I'm new here. Looking for knowledge/advice.
I was told I have stage 3a colon cancer. 3 of the 19 lymph nodes removed during the surgery were found to be cancerous.
I'm still recovering from the surgery and have an appt. tomorrow with the surgeon and hopefully will get an oncology consultation set up this week.
I'm expecting to have to undergo chemo.
Anyone else on here had similar cancer/stage and can tell me what type of treatment/how long/how many times per week/etc. I can expect with this stage of colon cancer?
I feel blessed that I caught it as early as I did. It breaks my heart to read the profiles on here. My dad passed away in my house after a lengthy battle. I guess I'm a little scared but also feeling blessed that I have a good chance of beating this.
Thanks for listening/responding.
Comments
-
Hi Chew
and welcome
I was dx'd stage 3B in June 08. My cancer was a sliver away from yours, the difference is my tumor perforated the colon into the next layer, the fat cells. Mine was an emergency surgery, my colon was obstructed, so I ended up with a colostomy.
6 weeks of healing from surgery- then had a port put in and then I was good to go for chemo.
My surgery was done at Mayo in Rochester, MN. I initially worked with the oncologist there before I left the hospital. At that time, 14 months ago, he told me across the board, internationally, all levels and so forth, that stage 3 was treated with 5FU and Oxil. Meaning I could be comfortable getting my care anywhere, that I didn't need to be at Mayo to get it. Which, looking back, would be my number one suggestion- work with an oncologist close to your home! If possible!
I had chemo then 2x monthly for 6 months. 3 hospitalizations for chemo reactions.
My colostomy was taken down, or reversed, in Feb 09. My last CT scan was June 24th. It was clear of cancer.
I know the fear you are feeling- and yes, you are in the right place for support and answers.0 -
Cancer Stage
I was DX in 2006 with Stage II colon cancer from having emergency surgery. I too was totalled obstructed and always had a consitpation problem throughout my teenage and youn adult life.
My Onc Doc informed me that the industry standard for my type of cancer and stage was the FLOFOX Regime which consisted of 5FU, Lecovorin and Oxyplatin (sp) which would be given on a every other week basis for a total of 12 treatments (6 months) and the best way to receive these treatments is through a port-o-cath which is surgerial implanted underneath your skin, usually chest area, for easy access. Since chemo can cause issues with your viens and trying to stick yourself for each trip with the port can be very difficult.
Keep in mind that we are all different (DNA), so treatments and tumors will affect everyone differently. Meaning, side effects from treatments can be few for some or alot for some, but they usually increase with each treatment, cumlative effect.
The American Cancer Soceity's website has alot of good information in regards to stages, studies, treatment options, etc., which I used for information purposes only.
Make sure you take charge of your health, treatment plan, etc., and don't ever hesitate to ask questions. I drove my team crazy with sooooooo many questions and freaking out at every little side effect. Come to think about it, drove my husband nuts as well.
I am sorry that we had to meet this way, but WELCOME to the most supportive family you will find on the internet. We are here for you 24/7, 3650 -
Hi Chew
I was Stage III and dx'd at age 58. Your chemo will most probably be one day every two weeks and you'll wear home a fanny pack with 5-FU for 46 hours. You'll do this for 12 treatments (6 months). You'll feel icky for a couple of days after that but this can be done. I'm going for my FINAL CHEMO on Wed, Aug. 12th. My chemo day takes about 4 hours total, but my onc or his PA (Physician's Assistant) sees every patient, every chemo day.
You'll be getting a Powerport most probably and boy is it great! This is a small device that is inserted under the skin on your upper chest. The RN or lab tech will put a needle in that each chemo day and the meds will go thru that instead of through an IV.
Chemo day, I watch TV, knit, read magazines, or sleep. My onc has a lovely chemo room with recliners and huge windows on two sides. He has coffee, tea, juices, sodas and loads of not so healthy and healthy snacks. He also has WI-FI.
I'm sure someone with more knowledge will explain this, but since your Dad died of cc, will you be tested for the genetic marker? I'd request this is I were you to protect any children or siblings.
NED = No Evidence of Disease
NEAD = No Evidence of Active Disease
CC = colon cancer CRC = Colorectal Cancer
DX = Diagnosis/ Diagnosed
TX = Treatment
K-Ras = A gene mutation found in cc. Rules out 2 meds.
Folfox = A type of chemo which incorporates 3 common meds used to treat Stage III.
Onc = Oncologist
Port = Powerport device for chemo, blood tests, CT dye, etc.
I felt quite ignorant when I first came here and saw all the shorthand. Those are probably the ones you'll encounter the most.
