Living with colorectal cancer - Meet others & come say hi

Welcome to the Colorectal Cancer group on Mayo Clinic Connect.
This is a welcoming, safe place where you can meet people living with colorectal cancer or caring for someone with colorectal cancer. Let's learn from each other and share stories about living well with cancer, coping with the challenges and offering tips.

I'm Colleen, and I'm the moderator of this group, and Community Director of Connect. Chances are you'll to be greeted by fellow members and volunteer patient Mentors, when you post to this group. Learn more about Moderators and Mentors on Connect.

We look forward to welcoming you and introducing you to other members. Feel free to browse the topics or start a new one.
Let's chat. Why not start by introducing yourself?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Colorectal Cancer Support Group.

Hi @travelgirl @martid @sue_in_delaware @ilene1 @soul @brglight @nannytart @bush @sallyg @starrlight @joannem @jww1 @azlinda @retairforceman @user_cha5e73f6 @brucey1 @nananet @lynne:

I'd like to invite you to the new group on Connect dedicated to discussions about colorectal cancer. It's a space where we can ask questions, share tips and learn about living with colorectal cancer from each other. Pull up a chair and tell us a bit about yourself.

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@colleenyoung

Hi @travelgirl @martid @sue_in_delaware @ilene1 @soul @brglight @nannytart @bush @sallyg @starrlight @joannem @jww1 @azlinda @retairforceman @user_cha5e73f6 @brucey1 @nananet @lynne:

I'd like to invite you to the new group on Connect dedicated to discussions about colorectal cancer. It's a space where we can ask questions, share tips and learn about living with colorectal cancer from each other. Pull up a chair and tell us a bit about yourself.

Jump to this post

I am soul and I am a care giver to my Mom who was diagnosed with colorectal cancer and went for a critical surgery a year ago. She is now recovering slowly. She was 11 nights at the hospital. The first surgery took almost 7 hours and the second surgery - reconnect took her 2 -3 hours. We had to go through under tremendous stress and it was difficult. My sister is one of the care giver closer to her. We have been so grateful for the completion of her surgery. My Mom has changed her eating habits and her diet since then. My Mom is recovering slowly. She just had a follow up PET scan 2 weeks ago and the outcome had been very promising that there is no cancer cell. It was a big relief to all of us. My Mom is very fortunate. She would have died if she did not go for the operation and remove it. We keep positive along with the support of family friends and indeed a good doctors and advanced equipments. For those who diagnosed with colorectal cancer, we would suggest to find a good doctor and hospital like Mayo Clinic. Keep strong and positive physically and mentally. Patience is important as well. Wishing the best to all both patients and care giver. Praying for everyone. Soul

REPLY
@colleenyoung

Hi @travelgirl @martid @sue_in_delaware @ilene1 @soul @brglight @nannytart @bush @sallyg @starrlight @joannem @jww1 @azlinda @retairforceman @user_cha5e73f6 @brucey1 @nananet @lynne:

I'd like to invite you to the new group on Connect dedicated to discussions about colorectal cancer. It's a space where we can ask questions, share tips and learn about living with colorectal cancer from each other. Pull up a chair and tell us a bit about yourself.

Jump to this post

Hi Soul,
Thanks for kicking off the introductions. What a wonderful outcome for your mother and your family. I remember when you first joined Connect and the stress point that you were in at the time, and your mom being so afraid of the surgery to the point that she thought she wouldn't have the operation. It has been quite a year for you. May 2017 continue in good health!

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Thanks Colleen for remembering our difficult time and for wishes for the good health. Yes, my Mom was afraid of operation. She would have died if she did not have surgery.. I am so grateful that we found a doctor who went to practice at Mayo Clinic. You connected me with a world that can assure our mission accomplish. In addition, I had a chance to meet and share the experiences with the people from the same boat. I learned a lot from them not only colorectal cancer but also different health issues and disease. Mayo connection is amazing. Mayo connects us deeply and sincerely especially you coordinator, making us connect with the world. Thank you so much again and wish peace, love and miracles to those suffering and a deep appreciation to all the care giver. May you all experience only love, kind and gentle. Blessings to you and all. Many many thanks.

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Hello everyone I am Travelgirl. I am a Rare & Unusual Cecum Colon Cancer survivor. Cecum cancer accounts for less than 15 to 20% of all colon cancers. So it is pretty rare to get this type of cancer at age 53. I was 53 yrs old getting my first colonoscopy. Don't wait till your 53 to get your first colonoscopy.

