Colon cancer diagnosed Thursday 29th

Posted by k8kent @k8kent, Jun 30, 2023

I just found out I have colon cancer. Had my CAT scan today, no results yet…..praying for some good news. Just need some advice and support. Hope you’re all able to have a good weekend!

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

Hopefully you were advised of the finding after blood tests and a Colonoscopy, not just after a CT SCAN.
There's more to discover.

Has the colon cancer metastasized to other organs such as the liver or lungs and are lymph nodes involved.
Being told of cancer is only part of the story and really just the beginning.

Is this where a color resection surgery would be chosen or a doctor refers to an Oncologist for chemo and/or radiation first.
Personally, a large number of colon cancer patients windup with the surgery after chemo anyway so this might require a second opinion. I'm not one to be rushed to chemo which happens. Colon cancer can be largely pain free; chemo is not.
Do your research.

Ask questions and make sure you get answers. Many have complained of doctors who offer little in explanations of things. A patient may then do something he does not fully understand and have regrets later.

It's all a process in the beginning and later a journey.
Enough can't be said for making the right decisions.
I sincerely wish you well and the best outcomes ! Paul

REPLY
@paul28

Hopefully you were advised of the finding after blood tests and a Colonoscopy, not just after a CT SCAN.
There's more to discover.

Has the colon cancer metastasized to other organs such as the liver or lungs and are lymph nodes involved.
Being told of cancer is only part of the story and really just the beginning.

Is this where a color resection surgery would be chosen or a doctor refers to an Oncologist for chemo and/or radiation first.
Personally, a large number of colon cancer patients windup with the surgery after chemo anyway so this might require a second opinion. I'm not one to be rushed to chemo which happens. Colon cancer can be largely pain free; chemo is not.
Do your research.

Ask questions and make sure you get answers. Many have complained of doctors who offer little in explanations of things. A patient may then do something he does not fully understand and have regrets later.

It's all a process in the beginning and later a journey.
Enough can't be said for making the right decisions.
I sincerely wish you well and the best outcomes ! Paul

Jump to this post

I agree with Paul28, Don;t rush into this without getting a second opinion regarding which treatment is going to be needed. Go with your gut feeling as to which doctor or team of specialists and doctors you go with. I was diagnosed with Rectal cancer and I started out at one hospital and decided to have a second opinion. The second hospital had the same team of 4 people and their procedure was exactly the same. My wife and I just had a better gut feeling of the second hospital and that is where I had my procedures done, I had chemo, radiation, and 3 months later, I had the operation. All the plumbing is working again but I am on my journey so to speak. Things aren't the same but they are working. My operation was in 2020.

REPLY

Got my mri done see surgen on the 6 to discussed if ghe tumors are strinking and we can perfor. Surgdry removdl of the mass in my colon and resrcted the liver prayer mayo waz my srvo d opinion and i am glad i semt with them

REPLY

It sounds like you are in the early stages of your journey. Hoping for good news as you enter this scary realm. It’s really hard, but my advice is to try not to let your mind get ahead of the information you have. Your doctors will do the necessary work up, & outline a plan. After that is done, you may decide to get a second opinion. Good luck.

REPLY
@amyb5

It sounds like you are in the early stages of your journey. Hoping for good news as you enter this scary realm. It’s really hard, but my advice is to try not to let your mind get ahead of the information you have. Your doctors will do the necessary work up, & outline a plan. After that is done, you may decide to get a second opinion. Good luck.

Jump to this post

Thanks…….I needed to hear some good advice♥️

REPLY
@paul28

Hopefully you were advised of the finding after blood tests and a Colonoscopy, not just after a CT SCAN.
There's more to discover.

Has the colon cancer metastasized to other organs such as the liver or lungs and are lymph nodes involved.
Being told of cancer is only part of the story and really just the beginning.

Is this where a color resection surgery would be chosen or a doctor refers to an Oncologist for chemo and/or radiation first.
Personally, a large number of colon cancer patients windup with the surgery after chemo anyway so this might require a second opinion. I'm not one to be rushed to chemo which happens. Colon cancer can be largely pain free; chemo is not.
Do your research.

Ask questions and make sure you get answers. Many have complained of doctors who offer little in explanations of things. A patient may then do something he does not fully understand and have regrets later.

It's all a process in the beginning and later a journey.
Enough can't be said for making the right decisions.
I sincerely wish you well and the best outcomes ! Paul

Jump to this post

Thanks…I am worried about pain. Good to know!♥️

REPLY
@laser

I agree with Paul28, Don;t rush into this without getting a second opinion regarding which treatment is going to be needed. Go with your gut feeling as to which doctor or team of specialists and doctors you go with. I was diagnosed with Rectal cancer and I started out at one hospital and decided to have a second opinion. The second hospital had the same team of 4 people and their procedure was exactly the same. My wife and I just had a better gut feeling of the second hospital and that is where I had my procedures done, I had chemo, radiation, and 3 months later, I had the operation. All the plumbing is working again but I am on my journey so to speak. Things aren't the same but they are working. My operation was in 2020.

Jump to this post

Glad your “plumbing” is working! Ii tend to to be a positive, and humorous person. So, your message was greatly appreciated!♥️

REPLY
@laser

I agree with Paul28, Don;t rush into this without getting a second opinion regarding which treatment is going to be needed. Go with your gut feeling as to which doctor or team of specialists and doctors you go with. I was diagnosed with Rectal cancer and I started out at one hospital and decided to have a second opinion. The second hospital had the same team of 4 people and their procedure was exactly the same. My wife and I just had a better gut feeling of the second hospital and that is where I had my procedures done, I had chemo, radiation, and 3 months later, I had the operation. All the plumbing is working again but I am on my journey so to speak. Things aren't the same but they are working. My operation was in 2020.

Jump to this post

Thank you for writing this. Very helpful to me.

REPLY

I just learned that I also have colon cancer on the 28th. Went for a large polyp removal , it ended up being deep into the tissue which caused a perforation during procedure. Not long after I developed worsening abdominal pain from all of the gases that leaked through perforation. I actually ended up having a hemicolectomy surgery a few hours later. The original gastro doc that did polyp removal called me on the phone the next day to tell me it was adenocarcinoma. I suppose I would have had to have the surgery eventually, but that sure was something to go through all in a matter of hours. I see the oncologist tomorrow, so I will know more then. As for surgery, it was opened abdominal so 16 staples from belly button upward.
The only issue I seem to be having is I am very gassy . Trying to pay attention to what I am eating etc.
I honestly think that is the worse part of recovery thus far. I am trying not to overthink things and stay positive. I keep telling myself I am better than I was yesterday, but not as good as I will be tomorrow. I sure wish you well and I am glad I found this group

REPLY

I had a right hemicolectomy in May 2016 laparoscopically. In March 2016, I had a screening colonoscopy finding a large flat polyp that could not be removed. The GI did take a biopsy of it. He told me after the procedure that I would have to have surgery to remove the right side of my colon regardless of whether it was cancerous or not, so I knew I was facing surgery. It did turn out to be cancerous, but fortunately stage one. I had no radiation or chemo. Do you know if any cancer was found in your lymph nodes?

As you heal, the grassiness should improve. Avoid carbonated drinks and foods that are high formal (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, beans of any sort). Walking also helps alleviate the gas.

Except for the small scar I have, I would not know that half of my colon is gone. No change in bowel habits or diet. Since you had an open surgery, I imagine your recovery will take longer, but it should get better.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.