I am a 53 year old male. I was getting the warning signs, ie bleeding, stomach cramps, etc and went to see my doctor on June 18th 07. He put me on a fast track for ct scan mri and colonostopy. The biopsy results came back showing a 3.5 cm tumor positive for cancer. I am now getting ready for chemo therapy and radiation treatment prior to surgery. From there, who knows.
Does any one have any feed back that has experienced this? I think that some one who has had this disease would be a wonderful source of information. I would welcome any comments.
Rick I am sorry to hear of your cancer diagnosis, but there is a positive thing about rectal cancer versus colon cancer. The symptoms are experienced quicker with rectal cancer since this part of your colon is closer to the anus. Therefore, it has less time to grow and metastasize. The further away your colon cancer is, the longer it takes to experience symptoms which means a longer time to spread and become more dangerous. I commend you for getting help quickly, this also weighs in your favor. Below is a good starting place for educational material. See below, emedicine is a valid and trusted website. Good luck with your treatment. Sorry about your diagnosis, but it seems they found it in the early stages so that is a positive sign.
You are right that feedback from those who have the disease is best. We are dealing with abdominal cancer, but can point you in the right direction. You can find support on the ACOR Listserv to begin:
Colorectal Cancer Discussion List
http://listserv.acor.org/archives/colon....
My son has a rare abdominal sarcoma that he's been fighting for over two years, so we know how you feel. He had multiple tumors, some in the size range of 21cm . . so 3.5cm seems managable to us! See, it's all a matter of perspective. At the moment he has another 4cm mass in the pelvis that we are dealing with.
Stay strong. You seem to have a great attitude and that is what will get you through this! Do tons of research and reading and seek out the best treatment options for your type of cancer.
Here are a few more sites to check out for colorectal cancer:
Colon Cancer Alliance
http://www.ccalliance.org/
NCI: Colon and Rectal Cancer
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types...
NCCN: Professional Clinical Guidelines for Rectal Cancer
http://www.nccn.org/professionals/physic... I've never experienced having cancer myself, but I know several people who have. including the type that you are faced with. and all who've had your type have had successful treatment and recovery.
cancer is never an easy word to hear. it's scary. but don't be afraid! because you can beat it! and it sounds like it was caught in plenty of time for you to make a full recovery.
it sounds like your doctor is going to be very aggressive in getting rid of your cancer, and that's great. the sooner they take care of it, the sooner you'll be back on your feet and well again.
I will certainly keep you in my prayers. I am a Christian, and I know that with God's help you can and will make a full recovery. and I will most definately keep you in my prayers.
if you'd like to, you can add me to your list of contacts and we can stay in touch.
I have had serious health problems all my life. and I've had a couple of doctors tell me that I wouldn't live, but they don't know what God knows. I'm still here! and God has seen me through each battle that I've faced. and He will do the same for you, Rick. Just have Faith.
your friend,
Atiana Sorry to hear about your cancer. But good that your doctor fast tracked you and you've now got treatments lined up.
My husband has colon cancer, diagnosed in January after what was supposed to be an operation for appendicitis turned into a cancer-removal expedition!
He's not doing radiation, just chemo. Yes, it's tough at times. But the nurses will be able to give you all sorts of drugs to help with the side effects - just ask and they will do what they can. Don't do the brave "grin & bear it" stuff....your body needs all the help it can get to manage the side effects so it can get on with repairing itself.
There are plenty of people out there who have had colon / rectal cancer decades ago. And are walking around today giving you, me and hubby hope.
After radiation, chemo and surgery comes rest, recovery and a good vacation. And with luck, the all-clear. Try to stay positive - focus on the day-to-day during your treatment and ignore the long term if that helps.
Make sure you tell your friends, family what you need from them. Lots of people don't know what to say/do. If there's something that would help you, ask for it. It's time to be a bit selfish. Your job for the next few months is you. Your family / friends will understand that - you can return the favour when you're better :-)
Good luck. I am truly sorry about your diagnosis. Cancer is a very destructive disease, but you can help yourself.
One way is by telling family and friends. Make sure they know and can help you. At this time, you'll need all the support you can get.
Also, when offered help, accept it. It's hard to suddenly have to be looked after and cared for. Believe me, I've been there. But, when you see someone you love ill, you really want to help them. It's frustrating for other family members too. Be open and talk.
If you're worried over anything, talk to your doctor or oncologist. They can and will help and offer advice and assistance. I know, it's hard to admit you're worried. But there is no shame in admitting you're scared. I once burst into tears in my doctor's room. I felt silly, but I certainly wasn't expecting the doctor to give me a tissue, put his arm round me and tell me that it okay to be scared!
Always be honest with your doctor. If he doesn't know the truth, he can't help you. If he asks "How are you dealing with the chemo?" Don't say "Fine, yeah, I'm taking in my stride." when you actually finding it difficult to cope with!
In general terms, slippery elm is good for the nausea. Flat ginger ale and cola is also good. Ask what creams you can use if you get burns or sores from the radiation therapy. Eat what you fancy. This is not the time to be going on a diet, or restricting your food intake!
It sounds like you have been caught early, which is very lucky and increases your chance of a full recovery. You do not mention which stage you are in, but chances are it is a low one. I hope that you have a full recovery and let us know how you get on.
Good luck. Be strong :-) |
