Diagnosised yesterday with colorectal cancer, what can I expect?

So sorry to hear, hope PET scan is clear and you can just have this removed with no further chemo on the horizon! Cancer of colon is rising in younger population I have read, wondering if all the ultra processed food and emulsified additives are to blame. I’m not far behind you, keep us posted! I’m waiting for 2nd pathologist confirming mine which I don’t anticipate different result unless a miracle. They want me to have total proctocolectomy im facing a bag the rest of my life.maybe you will get lucky and just have temporary ostomy/bag, or better yet just respected and pulled/sewn together. Good luck!

Martin I’m facing same surgery it sounds like, how are you doing? Are you you able to get enough nutrients and water without emptying bag constantly? How does it work, entering that unknown territory. Also I’m a swimmer and wonder if you are able to continue if you were. I see they have swimmer ostomy set ups but do they really work and for how long are you able to stay in water? I feel like this is the beginning of the end of my life as I knew it, so scared!

Hi, @busyyaya. Glad to learn that you're preparing for your own surgery. I think there are some differences between your experience and mine. I had a catheter-and-bag for six weeks after my major colectomy as a result of an overgrown prostate. That was followed by self-insertion of a catheter to drain any urine residue in my bladder after a common urination. The catheter was not attached to a bag. I use the catheter several times a week, not after every urination. Its main purpose is to measure the residue, which is not much any time. I'm not burdened by an ostomy.

Haven't been swimming, but I don't think that would be a problem. I'm preoccupied by building back some muscle in my entire body; I lost 20 pounds after my surgery but have regained half of that. From my perspective, you can be optimistic as you think about surgery and recovery. Medical teams have learned much about colon recovery in the last year, and they'll have lots of advice and treatment ideas for you to consider. Let me know if I have misunderstood your situation so I can get on the same path as you find yourself. Martin

Thank you, everyone for the feedback and positive vibes. I learned today that 2 polyps removed were negative, but the 3-4 cm mass tested positive for Adenocarcinoma. Remaining positive that CT will show nothing else.
Thanks again everyone. Have a blessed weekend.

Where is the mass located?

Hi! :). So surgery…. Ugh was not fun. 4 days in the hospital. Then you go home and take it easy for a couple/8 weeks… I got my port put in shortly after 1 week before chemo started. Oxaliplatin was very hard to handle and I am super sensitive so had some allergic reactions and only made it thru 2 of those. The 5FU has alot of side effects but ot as bad as most chemo in my opinion. I kept my hair and never v got sick to my stomach. Others have so it is definitely a personal thing. The most important thing for me was surrounding myself with family and friends who were supportive and caring. My faith helps with the depression and feeling like I am lost without a direction. You need to look beyond the darkness of what is to what can be. Its a difficult road but not an impossible one. I pray your test is clear of cancer, but if not don’t lose hope. Always do something for you to keep your spirits up. ❤️

On St. Patrick 's Day of 2016 I had APR surgery permanent colostomy. The colostomy was easy to adjust too I had no problems with the stomach at all. The only discomfort and pain I had from that surgery was the stitches and staples that were put in after the rectum was removed and that was controlled by the pain medicine and eased up after a few weeks. I was in Vanderbilt University hospital for 7 days

Hello @sherryann56 and welcome to Mayo Connect. I appreciate you sharing your experience APR surgery and the permanent colostomy. It sounds like you have adjusted well to the procedure.

If you were to provide some guidance for others facing this surgery, what thoughts would you offer them?

I would tell them if that surgery is needed it would be helpful to them and ease any stress and concerns for them to do their research about APR surgery. There are also lots of videos on YouTube that are very informative on that type of surgery. I have been battling Neuroendocrine Carcinoma now going on my 11 th year. I first had cervical cancer then it matasis to colon and co-rectal from there it went to the lungs then vaginal cancer . The worse thing any cancer patient can do is to fear the cancer. Go at it with a clear mind , positive attitude, educate yourself with the type of cancer you have with lots of research and always get involved with all your treatment plans . You got and you can do it. Oh by the way after the surgery the hospital will start you off on Hollister colostomy supplies however there are different types of supplies made by different companies which will send you free samples to see which ones work best for you. I have found the best product for me are the Sensura Mias by coloplast. Stick with a good diet which you can find online and go about your life enjoying things you love doing. I still travel, camp, fish and hike. Don't look at that pouch as a curse look at it as your friend it saved you life.

@sunshine9472, are you currently on treatment? How are you doing?