Need some opinions\advice\experience

jmaddox915
jmaddox915 Member Posts: 80 Member
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
I was dx in July 2009 with Stage IV colon cancer at age 39. I had the tumor removed along with 8 inches of my colon in August and 6 months of chemo. I responded well to chemo and in March of 2010 after a PET and liver MRI, there was only one small spot on my liver and it was inactive. Late March, I had a liver resection and told margins were clear and liver ultrasound showed no signs of disease.

My doctor told me on April 6th, 2010 that I am what they refer to as NED and to come back to see him in July for my first post NED checkup.

Now here is my question\concern\worry. I guess I am like everyone else. Now that I have had colon cancer I inspect my BM's more than ever. For the last two weeks or so, I have noticed a discoloration in my stool. It is not bright red but maroon in color. It is not present all the time. Has anyone else had this? Could it be rectal cancer?

To be honest, I am freaking out. I am suppose to leave tomorrow for a trip to the Turks and Caicos island with my husband and trying so hard not to worry. I have a doctor's appointment with my regular MD on July 6th and then my oncologist is July 19th. I am also suppose to have my 1 year colonscopy in August.

Comments

  • PGLGreg
    PGLGreg Member Posts: 731
    #2
    I think the odds are against
    I think the odds are against your maroon stools being caused by rectal cancer. My rectal cancer did have an effect on my stools, but it made them blood colored -- red, not maroon. Then, also, you are under surveillance, and how could a cancer in your rectum advanced enough to discolor your stool go unnoticed by your oncologist? And even if your worst fears are justified, a week or two delay in treating a new rectal cancer won't make a difference, anyway, and you're seeing your doctor in just a few days.

    --Greg
  • tootsie1
    tootsie1 Member Posts: 5,044 Member
    #3
    Go and have fun
    I understand the fear. I sometimes look at myself in the mirror and ask, "Who ever knew I would be so interested in my poop?"

    I do think you should go on your trip and try to relax. You'll be seeing your doctor very soon.

    *hugs*
    Gail
  • lizzydavis
    lizzydavis Member Posts: 893
    #4
    tootsie1 said:

    Go and have fun
    I understand the fear. I sometimes look at myself in the mirror and ask, "Who ever knew I would be so interested in my poop?"

    I do think you should go on your trip and try to relax. You'll be seeing your doctor very soon.

    *hugs*
    Gail

    Watermelon, Tomatoes, Red Peppers, etc.
    Watermelon, Tomatoes, Red Peppers, etc. Have you eaten any lately? I know when I eat tomatoes and other dark red food, it sometimes shows up later.
  • jmaddox915
    jmaddox915 Member Posts: 80 Member
    #5
    lizzydavis said:

    Watermelon, Tomatoes, Red Peppers, etc.
    Watermelon, Tomatoes, Red Peppers, etc. Have you eaten any lately? I know when I eat tomatoes and other dark red food, it sometimes shows up later.

    Thank you all for replying.
    Thank you all for replying. I was at the bank today and one of the tellers had a calendar and it said fear is the absence of faith. I need to get my faith back.

    I have eaten watermelon recently (within the last 3 days). I am going to do my best to enjoy by trip and time with my husband.

    Thank you again for your replies. It has helped calm me a little.
  • Buzzard
    Buzzard Member Posts: 3,043 Member
    #6
    jmaddox915 said:

    Thank you all for replying.
    Thank you all for replying. I was at the bank today and one of the tellers had a calendar and it said fear is the absence of faith. I need to get my faith back.

    I have eaten watermelon recently (within the last 3 days). I am going to do my best to enjoy by trip and time with my husband.

    Thank you again for your replies. It has helped calm me a little.

    It is what we in the south call "Pulp Fiction"............
    you are seeing watermelon pulp poop......simple as that........wanna make it look like a Christmas tree....eat fruit cocktail and look again in 2 days.......Now go on your trip and quit worrying.......Love Hope and Free plane fare.......Buzz
  • Nana b
    Nana b Member Posts: 3,030 Member
    #7
    Buzzard said:

    It is what we in the south call "Pulp Fiction"............
    you are seeing watermelon pulp poop......simple as that........wanna make it look like a Christmas tree....eat fruit cocktail and look again in 2 days.......Now go on your trip and quit worrying.......Love Hope and Free plane fare.......Buzz

    and..
    Juice, wine.....may things it could be!

    Enjoy your trip!
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #8
    Buzzard said:

    It is what we in the south call "Pulp Fiction"............
    you are seeing watermelon pulp poop......simple as that........wanna make it look like a Christmas tree....eat fruit cocktail and look again in 2 days.......Now go on your trip and quit worrying.......Love Hope and Free plane fare.......Buzz

    Buzz, you can always make me giggle!!!
    But, I must agree with all....

    After my surgery, I noticed my pooh was bright red...scared me sooooo bad!!! Turned out, it was the red from the popsicles I was eating to hydrate myself...I switched to green, it went away...

    AND....I am DANCING for your NED-ness!!!! YEA!!! Go enjoy, you have BEATEN the BEAST!!!!

    Have a great trip!!!

    Hugs, Kathi
  • abrub
    abrub Member Posts: 2,174 Member
    #9
    jmaddox915 said:

    Thank you all for replying.
    Thank you all for replying. I was at the bank today and one of the tellers had a calendar and it said fear is the absence of faith. I need to get my faith back.

    I have eaten watermelon recently (within the last 3 days). I am going to do my best to enjoy by trip and time with my husband.

    Thank you again for your replies. It has helped calm me a little.

    We used to have to warn our baby sitters
    after having tandoori chicken, or they would freak out at the color of the poop in our son's diaper - a rich, dark (scary) red.

    Have a wonderful trip. Eat the fantastic fruits, vegetables, spices and treats, and enjoy the bright colors of the Caribbean! Laugh at your personal adventure!
  • MoSoLe09
    MoSoLe09 Member Posts: 14
    #10
    iron pills
    I believe iron pills will do that as well
  • jmaddox915
    jmaddox915 Member Posts: 80 Member
    #11
    MoSoLe09 said:

    iron pills
    I believe iron pills will do that as well

    I really appreciate the
    I really appreciate the support. I am actually sitting at the airport and wanted to check the board one more time before our connecting flight.

    Thank you all so much. This board has really been good for me in getting support, information and fellowship.
  • Buzzard
    Buzzard Member Posts: 3,043 Member
    #12
    jmaddox915 said:

    I really appreciate the
    I really appreciate the support. I am actually sitting at the airport and wanted to check the board one more time before our connecting flight.

    Thank you all so much. This board has really been good for me in getting support, information and fellowship.

    Just bring us back a beautiful gift......
    and we'll call it square for the advice........LOL.....just kiddin' Have an absolute blast !!!
  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    #13
    Food
    My goodness anything could cause this change of color. Mine changes daily as what is eaten changes. One time my we ate fresh beets and my poop was red for days - it scared me, but new that it was caused by that. Food is a big product of output. Have a great vacation and let us know what doctor says when you get back. Have fun.

    Kim

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