Colon Cancer?

flyby0408 · 11-27-2008, 08:44 AM

Anyone have any info on colon cancer? any advice? I was just told I have colon cancer and I'm going for surgery on Dec 4, I'm still in shock and disbelief, even though i've had blood in my stool for 6 months now, just never got around to get things looked at.

Just wondering if anyone had any advice, what to expect, stuff like that.

thanks

BAC · 11-27-2008, 09:22 AM

Oh gosh!! You poor thing... I don't know much about colon cancer, so I don't have much advice. You are young though, and I'm sure you will get through this.

Take care and please keep us updated...

lucky81698 · 11-27-2008, 09:26 AM

Hi,

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. My grandfather had colon cancer that went untreated and spread to other organs. He passed away fairly quickly, 17 years ago. His doctor told my father to have a colonoscopy immediately. He had polyps that were on the verge of turning to cancer and had them removed. He had many of them since and is fine. I started to have lots of stomach problems a couple of years ago and thought I saw blood too. I kept putting off getting a colonoscopy because I was afraid. Finally I decided I had to do it. The doctor didn't expect to find anything since I was only 41. He found 2 polyps, one very large and close to becoming cancer. He said I was his lucky patient of the year.

Did they find it during a colonoscopy? Usually they just remove it right then. From what I have learned about it, if it is caught in time you will be fine. i'm not sure what to expect, if it was discovered from tests of your stool or from a colonoscopy. If you haven't had a colonoscopy and they are removing cancerous polyps through that procedure, it is not a big deal. I'm thinking of you and hope everything turns out fine.

Jan

SeatClutcher · 11-27-2008, 09:32 AM

Do as much research online as you can to find out what treatments are like, what you can expect to feel like from those treatments, what the surgery will entail, etc. The more you know, and the more involved you are in what's going it, chances are the less scary it will be.

And stay away from statistics - no matter what the ailment, the numbers can be scary. Remember you're an individual with your own health and your own healing ability, and your situation is different and unique. Focus on what will make you better, and how to best heal. It's easy to be scared, and you probably will be (who wouldn't be by the word "cancer"?), but they've had some incredible advancements in cancer treatment.

mrs767er · 11-27-2008, 09:52 AM

I am so sorry about your cancer! We all wish you well and hope your treatment is thorough and successful!

I've lost several people due to undetected colon cancer and they all did the "if-I-don't-check-it-out, it-won't-be-there". Thank God you got it checked out.

I am 54 and the first thing my doctor said when I was approaching 50, was to have my birthday colonoscopy. I really had to beat up my older sisters to get theirs done. I'm due again next year. My husband has had 2 now, due to family history. I will be asking my sisters today--makes for lively conversation at Thanksgiving?

Please, Ladies, begin your first one at 50 unless you have symptoms that require you get one sooner. Please do not wait--it is usually very treatable if not ignored. Check your family history, too. The colonscopy procedure is very simple and the "versed" they use for sedation puts you in a very relaxed dreamy state. I felt nothing. I will tell you that the prep is not much fun--fluids only diet and the "cleaning out" laxative is not my favorite way to spend a day!

Good luck and keep us posted, please.

spotty4 · 11-27-2008, 10:25 AM

Oh flyby, I'm so sorry for your diagnosis. But I am so glad you're having surgery and you definitely have youth on your side.

I have been personally touched by 4 cases of colon cancer:

1. a colleague at work was diagnosed in his mid-60s. His doctor gave him 6 weeks. He passed away Monday, at 4 weeks. That was rough news to hear this week.

2. my mom's cousin was diagnosed in his mid-50s. His colon cancer went quickly and took him before any surgery.

3. my mom's cousin (the younger sister (young 50s) of cousin mentioned in #2) decided to get a colonoscopy done once her brother died. She too had colon cancer. She had surgery right away. They had to take out a lot of her colon, so much so that they could not reconnect it to her rectum properly, so she lives w/ a colostomy now. But her cancer was strictly in her colon and she's lived healthily now for 2-3 years.

4. a colleague at work was diagnosed in his young 40s. He had an upper portion of his colon removed and a thin portion of his liver that had suspicious spots on it. They removed all the cancer from his colon and the liver biopsy showed cancer, too. So he had a 2nd surgery to remove the cancer in the liver and a "safe zone" of tissue. He also went through chemotherapy to address any microscopic cancer that was not detected. He came to work when he could and he just looked awful. It would break my heart when I talked to him and thought in the back of my head about his family. After chemo and his annual PET/CT scans, he's been healthy now for 2-3 years. He looks incredible now! Life and joy and happiness just ooze out of him. He's a joy to be around.