Check out the following info for Stage III. You can easily find details online.
Exercise. The Dana Farber Cancer Inst. has done several studies which prove exercise increases disease free survival rates by huge amounts.
Vit. D3. Start taking this immediately and have your onc check your Vit. D3 levels. You can watch a video on Youtube if you search for Vit. D3 and Dr. Garland. You'll have to avoid sun during chemo, but sunshine is the main way we get Vit. D3. It's only found in a few foods and in very small amounts. Vit. D3 is vital for calcium absorption!
Calcium. This is critical for cc patients and proper amounts also help prevent cc.
I switched to the Mediterranean Diet. Your onc will most probably (should) tell you that red meat is NOT GOOD for us or anyone. Avoid red meat! Once a month and 4 ounces or less is best. Here's a link to the delicious diet the University of Michigan has studied 3 times now. A proper diet can increase the disease free survival of cc patients by 6%.
http://www.mhbroughton.com/new_med_plan.htm
Laugh! Be positive! Pray! Live!
Diane0 -
To Chew...nudgie said:Cancer Stage
I was DX in 2006 with Stage II colon cancer from having emergency surgery. I too was totalled obstructed and always had a consitpation problem throughout my teenage and youn adult life.
My Onc Doc informed me that the industry standard for my type of cancer and stage was the FLOFOX Regime which consisted of 5FU, Lecovorin and Oxyplatin (sp) which would be given on a every other week basis for a total of 12 treatments (6 months) and the best way to receive these treatments is through a port-o-cath which is surgerial implanted underneath your skin, usually chest area, for easy access. Since chemo can cause issues with your viens and trying to stick yourself for each trip with the port can be very difficult.
Keep in mind that we are all different (DNA), so treatments and tumors will affect everyone differently. Meaning, side effects from treatments can be few for some or alot for some, but they usually increase with each treatment, cumlative effect.
The American Cancer Soceity's website has alot of good information in regards to stages, studies, treatment options, etc., which I used for information purposes only.
Make sure you take charge of your health, treatment plan, etc., and don't ever hesitate to ask questions. I drove my team crazy with sooooooo many questions and freaking out at every little side effect. Come to think about it, drove my husband nuts as well.
I am sorry that we had to meet this way, but WELCOME to the most supportive family you will find on the internet. We are here for you 24/7, 365
I was diagnosed in May after a routine colonoscopy. Went for CT scan and was found to have a mass on my right kidney as well. Long story short, I had the colectomy and my right kidney removed at the same time. 2/15 nodes from the colon were positive and none from the kidney were. I was staged at IIIB. They placed a port on July 13 and I started chemo July 20. Same routine as the others mentioned, Folfox--Oxy--Lecovorin. I just completed round two yesterday.
I agree with the others, you have to be proactive in your care. Make sure you get copies of your operative report and pathology report. Make lists of questions. I had more questions after the first round because I didn't know what to expect beforehand. Write down all your symptoms during your chemo treatments. The doctor needs to know how it's affecting you as everyone goes thru different things.
There is lots of good information on this board and anyone is happy to answer any question you have.
Good luck Chew!!
~~Terry0 -
stage 3
Welcome Chew. I was diagnosed Feb 1,2007 with stage 3 colon cancer. I had a very low polyp and one lymph node tested positive. I had a resection and a temporary ileostomy. They put a mediport in which enabled me to have chemo 24/7 for 5 1/2 weeks. This was FOLFOX, I also had radiation with this. Then I had 6 months of oxiplatin. This was done twice a month,usually on a Monday, they would then hook the pump up and would have it taken off on Wednesday. My last chemo was Oct 2007, my reversal was Dec 2007. My experience while I was on chemo was, my side effects were very mild. I stayed active the whole time. I'm still having alot of bathroom issues from my reversal but my last Cat scan was normal, it was done about 1 month ago. Try to stay active and I attend two cancer support groups they have been a Godsend. Good luck to you. Chemo isn't like it used to be.0 -
Welcome to the semi-colons!
A group no one chooses to be in, but we all enjoy the membership!
I, too, have a familiar history of colon cancer, but mine was wierd...squamous cell carcinoma all the way up in the first rectal fold. So, the choice was treat it as anal cancer (type) or rectal cancer (location). I received pre-surgical chemo and rads, and by the time I had my resection, there was no evidence left...I had a J-pouch procedure, removing the entire rectum and sigmoid colon, making a new rectum out of descending colon...
