Cologuard test positive: I'm terrified

Primary CRC is usually slow growing and early detection is the key to getting treatment and preventing metastatic spread. Cologuard may give false results and create some fear but it makes you deal with what had started to concern you in the first place. Potential problems are best dealt with looking forward with intent.
The thing I wish I had been more aware of is the need to do your post treatment check ups. When they say you are cancer free, don't stop your regular checkups. CRC has a rather high recurrence rate but can be treated effectively before its becomes stage 4 and forcing a game of whack-a-mole.

@popobrady maybe time for a colonoscopy…

I had a positive Cologuard earlier this year too. It had been 10 yrs since last colonoscopy and other risk factors; i.e. first degree relative with CRC. I canceled colonoscopy 3 times before finally going through with it. Gratefully I can report there was no cancer. I have tortuous colon and it is loopy so difficult to do colonoscopy. But great doc got through it..said it was "quite an adventure" 🙂 I did have some adenomas but nothing cancerous. Followup in 3 yrs. I'm 72. I've had so much trouble with constipation for several yrs I was sure I had cancer when I saw the "abnormal" or positive Cologuard. Hang in there. Good you are being seen by gastro; hope you can get in for colonoscopy soon. As was mentioned CRC is usually slow growing. It's so scary, but scary not knowing too. Hug!

There are other reasons besides cancer to be positive. Don't panic. Look it up.

@musicjewishcarp2008 can you explain what made you say that ? I’m interested.

@musicjewishcarp2008
Please Google "What are other reasons for a positive colonguard besides cancer ". It is not always cancer. The best test is is a colonoscopy fir direct visualization, ct scan with oral contrast and a blood test CEA. Please talk to MD regarding this. Wild imaginations can kill you.

@musicjewishcarp2008 piggy back on this… a CEA blood test is not always telling… I have always had normal CEA counts and am currently stage 4. Blood work is good but not always telling. I would definitely do a regular colonoscopy no matter how scared you feel… its mind over matter. Hardest thing was baring (bearing) it, but they put you out and you don’t get to be embarrassed. Could totally play with that word… but I won’t. Stay positive. There is a lot they can do if you do have it. I pray for good results and peace of mind.

@myjiggers1
Cea is just one tool,but conoscopy is the best. Even ct scans miss.

@musicjewishcarp2008 very true! I wish insurance would e more agreeable to mri’s or PET

@myjiggers1
I totally agree especially
PET scans but it really takes a lot to get insurance to approve. I just had colon cancer removed from my transverse colon that had no idea was there until colonoscopy found it. I couldn't believe it. They say no further treatment needed because had not spread but close observation and genetic testing to be done. Prayers for everyone facing this disease of cancer. I was a oncology nurse for 15 years but never thought I would get it.