Guest guest Posted February 19, 2005 Report Share Posted February 19, 2005 In a message dated 2/19/2005 5:29:15 PM Eastern Standard Time, bob236@... writes: I was recently diagnosed with a cancer in my ascending colon. My surgery is scheduled for 8 March 2005. The doctor said he would remove my entire ascending colon and some lymp glands. He belives it is a stage two after looking at the CT scans. It does not appear to have spread. Needless to say I am scared and would appreciate any feedback others could give me that have gone thru this. This is the second time I have had a colonscopy each exam was 2 years apart and they found 2 polyps each time. They were not cancerous, but this time a ulcer was found that was cancerous. I am 65 years old. I recently read that drinking decafinated coffee can prevent cancer in the colon. Bob Welcome Bob.... I'm sure you are scared...do you have any specific questions?? We'll try to answer from our own experiences or point you in the right direction for some online information links. Try not to worry....I know it's easier said than done... but it just won't help a bit. Will only wear you down. We'll be here for you to help and support any way we can. Lots of hugs and prayers, Donelle Caregiver to Glenn Colon resection 6/03, open wound for 2 months, chemo for 8 months Mets to Liver found 4/04, inoperable; one tumor too close to artery and vein Chemo infiltration to chest 8/04 with severe side effects including severe pain and muscle damage (permanent??), unable to eat, colon shut down, hospitalization w/morphine 8 days Fluid build-up and draining on a regular weekly basis 11/09/04 on 5FU/Leu/Oxaliplatin/Avastin " cocktails " 46 hr. infusions TRYING TO KICK BUTT with this darn disease!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 19, 2005 Report Share Posted February 19, 2005 I was recently diagnosed with a cancer in my ascending colon. My surgery is scheduled for 8 March 2005. The doctor said he would remove my entire ascending colon and some lymp glands. He belives it is a stage two after looking at the CT scans. It does not appear to have spread. Needless to say I am scared and would appreciate any feedback others could give me that have gone thru this. This is the second time I have had a colonscopy each exam was 2 years apart and they found 2 polyps each time. They were not cancerous, but this time a ulcer was found that was cancerous. I am 65 years old. I recently read that drinking decafinated coffee can prevent cancer in the colon. Bob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 19, 2005 Report Share Posted February 19, 2005 Bob: Just wanted to say hello and welcome to the group - though of course wish you didn't have to be here. I will defer to the others that have gone through that specific surgery to answer questions about that. Just remember there have been a lot of people that have battled cancer (I've just completed chemo/rad and two surgeries for rectal cancer), and have ended up doing way more and better than they could ever have believed. Just keep the faith, ask lots of questions and hang tight. You will be fine. You've found the right place to come to for help and support. Prayers are with you. Sheila Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 20, 2005 Report Share Posted February 20, 2005 Hello Becky: Thanks for the reply about your surgery. How sore are you after 3 weeks? Are you allowed to drink anything after surgery? How does one survive with no liquids for 3 days as I have heard? Thanks for answering me. All of you are so nice.. Bob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 20, 2005 Report Share Posted February 20, 2005 Hi Bob, chiming in here . My 33yrold husband underwent surgery on Sept 27 2004 for stage 4 colon cancer, If I remember correctly the first day he wasnt allowed anything by mouth ( they did have this lil sponge on a stick to wet his mouth ) Then he graduated to liquids, in the meantime they are giving you fluids by IV to prevent dehydration Has your doc mentioned if you would have to have a temporary ileostomy?? Wishing you the best of luck Deb 33yrold husband Joe, was diagnosed with CC in Sept, resection on Sept 27th 2004 found mets to the abdominal wall lining 3 lymph nodes involved open wound from infection until Jan 2005 Ileostomy reversal Dec 7th 2004 Chemo regiment begun Jan 2005 5fu/levorican/Oxaplatin/ Avastin added Feb 14 2005 (Happy Valentines Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 20, 2005 Report Share Posted February 20, 2005 Thanks for your support and info. My doctor said it is doubtful I will need a to have a colostomy, I don't know what ileostomy is? Maybe the doctor won't know till he gets in there and sees. Wishing your husband Joe all the best, and you too. May God watch over all of us. _Bob236@..._ (mailto:Bob236@...) