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follow up from Ioana re Matthew
how much weight did you/your loved ones lose from surgery? Matthew is down almost 25 pounds in the last two weeks and it is really freaking me out (no, he was not at all fat to begin with). we're seeing the surgeon tomorrow but I was curious about your experiences.
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need a pep talk
I often read the site but don't often post. my husband, Matthew, is 34 and had rectal cancer. he has a total mesorectal excision surgery on june 16. surgery itself went well but first couple of days afterwards were hell under they figured out that he was in massive, uncontrollable pain b/c his abdominal muscles were too…
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clean out time, Yuck!
Hi everyone, Thank You for all your support and answers to my questions about surgery. I have decided to have faith in my surgeon and let him do his job. My goal is to be cancer free and home as soon as possible. Tomorrow, Sunday, I begin the clean out. I almost think that the anticipation of drinking nasty stuff and…
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Returning to work jitters
Hello everyone. In the next few months I will be returning to work after being off 3 years. I have worked 25 years as a nurse in long term care. I loved my job except over the years nursing has been more demading for me. I felt that it was begining to take a toll on my health. I have had only 2 jobs in my life,camp…
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Instestional strictricture Broke
Hi everyone I was a little down in the dumps. I went for a coloscopy with dialation on May 25 th and my instestine broke. I knew this was a risk because I was getting dialation every 6 months I now have a temporary colostomy until September when the doctor will reverse it. I would like to know if anyone has the feeling of…
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Phase I II III trials/surgery
I am getting conflicting information about whether patients in my situation are candidates for surgery of bilateral lung mets-(rectal cancer). I am down to 5 mets out of an original 20+, and trying to decide whether to go back on chemo in the fall, or opt for surgery and/or a phase 1-2 or 3 trial. Is there anyone out there…
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Thanks guys so much for the Prep Talk!
Thank you all. You are just about the best folk I've ever had the pleasure of meeting and I wish to dear God that we all could have met under better circumstances. But then again, the Lord works in mysterious ways and I consider each and every one of you my extended family that I care about very, very deeply. I am better…
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Fear is getting the best of me
Hello All, I'm mostly a lurker on this board; however, I have posted a few times regarding my husband Jonathan. He was diagnosed with rectal cancer in January. According to PET scans, prior to surgery, a large tumor was found in his rectum, lymph nodes, and a 9 mm liver lesion. He went through chemo prior to surgery (5…
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Time For a Prep Talk!!!!
I really felt the need to post today because I am just down...no real reason, just down. While most of my posts have been good news, and I am so very grateful, I have been anxious and yes, so worried about Bert's CEA. 9.0 is just not a number that I can easily dismiss nor can the oncologist. He too is baffeled and…
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2 weeks today
hi, two weeks today my mother will be having surgery for stage 3 rectal cancer. i still can't believe it. i wake up at night sweating thinking my mother has cancer! im really really scared. i just want someone to tell me she's going to live.
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Dad and FOLFOX = Very Rough Time
With only three treatments left to go, my Dad is thinking of stopping his treatment - it is beating him down. He has no appetite. He stays nauseated, and complains of a metallic taste in his mouth. He has no energy, and is constantly fatigued. His white blood cell count is down, and he's having to take a shot everyday to…
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When can I donate blood?
Discovery of my colon cancer was partially due to the people at a bloodmobile because they said my blood counts were too low and I should tell my doctor. Their advice led me to get a colonoscopy and the discovery of cancer. As a way of saying thanks, I want to be able to donate blood again. The bloodmobile in Central…
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Age 29, metasticized to Lungs from Stage III Colon
Hi, My friend was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in Feb 2002. Had surgery and chemo which ended Oct 2002. Today he was diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer to the lungs. He's going to be going through chemo again to try and shrink the tumors and provide the best "quality of life" possible. He's onlly 29 years old…
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Grandma 047(Judy)-update
My email today from Stacey(Judy's daughter) Judy went back into theatre for surgery to remove the infection causing so much trouble.They did so and hope they have got all the infection.They have flushed her with antibiotics and she is now recovering.She still has some bleeding coming out of the drain they put in but they…
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Ireland Cancer Center-Ohio
Is there anyone out there who has any experience with this center in Cleveland? I've heard they are cutting edge for treatment, and would like to hear from anyone who has experience or knowledge.. Bud
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Brother Facing 3rd Surgery
Hi everybody and thank you for you wonderful words and caring thoughts. My brother, Dave, had his 1st surgery 4/22; the 2nd on 5/27 (Stage IV with mets to the liver & peritoneal cavity). Since the beginning he has experienced intense abdominal pain and is now facing another surgery. Today a barium (through n/g) x-ray was…
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FOLFOX4 regimen for Stage 3, T 2
Should FOLFOX4 regimen be used for treatment of stage 3, T 2 colon cancer after resection with one affected lymph node?
