My Health Status

[Jim Herrmann]

I just wanted to be in communication with all my friends about my new medical condition which I am managing.  Some of you already know this news, but most of you don't.  So those of you who have heard this already, bare with me.

First the bad news.  On Thursday, November, 19th I found out that I have colon cancer.  It is caused by a rare genetic defect called FAP, of which there are three variations, the one I'm believed to have is called autosomal recessive FAP, which means I had to have a pair of this one particular defective gene to get this.  Having this defect made it guaranteed that I would develop colon cancer at a relatively young age.  The cure involves a total colectomy, which means they will remove my entire colon.

Now the good news.  We caught it early enough, and don't believe there is any cancer outside my colon, so, if we can confirm this, the surgery will cure me without the need of chemotherapy.  The surgery will be accomplished with something called "hand assisted" laparoscopic surgery, which should minimize my recovery time.  The doctor expects that I get to keep my rectum, which prevents the need for a colostomy bag.  Woo hoo!  That's important.  The colon doesn't serve a function in the absorption of food, merely the storage of waste and removal of excess water.  You don't need a colon to live a normal life, and that will be my condition after this surgery, just a few more bathroom breaks each day.

I have some more tests to complete next week, and the surgery will probably happen the week right after Thanksgiving.  Two to three days in the hospital and then a couple of weeks at home, and I should be cured.  Amazing.  :-)

I'm not looking for any kind of help.  I'm in a good place.  I'm being peaceful and courageous.  All I would ask of you is your positive thoughts, and if you currently have a story about why you haven't gone to get that colonoscopy, stop it!  Stop with that story and go get it done!  It's not that bad, and the possible outcomes of not having it done far out weigh the inconvenience of the procedure.  So, if you are over fifty and have not had a colonoscopy, call your doctor tomorrow and schedule it.  If you are under fifty, or any age for that matter, and you ever see any blood in your stool, call your doctor and have it checked out.  Don't wait.

Thanks in advance for sending me your positive thoughts.  I'm so grateful to have a wonderful community of friends like you.  You make a very real difference in my life.

Peace,
Jim Herrmann