So I didn't describe these 4 people/cases for you to draw any stats (like SeatClutcher said, stay away from statistics). But I just wanted to give you the feel that colon cancer runs the gammut. Each person and each case is so so different.

Stay strong, flyby!! Stay positive. I hope your husband can take some time off to help you w/ the kids and house. I hope your doctors can get you all fixed up w/o prolonged treatment. I'll be thinking of you.

Chi829 · 11-27-2008, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyby0408

Anyone have any info on colon cancer? any advice? I was just told I have colon cancer and I'm going for surgery on Dec 4, I'm still in shock and disbelief, even though i've had blood in my stool for 6 months now, just never got around to get things looked at.

Just wondering if anyone had any advice, what to expect, stuff like that.

thanks

wow, you're only 33? I am so sorry! I will pray for you that everything turns out okay after your surgery. If you dont mind my asking, just for reference for the rest of us, besides the blood in your stool, what were some other symptoms to watch out for?
We're thinking of you!

Regina · 11-27-2008, 04:40 PM

I am so sorry. You are around my age, so I would also like to know if there are any other symptoms?

Hoping you know that you have the support here, if needed.

Bigsweetie · 11-27-2008, 08:14 PM

I'm sorry to hear that! You're in my thoughts and prayers!!! Stay strong and take it one day at a time.

Amanda · 11-27-2008, 09:04 PM

Like the others have said, I am sorry to hear about this!

One of my friends was diagnosed with colon cancer in his late 20's. He ignored the symptoms for 6 months (or a bit longer). He had surgery and had part of his colon removed (I believe). He is now 38 yrs old and doing just great!

11-27-2008, 08:44 AM	#1 (permalink)
flyby0408 Jetgirls Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Merritt Island, FL Posts: 104 Recipes: Thanks: 11 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Colon Cancer? Anyone have any info on colon cancer? any advice? I was just told I have colon cancer and I'm going for surgery on Dec 4, I'm still in shock and disbelief, even though i've had blood in my stool for 6 months now, just never got around to get things looked at. Just wondering if anyone had any advice, what to expect, stuff like that. thanks __________________ "When I die, I want to go peacefully like my Grandfather did, in his sleep -- not screaming, like the passengers in his car"

11-27-2008, 09:22 AM	#2 (permalink)
BAC Jetgirls Plus Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 956 Recipes: Thanks: 12 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts	Re: Colon Cancer? Oh gosh!! You poor thing... I don't know much about colon cancer, so I don't have much advice. You are young though, and I'm sure you will get through this. Take care and please keep us updated... __________________ Becky

11-27-2008, 09:26 AM	#3 (permalink)
lucky81698 Jetgirls Ol' School Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: 1 Posts: 886 Recipes: Thanks: 1 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Colon Cancer? Hi, I'm sorry to hear about your situation. My grandfather had colon cancer that went untreated and spread to other organs. He passed away fairly quickly, 17 years ago. His doctor told my father to have a colonoscopy immediately. He had polyps that were on the verge of turning to cancer and had them removed. He had many of them since and is fine. I started to have lots of stomach problems a couple of years ago and thought I saw blood too. I kept putting off getting a colonoscopy because I was afraid. Finally I decided I had to do it. The doctor didn't expect to find anything since I was only 41. He found 2 polyps, one very large and close to becoming cancer. He said I was his lucky patient of the year. Did they find it during a colonoscopy? Usually they just remove it right then. From what I have learned about it, if it is caught in time you will be fine. i'm not sure what to expect, if it was discovered from tests of your stool or from a colonoscopy. If you haven't had a colonoscopy and they are removing cancerous polyps through that procedure, it is not a big deal. I'm thinking of you and hope everything turns out fine. Jan

11-27-2008, 09:32 AM	#4 (permalink)
SeatClutcher Jetgirls Ol' School Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Manchester, CT Posts: 939 Recipes: Thanks: 0 Thanked 9 Times in 9 Posts	Re: Colon Cancer? Do as much research online as you can to find out what treatments are like, what you can expect to feel like from those treatments, what the surgery will entail, etc. The more you know, and the more involved you are in what's going it, chances are the less scary it will be. And stay away from statistics - no matter what the ailment, the numbers can be scary. Remember you're an individual with your own health and your own healing ability, and your situation is different and unique. Focus on what will make you better, and how to best heal. It's easy to be scared, and you probably will be (who wouldn't be by the word "cancer"?), but they've had some incredible advancements in cancer treatment. __________________ Blog: Jet Careers song "Freedom of choice isn't the same thing as being pro-choice." - said by a voter at the RNC

