Here is my story as to how I was diagnosed:

I was changing jobs and going from full insurance to none two weeks before my 50^th birthday and so I figured I’d get all the tests that one is supposed to get when one turns 50.  I scheduled a colonoscopy and when I was coming out of the anesthetic they told me they couldn’t even complete the procedure because I had a tumor so large it wouldn’t let the scope pass.  A few days later I found out I had level 3 colon cancer.  I went through a resection and 6 months of chemo.  I assumed I was done with all of that and convinced that there was not going to be a round two.  Well 4 years later here I am with level 4 CA that has spread to my liver and I’ve been on chemo for about a year.  I work everyday all day and still feel great.  I switch drugs every now and then to keep my tumor markers down but all in all I’m very happy to be alive.

I think about what might have happened if I hadn’t quit my job.  Who knows when I would have gone in to be checked?  I probably would not have caught it in time to live this long.  I want to let people know that no matter how good you feel or how sure you are that you are fine, you really have no idea.  You need to get checked!!!

If you have any family history, do it early, and if you don’t make sure you get it done when you are 50.

Thank you,

Carla

Carla Madison
City Councilwoman District 8

My name is Dale Hammell and I am a Detective for the Broomfield Police Department.  I am 40 years old and have been a colon cancer survivor for almost three years.

I was diagnosed with colon cancer in April of 2007, at the age of 37.  I had began experiencing symptoms for approximately one year before my diagnosis and throughout my symptoms, I did not go to the doctor.  It wasn’t until I had shared with my wife that I was not feeling well and was experiencing some bleeding, that I finally went to my physician.  If it had not been for my wife insisting that I go, I may have waited longer and may not have been here now to write this letter.

I had a colonoscopy, with Doctor Richman, and a tumor was found. I had no family history and no other health problems, in fact, I considered myself to be a healthy person.  Shortly after my diagnosis, I was scheduled for colon re sectioning surgery and the tumor was removed successfully.  I had an excellent team of physicians and surgeons and of course a caring family, and am happy to say, I am a survivor.

I used to think that having a colonoscopy would be an unpleasant thing, now, I know that it saved my life.  Whatever misconceptions or pre-conceived notions you may have about the colonoscopy procedure, I would encourage you to talk to your doctor, the procedure is painless and the results can literally mean the difference between life and death.  Had I not waited so long, there was a chance that I could have had a much less invasive procedure.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my story with you.

Sincerely,

Dale Hammell

3/4/10

This is a very modern and well-maintained facility, staffed by personable and professional individuals who do a fine job of making sure that your visit is as painless and comfortable as possible.  My genuine thanks to Dr. Fieman, the nursing staff, as well as the front desk and appointment center personnel for all that each of these people do to accommodate you.  In such good hands, there is no reason anyone should avoid routine procedures such as this.

Sincerely,
Gary Warner
November 10, 2008

The results of the exam were given to me before I left (with copies to take home for my files).  This is an important exam for everyone and my experience at RMGA was one that makes me not fearful for my future exams.

William Harlan,

Broomfiled, CO

Had his colonoscopy on 7-22-09.