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Mum and Dad were visiting friends for a meal. They were only half-way through the meal when Dad excused himself to go to the bathroom. 

He was gone for a while, and Mum went to check on him. She knocked on the bathroom door. Suddenly Dad rushed out white as a sheet and insisted that they leave immediately...he seemed in a panic but wouldn't elaborate any further. You can imagine what their hosts where thinking..."was there something wrong with the food? "" Is he sick? ". Poor people thought they had poisoned him! (Mum did explain later). 

Apparently, no sooner had Dad sat on the toilet when he had what he thought was diarrhoea...but it didn't feel right...he looked, and the bowl was full of blood! He had passed blood a few times before, perhaps the equivalent of quarter of an eggcup. He had thought that his haemorrhoids had come back (he had previously had haemorrhoids cauterised and didn't want to go through it again),  but this was a lot more. 


The family doctor referred Dad to hospital where he had tests. He underwent both a sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy, and a biopsy was done on a sample taken. He went home to wait for the result. 

Two days later Mum and Dad sat together in the Consultant's office. They were told that polyps were discovered, and the biopsy had shown malignant cancer cells. Surgery was the only option, and although this usually yielded good results, Dad's cancer was too advanced. For him it may just buy a little time. 😞 

The Consultant stepped out of the office to allow Mum and Dad a little privacy, and to decide about the surgery. At first they just felt numb as they discussed the surgical option. But as the shock really hit home, the tears just flowed as they lamented the unfairness of it all. Everything they had planned for the future, travel, holidays, theatre, concerts...not a hope. Now, every single second that Dad had left was precious. 

Dad was booked in for surgery in three days time, and the Consultant suggested that they spend the time telling relatives and friends, and making a Will. 

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You can find the Introduction to this story here:


https://steemit.com/story/@katdvine/losing-dad-part-i

COLORECTAL CANCER
Colorectal cancer is a malignant tumour that grows from the inner wall of the large intestine. 
It is the third leading cause of cancer in the world affecting both men and women. 

Ulcerative colitis and colon polyps are the cause...particularly the latter. 

Sigmoidoscopy or Colonoscopy with biopsy confirmation of cancerous tissue are used to diagnose the cancer. 

Removal of colon polyps can aid in the prevention of Colorectal cancer. Treatment depends on the location, size and extent of spread, as well as the health (physical and mental) of the patient. 

Early stage Colorectal cancer is typically treatable by surgery alone. It is one of the most treatable cancers and has good success rates if caught in time.

Symptoms :
.  Change in bowel habits including diarrhoea or constipation. 
.  Rectal bleeding or blood in stool. 
.  Persistent abdominal discomfort, cramps, gas or pain. 
.  A feeling of bowel not emptying completely. 
.  Weakness or fatigue.
.  Unexplained weight loss.