My Cecum cancer showed NO Symptoms Zero.

While traveling somewhere in a third world country I had contacted H-Pylori. The H-Pylori actually saved my life. I was sicker than a dog with Severe Acid reflex. The Acid reflex was so bad, I actually thought I had gotten poisoned. I had a severe burning sensation which started at the back of my throat and burnt all the way down to my stomach. Plus I was having stabbing chest pains. I had my husband take me to the ER. They ran a slew of tests in the ER. Chest and Stomach X-rays, Blood work, Urine test, and an Ultra sound. All the tests came back negative for anything odd. My blood work was perfect. So they determined I had GERD. The ER Dr. said I needed to see a GI specialist ASAP.

Saw a GI Dr 2 days later. Got the 2 for 1 special an Endoscope of my Throat and Stomach and a full Colonoscopy. The Endoscope confirmed the H-Pylori and the Colonoscopy found an Ulcer in my Cecum, with a flat polyp underneath. Plus 3 more noncancerous polyps. The biopsy of the Ulcer came back Pre-Cancerous.

3 weeks later I saw another GI DR, who was going to try and remove the Ulcer with a EMR procedure. Well he couldn't remove the flat polyp, it wouldn't lift. My colon was twisted, and I had some Diverticulosis going on, plus he found 3 more polyps. A second biopsy of the cecum ulcer, came back pre-cancerous a second time. This GI Dr. referred me to a surgeon to have a resection.

I decided to contact a 3rd GI DR at the Mayo clinic, to see if the polyp could be removed without surgery. 3 weeks later I get my 3rd Colonoscopy. Well the polyp could not be removed by EMR. He also found 3 more noncancerous polyps. A 3rd Biopsy of the Ulcer came back cancerous. I was referred to a Surgeon.

My Colon-Rectal surgeon ordered a CT scan of my chest, stomach, and Pelvis. The Ct scan found swollen lymph nodes near my Aorta. Which freaked out the Colon Rectal surgeon. He then ordered a Pet Scan and a CT- Guided Biopsy of the Aortic Lymph node. They needed to rule out Metastasis cancer. Well back to the rare and unusual, I got the 2 for 1 Cancer Diagnosis. The swollen Lymph nodes are the result of a Non-Hodgkin's Lymphatic Cancer Follicular Lymphoma.

My colon surgery was done 2 weeks later. The Dr. removed 1 foot of colon and 20 lymph nodes. It is confirmed I have a stage 1 Adenocarcinoma Cecum Cancer. The surgery was a success. The lymph nodes were clear of colon cancer. However, a few tested for Lymphatic cancer. I was in the hospital for 6 days. It took a little time getting adjusted to the new plumbing in my body. Now it is almost 13 months since my surgery. I feel great, and my body doesn't miss that section of colon.

The Dr. put me on a Watch and Wait Treatment approach. Every 3 months for blood work Ct scans. Which is now been moved too, every 6 months for blood, and Ct Scans. I need a colonoscopy every 12 months. It has been determined I have turned into a Polyp farmer. So yearly they need to check for polyps.

Colon cancer is far more common than people think and extremely curable. DO NOT delay getting your colonoscopy. You may not be as lucky as me.

( My Lymph nodes have shrunk in size with every CT scan. Which is a excellent sign. I may not need treatments for many years if ever. 1 out of every 3 people with this type of cancer end up getting treatments. I plan on being one of the two who never gets a treatment đŸ™‚ )

REPLY
@colleenyoung

Hi @travelgirl @martid @sue_in_delaware @ilene1 @soul @brglight @nannytart @bush @sallyg @starrlight @joannem @jww1 @azlinda @retairforceman @user_cha5e73f6 @brucey1 @nananet @lynne:

I'd like to invite you to the new group on Connect dedicated to discussions about colorectal cancer. It's a space where we can ask questions, share tips and learn about living with colorectal cancer from each other. Pull up a chair and tell us a bit about yourself.

Jump to this post

Soul,
so glad to hear that your Mom is doing well and i also pray that she will continue the path to continued health.

Starrlight

REPLY
@travelgirl

Hello everyone I am Travelgirl. I am a Rare & Unusual Cecum Colon Cancer survivor. Cecum cancer accounts for less than 15 to 20% of all colon cancers. So it is pretty rare to get this type of cancer at age 53. I was 53 yrs old getting my first colonoscopy. Don't wait till your 53 to get your first colonoscopy.

