In the middle of treatment

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nana98
nana98 Member Posts: 31
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Hello..
Just signed on to CSN and wanted to introduce myself. I was diagnosed with rectal cancer on March 13, 2006. Currently I am on day 18 of radiation and Xeloda (sp?). Sometime in June I will have surgery. The surgeon is giving me about a 50/50 for reconnection. At first I was terrified, but now I realize "what's a little bag". After surgery I will do 4 months of IV chemo. I feel pretty good right now. My back hurts a lot and I have trouble with my bowels, but then again I always did before my diagnosis.
I have excellent Dr.s and Nurses and a wonderful family, but being able to connect with people who have been there or going through treatment now is a godsend. Thank you all.
Karen

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  • pink05
    pink05 Member Posts: 550
    #2
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    Hi Karen,

    You have definitely come to the right place to connect with other people who are going through the same thing you are. I am a caregiver for my dad, who has stage IV colon cancer. Having a good medical team is very important and you are so lucky to have found a team that you are happy with. We had to get a couple of opinions for my father before we felt comfortable with his medical team. I'm also glad that you have a supportive family. That really makes a world of difference. Just remember that you also have a supportive family in this CSN site that you can always come to with questions, concerns, or to just vent. It has really helped me get through some difficult times. Keep us posted on how you are doing.

    God bless,

    -Lee-
  • Betsydoglover
    Betsydoglover Member Posts: 1,248 Member
    #3
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    Welcome, Karen.

    This is a scary time for you, but you have come to the right place. Many survivors here and we all want to help.

    Keep us posted - let us know your exact chemo drugs - and we can help with tons of information. And, also, realize that there is hope - lots of us here to confirm that!

    Best wishes

    Betsy
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #4
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    Welcome, Karen (sigh...wish I didn't have to...means you have met 'the beast' and are fighting it!!!!)
    I, too, had rectal cancer...in first rectal fold. I found a surgeon who specializes in very low resections...he cut out rectum, sigmoid colon, made a new 'rectum', and put the two ends together, I was using it that night. So don't think about the surgery...just concentrate on beating the beast!
    I am sending BIG GOOD VIBES to you!
    Please keep us posted....
    Hugs, Kathi
  • jenalynet
    jenalynet Member Posts: 361 Member
    #5
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    Hi Karen,
    I was diagnosed on Oct. 12th, 2005 with Stage 4 rectal cancer, spread to my liver. I did 30 radiation treatments while having 5FU continulously with a infu pump that I carried with me. I had lower resection on March 7th 2006 without any problems and no bag. I am so greatful for my surgeon. I am on break from Folfox 6 treatment because of upcoming liver resection on May 17th, 2006 and my oncologist didn't want me to be run down before the surgery. There are many great recovery stories on this site and a lot of good information too..I will keep you in my thoughts and hope the rest of your treatment goes well for you..Audrey
  • taraHK
    taraHK Member Posts: 1,952 Member
    #6
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    Hi Karen,
    I am sorry to learn of your diagnosis, but want to offer you a warm welcome to this board. It has provided me with so much valuable information as well as emotional support. I was diagnosed with rectal cancer in Dec 2002. My treatment was much like yours: chemoradiation, followed by surgery, followed by more chemotherapy. Because of the location of my tumor (very low indeed), I ended up with a permanent colostomy. This is nobody's first choice but, in my case, it has been fine -- no big deal. Wishing you all the best and please keep in touch as you go through your treatment.
    Tara
  • lfondots63
    lfondots63 Member Posts: 818 Member
    #7
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    Hi Karen,

    I'm glad you found our family. It is really that. We are all here for you through thick and thin. Come to us for questions or just talk. I'm so glad I found this site. I have stage 3 colon and was dx Dec 19th and had tumor out Dec. 20th. Good vibes your way.

    Lisa
  • jsabol
    jsabol Member Posts: 1,145 Member
    #8
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    Hi Karen,
    Sounds like you are ready to jump right in here! Welcome! I used this site really often when I was in the middle of treatment; found all kinds of good suggestions for any questions that came up.
    I finished my chemo for stage III cancer in July '04, and am currently "No Evidence of Disease!" So, hang in there, stay strong and focused, and keep in touch.
    Judy

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