Newly diagnosed with mass in colon

krystle singer
krystle singer Member Posts: 108
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Haven't yet seen oncologist. Only know that there is a"large" cancerous tunor in my colon. I am terrified and see little to hope for. What does "large" mean? I don't know if any other organs are involved. This is the most frightening thing I have ever experienced. Just don't know how to face each day and go on.

Comments

  • glinka65
    glinka65 Member Posts: 132
    #2
    newly diagnosed
    i was in the same boat you are in, i know its scary!!! i had a large tumor removed and start chemo in a couple weeks, large can mean alot of things, trust your doctors and do not give up hope!!!!!the people on here are wonderful and have helped me a great deal to ease my fears!! get the best medical team together you can and fight this thing with all ya got!!!!!
  • msccolon
    msccolon Member Posts: 1,917 Member
    #3
    honey, take a deep breath!
    We all know how scary it is and hate that you had to find your way here, but you will find a lot of information and comfort. I will be praying for you. If it helps at all, I was initially diagnosed in 2004, then had a recurrence in 2006. The radiologists' interpretation of the mass he found was "... huge mass rising from the deep pelvis". Me and the gynecologist I was referred to were giggling over that one. His comment was, well, no (kitty) footing around for that guy!

    It is very hard to get your head around the fact that you have been diagnosed with the beast. You can and will fight it, though! There are lots of us here fighting hard and we are winning this battle! You will also. Bring somebody with you to your doctor's appointments, write your questions down so you won't forget them, and if you don't like what the first doctor says, get a second or third (or fourth!) opinion!

    mary
  • Faith88
    Faith88 Member Posts: 55
    #4
    what is the plan?
    I know so well what you are going through. The worst day of my life was Friday the 13th April, 2007 when my DH was told by his gastro after colonscopy that he had a "huge tumor in his colon" and I almost fainted with fear. We've since gone through surgery and chemo and each step was a step towards recovery. Life throws curves balls, and you have to go to bat and never give up! My husband has been NED since Dec. 2007. We live each day with gratitude and appreciation, and are thankful to all the doctors on the team that have gotten him to this point. I pray you find a good surgeon and just take it one step at a time, and you will be fine. You have to BELIEVE and have Faith.
    Be well,
    Faith 88
  • taraHK
    taraHK Member Posts: 1,952 Member
    #5
    Keep breathing!
    I am so sorry you have had this nice. Of course you are terrified - that is perfectly normal. But please don't feel you have little to hope for -- there are many people on this board living full and active lives, many years after their original diagnosis (like me!).

    In the next few days and weeks, you will be seeing a lot of doctors and other medical types. You will be getting a lot of information. This is good -- and may in fact make you feel less frightened, rather than more frightened (right now you are dealing with The Big Unknown). I suggest you take along a notebook and, if possible, a friend to take notes -- you will feel bombarded with information. Ask questions as you go along --never feel embarrassed to that that. And please always feel free to ask questions or vent feelings here. We aren't doctors (well, most of us aren't!) but there is an amazing wealth of information here.

    "Large" isn't necessarily so bad. Involvement of other organs will be important, as you begin to gather information. Let us know as a plan begins to develop....

    And keep breathing in and out! It's going to be OK......

    Tara
  • Buzzard
    Buzzard Member Posts: 3,043 Member
    #6
    Large.....
    Mine was large if golfball size is large to you...I had no node involvement and have been through chemo/rad , surgery, and 2 treatments post op left and I am done . I had all clear margins after surgery......God Bless ya
  • kimby
    kimby Member Posts: 797
    #7
    Breathe....
    I'm so sorry you are going through this. You found a place where we all know what you are feeling at this very moment (as impossible as that seems). I needed to keep busy and feel like I was doing something. If that would help you, here is my recommendation: get a binder to keep track of future appointments, test results, lab work, billing/insurance info etc. and start making tabs for the areas you know you'll need. Get the book "Crazy, Sexy Cancer Tips" by Kris Carr. She is young (30's) and was diagnosed with a rare, untreatable form of cancer, stage 4. She has created quite a nice life for herself and has since married. She has practical information about getting organized, about searching for a cure/treatment/facility that works for you, about living with canzer, and about having FUN in the meantime.

    Right now everything is just so overwhelming. Take care of yourself and let others take care of you, too. Come here with questions or to get support. Cry when you need to, laugh whenever you can! Life will go on, although now that seems so impossible.

    When is your surgery? What happens next for you? How can we help?

    Kimby
  • Buzzard
    Buzzard Member Posts: 3,043 Member
    #8
    kimby said:

    Breathe....
    I'm so sorry you are going through this. You found a place where we all know what you are feeling at this very moment (as impossible as that seems). I needed to keep busy and feel like I was doing something. If that would help you, here is my recommendation: get a binder to keep track of future appointments, test results, lab work, billing/insurance info etc. and start making tabs for the areas you know you'll need. Get the book "Crazy, Sexy Cancer Tips" by Kris Carr. She is young (30's) and was diagnosed with a rare, untreatable form of cancer, stage 4. She has created quite a nice life for herself and has since married. She has practical information about getting organized, about searching for a cure/treatment/facility that works for you, about living with canzer, and about having FUN in the meantime.