All told, I was dx'ed end of Nov 2004, and done with surgery May 2005. August 2005 dx'ed with unrelated, primary site breast cancer....finished 6/2006 with surgery/chemo/rads. NED (No Evidence of Disease) ever since...
Welcome, and please keep us posted.
Hugs, Kathi
BTW, have you recovered from the boating accident?...Whew! what a time for you!!!0 -
hi
hi, i was diagnosed last summer at 42 years old and am also stage IIIA. I had a malignant polyp with 1 lymph node positive. I received chemo for 12 cycles. It was every 2 weeks. You will most likely get a port put in and it will be administered through that port. i did get the oxaliplatin/folfox regime but one of my oncs thought that was overkill for my stage and that she saves it for the big cancers. At mayo clinic however they recommended i go with the folfox so that is what i did. I did end up having an allergic reaction to it and only got 7 cycles with it, and finished off with just the 5 FU. I do not have lasting neuropathy so that is good. That is scary that you had a colonoscopy only 4 years ago..that just proves that the 5 year waiting period is too long. You will see with this prediction tool that 5 year disease free survival for this stage is quite positive which i think it sounds like you already knew...http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/83364.cfm0 -
See your dentist!
I forgot to mention this. If you haven't just had a cleaning/ exam, see your dentist right away. You won't be able to have this done during chemo because of the risk of infection. You cannot floss during chemo, either. Better safe than sorry!0 -
Thanks so much for yourPatteee said:Hi Chew
and welcome
I was dx'd stage 3B in June 08. My cancer was a sliver away from yours, the difference is my tumor perforated the colon into the next layer, the fat cells. Mine was an emergency surgery, my colon was obstructed, so I ended up with a colostomy.
6 weeks of healing from surgery- then had a port put in and then I was good to go for chemo.
My surgery was done at Mayo in Rochester, MN. I initially worked with the oncologist there before I left the hospital. At that time, 14 months ago, he told me across the board, internationally, all levels and so forth, that stage 3 was treated with 5FU and Oxil. Meaning I could be comfortable getting my care anywhere, that I didn't need to be at Mayo to get it. Which, looking back, would be my number one suggestion- work with an oncologist close to your home! If possible!
I had chemo then 2x monthly for 6 months. 3 hospitalizations for chemo reactions.
My colostomy was taken down, or reversed, in Feb 09. My last CT scan was June 24th. It was clear of cancer.
I know the fear you are feeling- and yes, you are in the right place for support and answers.
Thanks so much for your input. Are reactions to 5FU and Oxil common? I'm hoping to get back to work while I undergo chemo because I'm running out of sick time and can't afford the pay cut (police officer). Is a CT scan the only way the doctors have to check to see if you are cancer free? Is there an actual blood test to check for specific cancer cells? Thanks.0 -
Thanks for the good advicenudgie said:Cancer Stage
I was DX in 2006 with Stage II colon cancer from having emergency surgery. I too was totalled obstructed and always had a consitpation problem throughout my teenage and youn adult life.
My Onc Doc informed me that the industry standard for my type of cancer and stage was the FLOFOX Regime which consisted of 5FU, Lecovorin and Oxyplatin (sp) which would be given on a every other week basis for a total of 12 treatments (6 months) and the best way to receive these treatments is through a port-o-cath which is surgerial implanted underneath your skin, usually chest area, for easy access. Since chemo can cause issues with your viens and trying to stick yourself for each trip with the port can be very difficult.
Keep in mind that we are all different (DNA), so treatments and tumors will affect everyone differently. Meaning, side effects from treatments can be few for some or alot for some, but they usually increase with each treatment, cumlative effect.
The American Cancer Soceity's website has alot of good information in regards to stages, studies, treatment options, etc., which I used for information purposes only.
Make sure you take charge of your health, treatment plan, etc., and don't ever hesitate to ask questions. I drove my team crazy with sooooooo many questions and freaking out at every little side effect. Come to think about it, drove my husband nuts as well.
I am sorry that we had to meet this way, but WELCOME to the most supportive family you will find on the internet. We are here for you 24/7, 365
Thanks for the good advice and the chemo info!0 -
Thanks for the acronym helpdianetavegia said:Hi Chew
I was Stage III and dx'd at age 58. Your chemo will most probably be one day every two weeks and you'll wear home a fanny pack with 5-FU for 46 hours. You'll do this for 12 treatments (6 months). You'll feel icky for a couple of days after that but this can be done. I'm going for my FINAL CHEMO on Wed, Aug. 12th. My chemo day takes about 4 hours total, but my onc or his PA (Physician's Assistant) sees every patient, every chemo day.
