Stage 3 colon cancer and living with an ileostomy bag

Hi @dawng8500, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect where you can connect with other members who have experience with colon cancer, like @virgo1952 @pjebp @wilcy @christih2 @eddiebu.

I moved your question to the Colorectal Cancer group here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/colorectal-cancer/
You may also be interested in the Ostomy group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/ostomy/

If your son would like to seek a second opinion at Mayo Clinic, here's more information about how to get started http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63

How is your son doing? Did he already have surgery? Will he be having chemo?

Hi @dawng8500. I’m happy you took the step to reach out to this support group. It was an invaluable resource and comfort to me when I was diagnosed and underwent surgery for colon cancer. This was during the covid “lockdown” which magnified my feelings of isolation and “going it” alone. I have since mended and learned to take care of myself so I remain healthy by tweaking my daily life. I don’t think anyone has a magic answer in how to achieve that. It is truly a personal journey. But, it does not have to be a lonely one. I hope your son receives care and compassion by reaching out to others. Get all the information needed to make sound decisions. One step at a time. Take care. sasha

I was diagnosed 9 years ago for it! Have ileostomy and doing good!

I'm new to this. I was diagnosed with a large tumor in my colon, near the anus. The biopsy results are not back yet, but the Dr. said that the bleeding from the biopsy is probably an indication of cancer. I am a 74 y/o male, and am praying the biopsy is benign. What is an ileostomy? like a colostomy?

@makatak47, I can imagine that you are worried. There are very effective treatments for colorectal cancer.

"An ileostomy is a surgically made opening that connects your ileum to your abdominal wall. The ileum is the lower end of your small intestine. Through the abdominal wall opening, or stoma, the lower intestine is stitched into place. You may be given a pouch that you’ll wear externally. This pouch will collect all of your digested food.

This procedure is done if your rectum or colon can’t properly function." Read more here: https://www.healthline.com/health/ileostomy

When do expect the results of the biopsy?

I had originally told my doctor I didn't want "a bag" as 2 co-workers years ago, eventually committed suicide because they had a pouch. But, upon reconsideration, if this procedure would extend my life, and it's quality, I have decided "JUST DO IT."
I have not received the results of my biopsy yet, and will talk to the doctors here about my options, and costs. I am very fearful of chemotherapy at my age (74) but understand immunotherapy is gentler and nicer.
I would dearly appreciate your thoughts on my condition..which won't be fully known for 3 more days. I live in the Philippine Islands at present, so my insurance is void. However I see that if I were to go to Mayo Clinic Phoenix, my insurance would cover 100%. I have Blue Shield and Medicare.
Thank You,
James Mackey

Sorry to ask you this was your stool tarry or black?

My stool is black what do I need to do?

Fantastic, James. @kenc might have some thoughts to share with you about living with an ileostomy. You can also ask questions in the Ostomy group here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/ostomy/

@rexan20, black stools could be caused by food, supplements, medication, or minerals. Iron supplements, taken alone or as part of a multivitamin for iron-deficiency anemia, may cause black stools or even green stools.
Read more here: https://www.verywellhealth.com/causes-of-black-stool-1941711

Black stool may indicate something more serious, like bleeding in the GI tract. If you are experiencing nausea, stomach upset, dizziness, or abdominal pain along with black stools, contact your doctor right away.