Anyone have a positive Cologuard test?

Posted by dazlin @dazlin, Nov 21, 2019

My test results came back positive. I asked what did it show, because they test for 11 different cancers or categories. They said, it just states either negative or positive for cancer. I had problems a few years back and did a colonoscopy, which came back ok. Now this!! I'm reading theres a 13 percent chance of false positive. Right now I'm extremely distraught about having to go through all Consults, tests, and dreaded preps. Orders are in for Consult with gastro, but they're booked out through January or February in Mayo. I have not received any notice for appointment yet. Dont know what to think or do.

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Oh, how worrisome, @dazlin. it's hard not to worry, but it won't change things. My husband always tells me, "put your worry into action." Do you live close to Mayo Clinic? Will you go through the tests etc. there or at your local facility?

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Colleen, this my 2nd attempt to answer your reply..seems it disappeared. Yes, I'll go through Mayo since I'm already an existing patient there. I live about 100 miles south of Jax Mayo Clinic. My care team has put orders in G.I. dept, on the 13th, but nothing has been scheduled yet. They said keep trying, so I called again yesterday, and still nothing scheduled. This coming week will be going on 2 weeks. I'm praying this doesn't get dragged out much longer. I'm not taking this well at all!!! Besides, I DREAD the tests!!

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@dazlin

Colleen, this my 2nd attempt to answer your reply..seems it disappeared. Yes, I'll go through Mayo since I'm already an existing patient there. I live about 100 miles south of Jax Mayo Clinic. My care team has put orders in G.I. dept, on the 13th, but nothing has been scheduled yet. They said keep trying, so I called again yesterday, and still nothing scheduled. This coming week will be going on 2 weeks. I'm praying this doesn't get dragged out much longer. I'm not taking this well at all!!! Besides, I DREAD the tests!!

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Hi @dazlin, your message got through with the second attempt. I can imagine that you're not taking this well. I doubt I would be either. My outside voice and reason would be telling me to keep calm, but my inner thoughts would race. I'm also recalling that you were recalled for a mammogram recently too.
- Findings in recent mamogram?? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/findings-in-recent-mamogram/

This is a lot to go through in a few short weeks. One "comfort" I can offer is that your care team is being thorough and leaving no stone unturned. That's a good thing. Naturally the initial results are causing anxiety. It is entirely possible that the positive test results are false in these early tests. And if they do find something, they are finding it early, which is also better than later. The weekend is long. Hopefully you will hear back on Monday.

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Hi, I just wanted to drop in and update. I had my colonoscopy this past Friday. I had to go local, as Mayo informed me, there were no openings for me even after 6 weeks of waiting to hear back. Mayo did suggest I consider a local gastroenterologist since I was tested positive and waited so long. Well, so glad I did, as all went super smooth and quick. My dr did remove 2 small polyps which await biopsy results. Dr, did comment that he doesn't suspect anything concerning. I cannot express the relief I feel after 2 months of carrying this burden. I just wanted to drop in and update. Special thanks to Colleen for your kind replies.

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@dazlin

Hi, I just wanted to drop in and update. I had my colonoscopy this past Friday. I had to go local, as Mayo informed me, there were no openings for me even after 6 weeks of waiting to hear back. Mayo did suggest I consider a local gastroenterologist since I was tested positive and waited so long. Well, so glad I did, as all went super smooth and quick. My dr did remove 2 small polyps which await biopsy results. Dr, did comment that he doesn't suspect anything concerning. I cannot express the relief I feel after 2 months of carrying this burden. I just wanted to drop in and update. Special thanks to Colleen for your kind replies.

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My first cologuard test has come back positive and I am to see the gastro 4/16- I can totally relate to what you were feeling. TY for sharing. Yours is the first post I came to since my results came back today.

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@msrhray

My first cologuard test has come back positive and I am to see the gastro 4/16- I can totally relate to what you were feeling. TY for sharing. Yours is the first post I came to since my results came back today.

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@msrhray, welcome. I know that getting a positive result from your Cologuard test is hard. You're probably worried. But try to not worry until further investigations are done. It is possible that the Cologuard result is a false-positive, meaning there is no pre-cancer or cancer present. It may only signify that you have a benign polyp or pre-cancerous polyp. Colon cancer can be stopped in its tracks. It's good that you took the first step for detection.

I know the 16th seems far away, but it's only a few more days. How are you doing today?

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@colleenyoung

@msrhray, welcome. I know that getting a positive result from your Cologuard test is hard. You're probably worried. But try to not worry until further investigations are done. It is possible that the Cologuard result is a false-positive, meaning there is no pre-cancer or cancer present. It may only signify that you have a benign polyp or pre-cancerous polyp. Colon cancer can be stopped in its tracks. It's good that you took the first step for detection.

I know the 16th seems far away, but it's only a few more days. How are you doing today?

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Hi Colleen, I have Reflux/IBS for years treated with 2 daily medication twice daily. The colorgard box did mention not suitable for IBS patients, I think. I am still learning and am trying not to worry.
Thank you for your kind reply

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I also had a positive Cologuard and just had my first colonoscopy yesterday at the age of 52. The doctor told me that there is a medium sized polyp at the base of my appendix that couldn't be removed safely due to risk of perforation and the fact that they cannot be sure that the polyp doesn't extend into the appendix. So I now I am waiting to hear the result of the biopsy. The doctor said that the polyp needs to be removed even if its just benign or precancerous (which I thought was the same thing) either by a highly skilled gastro surgeon or via an appendectomy. He said he'd be surprised if its cancerous but that would be a different conversation. I'm so confused and upset by all this.

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My mom had a positive cologuard test and has had polyps removed. Please try not to worry and wait till they test the poly. Must polys are benign. I had a few benign polyps removed during my colonoscopy. Actually I truly do not worry about them because they are sissy’s benign. It’s good for the doctor to remove them because they may become cancerous in time. Good luck and let us know how you are
Sincerely Susan

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Had a cologuard come back negative at age 52. Now at age 55 had a positive Cologuard guard. 😟 Worried that a cancer has developed in that time.

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