Cancer, Colostomy and a Pool Stick

It has been a long week. My youngest sister was diagnosed with colon cancer and underwent surgery this last week. So far, she does not have to have a Colostomy and I pray she grows stronger and recovers. It appears they caught it in time and I'm so thankful for that.

In 2002 ago my mother died of colon cancer after a long illness. Although terminal, she fought a very good battle. It was a case of having cancer, but a Dr. who didn't really listen to a patient stating she had some pain so it had progressed too far before he took action. After a period of time and several surgeries, she had to have a Colostomy. My wife told me that my mom told her that she could see I was really bothered when I first saw it. But there was much more to it that what she believed.

In Vietnam I saw a  few patients who, due to wounds, had to have colostomy/stomach surgery. My first encounter was when I saw a patient on the Post Op Ward . How can I describe what I saw and experienced that first time. The incisions, bandages, and odor. All of these combined were overwhelming to me at first, not knowing or understanding what had happened, etc. And then I  felt so bad for those young men and just so helpless. I hated what was happening to them and just could not understand why.

But there was one instance that brings great sadness to me. If I remember correctly, it was a young Lt. brought into the ER. He was in excruciating pain. I was not with him for very long, just to get information from him in the ER and I was there when the ER doc was gathering information. He told the Dr. that he was playing pool. Apparently someone got mad at him and when he was bent over the pool table making a shot the other GI rammed the pool stick up his ass. (No better way to say this.) Again, he was in so much pain and every move caused even more excruciating pain.

I left the ER before he was examined and I can't remember what happened or the outcome of his surgery or his prognosis. All I know is that this poor GI was in such pain and I suspect his life will remain altered due to this senseless act. And I also suspect he ended up with a Colostomy. I often think of him and wonder how he is and what became of him. So, whenever I hear of a Colostomy, I remember this young Lt. and think of him and say prayers for him. I find this the hardest part - not knowing the outcome of those who I came in contact with at the 24th. It leaves such an empty feeling and I so want to know what happened to them. I can only remember them and keep them in my prayers.

I also want to say that several years ago I read an article of a GI in Iraq who was in an ambush. He suffered multiple wounds and also ended up with a permanent Colostomy. He went on to set-up a group to send school supplies to Iraqi school children. He to has been in my prayers as well.

I pray to God for all our Veterans and those now serving our Country.