Hello my fellow TFF'ers,
I have not been fishing lately because between work and some medical appointments I just have not had the time to hit the water.
While I have not been able to make it out I sure have had enjoyed the posts and pictures of those that have been able to make it out on the water.
I apologize for not commenting on the individual threads. I have had a lot going on. I have enjoyed them though.
Love the pictures with the kiddos their smiles say it all. Crappie Fishing is so awesome.
I know this next little bit of information is not necessarily about Crappie Fishing, but it was an eye opener and jaw dropper for me.
I am posting this information for anyone that has been sitting on the fence. Learn from my stupidity please.
I lost my best friend in High School. His name was Donald Fox and he died on his 18th Birthday from Colon Cancer.
I have no idea why or at least I do not remember why, but I went in and got a colonoscopy done at age 30. They found some polyps and cut them out.
I was told to come back at 35 years of age and I did not go. Why not?
No good reason and no excuse. Just kept finding more important things to do in my life than go get another colonoscopy.
I finally decided to go get a colonoscopy and an endoscopy done at the same time. I figured mind as well have them check both directions because I am already knocked out anyway.
I am 48 now. The worst part is the day before which is the "PREP DAY". Basically drink clear liquids, the Prep Mix, and no solid food the day before the procedures.
The procedures themselves are non events.
The procedures from the time I went into the room to coming out of the room was 1 hour total to have both procedures done. I walked out 30 minutes after I came out and we went out to eat.
Why am I telling you this information?
The Doctor found 6 polyps in me that he cut out and one was the size of a baseball.
![OMG OMG](/forums/images/graemlins/default/confused0059.gif)
All were sent to the lab.
He stated that more than likely the big one has cancer in it. Luckily it was all contained. If I had not come in when I did then more than likely within the next 12 months I would have been fighting aggressive colon cancer.
He told me he is 110% sure he got it all, but I am still going back for another colonoscopy and endoscopy in 3 months.
I shared my story with my coworkers and one chimed in that he was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer. He had emergency surgery, chemo, the works. Luckily, he is on the mend now. No symptoms at all prior. His road is exactly where I was headed.
I should have went back at 35 like I was told to do.
I dodged a bullet big time. Still very sobering to know that my stupidity almost cost me dearly.
If you have never had either procedure done and you are 40 or older I highly recommend getting the procedures done ASAP.
Many who get diagnosed had no symptoms at all prior to diagnosis. It is a silent and deadly killer that is easily preventable if you just go get the procedures done.
Hoping this post prompts some fence sitters to go get checked. It just may save your life.
If you are polyp free then what a great peace of mind you will have knowing your all good.
My doctor is Adnan Badr of DHAT (Digestive Health Associates) at Presbyterian of Plano. His office is in the hospital.
He did my first colonoscopy 18 years ago. He is obviously very experienced with them.
Hoping to save someones life.
Back to Crappie Fishing!!!
![fish fish](/forums/images/graemlins/default/fish.gif)
Some people who have had colon cancer: Audrey Hepburn, Vince Lombardi, Ronald Reagan, Jackie Gleason just to name a few.