20. Chemo FIT Part 2 What went wrong

Chemo   FIT Part 2 

What went wrong in my case.

The following are my husband's and my record of having FIT done: 

                 Irm               My   Husband

2012: no FIT done / FIT  through program

2014: no FIT done /  FIT  through program 

2016 : FIT program/ FIT  through family doctor 

2017: no FIT        /    FIT through family doctor

2019:  FIT program/ FIT through program

2020:  no FIT done/  FIT through doctor

2021:  FIT program/  no FIT done

2022:      chemo  /      FIT through program

At first, I was not aware of the program.  I can't recall getting a FIT kit in the mail in 2012 and 2014.  I probably did because that is what my records show at the Screening program, but I have no recollection of that.  Neither do I recall participating in 2016 and maybe vaguely in 2019.  I also had no idea that my husband was checked on a regular/yearly basis.  And I definitely did not know that at times his family doctor was involved.

My mistakes were that after I did become somewhat aware of the program, I frankly did not take it very seriously.  After all, colorectal cancer does not run in our family!    So I thought I was immune to this.  Also, when I received the kit in the mail, it sat on the shelf for a very loooong time, much to my detriment.  And I am ashamed to say that I  came close to pitching it into the garbage.  I acted much like a large part of the population.  I am no different in that regard.   What saved my bacon was that a friend who used to work for the company that mails out these kits had put a little note in it for me.  She could have lost her minimum-wage job over this.  But because of her note I did not throw it out.  She may very well have saved my life.  Funny how a little gesture like that can make all the difference!  And another mistake was that our long-time family doctor retired in 2012.  Dave found an excellent physician right away and I have been struggling for the last 10 years.  When I did find someone good, she ended up moving to Toronto.  So I moved from doctor to doctor for a while.   I think that last fall I finally found a "keeper".  I am hoping with all my heart that she will stay!

More info on FIT and screening mid-week