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Recently Diagnosed, A Couple Of Questions Regarding Cancer

Spakoleum

By Spakoleum
in Related Issues & Disorders

Recommended Posts

Spakoleum Newbie
Spakoleum
Posted

Hi, all-

 

I am a 13 year old male and have been in the 5th percentile for height and weight for as long as I can remember. For nearly a year and a half I've had many gastrointestinal problems as well- though I always figured it to be some form of IBS, as it runs in my family.

 

Two or so years ago I was put on a gluten-free diet for three months to see if it helped an unrelated skin problem, and though I do not remember having the same digestive issues then, it did not help with my height, weight, or the aforementioned skin problem.

 

Last week I got a blood test for celiac disease and hyperthyroidism (another thing that runs in my family), and though the thyroid test came back negative, one of the two celiac tests came back a "low positive". I haven't been for a biopsy of my intestine yet.

 

I am a raging hypochondriac, and I was hoping some of you forum-folks could help alleviate or rationalize some of the fears I've been having lately:

 

1) What is the risk of developing cancer as a result of celiac for someone of my age?

2) Could the fact that the gluten-free diet I was put on earlier didn't help with my height/weight mean that I have unresponsive celiac?

 

Sorry if this seems insensitive for any of you who really do suffer from any of the problems above- I couldn't find any information on any of them for someone of my age and am hoping that I can here. :)

 

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RMJ Mentor
RMJ
Posted

1) It is very, very, very unlikely that celiac diagnosed at your age would lead to cancer, assuming you go on a gluten free diet after diagnosis. Cancer (lymphoma) develops after years and years of untreated celiac, and only in a small portion of those untreated people.

2) Three months on a gluten free diet isn't very long, probably not long enough to have your intestines heal enough to better absorb the nutrients that might have an effect on height/weight.

If you are diagnosed with celiac you're lucky to get a diagnosis at such a young age! I was diagnosed at 57 (and even so I'm not at all worried about lymphoma).

squirmingitch Veteran
squirmingitch
Posted

Ditto word for word what RMJ said above! Except I was 55 and am now 58. 

 

So relax & take a deep breath. Your'e going to be just fine. Stop worrying! I just wish I had been dx'd at the age of 13!

Spakoleum Newbie
Spakoleum
Posted
  • Author

Thanks for the responses- this is very relieving. :)

squirmingitch Veteran
squirmingitch
Posted

YVW! Be sure & read the Newbie 101 thread in the Coping section. There is a lot you will need to learn about how to properly eat gluten free and protect yourself from cross contamination.

Ask questions any time. There are no dumb questions. Okay?

Spakoleum Newbie
Spakoleum
Posted
  • Author

YVW! Be sure & read the Newbie 101 thread in the Coping section. There is a lot you will need to learn about how to properly eat gluten free and protect yourself from cross contamination.

Ask questions any time. There are no dumb questions. Okay?

Sounds good. I'm sure this forum will be a great resource come the transition.

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