my husband

billmullaley
billmullaley Member Posts: 1
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
We just found out that my husband has colon cancer. Do not know the stage yet but they told us that it has not gone anywhere else. He goes for pre-op on the 19th of this month. But I am very worried because of some of the things that are happening. He is having problems controling his bowels and has had several accidents. He is also having trouble with his urinating. Is this what happens or do we need to find out if something is happening. He is 51.
Thanks
C

Comments

  • Kathleen808
    Kathleen808 Member Posts: 2,342 Member
    Hi C
    Hi C,
    Welcome to the board. My husband was also diagnosed at 51. He was diagnosed in January 2009.
    I'd like to encourage you to find a colorectal surgeon do your husband's surgery, it can make a difference in outcome. Are you in an area that you can get to a comprehensive cancer center. Please be in touch.

    aloha,
    Kathleen
  • vhtqm1
    vhtqm1 Member Posts: 107
    Tumor location??
    where is the tumor located? it's location could cause the situation your describing. make sure if not already performed that you get a CT and PET scan. always remember the ER is there for you if you need them. they can perform blood testing, x-rays etc... quickly and if something is questionable he can get admitted and even move forward on the surgery earlier rather then later.

    ed
  • John23
    John23 Member Posts: 2,122 Member
    C


    Prior to any surgery, you should have a second (or third) opinion
    from an experienced colorectal surgeon that is -not- a member
    of the same organization, and preferably not in the same town.

    Whenever we're dealing with a life-changing event, we can not
    get enough qualified opinions, prior to making a choice.

    A tumor in the colon can put pressure on the prostrate, and
    cause problems with urination. The safest item to use to
    get the flow back, is Saw Palmetto. There are drugs that do
    the same thing (Flomax), but with side effects; Saw Palmetto
    works 100% as well, without side effects.

    Bowel problems with colon cancer can appear as IBS problems,
    with constipation followed with diarrhea, followed with constipation,
    cycling repeatedly.

    Re:
    "Do not know the stage yet but they told us that it has not gone anywhere else."

    It's beyond comprehension, how they can "know" it's in only
    one location, and not be able to stage it. Just the notion that they
    are telling you that it's stable, is difficult to believe.

    But that said..... right now you have been hit with a nuclear bomb,
    and when that happens to us, we aren't always able to understand
    what may have been said to us....

    Unless there is reason to operate immediately (life-threatening situation),
    do yourselves a major favor, and get a second opinion (and a third
    if necessary). Even a report that would be considered "great", should
    not go unquestioned, nor without another opinion. Colon cancer is a very
    quiet cancer; most of us go totally symptomless for a long, long time,
    before we end up on the chopping block.

    You would want to make sure you know exactly what procedure will
    be taking place, and if it calls for an ostomy. The proper placement of an
    ostomy is very important, and even experienced colorectal surgeons can
    do it wrong.

    So please, do not be rushed into surgery if it is not life-threatening.


    John
  • coloCan
    coloCan Member Posts: 1,944 Member
    John23 said:

    C


    Prior to any surgery, you should have a second (or third) opinion
    from an experienced colorectal surgeon that is -not- a member
    of the same organization, and preferably not in the same town.

    Whenever we're dealing with a life-changing event, we can not
    get enough qualified opinions, prior to making a choice.

    A tumor in the colon can put pressure on the prostrate, and
    cause problems with urination. The safest item to use to
    get the flow back, is Saw Palmetto. There are drugs that do
    the same thing (Flomax), but with side effects; Saw Palmetto
    works 100% as well, without side effects.

    Bowel problems with colon cancer can appear as IBS problems,
    with constipation followed with diarrhea, followed with constipation,
    cycling repeatedly.

    Re:
    "Do not know the stage yet but they told us that it has not gone anywhere else."

    It's beyond comprehension, how they can "know" it's in only
    one location, and not be able to stage it. Just the notion that they
    are telling you that it's stable, is difficult to believe.

    But that said..... right now you have been hit with a nuclear bomb,
    and when that happens to us, we aren't always able to understand
    what may have been said to us....

    Unless there is reason to operate immediately (life-threatening situation),
    do yourselves a major favor, and get a second opinion (and a third
    if necessary). Even a report that would be considered "great", should
    not go unquestioned, nor without another opinion. Colon cancer is a very
    quiet cancer; most of us go totally symptomless for a long, long time,
    before we end up on the chopping block.

    You would want to make sure you know exactly what procedure will
    be taking place, and if it calls for an ostomy. The proper placement of an
    ostomy is very important, and even experienced colorectal surgeons can
    do it wrong.

    So please, do not be rushed into surgery if it is not life-threatening.


    John

    Had no control over bowels neither and never knew....
    if gas, liquid or solid would come out so I spent alot of time at home (Was also in increasingly greater pain and discomfort til finally went to doctor,etc); urination then wasn't affected...,.Best wishes for you anf husband what ever course you take.....steve