You'll be getting a Powerport most probably and boy is it great! This is a small device that is inserted under the skin on your upper chest. The RN or lab tech will put a needle in that each chemo day and the meds will go thru that instead of through an IV.
Chemo day, I watch TV, knit, read magazines, or sleep. My onc has a lovely chemo room with recliners and huge windows on two sides. He has coffee, tea, juices, sodas and loads of not so healthy and healthy snacks. He also has WI-FI.
I'm sure someone with more knowledge will explain this, but since your Dad died of cc, will you be tested for the genetic marker? I'd request this is I were you to protect any children or siblings.
NED = No Evidence of Disease
NEAD = No Evidence of Active Disease
CC = colon cancer CRC = Colorectal Cancer
DX = Diagnosis/ Diagnosed
TX = Treatment
K-Ras = A gene mutation found in cc. Rules out 2 meds.
Folfox = A type of chemo which incorporates 3 common meds used to treat Stage III.
Onc = Oncologist
Port = Powerport device for chemo, blood tests, CT dye, etc.
I felt quite ignorant when I first came here and saw all the shorthand. Those are probably the ones you'll encounter the most.
Check out the following info for Stage III. You can easily find details online.
Exercise. The Dana Farber Cancer Inst. has done several studies which prove exercise increases disease free survival rates by huge amounts.
Vit. D3. Start taking this immediately and have your onc check your Vit. D3 levels. You can watch a video on Youtube if you search for Vit. D3 and Dr. Garland. You'll have to avoid sun during chemo, but sunshine is the main way we get Vit. D3. It's only found in a few foods and in very small amounts. Vit. D3 is vital for calcium absorption!
Calcium. This is critical for cc patients and proper amounts also help prevent cc.
I switched to the Mediterranean Diet. Your onc will most probably (should) tell you that red meat is NOT GOOD for us or anyone. Avoid red meat! Once a month and 4 ounces or less is best. Here's a link to the delicious diet the University of Michigan has studied 3 times now. A proper diet can increase the disease free survival of cc patients by 6%.
http://www.mhbroughton.com/new_med_plan.htm
Laugh! Be positive! Pray! Live!
Diane
Thanks for the acronym help and the vitamin/diet advice. Much appreciated!0 -
Wow...you've been throughKathiM said:Welcome to the semi-colons!
A group no one chooses to be in, but we all enjoy the membership!
I, too, have a familiar history of colon cancer, but mine was wierd...squamous cell carcinoma all the way up in the first rectal fold. So, the choice was treat it as anal cancer (type) or rectal cancer (location). I received pre-surgical chemo and rads, and by the time I had my resection, there was no evidence left...I had a J-pouch procedure, removing the entire rectum and sigmoid colon, making a new rectum out of descending colon...
All told, I was dx'ed end of Nov 2004, and done with surgery May 2005. August 2005 dx'ed with unrelated, primary site breast cancer....finished 6/2006 with surgery/chemo/rads. NED (No Evidence of Disease) ever since...
Welcome, and please keep us posted.
Hugs, Kathi
BTW, have you recovered from the boating accident?...Whew! what a time for you!!!
Wow...you've been through some stuff. Glad to here of the NED!
My ribs are still sore from the boating accident and I can't sleep on my side...other than that I'm fine. I firmly believe that God did what he had to do to get me in the hospital and diagnosed with cancer. I'm pretty hard headed and was ignoring the anemia signs that were coming from having the tumor.
Thanks for your info/kind words.0 -
Thanks for your reply. Gladtiny one said:stage 3
Welcome Chew. I was diagnosed Feb 1,2007 with stage 3 colon cancer. I had a very low polyp and one lymph node tested positive. I had a resection and a temporary ileostomy. They put a mediport in which enabled me to have chemo 24/7 for 5 1/2 weeks. This was FOLFOX, I also had radiation with this. Then I had 6 months of oxiplatin. This was done twice a month,usually on a Monday, they would then hook the pump up and would have it taken off on Wednesday. My last chemo was Oct 2007, my reversal was Dec 2007. My experience while I was on chemo was, my side effects were very mild. I stayed active the whole time. I'm still having alot of bathroom issues from my reversal but my last Cat scan was normal, it was done about 1 month ago. Try to stay active and I attend two cancer support groups they have been a Godsend. Good luck to you. Chemo isn't like it used to be.
