Kip

When I went in for my routine screening colonoscopy at the Endoscopy Center of Topeka, it was discovered that I had a fairly large cancerous tumor in my colon. What was really surprising was despite the size of my tumor, I had no symptoms. Dr. Challa, the gastroenterologist who performed the colonoscopy, was even a little surprised. Which just proves that no one should say, “I don’t have any symptoms; therefore, I don’t need a colonoscopy.”

My wife tells me when they came and got her and explained to her my situation, she said, “Something is wrong. You’ve got the wrong person. My husband is healthy; there is nothing wrong with him. This was just a test.”

My test turned into being diagnosed with colon cancer. I had surgery to have a section of my colon removed followed by 12 months of chemotherapy. I followed up with my oncologist every three months for three years then every six months for the next two years. I just reached my five year anniversary and I am now cancer free!

After dealing with my situation, I would recommend anyone reaching the age of 50 to get a colonoscopy. Actually, I would recommend anyone reaching the age of 45 to get a colonoscopy.

Also, when dealing with the news of a colon cancer, the support of your doctor and their staff is very important. My doctor, Dr. Challa, and his staff at the Endoscopy Center of Topeka made themselves readily available to me. Any questions, concerns or comment were quickly addressed. My wife is the type that asks a lot of questions, and they were equally accommodating to her. When getting a colonoscopy or worse dealing with colon cancer, many times the patient has a friend or family member right by their side and the Endoscopy Center of Topeka is not just sensitive to their patient, they are equally sensitive to those friends and family members.