    Right now everything is just so overwhelming. Take care of yourself and let others take care of you, too. Come here with questions or to get support. Cry when you need to, laugh whenever you can! Life will go on, although now that seems so impossible.

    When is your surgery? What happens next for you? How can we help?

    Kimby

    One more big thing........
    Please don't go onto the internet to some of the cancer sites and read about your disease...They are very old sites with old info and they will scare you to death....They have come a long way in medicines and treatments for this disease since most of that info was put out so come here for your info. Its all up to date here and most always on the money. It will allow you to live again here.........God Bless ya hun.........
  • tootsie1
    tootsie1 Member Posts: 5,044 Member
    #9
    welcome
    Hi, Krystle.

    I know you are scared right now, rightfully so. But know this, we will all be here for you throughout your process, whatever that turns out to be. We pray for each other here, we give advice and information, and we make each other laugh. I'm glad you found this site at a difficult time in your life.

    Let us know what the oncologist tells you.

    *hugs*
    Gail
  • PamPam2
    PamPam2 Member Posts: 370 Member
    #10
    Hope
    Hi Krystle I also had a large tumor in my intestines, had it removed in late fall of 2004, it had even spread to overy and lymph nodes. Had a colostomy bag for about a year, they did surgery and removed all they found. Had the recommended chemo. It was a rough time, but there is hope, I got to have my colostomy reversed, so far no more cancer, going back to college at age 50. It is a tough fight, but it's worth it. Stick to this network, it's great, I didn't have a computer when I went through it all, it would have been a blessing, as it is now to me as a survivor to be able to share with others in the same boat. Just know that these days it is not a death sentence to have this type of cancer, the treatments they have now really work, and you can get better and you will heal. No one knows till they come to the minute of facing this what they will do or how to handle it, but the people here can share how they have held up through it all. Decide you are going to fight this cancer the best way you can.
    Everyone said I was so mean I must have scared the cancer right out of my body! Ha Ha!! Pam
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #11
    PamPam2 said:

    Hope
    Hi Krystle I also had a large tumor in my intestines, had it removed in late fall of 2004, it had even spread to overy and lymph nodes. Had a colostomy bag for about a year, they did surgery and removed all they found. Had the recommended chemo. It was a rough time, but there is hope, I got to have my colostomy reversed, so far no more cancer, going back to college at age 50. It is a tough fight, but it's worth it. Stick to this network, it's great, I didn't have a computer when I went through it all, it would have been a blessing, as it is now to me as a survivor to be able to share with others in the same boat. Just know that these days it is not a death sentence to have this type of cancer, the treatments they have now really work, and you can get better and you will heal. No one knows till they come to the minute of facing this what they will do or how to handle it, but the people here can share how they have held up through it all. Decide you are going to fight this cancer the best way you can.
    Everyone said I was so mean I must have scared the cancer right out of my body! Ha Ha!! Pam

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • krystle singer
    krystle singer Member Posts: 108
    #12
    Post oncologist
    Well, we've seen our oncologist. He was a really kindly doctor and I felt better after talkig with him. I am now waiting to see a surgeon on MOnday, March 2. But I had to have a chest x-ray and a kidney ultra-sound last Friday. It would seem that everything takes more time and more testing than expected. I hope the Friday tests don't show any spread of the cancer. As I am sure all of you survivors know that I now have more doctors in two weeks than I have seen in ten years! No one doctor can do it all. I really do wish we could get this show on the road and stop just looking me over! I am NOT a patient patient. I hope if you are newly diagnosed you get some peace and help from this message board. I think everyone has been just great. Thank you, everyone.
  • Buzzard
    Buzzard Member Posts: 3,043 Member
    #13
    krystle singer said:

    Post oncologist
    Well, we've seen our oncologist. He was a really kindly doctor and I felt better after talkig with him. I am now waiting to see a surgeon on MOnday, March 2. But I had to have a chest x-ray and a kidney ultra-sound last Friday. It would seem that everything takes more time and more testing than expected. I hope the Friday tests don't show any spread of the cancer. As I am sure all of you survivors know that I now have more doctors in two weeks than I have seen in ten years! No one doctor can do it all. I really do wish we could get this show on the road and stop just looking me over! I am NOT a patient patient. I hope if you are newly diagnosed you get some peace and help from this message board. I think everyone has been just great. Thank you, everyone.

