Adenocarcinoma - just diagnosed

Posted by fpdm @fpdm, Oct 24, 2023

Hi - just diagnosed with Adenocarcinoma rectal cancer after colonoscopy. Will go for CT scan and MRI to determine next steps. Any advice? So scared.

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

Profile picture for Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung

@sundance6, welcome back!!!
So good to see you again. I welcome your return. You will quickly notice a few new things on Mayo Clinic Connect in your absence. First of all, many new members have joined the Colorectal Cancer support group. Your experience and support will go a long way.

There is also a relatively new group dedicated to TBI that you may wish to follow and join in the discussions here:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Support Group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/traumatic-brain-injury-tbi/

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Good to be back! Will go into both sites and see what is happening.
Thanks,
Sundance (aka- RB)

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Profile picture for Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung

@cvestor, I'm glad the information was corrected. You're right that you do not need to have a caregiver to be a guest at the Hope Lodge. Caregivers are also welcome to lodge for free with cancer patients who have someone accompanying them to Mayo Clinic and treatment.

Here's more information about the Hope Lodge: https://www.cancer.org/support-programs-and-services/patient-lodging/hope-lodge/rochester-mn.html

I also want to let you know that not all chemotherapy drugs cause hair loss. When my dad had colorectal cancer treatment, he did not lose his hair. It thinned a bit, but he did not go bald.

What chemotherapy regimen will you be getting?

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folfox for 4 months xeloda & radiation for 28 treatments feel I will be done by Halloween if this works not holding my breathe

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Profile picture for Sundance(RB) @sundance6

Hi Colleen, This is Richard Burrows! I commented a lot a couple years ago about living through Stage IV Colon Cancer 25 years ago. IThen was supposed to have died from the chemo! had a serious TBI a year ago! I shut this computer and email down for the last year. I am back and available for any questions you or anyone have!
As life goes on I am very interested in effects of Brain Injuries, also Lyme Disease I have had for going on five years,
Glad to see you are still here at MayoConect !
Talk to you soon! Sundance, Richard Burrows

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@sundance6, welcome back!!!
So good to see you again. I welcome your return. You will quickly notice a few new things on Mayo Clinic Connect in your absence. First of all, many new members have joined the Colorectal Cancer support group. Your experience and support will go a long way.

There is also a relatively new group dedicated to TBI that you may wish to follow and join in the discussions here:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Support Group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/traumatic-brain-injury-tbi/

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Profile picture for cvestor @cvestor

Had a bunch of more tests and markers getting ready for radiation. Hope house sounds wonderful but unless you have a care giving you can not stay here. SO if one is sick in a hotel thats better than being sick at the Hope house Hope house facility is free if you are getting treatments at least 3 times a week BUT no care giver no can stay her SO stay at a hotel & try to take care of oneself. Makes lots of sense!!!!!!!!!!!

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@cvestor, I'm glad the information was corrected. You're right that you do not need to have a caregiver to be a guest at the Hope Lodge. Caregivers are also welcome to lodge for free with cancer patients who have someone accompanying them to Mayo Clinic and treatment.

Here's more information about the Hope Lodge: https://www.cancer.org/support-programs-and-services/patient-lodging/hope-lodge/rochester-mn.html

I also want to let you know that not all chemotherapy drugs cause hair loss. When my dad had colorectal cancer treatment, he did not lose his hair. It thinned a bit, but he did not go bald.

What chemotherapy regimen will you be getting?

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Well a mix up on advice from Mayo you do not need a care giver Horay this saves my pocketbook

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Thats for the ideas I pass on Motel 6 chain as I never feel safe Microtels are ok small rooms but what does one do besides eat & sleep in a hotel room when you are by yourself

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Profile picture for cvestor @cvestor

PS anybody found a reasonable priced hotel to stay at. Hope lodge requires you to have a care giving. I have no one so cannot stay there Got a list of hotels but am looking for suggestion

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My only personal experience with hotels/motels in Rochester is staying at a Motel 6 on US 52 N when we moved to the region back 40+ years ago. I do know there are many and that some have free shuttles to Mayo and the hospitals.

Where this matters is that prices will vary due to proximity to Mayo and size/amenities. Places near the clinic like the Kahler have higher rates. So, yes, you'll have to shop around. Mayo concierge services may be able to provide guidance.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/minnesota/concierge-services
One service they list is: "Narrow your hotel options based on your budget and individual needs"

When I worked in Rochester years ago, my company recommended Microtel on US 52 N, but I've not stayed there myself.

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PS anybody found a reasonable priced hotel to stay at. Hope lodge requires you to have a care giving. I have no one so cannot stay there Got a list of hotels but am looking for suggestion

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Hair maybe will grow back SInce high school hair has stayed same length just falls out all the time without chemo ect
And if all these dugs do not work I know they will want to do surgery My lifestyle & means of income will not support a bag I am self employed & it is real simple as I tell folks. I work I eat I don't work no money

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Profile picture for cvestor @cvestor

No. Miracles. Or. Prayers are. Going. To help. Had. Ten tests. Today. And. Tomorrow. All they are. Pushing. Is. Chem. And.radiotherapy So then. I will be bald for the rest of my. Life. No folks. Hair is. Very thin now. And then stick me. With a five gallon pail on. My. Hip. Everybody. Says. O a bag is. Delightful. I ride & work. Horses for a. Living. How. Can I ride. No it not Goodie. 2. Shoes down a. Trail. I am a very high level rider in dressage. So you are. Very very active. Moving around in the saddle. One. Doesn’t just. &. Look pretty. Plus. Clothes. We HAVE to. Wear is skin tight. Plus. White. Do you goody. 2. Shoes.help Looking for an answer

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Dear coverstory, your hair will grow back, I had chemo and lost all my hair but it came back within a year . There are attractive hair coverings available. On line. And some wigs are looking very natural. All the best to you. After rain comes sunshine. Don’t give up.Try to get in contact with people who have a colostomy bag and ask questions how it works and how they experience it, that will take your fears away.

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