My Father and Best Friend Just Got Diagnosed with Colon Cancer and I'm Very Scared

i am so sorry about your dad,our daughter 31 had colon cancer  and it spread to her liver. As soon as she was diagnosed she went to a good naturopath doctor,started vigorous exercise

changed her diet, sugar free , dairy free  and gluten free , the doctors noticed her immune system working.She had both surgeries and chemo

 and now looking at cancer free .

all these things boost your immune system. Your support will sure help .

I'm sorry you found this board but you can find a lot of info and support here. Colon cancer is very treatable today.  His treatment will depend on the stage.  The scan will tell you if it is stage IV or has spread to other organs.  If not, the surgery will tell you if it is stages 1, 2, or 3.  I have stage 3.  I had surgery and am now on chemotherapy.  If it is rectal cancer, they will add radiation as well.  

Keeping a note book has helped some of us.  Track dates, tests, thoughts.  

All the best,

Kelley

Sorry to hear about your Dad. The waiting is very tough, I found that once I knew what I was up against, I felt better because I was able to develop a plan of action. All we can do is speculate as to what we think it may be or not be. 

The BEST things in my opinion of what you could do is to:

• go to the best facility you can
• get a second opinion from a different group of doctors
• look into other options if that's how your Dad wants to proceed (there is more than chemo)
• write down questions you may have
• bring a recording device so you catch all of what the doctors tell you. It's easy to be overwhelmed by information
• don't over-research on the Internet. While there's a lot of good information out there, there's a lot of bad or outdated information out there too.

I was diagnosed (stage IV colon cancer) over 9 years ago at age 46. I've done very well with standard surgery then chemo. I've been under the care of an oncologist at Sloan Kettering in NYC. There are NO guarantees at all. Everyone responds differently to treatments. I was able to work through most of the journey. Surgery certainly requires time off and chemo required a few days to regroup but I certainly didn't put my life on hold.

BTW: try not to be thrown if you hear the "you've got X months to live" speech. Almost everyone on here has heard that one. Usually that's a good sign that you need to change oncologists... Keep us posted please.

-phil

I will add mine. 

RIght now, take one day at a time.  You're allowed to worry, but don't get ahead of yourself.  Get the scan over with and wait for the results.  

Then if its surgery, face that. Then if its chemo, face that.  It can get VERY overwhelming if you think of all of whats ahead every day.

Your dad needs you to be positive and happy. If he sees you stressing he will stress too and that won't do him anygood. 

Also, take a notebook or tape recorder (you have to get permission from whoever - GP, Surgeon, Oncologist - for taping), but take notes and ask questions. Lots of them. No matter how small or insignificant, just ask, ask, ask.

You're dad doesn't need to stress either, so bring him comfort in the form of humour and happy times. 

God bless! Be sure to keep us informed. You'll get lots of love and support here on the forum.

daddys_boy said:

Thanks so much for the

Thanks so much for the support you are bunch of strong and positive people.

I showed your replies to my father and he was truly touched, he will most likely subscribe and join in the discussion. 

Does anyone of you have experience with cancer wrapping around the inside of the colon?

The doctor suggested that he does not eat to much fiber, does that sound right? I though it was the opposite.

He also told him to stay away from fruit with peel and nuts, is that also right?

I am a bit confused on the difference between what he should eat before during and after surgery / chemo.

Thanks again.

 

Depending on your dads diagnosis and where the cancer is situated then fiber can be good or bad. 

Fiber can irritate the colon when the cancer is getting large. Seeds and nuts can get behind the cancer and cause problems. 

We are good here, but be sure and ask your Oncologist these questions. 

I'm changing over to a Medeteranian diet, its so healthy, and once you get the OK from your Onc, I'd highly recommend it. 

I'm looking forward to hearing from your father on this forum. I'm almost 55, with stage 3A colorectal cancer patient.  So many people here to help him.

Blessings!

Chelsea71 said:

After surgery he will be on a
From now until 6-8 weeks after surgery he should be on a low residue diet. This means avoiding nuts, seeds, fruit, cereal with more than one gram of fiber per serving, popcorn, brown rice, whole grain bread. You want him to eat foods that are white, not brown. Avoid fiber. After 6 to 8 weeks, he should gradually reintroduce fruits and fiber. Once he has healed is is on chemo, a Mediterranean diet would be a good idea. Eating is important. He will need to keep up his strength while on chemo. He should also try and stay as active as possible while on chemo. If he starts to feel tired and run down, a brisk walk is likely to give him energy. (Shouldn't over-do it though. Important to listen to the body). Water is very important while on chemo. Especially the two days following the pump disconnection. He will want to protect his kidney from damage by flushing out the chemo from his body. He should stay positive and carry on with his normal, regular life, as much as possible.

Good luck

Chelsea

Chelsea is right although it seems like it should be the opposite.  My hubby had the same advise both from hospital, oncologist and dietician.  No whole grains, no fruit with peels, no nuts seeds and the like.  No foods "rich in fiber".  Low residue diet.  No fresh vegetables unless they are very well cooked, if using frozen vegetables, again, well cooked.  No wheat bread, rye, and stuff like that. 

Take care  - Tina

geotina said:

HI:

Chelsea is right although it seems like it should be the opposite.  My hubby had the same advise both from hospital, oncologist and dietician.  No whole grains, no fruit with peels, no nuts seeds and the like.  No foods "rich in fiber".  Low residue diet.  No fresh vegetables unless they are very well cooked, if using frozen vegetables, again, well cooked.  No wheat bread, rye, and stuff like that. 

Take care  - Tina

Yes, this was the case for Rick as well since fiber actually CAUSED a blockage.  Everyone is different, so I would just listen to his doctor's advice on this one.

Cyn

So hard to get this news without any definite results. You have received alot of good information on this post. You have found a wealth of information and experiences from a caring, supportive group. You need to be strong for your Dad, and we are here to help you....he is very lucky to have such a caring son. Many of your questions will be answered after the scan results come back....and more questions may come up. Hoping for good scan results.....~ Ann