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 20, 2005 Report Share Posted February 20, 2005 Hi Bob , if I remember correctly an Ileostomy and a Colostomy are basically the same , except one has to do with the large intestine and the other with the small intestine ( of course I dont remember which is which lol) Just remember if by chance you do have to have a temporary ostomy ( either kind) , you will have lots of support here for that also , as quite a few folks have had to go that route I wish you well on your surgery and prayers go up for you If you have any questions either pre or post op just ask away someone here should be able to help you or point you in the right direction I really dont know what I would have done without the support from this group Deb 33yrold husband Joe, was diagnosed with CC in Sept, resection on Sept 27th 2004 found mets to the abdominal wall lining 3 lymph nodes involved open wound from infection until Jan 2005 Ileostomy reversal Dec 7th 2004 Chemo regiment begun Jan 2005 5fu/levorican/Oxaplatin/ Avastin added Feb 14 2005 (Happy Valentines Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 20, 2005 Report Share Posted February 20, 2005 Well I do have a question, don't know if anyone else has had this happen, but a lady at church said she was diagnosed with cancer during a colonoscopy and they operated on her and she had great faith in the lord and had lots of people praying for her. After the doctor removed that portion of her colon, he told her, we couldn't find the cancer. Do you suppose the biopsy was wrong, or was there a miracle? Should everyone have two labs do a biopsy? That a big mistake to make a person go thru this operation for nothing. Everyone is welcome to reply. _Bob236@..._ (mailto:Bob236@...) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 20, 2005 Report Share Posted February 20, 2005 Thanks Deb for your reply. I wish everyone on this board a safe quick recovery and may God be watching over you. I think this cancer thing is all in the genes. My Mom and Grandmother both had cancer, they both suffered terribly, although my cancer was caught early, I am afraid I am prone to this disease coming back even if they remove it this time. Does anyone have any insight into this? Bob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 20, 2005 Report Share Posted February 20, 2005 Well , I have heard its always good to get a second opinion , although we didnt, However here is a very true story for you About 3 yrs ago my mom was diagnosed with Lung cancer , she underwent operation to remove half her lung , and they got all the cancer, Unfortunately a year later it came back this time they said it was inoperable , and that chemo was her only option. They gave her 6months without chemo and maybe 2 years with chemo. My mom was having NONE of this . She told the doctor that she would go home and pray but she was NOT having chemo. Well mom prayed Daily , six months later , she went for a recheck and the cancer was COMPLETELY gone , now the doctor couldnt explain this at all. So yes miracles do happen My mother is 74years old and still going strong cancer free Deb 33yrold husband Joe, was diagnosed with CC in Sept, resection on Sept 27th 2004 found mets to the abdominal wall lining 3 lymph nodes involved open wound from infection until Jan 2005 Ileostomy reversal Dec 7th 2004 Chemo regiment begun Jan 2005 5fu/levorican/Oxaplatin/ Avastin added Feb 14 2005 (Happy Valentines Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 20, 2005 Report Share Posted February 20, 2005 Hi Bob , in my husbands medical report it states " there is 100 percent chance of the cancer coming back , unless it doesnt " I dont even think the doctors know Deb 33yrold husband Joe, was diagnosed with CC in Sept, resection on Sept 27th 2004 found mets to the abdominal wall lining 3 lymph nodes involved open wound from infection until Jan 2005 Ileostomy reversal Dec 7th 2004 Chemo regiment begun Jan 2005 5fu/levorican/Oxaplatin/ Avastin added Feb 14 2005 (Happy Valentines Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 20, 2005 Report Share Posted February 20, 2005 Hi Bob, I'm new to this board too. I had my surgery 3 weeks ago, removing about 12 " of desending colon. Stage II, T3n0m0. If they give you the option of an epidural for pain control, consider it. It was really helpful to have complete pain control, but not have the loopy head that goes usually goes with narcotics. It really helped me to have my husband spend most of the day with me in the hospital, because they want you to walk around as much as posible. However, with an IV pump plugged into the wall, and epidural line, a catheder, and leg massagers (to prevent blood clots while bed ridden), and no stomache muscles, I couldn't get out of bed without someone to help get everything unpluged and set up on the walking pole, and the nurses did not have time. An cd player with meditation music and eye mask helped filter out the hospital noises for sleeping. About 5 days in the hospital, epidural pain control 4 days (usually only a couple), tylenol/codine 4 days, and regular tylenol only a couple more days. Hope it goes as well for you! -Becky > > I was recently diagnosed with a cancer in my ascending colon. My > surgery is scheduled for 8 March 2005. The doctor said he would > remove my entire ascending colon and some lymp glands. He belives it > is a stage two after looking at the CT scans. It does not appear to > have spread. Needless to say I am scared and would appreciate any > feedback others could give me that have gone thru this. This is the > second time I have had a colonscopy each exam was 2 years apart and > they found 2 polyps each time. They were not cancerous, but this time > a ulcer was found that was cancerous. I am 65 years old. > > I