo nine months of chemotherapy to try and kill any
remaining cancer cells, which was interrupted by two hospital
stays. The first of two weeks which resulted in surgery to remove
adhesions from my lower bowel and the second of one week to clear
up a colon infection. I lost over 35 pounds during the first
hospital stay. It looks as though I have been very lucky after
pushing my luck to the fullest. Yesterday, a follow-up Endorectal
ultrasound test indicated that my colon is back to normal now with
the exception of some surgical scars. The results of this test and
previous tests, a PET scan and blood tests, suggest to my
oncologist that I have been cured of cancer. I have an appointment
to see him again in two months for a final assessment and
follow-up testing.
Now what did putting off my first colonoscopy do for me? Not much
for sure. It put me at greater risk, put me in the hospital for
two surgeries, put me through many grueling weeks of chemotherapy,
put my family thorough many months of worry, and needless to say
many dollars of medical expenses. Was it really worth it? No!
Fortunately, if all goes right, I will have only lost about a year
out of my life instead of my whole life. With the Lords' help I
will survive, but how close it could have gone the other way. I
hope by writing this I can at least encourage one person to get a
colonoscopy to prevent another cancer case. Believe me, it’s not
an easy journey. But the colonoscopy test itself is painless. So
let me be the first to congratulate you on making an appointment
to talk to your primary care physician about colon cancer
prevention.
