And so it starts...

To the board. Sorry you needed to find the board. I have the same diagnosis but mine started in April. I'm going to have my 9th cycle of folfox. it seems so unreal. I had no symptoms  The thought of cancer never crossed my mind. It's doable. Just step at a time. 

Yolanda

So sorry that you had to join us but you are in a very good place for knowledge, sympathy and the people that know where you are coming from.  It's a hard road to travel, but you can do it.  It's more scary first going through it and finding out than actually getting through it.  We are here to help you in any way we can.  Answer any questions you have, and be here for you going through the emotions.  Please let us know what and when treatment will start.  Ask away as we have been there.  The port is much easier on your system than through the vein so be thankful for that.  Make sure you get some lidocaine for local numbing from your doctor before starting treatment.  Just put it on an hour or so before treatment on the port and put a band aid on it before they insert needle.  It won't hurt a bit.  Good luck and welcome.

Kim

Sorry to hear the news Janet. I was exactly where you are now 1 and 1/2 years ago, stage 3B CRC. Lesson 1 for me was how life can sideswipe you out of the blue and turn your world upside down. Lesson 2 is the basic goodness of people because you will receive an inspiring and abundant outpouring of support from family, friends, coworkers and fellow survivors. This place is great for practical knowledge or just a shoulder to lean on. You're not alone in this fight. I know it's hard but try to stay positive.  Folfox was not too bad for me, I had the symptoms but they went away, I didnt lose my hair. You can do this, good luck and keep us posted.

Richard/Easyflip

Welcome to this wonderful forum. I too, am sorry that you have to join us, but now that you're here, you will not find a better support group or better information. 

It really is overwhelming at first, but once you have started your Chemo regime, you will find that life settles down and because you are doing something about the Cancer, that really helps. 

A few things that really helped me were 1, A notebook, which I kept around me all of the time. Any symptoms, side effects, thoughts, feelings went down in this book, and I took it to every appointment and went through the list with my Oncologist. 2, Stay positive. So its Cancer, you and a million others have it, and there is no reason that you can't be the one to beat it. There are many stage III B who have posted on the forum, and don't post any more beause they are living life as survivors. And many still pop back in to support us. 3. I Kept a pair of gloves by the fridge, and was very careful when handling cold items, from food and drink to knives. I'm quite surprised to still have feet, as I've dropped many a cold item (including knives) on them. 

The list goes on, but I will stop there for now. 

We are here to help you with EVERYTHING. No question is out of bounds. Its Colorectal Cancer, we talk about the yukkie stuff too. 

Good luck as you start chemo on the 30th. And I promise you, your port will be your friend. I LOVED my port. Especially after watching a several nurses try to find a vein on a patient for a whole half hour. 

Sue - Trubrit

Welcome and sorry that you have to be here. The doctors first told me it was IBS so I was relieved but the pain continued so I insisted on a colonoscopy. So I understand you wishing it was IBS. It is so overwhelming in the begining. The feeling you are being pulled under by the waves is a great description. You will get through it. We all feel like we don't know how we are going to get through it at the time but always do.

Someone mentioned that Stage III's don't post much anymore as they are out living life, this is true. I am one of them. You have a battle ahead but you can win this. I too thought my colonoscopy would reveal IBS but no, it was cancer. Surgery, radiation, chemo, ileostomy reversal, port removal. All in all it took 18 months to navigate through it. Treatment is different for everyone, I worked during my chemo, although I tired easily, it was manageable. 

Ibe celebrated the 5 year NED mark, and have the colon cancer ribbon tattooed on my shoulder as a badge of a warrior. 

You can do this! Stay strong, fight, enjoy your life even if it feels like it sucks right now. Life is much sweeter when you come out on the other side when this treatment journey is over. 

I remember very well when I was where you are right now. I know it's hard but don't let the 'what ifs' get to you. Take a deep breath and tell yourself you can do this, you can! Some people have so few side effects they keep working. Surround yourself with support and get busy kicking cancer's butt! (pun intended)  : )