new to this site also

Limey · April 2004

I am also new to this site as of last week. I have stage 2/3 cancer. No lymphatic or vascular invasion and the margins were clear. Currently I am waiting to meet with an oncologist to discuss Chemo/ no Chemo options. My surgeon says no reason for chemo (it doesnt change the odds with my stage of cancer) I am 43 and am in the fear stage of how do I stay cancer free and not worry and obsess about this. I do not want to do Chemo if not necessary but also want to create the best odds. It is nice to read so many positive posts on the site. It does help.
Mark.

jsabol · April 2004

Welcome, Limey...I am stage III, and was diagnosed after my baseline colonoscopy. My polyp was small (1 cm) and my CT scan was clear. My doc and I anticipated just removal of hunk of my colon, which happened in Dec, and presumed I would be stage I or II. The tumor did not invade the bowel wall, and to everyone's surprise, 1 of seven nodes was found to be postive under microscope. Before that, I had been told that chemo is not recommended for anything lower than stage III, which does seem consistant with what I have read/heard since than.
Best of luck to you. Once we have these little cells in us, I imagine it's hard to just lose the worry.
I do have a friend who had removal of small tumor (colectomy) 10 yrs ago, at age 40, no follow up chemo needed, and clear ever since! Judy

StacyGleaso · April 2004

Hi Mark,

Yeah, unfortunately, you'll probably be walking on eggshells for a while, wondering if the battle is over or not. But try not to let it consume you totally. Don't let life and the things around you go unnoticed in exchange for a life of paranoia. In my opinion, for what it's worth, half the battle is detection. And since you've already been diagnosed, you'll be getting enough tests to stay on top of any new developments.

Another good idea is to watch what you eat. The 'ol '5 servings of fruits & veggies' makes a lot more sense, now. Reducing or eliminating your red meat intake is another highly recommended suggestion.

Finally, the bottom line is how comfortable you feel with the way your physician handles things. If you feel confident in her/his suggestions and action plan, then good. However, if you have the slightest apprehension, maybe check into another opinion.

Best of health to you,

Stacy

grandma713 · April 2004

Hi Limey, good for you...I know what you mean though about being in the fear stage of how do I stay cancer free...and not worry or obsess. I wanted the best odds too and really stuggled with the no chemo decision. I have to constantly tell myself that God is in control and I am thankful that He is. Grandma713

kerry · April 2004

StacyGleaso said:
Hi Mark,

Yeah, unfortunately, you'll probably be walking on eggshells for a while, wondering if the battle is over or not. But try not to let it consume you totally. Don't let life and the things around you go unnoticed in exchange for a life of paranoia. In my opinion, for what it's worth, half the battle is detection. And since you've already been diagnosed, you'll be getting enough tests to stay on top of any new developments.

Another good idea is to watch what you eat. The 'ol '5 servings of fruits & veggies' makes a lot more sense, now. Reducing or eliminating your red meat intake is another highly recommended suggestion.

Finally, the bottom line is how comfortable you feel with the way your physician handles things. If you feel confident in her/his suggestions and action plan, then good. However, if you have the slightest apprehension, maybe check into another opinion.

Best of health to you,

Stacy

Hi Mark,

Stacy is right on the mark. You have to trust your doctors and if you have any apprehension, get another opinion. We all walk on eggshells, especially when we go in for our monthly, or bi-monthly tests, but you can't obsess over it and let is consume your life. For me each day is a gift and I will honor it by fulling living in it. It's a shame it has taken a disease like this to make me realize that.

Keep us posted, we'll be here for you.

Kerry

Unknown · April 2004

Hi Mark. My husband Bert is stage III with four nodes involvement so chemo was most definitely recommended. Of course he didn't have to do it and could have followed Emily's route (I'm sure you will hear from her too), which isn't a bad choice but not my Bert...he's too damn conventional.....I'm trying Emily, I'm trying and I do get juicing in there

)......but the bottom line is, please don't let cancer or the possible recurrence of cancer rule your whole life. Trust your doctors and if you don't get a new group...get second or even third opinions...it's your life, not theirs.

