Young and diagnosed with stage 2 Colon Cancer

God Bless, stay safe and in my prayers for a full recovery!

Thank you.

I was 49 years old and had colon cancer(6 years ago) . My PCP missed it for years. I had colon resection and chemo. Went on Govt study and got more 5FU. Chronic constipation now. Minor neropathy in toes. The worst is chemobrain. I do computer work and my time management and short term memory is gone. Had nervous breakdown and am out on disability. Need to find people with chemo brain and experts who believe me.

I understand what I think chemo brain is. I was 59 when I had rectal cancer and was treated with Xeloda along with radiation and surgery. It has been two years and the last oncology follow up was good. Looking forward to the 5 year mark when things are supposed to be positive that cancer is not coming back. Chemo brain I believe also changed my personality for quite a while. My temper was unbelievably short and things that I used to be able to figure out and quickly solve became frustratingly difficult. I had trouble focusing and concentrating on complicated tasks. I do think that as time goes on it is getting a little better at least for me. Not much was said at any time as chemo brain being a potential side effect and truthfully I don't know if it would have made much difference in my choice of treatment. Once I came to grips with the fact I had a life threatening situation in my body that would grow if I didn't take action I sort of went on autopilot and only focused on what I had to do from hour to hour to get through the treatment. But chemo brain is definitely real. I force myself to do simple puzzles that are based on subjects I like. In a way maybe like Alzheimer treatment. It seems to have helped me anyway. I also get much more sleep than I used to and not much keeps me from getting it. Listening to my body if you will, as I am still building on the stamina I lost.

My husband was a stage 3a diagnosed at a routine physical---it had been there for over 10 years and missed- no symptoms no illness.. He has been cancer free since 2003. We feel that chemo is worth it to get rid of any left over cancer cells. Although the chemo changed since early 2003, the one he had only made him ill one time. He only had to postpone one treatment and worked throughout. The only long-term effect is that he gets chilly easily. We felt we were DOING something, being proactive to stop that horrible disease.

Thank you. I started on 4,000 mg of xeloda a day, 7 days on 7 days off, after it was confirmed that I did not have the DNA prone to cancer. I only have 2 more months after 1 more round this month. I am more than half way through. They did have to decrease my dose to 3500 mg due to increased side effects. My feet are just now peeling, but nothing too bad. I usually only actually throw up once and usually that is the last of the 7 day routine. My tumor markers last week were 1.6, which they tell me is good. I am back to work 20-30 hours per week. I am ready to complete this and get on with the rest of my life cancer free!!!! Oh and by the way who knew the new treatments tend to lead to weight gain?! I have gained 40 lbs that I have to get back off. Best wishes to remain cancer free!!

I am glad that you are doing the chemo. Like our oncologist said it is the "insurance policy" Prayers to you for a complete cancer free recovery!

My 32 YO son has been diagnosed with Stage 3 Colon cancer. Has anyone had experience with the Bio-Mat as a treatment, or in conjunction with another treatment?

I've seen comments of people working while going through Chemo. That's so encouraging that life can go on while being a patient. Was that a monumental effort?? Or was the treatment actually not as bad as many of us have heard? My son really needs encouragement, and I need understanding.

Hi: I am 2 years out from successful treatment of my stage 3 colon cancer and all is well. I had a right hemicolectomy and after surgery had 12 folfox chemos every 2 weeks. To facilitate the chemo I had a port placed in my upper chest area.This took me from January to June. I had some nausea after the fourth chemo but otherwise everything went well and remains well. It's all uphill after the shock of the diagnosis. I was diagnosed after an annual blood test indicated that I was slightly anemic. What a shock for someone who has run 4 marathons and always kept fit. All the best...just keep your nose to the grindstone...you will make it!! Regards.

Now that'ss what I call encouraging!! Thank so much for relating your experience. Best of health to you Paddy 17 : )