My Cecum cancer showed NO Symptoms Zero.

While traveling somewhere in a third world country I had contacted H-Pylori. The H-Pylori actually saved my life. I was sicker than a dog with Severe Acid reflex. The Acid reflex was so bad, I actually thought I had gotten poisoned. I had a severe burning sensation which started at the back of my throat and burnt all the way down to my stomach. Plus I was having stabbing chest pains. I had my husband take me to the ER. They ran a slew of tests in the ER. Chest and Stomach X-rays, Blood work, Urine test, and an Ultra sound. All the tests came back negative for anything odd. My blood work was perfect. So they determined I had GERD. The ER Dr. said I needed to see a GI specialist ASAP.

Saw a GI Dr 2 days later. Got the 2 for 1 special an Endoscope of my Throat and Stomach and a full Colonoscopy. The Endoscope confirmed the H-Pylori and the Colonoscopy found an Ulcer in my Cecum, with a flat polyp underneath. Plus 3 more noncancerous polyps. The biopsy of the Ulcer came back Pre-Cancerous.

3 weeks later I saw another GI DR, who was going to try and remove the Ulcer with a EMR procedure. Well he couldn't remove the flat polyp, it wouldn't lift. My colon was twisted, and I had some Diverticulosis going on, plus he found 3 more polyps. A second biopsy of the cecum ulcer, came back pre-cancerous a second time. This GI Dr. referred me to a surgeon to have a resection.

I decided to contact a 3rd GI DR at the Mayo clinic, to see if the polyp could be removed without surgery. 3 weeks later I get my 3rd Colonoscopy. Well the polyp could not be removed by EMR. He also found 3 more noncancerous polyps. A 3rd Biopsy of the Ulcer came back cancerous. I was referred to a Surgeon.

My Colon-Rectal surgeon ordered a CT scan of my chest, stomach, and Pelvis. The Ct scan found swollen lymph nodes near my Aorta. Which freaked out the Colon Rectal surgeon. He then ordered a Pet Scan and a CT- Guided Biopsy of the Aortic Lymph node. They needed to rule out Metastasis cancer. Well back to the rare and unusual, I got the 2 for 1 Cancer Diagnosis. The swollen Lymph nodes are the result of a Non-Hodgkin's Lymphatic Cancer Follicular Lymphoma.

My colon surgery was done 2 weeks later. The Dr. removed 1 foot of colon and 20 lymph nodes. It is confirmed I have a stage 1 Adenocarcinoma Cecum Cancer. The surgery was a success. The lymph nodes were clear of colon cancer. However, a few tested for Lymphatic cancer. I was in the hospital for 6 days. It took a little time getting adjusted to the new plumbing in my body. Now it is almost 13 months since my surgery. I feel great, and my body doesn't miss that section of colon.

The Dr. put me on a Watch and Wait Treatment approach. Every 3 months for blood work Ct scans. Which is now been moved too, every 6 months for blood, and Ct Scans. I need a colonoscopy every 12 months. It has been determined I have turned into a Polyp farmer. So yearly they need to check for polyps.

Colon cancer is far more common than people think and extremely curable. DO NOT delay getting your colonoscopy. You may not be as lucky as me.

( My Lymph nodes have shrunk in size with every CT scan. Which is a excellent sign. I may not need treatments for many years if ever. 1 out of every 3 people with this type of cancer end up getting treatments. I plan on being one of the two who never gets a treatment đŸ™‚ )

Jump to this post

Travelgirl,

Quite an ordeal you had to endure however perseverance certainly paid off, so very happy you are doing so well, certainly shows us there is hope and healing out there, will pray that you never have to have a treatment, hang in there and continue your upward journey for health.

starrlight

REPLY
@colleenyoung

Hi @travelgirl @martid @sue_in_delaware @ilene1 @soul @brglight @nannytart @bush @sallyg @starrlight @joannem @jww1 @azlinda @retairforceman @user_cha5e73f6 @brucey1 @nananet @lynne:

I'd like to invite you to the new group on Connect dedicated to discussions about colorectal cancer. It's a space where we can ask questions, share tips and learn about living with colorectal cancer from each other. Pull up a chair and tell us a bit about yourself.