recently read that drinking decafinated coffee can prevent cancer > in the colon. > > Bob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 20, 2005 Report Share Posted February 20, 2005 In a message dated 2/20/2005 5:39:09 PM Eastern Standard Time, bob236@... writes: Well I do have a question, don't know if anyone else has had this happen, but a lady at church said she was diagnosed with cancer during a colonoscopy and they operated on her and she had great faith in the lord and had lots of people praying for her. After the doctor removed that portion of her colon, he told her, we couldn't find the cancer. Do you suppose the biopsy was wrong, or was there a miracle? Should everyone have two labs do a biopsy? That a big mistake to make a person go thru this operation for nothing. Everyone is welcome to reply. I don't know, Bob....but I do know miracles happen!! I don't know about 2 labs doing the biopsy either (probably not a bad idea...altho, I've never heard it being done...ins. co. probably won't pay for it these days) but I do know that lots of people praying for us has helped a lot of us get through tons of grief, worry, concern, etc. we all share here on this list. Hopefully, it wasn't a mistake...do you know if she took chemo prior to the surgery? Maybe chemo got rid of it. I wonder if she's had a colonoscopy since the surgery?? It would be even worse if the dr. took out the wrong section of the colon....then I'd really be upset!!! Lots of hugs and prayers, Donelle Caregiver to Glenn Colon resection 6/03, open wound for 2 months, chemo for 8 months Mets to Liver found 4/04, inoperable; one tumor too close to artery and vein Chemo infiltration to chest 8/04 with severe side effects including severe pain and muscle damage (permanent??), unable to eat, colon shut down, hospitalization w/morphine 8 days Fluid build-up and draining on a regular weekly basis 11/09/04 on 5FU/Leu/Oxaliplatin/Avastin " cocktails " 46 hr. infusions TRYING TO KICK BUTT with this darn disease!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 20, 2005 Report Share Posted February 20, 2005 In a message dated 2/20/2005 5:51:50 PM Eastern Standard Time, debbied30@... writes: Hi Bob , in my husbands medical report it states " there is 100 percent chance of the cancer coming back , unless it doesnt " I dont even think the doctors know Deb That's an incredible way of putting it...don't you think?? Covers all the bases!!! Lots of hugs and prayers, Donelle Caregiver to Glenn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 20, 2005 Report Share Posted February 20, 2005 For Phil it IS genetic. His Mom had Pancreatic cancer His grandmother had uterine cancer and his dad has had non-cancerous polyps. However there are lots of people who get colon and other cancers who have NO history. All the more reason we need early testing regardless of history. I believe the youngest patients on this board are 28 or 29. If you consider that some cancers can be growing for 5 years or more before they are detected the answer's clear. We should be testing by age 20. Narice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 20, 2005 Report Share Posted February 20, 2005 Sorry I don't know if she had chemo between the colonoscopy and the surgery. I will ask her the next time. All of this is a very learning experience for me. I know she has had colonoscopy exams since the surgery, and she appears to be healed. Bob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 20, 2005 Report Share Posted February 20, 2005 I was allowed ice chips the first night (was in my room about 8pm Thursday night), and okay for small sips of water at a time the next day. The day after that(Sat) had other clear liguids also, like juice, jello. Had food on Monday. I wasn't hungary or thirsty as the IV keeps you hydrated. As far as sore, I am doing fine. Needed help the first few days home (like make meals, pick up kids at school), but could care for myself after that. The incision area is a little touch sensitive, but can wear loose sweat pants. Able to pretty much do 'normal' routine, like can drive to run errands, mess around in the kitchen, etc. but doctor recommends a 10lb weight lift limit. I am a stay-at-home mom, so don't have to deal with work issues. --- In colon_cancer_support , bob236@a... wrote: > Hello Becky: > > Thanks for the reply about your surgery. How sore are you after 3 weeks? Are > you allowed to drink anything after surgery? How does one survive with no > liquids for 3 days as I have heard? > > Thanks for answering me. > > All of you are so nice.. > > Bob > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 20, 2005 Report Share Posted February 20, 2005 My husband is scheduled for his surgery on March 9th. His cancer is in the rectom and he will most likely having a permenant colostomy. I will keep you in my prayers that everything goes well and you dont end up with an ostomy of any kind. Marie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 21, 2005 Report Share Posted February 21, 2005 Does a person with stage 1 need chemo or radiation? _Bob236@..._ (mailto:Bob236@...) