Hi. I’m Dan. You may be wondering why you should continue reading about me. I’m fairly average. I’ve lived an average life for most of my 50+ years. Unfortunately, I have discovered that living an average life leads to some average health issues. Just look at the top killer diseases in the Western world and you’ll know what those are. Primarily, heart disease, cancer, and obesity top the list.

Two years ago, I went for an annual check up (which I had not been doing annually). After discussing some of my concerns and going over my bloodwork, I was given the routine meds (statins and BP meds), even though my numbers barely went over the higher limit. I was also scheduled for a colonoscopy, which I had managed to avoid thus far and, at the age of 56, was long over due.

The colonoscopy revealed a tumor. Pathology showed that it was 5–6 cm. The mood in the recovery room was a stark contrast to the positivity experienced before the procedure. I could tell by the attention that this was serious and most of the medical professionals weren’t very optimistic about my outcome. The Gastroenterologist stayed until I woke up to give me the news. I took it well. Very straightforward. Just the facts. They took me to the car where my wife was waiting. I’m not sure if she already knew, but it was a quiet car ride home.

I tried to stay positive all day. But once it got quiet and we were lying in bed, I couldn’t hold it back any more. I started crying. Not just from the possible outcome of my situation, but because I felt that I had let so many people down. I apologized to my wife because I realized that by not taking care of myself, I was potentially putting her, my children and the rest of my family into a painful and traumatic experience. But most of all…I DIDN’T WANT TO DIE!

The usual treatment was suggested…surgery, followed by whatever treatment the pathology revealed was necessary. Since a biopsy had already been taken during the colonoscopy, for the first time, I could see blood in the water when I had a BM. That freaked me out enough to want the tumor out as soon as possible. All I could visualize were millions of tiny cancer cells being released into my bloodstream and traveling throughout my body. Unfortunately, the earliest the surgeon could get me in was 6 weeks after the colonoscopy.

So there I was, a man with a bleeding cancerous tumor inside of him with no plan for medical assistance for another 6 weeks. That wasn’t good enough. I was sure that there must be something I could do while I waited that would increase my chances of survival. I’m very much a DIY kinda guy, so this was the time to do some research.