I created this blog for Meghan because I thought it would be a good outlet for her. I have seen similar blogs in the past that worked as excellent means of communication for extended family and friends regarding status updates and the such. Also, I didn't find a whole lot of information about FAP on the internet when I searched, so maybe someone down the road will stumble upon this and if Meg keeps it updated will find comfort that it is a totally manageable disease.  Otherwise, we could have done this on Facebook.

So if you didn't know, Meghan has been having some different symptoms over the past years and finally was encouraged enough (I think by Matt) to go get it checked out. We are glad she did. I am going to avoid talking about specific details, but after a series of unpleasant tests, she was diagnosed with FAP.  We all freaked out, we all got educated, Meghan and Matt got married (a welcome diversion), and now she is scheduled for surgery on Thursday morning.

I have had people come up to me and tell me all kinds of crazy things they heard, so I think it is important to be clear up any rumors:

Is Meghan full of cancer? What does that even mean really? Either way, no. In fact, until the surgery, the doctor hasn't even staged her cancer.  There is a potential that he may decide it hasn't gotten to that point yet. Her colon is full of polyps and some percentage of those polyps will become cancer is preventive measures aren't taken. Does she have a higher probability of developing cancer in the future? Yes. She will have to be more careful, get more screenings, etc. for the rest of her life, but at least she knows about it right?

Is Meghan dying? Pretty morbid don't you think? Yes, she is going to die. If Matt doesn't kill her in the next 60 years, some other natural cause will likely get her by the time she hits 100. No she isn't going to die because she has FAP. Her doctors are positive that after this surgery, while she may have to live with some inconveniences, she should be cancer free. Now is there a chance there might be a curveball in there? Sure, but based on all the tests, it looks like everything is contained in what is coming out.

Did Meghan find out too late?  No.  Even if Meg had known that she had this when she was a kid, they would have waited until now to have the surgery.  From what I can gather, if you have FAP, you are likely losing the colon in your 20's.  Even though Meghan didn't know about it her whole life, they likely wouldn't have done anything different if she had.

Did the doctor say that Meghan got the disease from "cooking food in the microwave/living under electrical lines/not eating enough vitamins, minerals, too much meat/etc." No.  Everything we have read and been told is that FAP is a genetic mutation at conception.  It is not caused by environment.  Usually, one of the parents has it and passes it on.  In Meghan's case, it looks like she was one of the 30 percent of people with FAP who are the first ones in their family to get it.

Can Meghan have a child?  Medically, it is not a problem to have a child after this surgery.  We are actually aware of a local girl that was diagnosed when she was Meg's age, had the surgery, had a couple kids, and is currently living happily ever after.  The children will have a 50% risk of having FAP as well, but with medical advances and the fact that they know to check for it, there is no reason not to have children.  So, that means the burden is on Meghan or Kaleb for the next grandchild, because Jack is teething and driving Trish and me nuts!


In summary, Meghan has FAP. Google that if you want, but it is basically she has a carpet of polyps in her lower digestive system. On Thursday, they are going to remove her colon. She will be in the hospital in Cranberry for a week or so, then come home. She'll be in pretty rough shape for 6-12 weeks from what I can gather, have another surgery, then have some recovery after that. She'll have to adjust her diet and it will probably take her some time until her body adjusts, which will leave her uncomfortable for awhile.

Now for the important part, how is Meghan dealing with it? Great. She has been a real trooper. Much of that can be attributed to having her husband home from Afghanistan while she goes through this. He was granted extended leave until July 6th (don't quote me on that date) so he'll be here throughout the surgery. Thank you US Army! We are bummed that he has to go back, but happy he was able to stay as long as he could. So remember to keep him in your prayers as well. 

I'll try to post updates on how Meghan is doing based on what I am told. After a couple days, I'll pass the reins over to her so she can use this to keep in touch with everyone. I expect this to be a temporary blog because as she starts feeling better, she won't have time to keep up with it.  I am sure she will be bored in the hospital, so send her text messages, facebook her, or leave comments here.

-Kalen