New Diagnosis of colon cancer

Catholmes

I was just diagnosed with CC on Tuesday 4/25. I see the doctor tomorrow to set the time for the bowel resection surgery. I know nothing about my stage, etc. I am just having a tough time digesting this info and would love to hear from someone who could share the process with me.

littlejulie

Hi there,
You came to the right place. On this message board you will meet many people who have been through (and survived) what you are going through. My mother was diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer in March 2004. Before I explain the process...SHE IS NOW CANCER FREE AND DOING GREAT! I'm my opinion, the diagnosis and first appointments were the most difficult. Its the fear of the unknown and the dreaded C word is the last thing anyone wants to hear. I'm sorry you had to go through that.

My mother began her treatment with radiation and chemo first to shrink her tumor and then in July 2004 she had her resection surgery. After she recovered from the surgery she had more chemo to kill remaining cells that might have been missed. It was a difficult year but it paid off because she is now cancer free!

I wish you all the best in your treatment and RECOVERY! Think POSTIVE! I know it not always easy but this will help you in your treatment. This is message board is a very good source so I'm happy you discovered it! You will meet very supportive and kind people here!

julie

KathiM

FIRST of all, welcome (although I wish I didn't have to welcome someone new...sigh). Please consider posting to be part of your new routine. We really like hearing from you!
I see you used "digesting" in your post...what an appropriate word, considering it has to do with your ....wait for it....digestive system! (hehehe...I'm one of the semi-funny semi-colons). I, too, went through the process, same as Julie's mom, and am now over a year survivor. As you get more info, keep us posted.
One big word of advice, if at any point you are not comfortable with what you are being told...question, question, question (even a second opinion).
Hugs, Kathi

cherriann

hi,
hi,
although i cant let you know the whole process, as i am in the midst of it all, i can tell this is a great place to come. you will find understanding and compassionate people. its a great place to get honest answers from people who have been there. i am in the middle of radiation and chemo so if that is the route you have to take let me know. good luck and keep us posted.
cherri

alihamilton

This is a rough time for you but a few months down the road, it will all start to improve. My husband had surgery just two days after diagnosis, which was good as it did not give much time for anxiety...we just got on with what had to be done. He then had about nine months of treatment....chemo and radiotherapy. I would not lie and say it was an easy time but here he is, nearly three years later, age 67, and doing well. He began to regain weight and strength soon after chemo treatments came to an end. He was dx stage 111c. It will be easier when you are told your stage as that will affect the treatment prescribed for you.

We felt as if we were living in a nightmare when we first heard the news...it all felt so surreal. It will be good if you can have someone with you when you have appointments with doctors, etc. as it is sometimes difficult to take everything in. It is also good to have a list of questions ready and a notebook to take down any information that you can look at later in your own space and time.

It is good you have come to this forum...it is a wonderful place to get information, love and support.

Do keep us posted,

Ali

pink05

Hi,

My dad was diagnosed in December. I will never forget that day. It was the worst day of my life. It felt so surreal and we were just in shock. We immediately thought the worst without knowing all of the facts of my dad's disease. It's so easy to jump to conclusions and fall into that trap of looking up as much info. on the internet to find answers as I often did. Things do get better once the shock wears off. There are so many people who have survived this disease. You'll find many successful stories on this site. It is very encouraging. If I had to give one piece of advice, it would be this: When you do learn of the stage of your cancer, don't read too much into the statistics. You are not a statistic and every person is an individual. That was the one thing that I finally realized after reading so much about statistics and then hearing so many people overcome those odds. Let us know how you are doing. You are in my prayers.

-Lee-

spongebob

Ahoy, Cat -

Been there, done that, got a cool scar! I am very glad you found CSN early in your process - I was alone and hadn't founf CSN when i was Dx'd and did surgery/chemo.

there are a lot of GREAT people here and you will find tons of support, advice, humor and information. Info on everything from diet to managing chemo effects, to how to make a blueberry smoothie (I like mine with some rum in it!)

Welcome to the semi-colons... I guess you aren't really a semi-colon yet! Sorry you have to be here, but welcome to our little world!

- SpongeBob

debralla

spongebob said:

Ahoy, Cat -

Been there, done that, got a cool scar! I am very glad you found CSN early in your process - I was alone and hadn't founf CSN when i was Dx'd and did surgery/chemo.

there are a lot of GREAT people here and you will find tons of support, advice, humor and information. Info on everything from diet to managing chemo effects, to how to make a blueberry smoothie (I like mine with some rum in it!)

