Fighting colorectal cancer

By Claire Kiger

“Gettinga colonoscopy isn’t exactly fun, but colon cancer is way worse,” said colon cancer survivor Brenda Russom. After watching her mother endure a long battle with colorectal cancer, she had every intention to start getting these exams once she turned 50, following the American Cancer Society’s recommendation. However, her fight against this cancer started a bit sooner than expected.

“When I was 48, I went to the Emergency Department because I was bleeding,” explained Brenda. “They scheduled me for an emergency colonoscopy the next day, and ended up finding stage three colon cancer. I was shocked.”

Fortunately, she also found out that there was a surgery that could save her life.

Her doctors were able to remove all the cancerous tissue, and she was put on a schedule of frequent colonoscopies.

“I had two colonoscopies that first year,” said Brenda. “When they were both clear, they had me come in once a year for two years. After those, everything still looked good. I was able to take a break for two years.”

Brenda recently came in for her fifth colonoscopy and found out that she is still completely cancer free. After her experience, she has never been more passionate about convincing others to get their colonoscopies.

“I talked all of my siblings into getting screened. I even convinced 12 of my friends to go in!” said Brenda. Find it, fight it and live

Colorectal cancer is the secondleading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. However, it’s also a very slow-growing cancer. That means when it’s found in the early stages, it’s very treatable.

The best way to find this cancer early is through regular screening.

“One of the best ways to screen for colorectal cancer in people without symptoms is either through regular colonoscopy or fecal-based testing,” explained St. Luke’s Gastroenterologist Dr. Stephanie Judd Irwin.

In general, Dr. Judd Irwin has found that many are committed to regular screenings. However, some are more reluctant. Fear of complications, uncertainty over what a colonoscopy entails or unwillingness to take a bowelcleansing preparation can all hold people back.

“It’s always best to push past these fears,” she said. “Studies are clear and convincing that earlier detection of cancer results in better outcomes.”

Colonoscopy: what to expect

Everything starts by preparing the colon. Patients adhere to a clear liquid diet the day before the procedure. Then, they drink an electrolyte solution which causes their colon to empty.

“Anything that’s a clear liquid can and should be consumed to help flush the contents of the colon,” explained Dr. Judd Irwin. “That includes things like broth without meat or vegetables, lemon-lime or ginger soda, Jell-O and popsicles.”

On the day of the procedure, patients can expect to be at the hospital or other outpatient setting for about two hours. During the colonoscopy, the colon and rectum are inspected by a long tube that contains a light and a camera. Most patients choose to be sedated for this procedure. However, the gastroenterologists at St. Luke’s can perform the procedure without sedation.

“If a patient chooses to forgo sedation, we use what’s called water immersion technique instead of inflating the colon with carbon dioxide. This makes the procedure a lot more comfortable,” said Dr. Judd Irwin.

A typical exam lasts 15 to 20 minutes. Recovery time after the procedure is about 20 minutes.

“If patients aren’t sedated, it cuts out the recovery time,” explained Dr. Judd Irwin. “They also don’t need to have an escort drive them home.”

Colon cancer screenings at St. Luke’s

Due to a recent update, the American Cancer Society now recommends that colorectal cancer screenings begin at age 45 for those at an average risk level. As an alternative to colonoscopy, stool-based tests such as fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) or Cologuard are available. These tests can be collected at home and are for those who are at an average risk level. If individuals don’t know what risk level they are, they can talk to their primary care provider or ask for a referral to see a gastroenterologist.

As for where to schedule your colonoscopy, Brenda recommends St. Luke’s.

“My experiences at St. Luke’s have been great,” she said. “They talked me through everything and made me feel very comfortable.”

Dr. Judd Irwin says the goal is to make the entire process as seamless as possible.

“Each patient deserves the very best, and exceptional care is our standard,” she said.

Learn more at slhduluth.com/gastroenterology. D

Samantha Roffers, a Moose Lake writer, believes it’s important to shop for things you love and feel comfortable in. Everyone’s style is unique and that’s what makes it so special.

By Samantha Roffers

Hellodear readers, welcome back! If this is your first time reading The Woman Today, we are so happy to have you! This month it’s all about effortlessly spicing up an outfit with accessories.

Accessories such as scarves, jewelry, caps and hats are all a great way to change up a look and make it unique with minimal effort. Personally, I’m someone who loves bold prints, bright colors and big jewelry. But as always, fashion and makeup is all about what makes YOU happy and comfortable, there really is no right or wrong in my book.

I reached out to Colie Karnis, owner of The Diamond T Cowgirl in Sandstone, to shop her inventory for this issue. She is a Minnesotan small business owner, mother, bucking bull raiser and all around kick-butt woman. She had such a great selection of hats, shirts, earrings, necklaces, bracelets and so much more! She definitely carries something for everyone. Alright, let’s get to the good stuff... D

by Sam

For all of these looks I started with a basic black shirt and my turquoise pendant which I never take off. To start off, I simply added a pair of dusty rose statement earrings. This immediately adds a pop of color and brings out complementing tones in my hair and face. I love how these earrings are lightweight while still making a big statement, and the soft fringe isn’t irritating if it brushes my face or neck.

For this next look I added a silk wild rag that complimented the dusty rose earrings. It’s not always about matching colors, but rather using complimentary colors and tones. Wild rags are one of my favorite ways to accessorize an outfit. They are soft, warm and lightweight, you can basically wear them anywhere. You can easily make wild rags look dressy or casual depending on how you tie them.

3Adding onto the dusty rose earrings and floral wild rag, I put on my pink and grey Stormy Kromer cap. This cap is adorable, comfortable and so warm! This is a great setup for basically any outing, whether it’s shopping, running errands or any outdoor activity. You can easily add or remove things to cool off or warm back up and both the kromer and wild rag store nicely in a bag.

Now this look is probably my favorite and, again, so simple! I absolutely adore these turquoise and red earrings paired with a turquoise hair tie concho. I pulled my hair into a low side pony, added the earrings and a complimentary scarf and got this great look! This would look so great with red lipstick as well. With only four simple additions, what a difference from the first look!

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I pulled out an old faithful for this look — this red scarf is a staple of mine. I don’t own much red, so when I’m looking to brighten up an outfit it’s usually the item I reach for. It pairs well with these gorgeous white concho fringe earrings and black top. If your ears aren’t pierced or earrings just aren’t your thing, a silver hair tie is another great way to add some shine and keep your hair out of the way!

This one’s for my neutral people. Even though an oatmealcolored scarf and hat might not be super exciting on their own, when paired together they make a perfectly cozy addition to your winter outfit. The great thing about a neutral accessory is that it’s going to pair really well with many different tops and coats. This look is simple, timeless, warm and comfortable.

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