sorry one more

Denise1966

I forgot, there's one more question....How was everyone's blood work (CBC) when diagnosed? I've been looking at mine and I can't find too much out of the ordinary. Sorry again for all the questions. Trying to level out still from the shocking news!

Moesimo

Welcome to our group. Take a deep breath, you will get through this. My CBC was normal when diagnosed. Some people have a low blood count because of bleeding.

I lost 10 pounds the week I was diagnosed, because I couldn't eat. My GI doc knew right away that I had cancer even without the results of the biopsy. It was a very stressful time as I had to find an oncologist, surgeon and make some decisions. Do not rush into anything. Make sure you find docs that you are comfortable with. We have all been there.

On Monday, 3/17 it will be fives years from my diagnosis. I still remember those words, "I have bad news, you have a mass." Life will never be the same, BUT I am here 5 years later and feeling great. I hope you don't have cancer, but if you do, we will help you through this.

Maureen -- stage 3 rectal cancer survivor

nudgie

My white blood cell count was up.

tootsie1

My blood count was quite low, because I'd apparently been bleeding quite a bit without realizing it. They had to give me 2 units of blood before I was able to have surgery.

Otis50

hi i am just now going into my dr to discuss taking out the remainder of my colon-I have had 3 colon re-sections & 1 stomach. I am not looking forward to this visit at all.

KathiM

I have been borderline anemic all of my life...sigh, a gift from my grandfather...but, other than that, no indicators were off. I hadn't lost any weight, even my CEA (tumor marker for colorectal cancer) was normal...(0.7).

Don't worry about asking questions...we are the world's greatest tumor board here...lol!

Hugs, Kathi

tootsie1

Otis50 said:

hi i am just now going into my dr to discuss taking out the remainder of my colon-I have had 3 colon re-sections & 1 stomach. I am not looking forward to this visit at all.

Otis, I hope your visit went as well as something like that could. You have our prayers.

rmap59

Hi Denise,
I have been away for a little while(my Mom had breast cancer surgery). Anyway, I was dx about a year ago. I was anemic but my CEA was normal. I had changes in my bowel habits, small frequent bm's, no blood. I was stage 3 with no lymph nodes but a big tumor. Surgery, radiation and chemo, finished in December. I am sorry you are here but believe me this is the best group of people bar none. They have been my sanity. So dont hesitate to ask all the questions you can and we all will try to help.
Prayers to you, Robin

Denise1966

rmap59 said:

Hi Denise,
I have been away for a little while(my Mom had breast cancer surgery). Anyway, I was dx about a year ago. I was anemic but my CEA was normal. I had changes in my bowel habits, small frequent bm's, no blood. I was stage 3 with no lymph nodes but a big tumor. Surgery, radiation and chemo, finished in December. I am sorry you are here but believe me this is the best group of people bar none. They have been my sanity. So dont hesitate to ask all the questions you can and we all will try to help.
Prayers to you, Robin

Thank you everyone for your answers. I really appreciate it. Robin, I wish the best for you and your mom.