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Wow! Thanks for the info.
Thank you all for the detail information about CEA. I will check those websites you gave me. Regards, Arlene
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Mouth Sores
Hi all, hope all is well with everyone. I've got a quick question. My husband just started experiencing mouth sores. He is going for his chemo on Thurs. so he will discuss with doc. My question is can this affect me in any way? Should we stop with the necking (lol)? Thanks for your responses and support. Linda
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What does CEA mean?
It's been 6 months since my last Chemo treatment and I had a blood test in April to monitor my liver. Is that what CEA is? My oncologist never explained anything in detail. What should CEA levels be? Thanks again for the info. To Sponge Bob---if you read this message, I guess my technical problem fixed itself. Arlene
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Blood Tests?
Hi everyone. I finished my chemo for stage 2 colon cancer in November 2003. I had a blood test ordered by my oncologist 6 months later. I am scheduled for another blood test in 6 months (he said to monitor my liver). My cousin, age 69 just had surgery for colon cancer (no chemo since she only had stage 1) and she has to…
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Belated Happy Father's Day
To all the dad battlers, survivors and caregivers, an overdue happy father's day...hope it was a good one and that all those kids out there continue to provide us with the motivation and hope we all need. Regards to all, Judy
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one year since my surgery
I had surgery one year ago for stage 3 rectal cancer - 2 out of 12 nodes positve. A cat scan last week shows NED, but my CEA went from 0.8 to 1.6 in the last 3 months. Should I be concerned? My onc. will order a pet scan, but she doesn't think the insurance company will want to pay. My CEA will be repeated in 1 month.
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rectal cancer w/ temp ileostomy
I was diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer march 2003. I went through 5 weeks of chemo and radiation the I had surgery 6 weeks later. I woke up with a temporary Ileostomy. I knew I was going to have one before going into surgery almost a year ago. I have had 3 failed reversals because of tears. Has anyone had this many…
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Grandma 047-UPDATE
Hi guys--here is the last mail rec. from Stacey--Judy's daughter. I have edited it but the basics are there. Judy was initially sent home and spent 3 days there, however infections(2 different types-one is very rare) have forced her back into hospital again.They tried to remove her catheter but is unable to use her bladder…
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update-tests
If I said I was not totally relieved I would be lying!!!!!! My ultrasounds and blood tests have come back very positively---that is to say--nothing--not a thing shows up on them!!!!!!!!! I am so happy I could jump right across tha screen and give all yu guys a bear hug!!!!!!! I am pleased to say that I have a doctor that…
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surgery follow up visit great news
Hi everyone Great news. The surgeon reported that the one lesion the cancer cells were completely dead the other cell had only 1-2 cells that were living. The rest of the liver is clean. Hubby recovery amazing. Doctor could not believe how great he looks. Also the surgeon feels the side effects are not chemo related, more…
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anyone with similar experience...
hi there, im sure you're all familiar with my situation of my mom having stage 3 rectal cancer. she's completed 5 weeks of chemo/rad and now awaiting surgery on july 8th. through all her screening it was confirmed the cancer is contained. we had a HUGE scare when 2 spots were found on her lungs. They confirmed it wasn't…
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Home from surgery
Hi everyone Thanks everyone for your prayers and kind thoughts. Took hubby home on Sunday! He is definatley a lot more tired than the colon surgery and very bloated. He could not button his pants because his belly is so bloated. Hard for him to sleep comfortable in bed so he didn't really sleep well last night. Moved to…
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New Stage IV Needs Chemo Advice
Hello and help! My 47-yr brother, Dave, was diagnosed with colon cancer and had surgery on 4/22 with resection; 2 of 13 nodes involved. Back to the hospital 2 wks later with vomiting and gut pain, determined cause was bowel blockage, no surgery-- n/g tube and meds used. More tests revealed 2 spots on the liver. On 5/27 he…