11-27-2008, 09:52 AM	#5 (permalink)
mrs767er Jetgirls Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Cincy Area Posts: 247 Recipes: Thanks: 1 Thanked 13 Times in 13 Posts	Re: Colon Cancer? I am so sorry about your cancer! We all wish you well and hope your treatment is thorough and successful! I've lost several people due to undetected colon cancer and they all did the "if-I-don't-check-it-out, it-won't-be-there". Thank God you got it checked out. I am 54 and the first thing my doctor said when I was approaching 50, was to have my birthday colonoscopy. I really had to beat up my older sisters to get theirs done. I'm due again next year. My husband has had 2 now, due to family history. I will be asking my sisters today--makes for lively conversation at Thanksgiving? Please, Ladies, begin your first one at 50 unless you have symptoms that require you get one sooner. Please do not wait--it is usually very treatable if not ignored. Check your family history, too. The colonscopy procedure is very simple and the "versed" they use for sedation puts you in a very relaxed dreamy state. I felt nothing. I will tell you that the prep is not much fun--fluids only diet and the "cleaning out" laxative is not my favorite way to spend a day! Good luck and keep us posted, please.

11-27-2008, 10:25 AM	#6 (permalink)
spotty4 Jetgirls Ol' School Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Capital City, USA Posts: 1,237 Recipes: Thanks: 8 Thanked 15 Times in 15 Posts	Re: Colon Cancer? Oh flyby, I'm so sorry for your diagnosis. But I am so glad you're having surgery and you definitely have youth on your side. I have been personally touched by 4 cases of colon cancer: 1. a colleague at work was diagnosed in his mid-60s. His doctor gave him 6 weeks. He passed away Monday, at 4 weeks. That was rough news to hear this week. 2. my mom's cousin was diagnosed in his mid-50s. His colon cancer went quickly and took him before any surgery. 3. my mom's cousin (the younger sister (young 50s) of cousin mentioned in #2) decided to get a colonoscopy done once her brother died. She too had colon cancer. She had surgery right away. They had to take out a lot of her colon, so much so that they could not reconnect it to her rectum properly, so she lives w/ a colostomy now. But her cancer was strictly in her colon and she's lived healthily now for 2-3 years. 4. a colleague at work was diagnosed in his young 40s. He had an upper portion of his colon removed and a thin portion of his liver that had suspicious spots on it. They removed all the cancer from his colon and the liver biopsy showed cancer, too. So he had a 2nd surgery to remove the cancer in the liver and a "safe zone" of tissue. He also went through chemotherapy to address any microscopic cancer that was not detected. He came to work when he could and he just looked awful. It would break my heart when I talked to him and thought in the back of my head about his family. After chemo and his annual PET/CT scans, he's been healthy now for 2-3 years. He looks incredible now! Life and joy and happiness just ooze out of him. He's a joy to be around. So I didn't describe these 4 people/cases for you to draw any stats (like SeatClutcher said, stay away from statistics). But I just wanted to give you the feel that colon cancer runs the gammut. Each person and each case is so so different. Stay strong, flyby!! Stay positive. I hope your husband can take some time off to help you w/ the kids and house. I hope your doctors can get you all fixed up w/o prolonged treatment. I'll be thinking of you. __________________ http://shelleypotts.com Wedding Pictures! Last edited by spotty4; 11-27-2008 at 10:28 AM. Reason: tense correction

11-27-2008, 04:40 PM	#8 (permalink)
Regina Jetgirls Ol' School Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Southern state Posts: 1,038 Recipes: Thanks: 7 Thanked 12 Times in 12 Posts	Re: Colon Cancer? I am so sorry. You are around my age, so I would also like to know if there are any other symptoms? Hoping you know that you have the support here, if needed. __________________ Please read my tips at the following: http://www.familyzip.com/author/momto7kids and also my online articles on the Examiner: http://www.examiner.com/x-1716-Tampa-Bay-Education-Examiner

11-27-2008, 08:14 PM	#9 (permalink)
Bigsweetie Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Clinton Township, Michigan Posts: 1,590 Recipes: Thanks: 8 Thanked 9 Times in 9 Posts	Re: Colon Cancer? I'm sorry to hear that! You're in my thoughts and prayers!!! Stay strong and take it one day at a time.

11-27-2008, 09:04 PM	#10 (permalink)
Amanda Jetgirls Plus Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: PHL suburbs Posts: 2,193 Recipes: Thanks: 12 Thanked 12 Times in 12 Posts	Re: Colon Cancer? Like the others have said, I am sorry to hear about this! One of my friends was diagnosed with colon cancer in his late 20's. He ignored the symptoms for 6 months (or a bit longer). He had surgery and had part of his colon removed (I believe). He is now 38 yrs old and doing just great! __________________ Amanda Loving wife of Nick, an Int'l FO for Continental flying the 757/767 based in EWR! We're expecting baby #1 on May 30, 2009!

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)