Mass found on my Sigmoid Colon: Scared and wondering what's next?

@joey1987, I can imagine you're scared. Deep breath and one step at a time. First, I'm really glad that the mass was found. Fellow members like @virgo1952 @kellieporter @thumperguy have been there.

Joey, can you share a bit more of what you know. Do they know if the mass is cancerous or not? Was this found during a routine colonoscopy? Or were you have suspicious symptoms that led to your doctor ordering a colonoscopy?

@joey1987. I remember when the Dr called after a routine colonoscopy. I had colon cancer. The left side, above my sigmoid. I was in shock. My husband, who was listening to my conversation, fell silent. I’m one of those people that “make things happen”, Surgery, then my journey started. Lots of questions, trial and error in finding what worked for me (healthy eating, etc) Some adjustment, changes in my lifestyle and 3-4 years out, I’m moving forward in my life. It’ was like “peeling an onion”, one step at a time. This is new ground for you, but there are others who have been through it and are here supporting the “newbies”. Use this tool, I did, and it was a great comfort to know I wasn’t alone. Welcome to the Connection family. Take care virgo52

Thank you so much virgo1952 i have ct scan tomorrow and couple of appointments made next week i am ready to fight and your encouraging words helped me bigtime today i wont forget thanks so much and best health to you and your family!!!

Hi colleen my doc kept trying to get me to do the colorguard i am 53 and i finally did it and it came back positive then cane the colonoscopy and they found tumor on sigmoid the doctor at colonoscopy was so cold and matter of fact I couldn’t believe it anyway he did keep saying we will have it removed several times lol i guess i wouldnt let him leave i had so many questions lol he was getting mad i had blood in stool but not often thinking hemorrhoids but not the case Thank you so much i have ct pelvis scan tomorrow i really appreciate you colleen really i do !!!! I had one polyp one mass and internal hemorrhoids on my chart sometimes i am fine until I remember my situation then i am sad again lol Thanks colleen

May I ask what has since happened? What size was the mass? I am in a very similar position

Maya, I believe you were asking @joey1987 for an update. I, too, would like to hear how you are doing, Joey? Have you had surgery?

My husband had colonoscopy last week and they found 6.5cm mass in sigmoid colon. Next day CT scan revealed 5 spots on liver. Have an appt with Mayo oncology next week and my mind is racing. Started researching and while I see questions to ask, what I am looking for is your thoughts such as - I wish I had done____ or the Dr never told me____. I want to be proactive in my husband’s care as he is in denial.

I wish I had come to Mayo first! I am in a similar situation. My 5cm mass is where sigmoid and rectum connect. I also have spots on my liver and lymph nodes near tumor. I’ve been thru 8 rounds of Folfox chemo (4 months) then 27day of radiation/chemo (xeloda) combo. Protein shakes have been a must for me. I don’t always have an appetite or can consume many calories . I’m 47 and was diagnosed in march of this year. I’m no expert by any means but will gladly share what I know.

Thank you for your reply. Research showed Mayo to be best. I am just worried as to what my husband will face in the coming months. Have you seen improvements in your tests? Have CAE levels dropped? Have you had the mass in colon removed? Are you in a trial?

Hello @coles2361 and welcome to Mayo Connect. I am glad that you found this forum as it is a great place to both give and receive support.

While you have mentioned various chemo and radiation treatments you have not mentioned when (or if) you have had surgery. I'm sure that this must have occurred though.

If you are comfortable sharing more, what type of symptoms were you having that led to this diagnosis? Also, if a biopsy was done, what type of cancer cells were found?