[MyBestKids2]

regarding the genetic components of Crohns disease and colon cancer? Being the "helicopter" parent that I am, I fear my 9 year old sons life may be cut short by either. His paternal grandfather died from complications of Crohns disease, and his father had a Stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis Sept. 06 that metastacized to the liver and lungs. I've already looked at links for both, but I am sooo not into the technical jargon! Of course, all medical professionals are well aware of his family history.

Thanks all.

Dee

[lenjan]

My oldest sister has Crohn's and my dad had colon cancer, but as far as I know, it hasn't run in the family (so far, anyway). I think it's probably like mental illness -- your kids might have a predisposition, but something has to happen to turn on the gene.

No sense in worrying over what hasn't happened yet -- I am a pro at that myself, however, so I shouldn't be giving advice!

[silver_queen]

My mother had Crohn's, but so far I'm showing no signs of it, and as far as I know none of her side of the family have had it either.

Apparently Crohn's isn't all that common in children and is most likely to occur after puberty. And they've made improvements too in the drugs and so on to treat Crohn's. Even if he does develop Crohn's, it doesn't mean it is certain he will die from it. I don't know anything about colon cancer. If you both learn about the symptoms of both diseases then it might help you quickly recognise them if he ever does develop symptoms.

[Perna]

There's a wonderful book I have, Kitchen Table Wisdom by a doctor who, herself has Crohn's and talks about that as she tells stories of the people she helps in their final days dying of cancer. It's a really warm, beautiful book, one of my top 10.

http://www.amazon.com/Kitchen-Table-.../dp/1573226106

She started a cancer training center for physicians, Commonweal in (where else) California:

http://www.commonweal.org/ishi/index.html

[MyBestKids2]

Thanks everyone for your thoughtful and informative replies! Yeah, Candy, just dub me "Queen of Worry"
Absolutely SilverQueen, I'll print out symptoms of both and keep them handy. Heck, I'll even print up a few t-shirts. Just me being funny, trying to steer away from the serious side of genetic illnesses. Gosh with my mental illnesses and his fathers physical illnesses, its just pretty scarey.

You all are the best!

Dee

P.S.) Perna, I'm on my way to p/u that book

[January]

((((((((( Dee )))))))))

I have ulcerative colitis and IBS. My father had colon cancer and so does my uncle. What you need to remember is that just because one member of the family has it, it doesn't mean that another one will.

The field of gastroenterology has changed so much that with regular check ups, almost every case of Chrohns can be managed and colon cancer can also be managed. True, there are some who pass on due to it, but the numbers are dropping every day.

I have a super high chance of getting colon cancer because of my Ulcerative Colitis, but I watch for signs and my Dr. keeps a close eye on me. Don't be afraid, hon, just be aware and informed. That's the way to not let it scare you too much.

Hugs,

Jan

PS. If you ever have any questions or I can help in any way, just send a pm to me.