thanks

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brn2ride
brn2ride Member Posts: 32
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
thanks for the replies to my earlier post. Some great suggestions and lots of hope in the post.

I believe I have rectal cancer based upon where my polyp was removed that turned out to be malignant. All this time I thought I just had hemorrhoids and actually went to my gp to see about getting them removed. He said a colonoscopy was in order so now I am on a journey that was a shock to say the least.

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  • jams67
    jams67 Member Posts: 925 Member
    #2
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    I felt great and just went in for a routine colonoscopy and the next thing I knew I was hearing stage iv colon cancer. I'm glad they found yours when they did! Your right it is quite a shock.
    Jo Ann
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #3
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    If it is rectal (that was mine) maybe what you heard was the surgeon telling you your rectum and sigmoid colon would be removed....sigh....we hear the words 'You have cancer' and the first thing to go is our hearing.

    There are many fantastic surgeons that do 'sphincter saving' proceedures....I lost my rectum, sig colon and my guy made a NEW rectum (NO external device!) out of my descending colon. My guy is a wizard....I was 'using' my new 'rectum' the night after surgery...lol!

    MD Anderson has some...My guy was at UC Irvine Medical Center in southern California....he gave me a 3% chance going in that I would have a bag at all...even a temporary one while my reentamosis healed....I didn't even have that....

    The moral of the story is....find a GREAT surgeon that gives you the best odds....

    Hugs, Kathi
  • apache4
    apache4 Member Posts: 272 Member
    #4
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    Hi!
    Sorry to hear bout your diagnosis, but there is hope. I did not see your original post until today and wanted to agree with all the others. I had a colonsoscopy one day and that Dr. was on the phone with a surgeon right after. I had surgery the next day. They removed 18 inches, but my tumor was way at the other end of the colon. I had already been diagnosed through CT scan with the Stage IV as they saw the mets in the liver then, also. Personally, I would be a bit upset at that surgeon...very insensitive. Are you near a major cancer center? I'm not, but a network of local centers, Texas Oncology, did a great job for me close to home. I am currently NED with a CT follow-up scheduled for Jan. Best of luck to you. Remember, you deserve the best of care...don't let them give you anything less.
  • hopefulone
    hopefulone Member Posts: 1,043 Member
    #5
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    Just want you to know I wish you well and I too, unfortunately know what a shock it is. My hubby was diagnosed stageIV on routine colonscopy. He is currently NED (no evidence of disease)Keep the faith . Take one day at a time and be sure to be your own advocate. Ask lots of questions, get second opinions if needed and post here often. I also suggest checking out personal web pages and creating one yourself. Good luck & God Bless.
    Diane
  • KierstenRx
    KierstenRx Member Posts: 249
    #6
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    Hi,
    Your situations sounds similar to mine. I thought I had hemorrhoids and ended up leaving the colonoscopy with Stage III rectal cancer. I was diagnosed last September at the age of 32. I freaked out and thought I needed to get the tumor out right now. I agree with the others who have said to get a second opinion. My first surgeon said I immediately had to have surgery and permanent colostomy. He made no mention of seeing an oncologist or doing a pet/ct scan. Listen to your gut!!! I did not feel good about the situation so I made an appointment with my oncologist. My oncologist said chemo and radiation where the way to go in my case before surgery. He sent me for a second opinion with a surgeon he recommended. My life and prognosis probably has changed because of these doctors. I went through 6 weeks of radiation and chemo, healed 8 weeks, then had surgery. I did still end up with a colostomy, but my tumor was able to be completely removed with clear margins.
    You are in a scary place right now. Don't panic and take the time to make the right decisions for yourself. You have to be your own advocate. You will get through this with strength you never knew possible. We are all here for you. Please email with any questions specific you may have dealing with a colostomy. It is really not that big of a deal and worth it to be cancer free.

    Kiersten

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