Thanks for your reply. Glad to hear that your side effects were mild....I hope and pray mine are too!0 -
Thanks for your input. Canpolarprincess said:hi
hi, i was diagnosed last summer at 42 years old and am also stage IIIA. I had a malignant polyp with 1 lymph node positive. I received chemo for 12 cycles. It was every 2 weeks. You will most likely get a port put in and it will be administered through that port. i did get the oxaliplatin/folfox regime but one of my oncs thought that was overkill for my stage and that she saves it for the big cancers. At mayo clinic however they recommended i go with the folfox so that is what i did. I did end up having an allergic reaction to it and only got 7 cycles with it, and finished off with just the 5 FU. I do not have lasting neuropathy so that is good. That is scary that you had a colonoscopy only 4 years ago..that just proves that the 5 year waiting period is too long. You will see with this prediction tool that 5 year disease free survival for this stage is quite positive which i think it sounds like you already knew...http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/83364.cfm
Thanks for your input. Can you explain what you meant by "I did not have lasting neuropathy"?
Yes...this cancer was a shock due to the fact that I had "did the right thing" and got a colonoscopy very early in life due to my dad's diagnosis.0 -
Good advice! Thanks.dianetavegia said:See your dentist!
I forgot to mention this. If you haven't just had a cleaning/ exam, see your dentist right away. You won't be able to have this done during chemo because of the risk of infection. You cannot floss during chemo, either. Better safe than sorry!
Good advice! Thanks.0 -
Yes, reactions are common.Chew said:Thanks so much for your
Thanks so much for your input. Are reactions to 5FU and Oxil common? I'm hoping to get back to work while I undergo chemo because I'm running out of sick time and can't afford the pay cut (police officer). Is a CT scan the only way the doctors have to check to see if you are cancer free? Is there an actual blood test to check for specific cancer cells? Thanks.
Yes, reactions are common. The degree of those reactions do vary somewhat from person to person. Oxil tends to be the drug that will kick one to the curb and back. I think most people are able to work with the chemo, at least to some extent. Depending on the extent of your physical activity as a PO you may want to visit how to get around the worse days or times. Short term disability? Having people donate their sick days? Desk job? Not to say you will need it, but plan for it. I am a teacher, so I naturally have built in breaks
so for example, all last summer was not a work issue. I thought I had it covered. Then I was hospitalized for a week in Sept and then a week in October, due to chemo reactions. I basically then worked from Nov 1st to April 1st, part time. I just did not have the energy to sustain my body upright for more than a couple of hours at a time. You can expect symptoms to start out mild or not at all and then have them get worse with each treatment.
The 4 main cancer tests are the colonoscopy, PET, CT and the blood test, CEA. For me, and I believe for all stage 3, the CT and colonscopy is done yearly. The CEA is done every 3-4 months and depending on those results a CT scan and/or PET is done.0 -
Stage IIIChew said:Good advice! Thanks.
Good advice! Thanks.
Hi Chew.. I was dx with stage III with 2 positive lymph nodes. I was 42 and it also came out of the blue...I will be 2 years out of chemo this Aug 21st. I feel great now and I was just upgraded to 6 months visits instead of the 3 months.. The chemo does knock you on you butt. I also work for the school system so I had the summer off but I did work for majority of my chemo time.. I did take off the 2 days while I had the fanny pack. I was tired but I did keep up with my children's events. Rest and eat what you can..You will feel like nothing tastes good (which it doesn't)and you will not be able to drink cold drinks or eat ice cream..You need to keep your strenght so eat what you can. Mine was peanut butter and jelly..I never like it as a kid but during chemo I couldn't get enough of it.. I haven't had one since so it was a weird craving for me during that time... Feel free to ask questions this site is great for that.. Michelle0 -
Hi Chew,you can go to this
Hi Chew,you can go to this on line class to learn about how to cope with cancer"http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ESN/content/ESN_3_1X_I_Can_Cope.asp?sitearea=ESN(Which is free,I learned a lot from there,I am a caregiver for my hubby)and you can also go to chemocare.com which is a webstie providing the latest information about chemotherapy.Hope this helps a little bit.0 -
I told the dentist office mydianetavegia said:See your dentist!
I forgot to mention this. If you haven't just had a cleaning/ exam, see your dentist right away. You won't be able to have this done during chemo because of the risk of infection. You cannot floss during chemo, either. Better safe than sorry!
I told the dentist office my situation and they moved my cleaning up from December to tomorrow! Thanks for the advice.0 -
Hi
Hi, Chew.
Welcome to our board, although I'm awfully sorry you have to be here.
I was blessed to be diagnosed at Stage 1, so I can't answer your questions about chemo, but I just wanted to say hello and that I hope you will find an oncologist you like and trust.
*hugs*
Gail0
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