Welcome to the semi-colons... I guess you aren't really a semi-colon yet! Sorry you have to be here, but welcome to our little world!

- SpongeBob

Cat
Sponge Bob is right you have come to a great site .I was diagnosed this past Nov and when I got on the internet to look up info it scared the heck out of me . So I didn't get on for awhile . Then one day I got back on and found this site . I was a lurker for about a month when I finally got the nerve to post my story . Wish I would have done it sooner . Because everyone here has been so helpful We are all here to help you with any questions or if you are just having a bad day and want to vent . Please keep us posted .
TAKE CARE AND GOD BLESS
DEBRA

Unknown

This comment has been removed by the Moderator

AuthorUnknown

Hello,
I am very sorry you have to go through this ordeal. My mother was diagnosed in february of this year, had a surgery few days later, and now is going through chemotherapy in the form of oral pill.

It was a shock in the beggining, but became easier after the surgery was done. It is always the scarriest time to hear the diagnosis and not to know what lies ahead.

People here are very supportive, you will find a lot of help here.

And have Faith... God will not leave you alone.

I will pray for you.

Best wishes and God Bless.
Eleonora

Betsydoglover

Hi Cat -

I'm sorry to welcome you here, but you really have come to the right place. I was diagnosed last May 23 - the day that shall live in infamy! I (and all of us) understand exactly how you are feeling. The big "C-word" is a a major shock. And the internet is filled with terrifying "information" - I put that in quotes because we are people, not statistics. And also because there is so much outdated info out there.

Very hard to do, but you need to take this one day at a time for a few days anyway. And don't be surprised if you have hysterical moments - it's a lot to take in and initially almost always seems worse than it really is. I am Stage IV, but currently NED (no evidence of disease) but I readily admit the reality has been way less bad than my fear when initially diagnosed.

If you want more details or a shoulder to cry on, use the (lousy) CSN email system to drop me mail and include your real email address - I'll be happy to respond.

Betsy

ron50

Hi Cat,
Welcome to the club,sorry that you are here.
I understand how you feel at this point ,cancer ! What me! How can that be!
I got my diagnosis on the recovery bed after my scope,I was still fuzzy and not really with it . I didn't really get the picture till they whipped me up to ultrasound and scan. I remember the ultrasound guy saying"This is probably the only good news you will hear today , it doesn't appear to be in any of your vital organs". I didn't have long to ponder and worry as I was in surgery the next night where they confirmed that it was stage 3 and into 6 lymph glands. It was a hard diagnosis to come to terms with but I made the descision to fight it with everything I had and to survive. My life has gone to script and I am now considered cured at 8 years and 4 mos. I hope that this helps you to realise that there is hope no matter what,best of luck with your treatment ,Ron.

terril

You have come to the right place!!!! We all have something to share. It is an incredible situation when one is diagnosed with cancer. Try to be positive!!! You will learn that it is a different world. You will learn a new language, read information, and most of the time, just be overwhelmed. We will help you through this process. In a way...welcome to our family. We have so much hope and support on this board! Terri

2bhealed

Hi Cat,

Wow, you're way ahead of the game if you found us even before you are initiated into the world of the Semi-Colon Club!

Welcome.

I'm the resident alternative promoter who did not do chemo and you'll hear about it. I was dx'ed Stage 3 lymph pos zero mets almost 5 years ago and have stayed cancer free ever since having my surgery.

I opted to not do the chemo and used Traditional Chinese Medicine, Macrobiotic diet, JUICING fresh veggie juices, oodles of supplements, vitamins and herbs among other things.

We are a wild wacky bunch at times and love potty humor being that many of us are on perpetual poop patrol.

I understand the hard to digest part of this gig....it comes with the territory. I was 39 at dx. My sister was dx'ed with intestinal cancer at 29. So I have been on both sides of the coin so to speak.

The Semi-Colons are more than willing to share their stories and walk beside you as your own unfolds. We stick it out no matter what the ending entails.

