Newbie Waiting on results

Broken and Beautiful
Broken and Beautiful Member Posts: 1
in Colorectal Cancer #1

Howdy!!

I found these forums while researching colon cancer. My father had colon cancer and I started having symptoms about 3 1/2 yrs ago. My symptoms got worse in the last 18mo, with increased blood in my stool, mucus, and stomach pains almost every day and at least 2-3 times a day. I am going to be 49 next week and had my first colonoscopy last Thursday. The doc found what he called a very large polyp, which he said was probably the cause for my bleeding and stomach pain. He told my husband and I that he tattooed the site after he removed it and put 3 clips in to stop bleeding. I had bleeding, cramping, and tenderness until this last Sunday. I am still waiting to hear my results. I called my doc's office Monday and the receptionist said that my patho results are probably in but the doctor is so busy with surgeries and colonoscopies that he doesn't get to them until end of week and he will call me then. I asked if the results said it was cancer would he call sooner and she said no because a few days waiting won't really matter. UGH!!! I'm a pretty patient person but, when my dad has had colon cancer and every member of my family has died of some form of cancer, I become less patient. I know that I have an increased chance of it being cancer and I'm blessed to at least be able to prepare, unlike my dad and others, who were shocked to find out they did have cancer. 

 

How likely is it that it is cancer based on you guys' experience? What are the important things I need to ask going into my first appointment, if it is cancer? I've read that some cancers are gotten by just removing the polyp, but I guess that scares me because it seems that they would do chemo anyway, just to be sure. We still have 2 of our 7 kids at home, boys ages 17 and almost 16, and I homeschool them. Will I be able to continue to homeschool if I have to do surgery and chemo? I'm sorry if I sound panicked, because I'm really not. I'm a Christian, who is very strong in my faith, so I'm not afraid but I don't like to not be in control and I see something like this could send my anxiety thru the roof. I am already bedridden due to severe back issues and chronic pain; this could just send me over the edge. I have no friends and don't have contact with my biological family, so I depend a lot on my hubby and I'm very close to all 7 of my kids. Thanks for reading. 

 

Lisa Joy

Comments

  • NHMike
    NHMike Member Posts: 213 Member
    #2
    Hello Lisa,

    Hello Lisa,

    Sorry that you're here and that you have a lot of worries but it's something that most of us have gone through. I do have cancer and am in my third week of radiation and chemo so I went through going to the ER because of bleeding, getting colonoscopy, the results a bit later (but we already assumed cancer) and discussion of treatment. I also got second opinions. I got blood tests, CT scans to determine if it had spread and an MRI to also determine if it has spread and to provide the surgeon with an idea as to how much she would have to remove.

    I had an initial CT scan at the hospital and the doctor told me there was a mass and I asked what it likely was and she said cancer. I was worried about diverticulitis and that would have been a lot easier to deal with. For the moment, you don't know and it's probably causing incredible worry and anxiety and I'd say to not worry about it but know that it's very hard to do that and I worried like mad myself.

    If it is cancer, though, then the doctors will need to determine the staging (1, 2, 3, 4) which then determines the treatment. CT/MRI scans determine staging and then you look at treatment options. I'm stage 3 with spread to regional lymph nodes so the treatment plan for me is chemo + radiation for 28 days (today is the halfway point), 6-8 weeks of rest, surgery, 6-8 weeks of rest and then probably several additional months of chemo. Then monitoring for a long time. Stage 4 is if it has spread to other parts of the body. I think that the lesser levels of treatment are for stages 1 and 2.

    BTW, I have rectal cancer. If you have colon cancer, then the options are different as it's easier to operate without losing function.

    Tolerance to chemo varies by person. I am able to work on chemo and radiation but I have the option of working from home. The oncology nurse told me that the vast majority of her patients continue to work. That said, there are times when you're more tired than usual, or where you're more anxious or the side-effects kick in and these can knock you down for a day or two. There are different kinds of chemo as well. I'm currently on oral chemo (pills) but the post-surgical chemo will be an infusion pump and that can be inconvenient.

    Some support and help, both mental and physical, can really be helpful. That might be your adult kids, neighbors or relatives. You might find that some are willing to provide aid in a difficult time. This will put a lot of stress on your husband too and he might benefit from some external help as well.

    My surgery should take 3-5 days so I will be out of work for that time and maybe take additional time off to fully recover. I don't think that two weeks will matter all that much in a homeschooling program at those ages as they should be used to the routine and fairly good at working independently.

     

     

     

     

     

  • Phoenix_66
    Phoenix_66 Member Posts: 118
    #3
    Don't Worry

    I know this is easier said than done, but my philosophy is not to worry until I know I have something to worry about.  Helps me stay as sane as possible most of the time.  Praying for good results.

  • Woodytele
    Woodytele Member Posts: 163
    edited August 2017 #4
    This is not right

    The Dr. should send these reports to your primary physician ASAP, and they should be able to tell you the results. This is not right, they should know if the reports are in or not, i would force the issue a bit, tell them your symptoms, and that you need to know. 

  • SophDan2
    SophDan2 Member Posts: 150 Member
    edited August 2017 #5
    I would rather a polyp than a tumor

    I was diagnosed with Stage 3C colon cancer last April. During colonoscopy I was informed that a large mass / tumor was about 70% of the way into my colon. It is my my understanding that if it was a polyp, it most likely would have been diagnosed as either precancerous or a lower stage (1 or 2). If it is cancerous, surgery to remove cancerous portion of colon along with related lymph nodes would ne next on the hit parade. If lymph nodes all come back clean, you are in good shape; possibly not needing chemo. If chemo is needed, it does affect how you feel, but home schooling your kids shouldn't be a problem.

    I am sorry that you have to deal with this; you are blessed to have a large support group around you, let them help you through the process.

    Take care of yourself.

  • blessed39
    blessed39 Member Posts: 90 Member
    #6
    In remission for several years

    Hi lisa. I think you are about where I was several years ago. I believe you could get some comfort from my story. My story is entitled "How I Beat Stage Four Colon Cancer" Just go to my page and you will see my blog there. Open the blog and my story is there. If you have any question for me just put them there. I check my messages daily. God bless you   blessed39

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