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 21, 2005 Report Share Posted February 21, 2005 Hi Bob, My maternal grandmother had ovarian cancer, my paternal grandmother had colon cancer and my Mom had pancreatic cancer. I'm one of the lucky ones who found his cancer early, T2,N0,M0 (Stage 1, that is). I too had a change in bowel habits for up to a year (wild guess) and ignored it until I had a rectal bleeding episode I couldn't ignore. I was Dx'd at age 39. My tumor was fairly aggressive so I would guess it was growing in there with symptoms for years. You aren't too late. Colon cancer typically grows slowly. That's why the guidelines call for a colonoscopy every 10 years when no increased risk factors are identified. I do know that miracles happen. I have heard stories where tumors just disappear, for whatever reason. The miracles I've seen have been less dramatic and " sneakier " but they are there if you look for them. It was a miracle that I had my bleeding episode! Hang in there. Miracles happen! Cliff H. > For Phil it IS genetic. His Mom had Pancreatic cancer His grandmother had > uterine cancer and his dad has had non-cancerous polyps. However there are lots > of people who get colon and other cancers who have NO history. > > All the more reason we need early testing regardless of history. > I believe the youngest patients on this board are 28 or 29. > If you consider that some cancers can be growing for 5 years or more before > they are detected the answer's clear. > We should be testing by age 20. > > Narice > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 21, 2005 Report Share Posted February 21, 2005 Rarely. It's nearly unheard of. But there are rare occasions. Priscilla A. Savary Executive Director Colorectal Cancer Network PO Box 182, Kensington MD 20895 psavary@... www.colorectal-cancer.net _________ Like to help CCNetwork? Go shopping! That's right, go head and buy something for yourself -- a new CD, the latest bestseller, essentials like toothpaste or vitamins, even a computer. But first join www.iGive.com/CCNetwork . Every time you shop at one of the over 500 name-brand stores in the Mall at iGive.com, we'll receive a donation of up to 26% of each purchase you make, at no cost to you. Remember, donating to CCNetwork won't cost you a thing. But we'll miss out on a lot of extra dough, if you don't join. So visit www.iGive.com/CCNetwork now. Membership is free and your privacy is guaranteed. Click here to join: http://www.iGive.com/CCNetwork Re: Re: Hello All Does a person with stage 1 need chemo or radiation? _Bob236@..._ (mailto:Bob236@...) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 21, 2005 Report Share Posted February 21, 2005 Maybe as a precaution. I would discuss it with the oncologist Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 21, 2005 Report Share Posted February 21, 2005 Thanks for your support Ron, you surely have had more than your share of surgeries. God bless you for trying to help others. I am trying to be positive and I have faith that God will help me thru this. I know it won't be fun. Colon cancer buddy Bob236 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 21, 2005 Report Share Posted February 21, 2005 Bob, Welcome to the group, although I too wish you didn't have to be here. It was one year ago this month that I was in your shoes and was diagnosed with rectal cancer. Since then, I have had chemo, radiation and three surgeries (completed in Nov. 04) and everything is going well. If my tests results remain clean next month I will then have my medi-port removed and hopefully put this behind me. This group really helped me and answered a lot of questions I had. I found that second opinions are worth getting even though it may cause more confusion when Drs. don't agree. A friend ( 7 years cancer free) told me to " never have bad days, there are only bad moments " and I remembered that whenever things got rough. You'll get through this, think positive. Let us know how things go and when you have questions. Don't know about the decafinated coffee, but I have read where green tea which is naturally decafinated may have some effect prevented colon cancer. Ron > > I was recently diagnosed with a cancer in my ascending colon. My > surgery is scheduled for 8 March 2005. The doctor said he would > remove my entire ascending colon and some lymp glands. He belives it > is a stage two after looking at the CT scans. It does not appear to > have spread. Needless to say I am scared and would appreciate any > feedback others could give me that have gone thru this. This is the > second time I have had a colonscopy each exam was 2 years apart and > they found 2 polyps each time. They were not cancerous, but this time > a ulcer was found that was cancerous. I am 65 years old. > > I recently read that drinking decafinated coffee can prevent cancer > in the colon. > > Bob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 21, 2005 Report Share Posted February 21, 2005 , what is TPN? How are you doing now? Are you able to do everything you did before the operation? How long does your stomach remain sore or tender? My grandson will be born 5 April and that only gives me about 4 weeks to get well enough to go see him. Its a 220 mile drive. My wife would be driving. Do you think I will be able to go at that time? I will walk as much as possible to get better. _Bob236@..._ (mailto:Bob236@...) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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