I had a tumor right across from the ileocecal valve, found with my first colonoscopy at 54. In March, I had the right side of my colon and appendix laparoscopically removed. Stage 2a tumor, luckily didn't spread to any lymph nodes or elsewhere.

I had surprisingly little pain in hospital and while the doctors offered to release me the day after the surgery, I opted to stay another day since it was hard to walk to the toilet and I was having many loose stools. My poor husband had to raise me on and off the toilet as I was numb with the spinal block .

I would recommend the best ranked medical center for colon cancer you can go to. And screening the surgeons to select one well experienced in the procedure. I had mine done at a top 25 for colon cancer treatment, luckily near home. But if it had turned out to be a cancer that needed chemotherapy, I planned on going to Mayo. You want the best care for the best possible outcome.

In about a week, I was moving around pretty well. It has been 3 months and I eat normally, but do have occasional constipation, which is nothing new to me.

My oncologist has me taking Signatera blood tests to watch for a return, I would recommend asking for this screening since a sample of your tumor is needed. Every 3 months, a blood draw is screened for the tumor markers. So, negative results give you peace of mind.

Best wishes to you for a successful treatment and recovery.