From everything I have read, stage II is kind of in the "grey" area of where some docs suggest chemo as an added edge and some don't. I personally know two people who have had stage II/III colon cancer enter their lives. One took chemo and despite this fact, it recurred three years later in his liver...the other took chemo and has remained clear for well over 5 years. I don't know of any who did not take chemo but I know there are a lot of them on this board and they are doing just fine.

Ultimately, it truly is in God's hands and we can only hope and pray that we make the best choices available to us along the way!

Fondly,
Monika

maggi · April 2004

Hi Limey, I also am new to this site..I was diagnosed with stage 2/3 colon cancer in 2000 with no node involment. My onc. suggested no chemo because my chances of recurrence wouldn't be any better with than without it..You just have to trust your doctors opinion or get a 2nd one. We all know the fears you have and the people on this site are great! good luck and keep us posted...... Maggi

2bhealed · April 2004

Hi Mark,

Welcome to the club. Sorry you're here.

I was Stage 3 and chose not to do any chemo. So far so good after 2 1/2 yrs cancer free with no recurrence or mets. Mine did go in the lymph.

I know at Mayo Clinic where I go they do not recommend chemo for Stage 2 and below. Why go through it if you don't have to.

Hope all goes well for you.

peace, emily

spongebob · April 2004

Welcome to the semi-colons, Mark,

Two schools of thought here: Blast the dragon with chemo or starve the dragon with stringent, good nutrition. Either method has been shown to be effective. If you don't get chemo, you should talk to emily (2bhealed), she's our resident naturopathic expert and has lots of good references (not to menion a recepie for a killer blueberry smoothie).

As for me, I'm a blast the dragon sorta guy. Understand that chemo does have it's side-effects, some of which can be long-lasting.

Definitely something to think about long and hard.

Best regards

- SpongeBob

Bonnie5 · April 2004

StacyGleaso said:
Hi Mark,

Yeah, unfortunately, you'll probably be walking on eggshells for a while, wondering if the battle is over or not. But try not to let it consume you totally. Don't let life and the things around you go unnoticed in exchange for a life of paranoia. In my opinion, for what it's worth, half the battle is detection. And since you've already been diagnosed, you'll be getting enough tests to stay on top of any new developments.

Another good idea is to watch what you eat. The 'ol '5 servings of fruits & veggies' makes a lot more sense, now. Reducing or eliminating your red meat intake is another highly recommended suggestion.

Finally, the bottom line is how comfortable you feel with the way your physician handles things. If you feel confident in her/his suggestions and action plan, then good. However, if you have the slightest apprehension, maybe check into another opinion.

Best of health to you,

Stacy

I have't had too much luck on being sure of my DR'S. I have had to have 2 colostomys done due to the error of the first. Still am very uncomfortable especially when I eat a meal. I have had my first surgery in 2001 ,second surgery 2002 now I have to face having a total mastectomy. My Mom and I were diagnosed with cancer at the same time with the same Doctors. Me colon and she had Breast cancer. Now having a few biopsys they are thinking of doing a full mastectomy for prevention measures. I just do not know how much more I can take.

Bonnie5 · April 2004

StacyGleaso said:
Hi Mark,

Yeah, unfortunately, you'll probably be walking on eggshells for a while, wondering if the battle is over or not. But try not to let it consume you totally. Don't let life and the things around you go unnoticed in exchange for a life of paranoia. In my opinion, for what it's worth, half the battle is detection. And since you've already been diagnosed, you'll be getting enough tests to stay on top of any new developments.

Another good idea is to watch what you eat. The 'ol '5 servings of fruits & veggies' makes a lot more sense, now. Reducing or eliminating your red meat intake is another highly recommended suggestion.

Finally, the bottom line is how comfortable you feel with the way your physician handles things. If you feel confident in her/his suggestions and action plan, then good. However, if you have the slightest apprehension, maybe check into another opinion.

Best of health to you,

Stacy

I have't had too much luck on being sure of my DR'S. I have had to have 2 colostomys done due to the error of the first. Still am very uncomfortable especially when I eat a meal. I have had my first surgery in 2001 ,second surgery 2002 now I have to face having a total mastectomy. My Mom and I were diagnosed with cancer at the same time with the same Doctors. Me colon and she had Breast cancer. Now having a few biopsys they are thinking of doing a full mastectomy for prevention measures. I just do not know how much more I can take.

new to this site also

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