How fast can colon cancer return?

Dee58

I was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in April of 2004. I had surgery and then 6 months of chemo. Since then every 3 months I have gone for my check up. The last one was in March 2006 and I was told that I was in "complete remission" and would have to go back in 6 months instead of 3. A few weeks ago I started not feeling well. I am always tired and feel weak. My appetite is fine, but it hurts between the breastbone area when I swallow. Sometimes it feels like the food is stuck. I have also noticed changes in the plumbing department. I have a doctor appointment on tuesday, July 18th. Can it return that fast?
Thanks
Dee58

spongebob

Ahoy, Dee58 -

Sounds like you are doing exactly the right thing by going back to your doc. Sounds like you got a quick appointment, too.

Could be anything, but we survivors always seem to expact - or at least question if - it's the worst when we don't feel quite right. Get it checked out as you are doing and (this is easy for me to say, but believe me, I've been there and gotten the tee-shirt more than once) try not to worry about it.

Keeping you in my prayers

- SpongeBob

KathiM

Dee,
Congrats on the swift action! One of the few perks of meeting the beast is that we become more aware of changes in our bodies, and don't dismiss them. Many call this 'canceritis'. Sometimes it's nothing, but we all have learned the lesson to have all of our aches and pains checked out...a lesson 'normal' people should learn...it doesn't go away just because you ignore it...
Coming from the experience of pushing till diagnosed the second time, I can tell you you are on the right track!
PLEASE keep us posted!
Hugs, Kathi

vinny3

Dee,
You are right to get it checked out right away. It can well be something else but you need to have the doctor be able to tell you what it is. Be sure they check your blood because of the tiredness (blood counts, CEA) and they may need to do a chest x-ray or take a look at your esophagus (the food sticking issue).
Keep at it until you get a reasonable explanation of cause. We pray that it is one of the many other "simpler" ailments that humans get.

****

Dee58

Thank you all for the replies! I used to be one of those people who ignored aches and pains. Amazing how that changed I will let you all know what the doctor says. Until then I will try not to worry.....at least not to much.
Thanks!
Dee

MarkWalz

I was really interested in your question, because I ask that same one. I too have every ache and pain wondering what is this? Could be back in some other area and this pain is telling me about it. I had a pain in December 2005. Thought it was a pulled muscle. Treated for diverticiolitis. Well, after my scope it was a tumor. So now every pain, that I normally would have said it was, I am getting older pain, I tell the doctor about it. I hate having this all checked out, but after the first time, I will check out every pain. Good job on your part. I too have a CT this Tuesday. Hope yours checks out ok. I am trusting mine will. This time I am not stressed . I feel confident that everything will be ok. I pray that for you as well.
Mark

JADot

Dee58:

You're doing absolutely the right thing by getting on top it! Best of luck w/ the doc visit and keep us posted. We'll beam you whatever you need to get through this!

Cheers,
Ying

rejoyous

Dear Dee,

Please keep us posted on what you find out. We all know how it feels to be on the lookout for all these signals. I doubt I'll evrer feel completely out of danger. Good luck with your appointment.

--Ellie