Jump to this post

Hello Starrlight, thank you so much for your kind wishes for my Mother. It is appreciated. Peace and light, Soul

REPLY
@travelgirl

Hello everyone I am Travelgirl. I am a Rare & Unusual Cecum Colon Cancer survivor. Cecum cancer accounts for less than 15 to 20% of all colon cancers. So it is pretty rare to get this type of cancer at age 53. I was 53 yrs old getting my first colonoscopy. Don't wait till your 53 to get your first colonoscopy.

My Cecum cancer showed NO Symptoms Zero.

While traveling somewhere in a third world country I had contacted H-Pylori. The H-Pylori actually saved my life. I was sicker than a dog with Severe Acid reflex. The Acid reflex was so bad, I actually thought I had gotten poisoned. I had a severe burning sensation which started at the back of my throat and burnt all the way down to my stomach. Plus I was having stabbing chest pains. I had my husband take me to the ER. They ran a slew of tests in the ER. Chest and Stomach X-rays, Blood work, Urine test, and an Ultra sound. All the tests came back negative for anything odd. My blood work was perfect. So they determined I had GERD. The ER Dr. said I needed to see a GI specialist ASAP.

Saw a GI Dr 2 days later. Got the 2 for 1 special an Endoscope of my Throat and Stomach and a full Colonoscopy. The Endoscope confirmed the H-Pylori and the Colonoscopy found an Ulcer in my Cecum, with a flat polyp underneath. Plus 3 more noncancerous polyps. The biopsy of the Ulcer came back Pre-Cancerous.

3 weeks later I saw another GI DR, who was going to try and remove the Ulcer with a EMR procedure. Well he couldn't remove the flat polyp, it wouldn't lift. My colon was twisted, and I had some Diverticulosis going on, plus he found 3 more polyps. A second biopsy of the cecum ulcer, came back pre-cancerous a second time. This GI Dr. referred me to a surgeon to have a resection.

I decided to contact a 3rd GI DR at the Mayo clinic, to see if the polyp could be removed without surgery. 3 weeks later I get my 3rd Colonoscopy. Well the polyp could not be removed by EMR. He also found 3 more noncancerous polyps. A 3rd Biopsy of the Ulcer came back cancerous. I was referred to a Surgeon.

My Colon-Rectal surgeon ordered a CT scan of my chest, stomach, and Pelvis. The Ct scan found swollen lymph nodes near my Aorta. Which freaked out the Colon Rectal surgeon. He then ordered a Pet Scan and a CT- Guided Biopsy of the Aortic Lymph node. They needed to rule out Metastasis cancer. Well back to the rare and unusual, I got the 2 for 1 Cancer Diagnosis. The swollen Lymph nodes are the result of a Non-Hodgkin's Lymphatic Cancer Follicular Lymphoma.

My colon surgery was done 2 weeks later. The Dr. removed 1 foot of colon and 20 lymph nodes. It is confirmed I have a stage 1 Adenocarcinoma Cecum Cancer. The surgery was a success. The lymph nodes were clear of colon cancer. However, a few tested for Lymphatic cancer. I was in the hospital for 6 days. It took a little time getting adjusted to the new plumbing in my body. Now it is almost 13 months since my surgery. I feel great, and my body doesn't miss that section of colon.

The Dr. put me on a Watch and Wait Treatment approach. Every 3 months for blood work Ct scans. Which is now been moved too, every 6 months for blood, and Ct Scans. I need a colonoscopy every 12 months. It has been determined I have turned into a Polyp farmer. So yearly they need to check for polyps.

Colon cancer is far more common than people think and extremely curable. DO NOT delay getting your colonoscopy. You may not be as lucky as me.

( My Lymph nodes have shrunk in size with every CT scan. Which is a excellent sign. I may not need treatments for many years if ever. 1 out of every 3 people with this type of cancer end up getting treatments. I plan on being one of the two who never gets a treatment đŸ™‚ )

Jump to this post

Hello Travelgirl,
I have learned more of from your experience and I really sympathize how you went through. I thought it is too much what I have seen what my Mom went through. But you had a lot. I admired your strength and courage. You are amazing. I pray for you. You really inspired all of us. I salute you Travelgirl. Keep it up as you live. Hope is always there for you. Thank you for sharing with us. May you always keep up with your hope and strength. Blessings to you. Soul

REPLY

to travelgirl and everybody else
how and why the first 2 biopsies did not show cancer . Hrant

REPLY
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