Keep us posted.

peace, emily who is happy to be alive today!

fedester

ron50 said:

Hi Cat,
Welcome to the club,sorry that you are here.
I understand how you feel at this point ,cancer ! What me! How can that be!
I got my diagnosis on the recovery bed after my scope,I was still fuzzy and not really with it . I didn't really get the picture till they whipped me up to ultrasound and scan. I remember the ultrasound guy saying"This is probably the only good news you will hear today , it doesn't appear to be in any of your vital organs". I didn't have long to ponder and worry as I was in surgery the next night where they confirmed that it was stage 3 and into 6 lymph glands. It was a hard diagnosis to come to terms with but I made the descision to fight it with everything I had and to survive. My life has gone to script and I am now considered cured at 8 years and 4 mos. I hope that this helps you to realise that there is hope no matter what,best of luck with your treatment ,Ron.

ron,
great news 8 + years ned.
way to go.
all the best
bruce

fedester

hi cat,
welcome to your new extended family.
i was dx 5/04 went to hospital with stomach pain. did scope and found colon blocked with tumor. did surgery right away. dx stage 2 no nodes. woke up with bag. did 6 months 5fu/leu once a week. had colon resection sept 04. since need surgery for hernia where bag was. looking to get that done soon. one thing i can say is that i had a apositive attitude thru the whole thing. i had some down days that's expected. i also have alot of faith in the man upstairs. i found this site while in the hospital recovering from surgery and it has helped me alot with getting thru things.
we are here for you. post when you can and let us know how you are doing,
all the best
bruce

jana11

Hi there. Try not to freak out too much. Man oh man, the initial diagnosis is a woosey!

I was diagnosed 10/02 - I still remember that week, etched in my mind. I remember sitting on the hospital grass and waiting for all the different docs to see me.

YOU WILL GET THROUGH THIS. Let us know more as you do.. and we can answer the questions as they come in.

Take care of yourself and try to stop and smell some roses... someone must have sent you flowers. Simply appreciate all the little things in life and know that "this too shall pass". We are with you!

Stay strong, jana

lfondots63

Hi Cat,

I'm a little late posting but want to welcome you to the family. Glad you found us like the rest. Hope the visit today went ok. It is hard to digest everything but we are here for you. I was just dx 12/19/05 and had resection the next day (my birthday). I'm now doing chemo and this board is a great help. Come back and tell us how you did at the doctors. I'm stage3 with one node cancerous. On folfox treatments. 6 to go. If you need to talk you can e-mail me here too like the others. the l is "L" in my screen name. Take care and good vibes coming your way.

Lisa

nana98

Hello..
I to have been recently diagnosed with colorectal cancer. My diagnosis came on March 13, 2006. I am currently receiving radiation and taking 2500mg of Xeloda 5 days a week. It is day 18 today... Surgery is scheduled around mid June and then IV chemo after that...Just like you I had a hard time digesting all the information that day... At 47 years old I did not expect to hear the word "cancer". After meeting with the surgeon and having more tests I was told my tumor was consistent with a T-3 tumor.. I had no idea what that meant but it sounded horrifying.. After talking with my oncologist I felt a lot better (it's important having Doctors you trust and can build relationship with). With good Doctors and a strong faith in God I know I'm going to be just fine..

This is my first time writing on CSN as I just signed up this AM...I look forward to hearing from others.
Nana98

2bhealed

nana98 said:

Hello..
I to have been recently diagnosed with colorectal cancer. My diagnosis came on March 13, 2006. I am currently receiving radiation and taking 2500mg of Xeloda 5 days a week. It is day 18 today... Surgery is scheduled around mid June and then IV chemo after that...Just like you I had a hard time digesting all the information that day... At 47 years old I did not expect to hear the word "cancer". After meeting with the surgeon and having more tests I was told my tumor was consistent with a T-3 tumor.. I had no idea what that meant but it sounded horrifying.. After talking with my oncologist I felt a lot better (it's important having Doctors you trust and can build relationship with). With good Doctors and a strong faith in God I know I'm going to be just fine..

This is my first time writing on CSN as I just signed up this AM...I look forward to hearing from others.
Nana98

hi nana,

welcome to you too!

You may want to start your own thread so everyone can "meet" you again.

Glad you found us.

peace, emily

jsabol

Hi and welcome to our club, (and also sorry you have to be a member) I found this site right after surgery (12/03) and before chemo. I was dx'd stage III, 1 pos polyp, 1 lymph node. I still remeber how important those first responses were. I knew no one else with colon cancer, and had lost my dad to it (at age 85). I felt blindsided by the diagnosis, and was sort of on auto pilot for a bit. The diagnosis is quite a shocker.
This site has been a lifeline for many of us. Please continue to post any questions or concerns you have; someone is bound to have experienced something similar.
I am now nearly 2 years post chemo, which for me was 6 months of a weekly infusion. I have No Evidence of Disease (which also goes by the initials "NED", and am back, pretty much, to my old self (for better or worse!)
So, take it one day at a time; remember to breathe deep, get all the info you need from your docs (and nurses). YOU WILL GET THROUGH THIS! Keep us posted, Judy