    Turn it over............
    Turn the dizziness of the whirlwind that you are going through right now over to God and let Him carry the burden for you. You enjoy your life and let Him take care of the other things for you........God Bless you .......We will be there for the other stuff.. :-)
  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    #14
    Buzzard said:

    Turn it over............
    Turn the dizziness of the whirlwind that you are going through right now over to God and let Him carry the burden for you. You enjoy your life and let Him take care of the other things for you........God Bless you .......We will be there for the other stuff.. :-)

    Sorry
    Sorry that you had to find us. I know what you mean about the doctors. I have never been poked and prodded and turned over and poked again, etc - you get what I mean. This is a whole new journey for you right now and it is very frightening.

    I agree with Buzzard, give it to God. Sometimes I have to "give it over to God" several times a day because I am one of those people that worry when the grass doesn't grow fast enough. I pray for patience and trust all the time, but give it to the "One In Charge."

    Good luck on your results, Kim
  • tootsie1
    tootsie1 Member Posts: 5,044 Member
    #15
    krystle singer said:

    Post oncologist
    Well, we've seen our oncologist. He was a really kindly doctor and I felt better after talkig with him. I am now waiting to see a surgeon on MOnday, March 2. But I had to have a chest x-ray and a kidney ultra-sound last Friday. It would seem that everything takes more time and more testing than expected. I hope the Friday tests don't show any spread of the cancer. As I am sure all of you survivors know that I now have more doctors in two weeks than I have seen in ten years! No one doctor can do it all. I really do wish we could get this show on the road and stop just looking me over! I am NOT a patient patient. I hope if you are newly diagnosed you get some peace and help from this message board. I think everyone has been just great. Thank you, everyone.

    The wait
    Just know that we're holding our breath with you, waiting for the results.

    *hugs*
    Gail
  • Julie 44
    Julie 44 Member Posts: 476 Member
    #16
    tootsie1 said:

    The wait
    Just know that we're holding our breath with you, waiting for the results.

    *hugs*
    Gail

    been there
    I also had a large tumor removed from my colon on Sept.15..Yes it is scarey and yes it really really sucks...What you need to do is get all the info you can from your docs and web sites that are like this one. The more informed you are the better off you will feel.Write down every question that pops into your head and ask your family to come up with some too cause you are in a foggy stage right now..Also don't be afraid to ask for help from your friends and family..Cause when it comes down to it you will need the love and support of everyone ....I will be praying with you and for you..Keep coming back to this site cause it really does help to talk to people who have been there and are doing that too..God Bless
  • jel1940
    jel1940 Member Posts: 29
    #17
    Been there, done that!
    Hi Krystle,

    I went through the same thing. Had a massive tumor and had to have a right hemicolectomy. They said I would need chemo and rads after because the lymph nodes were most likely involved. It was 3+ but no nodes so...no chemo and no rads. I am almost two years cancer free.

    It is frightening but , by the grace of God, I made it through. The docs said it was a miracle.

    Don't give up. Believe in miracles!

    Hugs, Jude
  • tiny one
    tiny one Member Posts: 465 Member
    #18
    krystle singer said:

    Post oncologist
    Well, we've seen our oncologist. He was a really kindly doctor and I felt better after talkig with him. I am now waiting to see a surgeon on MOnday, March 2. But I had to have a chest x-ray and a kidney ultra-sound last Friday. It would seem that everything takes more time and more testing than expected. I hope the Friday tests don't show any spread of the cancer. As I am sure all of you survivors know that I now have more doctors in two weeks than I have seen in ten years! No one doctor can do it all. I really do wish we could get this show on the road and stop just looking me over! I am NOT a patient patient. I hope if you are newly diagnosed you get some peace and help from this message board. I think everyone has been just great. Thank you, everyone.

    cancer a shock
    I remember the day I was told I had colon cancer. I had no idea how many test I would have and what I was in store for. These things might be helpful. A second opinion. Understanding what treatment the Dr thinks is best for you. Do they recommend surgery or chemo or radiation. This is all very scary and overwhelming. It will be your decision what you chose to do. God bless and we're all here to offer our support and prayers to you. Please remember colon cancer is very treatable. Chemo is not like it used to be. I went thru mine with not a lot of side effects. I'm cancer free since Oct of 2007.
  • jel1940
    jel1940 Member Posts: 29
    #19
    Julie 44 said:

    been there
    I also had a large tumor removed from my colon on Sept.15..Yes it is scarey and yes it really really sucks...What you need to do is get all the info you can from your docs and web sites that are like this one. The more informed you are the better off you will feel.Write down every question that pops into your head and ask your family to come up with some too cause you are in a foggy stage right now..Also don't be afraid to ask for help from your friends and family..Cause when it comes down to it you will need the love and support of everyone ....I will be praying with you and for you..Keep coming back to this site cause it really does help to talk to people who have been there and are doing that too..God Bless

    Horror Stories
    Just be careful about other peoples war stories. Some just delight in dwelling on the negative and minimizing the positive. Put your faith in God, take other people's horror stories with a grain of salt and dwell on the positive encouragement other survivors are offering. A positive mental attitude is one of your greatest weapons to fight discouragement and depression.

    Be blessed, Jude

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