got second opinion...
Comments
-
Second Opinion
Was it from someone in a different practice?
Maybe the second Dr. wants to make sure that they are seeing everything clearly? It does see a bit odd to have one since it was last done in May. Are you going to a major cancer facility by any chance? If things are as serious as they sound I would think they would not drag their feet. My first oncologist was a foot dragger, I got rid of him real fast!
You didn't really post too much information so it's hard to give advice. I would make sure that I was at the best place possible. What you do first makes a huge difference. There's nothing worse than having to un-do something that was done wrong or needlessly.
-phil0 -
second opinionPhillieG said:Second Opinion
Was it from someone in a different practice?
Maybe the second Dr. wants to make sure that they are seeing everything clearly? It does see a bit odd to have one since it was last done in May. Are you going to a major cancer facility by any chance? If things are as serious as they sound I would think they would not drag their feet. My first oncologist was a foot dragger, I got rid of him real fast!
You didn't really post too much information so it's hard to give advice. I would make sure that I was at the best place possible. What you do first makes a huge difference. There's nothing worse than having to un-do something that was done wrong or needlessly.
-phil
Hi,
My second opinion was at a different location. I will say I wasn't that impressed. My gut feeling told me "wrong place for what I am going through". The first Dr. is a highly known colorectal cancer surgeon here in Lebanon NH. He was a colon/rectal surgeon at the Mayo Clinic for several years. Has been here for about 7 yrs. He says he can remove all of my colon laproscopicaly. I hope he is right. I had to go through the second opinion just to make myself feel better...but I don't. I have already made my decision to go with the first Dr. and my surgery is set for July 8. He also wants me to have a kidney scan, endoscopy, urine analysis, and mammogram. he sceduled all of these for tommorow! I am so scared. I have no family here close by which makes it very hard some days to deal with all of this. This site is a wonderful place to talk to people who actually know and care about what you are going through. Thanks for caring...
~Tessa~0 -
You are in my thoughts and Prayers Tonightnorthernlites said:second opinion
Hi,
My second opinion was at a different location. I will say I wasn't that impressed. My gut feeling told me "wrong place for what I am going through". The first Dr. is a highly known colorectal cancer surgeon here in Lebanon NH. He was a colon/rectal surgeon at the Mayo Clinic for several years. Has been here for about 7 yrs. He says he can remove all of my colon laproscopicaly. I hope he is right. I had to go through the second opinion just to make myself feel better...but I don't. I have already made my decision to go with the first Dr. and my surgery is set for July 8. He also wants me to have a kidney scan, endoscopy, urine analysis, and mammogram. he sceduled all of these for tommorow! I am so scared. I have no family here close by which makes it very hard some days to deal with all of this. This site is a wonderful place to talk to people who actually know and care about what you are going through. Thanks for caring...
~Tessa~
Tessa,
I had my family and husband to give support through those tough times before surgery and staging. If it helps I will say a prayer for you to help you with the tests and to get you through surgery. My staging and treatment was at the Mayo in Rochester MN. Before surgery they want to check everything to prepare for surgery. You are in good hands.
You are in my prayers tonight,
NB0 -
Sounds like a plannorthernlites said:second opinion
Hi,
My second opinion was at a different location. I will say I wasn't that impressed. My gut feeling told me "wrong place for what I am going through". The first Dr. is a highly known colorectal cancer surgeon here in Lebanon NH. He was a colon/rectal surgeon at the Mayo Clinic for several years. Has been here for about 7 yrs. He says he can remove all of my colon laproscopicaly. I hope he is right. I had to go through the second opinion just to make myself feel better...but I don't. I have already made my decision to go with the first Dr. and my surgery is set for July 8. He also wants me to have a kidney scan, endoscopy, urine analysis, and mammogram. he sceduled all of these for tommorow! I am so scared. I have no family here close by which makes it very hard some days to deal with all of this. This site is a wonderful place to talk to people who actually know and care about what you are going through. Thanks for caring...
~Tessa~
I know the second opinion question might have sounded strange but sometimes people get their second opinion at the same practice. It sounds like your Dr has a good pedigree. It's important to feel comfortable with your doctors.
You said "This site is a wonderful place to talk to people who actually know and care about what you are going through."
It is but I'd get a second opinion on that one!
;-)
Hopefully more people will chime in with their thoughts. Most people are mainstream but we also have some people who have chosen alternative routes so it's a nice mix.
Keep us posted Tessa,
-phil0 -
Tessa -
Re:
"He says he can remove all of my colon laproscopicaly. "
Sometimes that's a "good thing", and sometimes not.
Any abdominal surgery is invasive. Laparoscopic surgery can leave
less scars on the outside, but is just as invasive on the inside, and
it provides the surgeon with less information regarding the condition
of the area he's working in, than full open surgery.
Very often, the colorectal surgeon finds cancer that had been
previously undetected, during full open surgery. Laparoscopic
surgery can not provide that advantage.
Either method of surgery will produce an equal amount of adhesions,
so there is no advantage there. The only advantage of Laparoscopic,
is the lesser amount of scarring that will be seen on the outside
of your body.
That said......
It should be obvious that you will be enjoying the novelty of having
a permanent Ileostomy. Since that is the case, an experienced, well
educated colorectal surgeon would have explained to you, the need
to come in prior to your surgery, and have the area suited best for
you, clearly marked for the location of the stoma.
You can search the forum for my previous posts concerning this....
They generally use a 4x4 rule, where the stoma is located 4" to the side
of the navel, and 4" below the belt line. The stoma should protrude between
3/4" to 1" from the body, and -not- be located on a hernia, fold of skin,
scar, or any uneven surface.
The surgeon usually has a WOCN (wound ostomy continence nurse)
measure and locate the spot best for you. Often they have you wear a
pouch filled with a heavy substance (apple sauce), to make sure you
will be comfortable with the location for the ostomy.
You can learn more regarding ostomies at the UOAA web site.
It can take between 6 months to a year before the new stoma
(and you) settle in. During that time, maintenance of the stoma
can be very taxing on your entire composure. You can get very
depressed, angry, and downright hostile with anything around.
You will need to take time, and accept the need for patience with
this "new you". It does get better over time.
You will experience leaks at very inopportune times, and have
bodily waste running down you leg, or saturating your bed.
You will need to invest in soil-proof pads to use on your bedding,
at least until things settle....
So Tessa..... Please take the time to make certain the colorectal
surgeon has made those special arrangements for you? If he hasn't,
or tells you it isn't necessary, you may be better off locating a
colorectal surgeon with better judgement and experience.
I'm telling you this, not to be rude or mean, but to save you much
heartache and grief.
My best wishes are with you,
John0 -
we have all been through hellnorthernlites said:second opinion
Hi,
My second opinion was at a different location. I will say I wasn't that impressed. My gut feeling told me "wrong place for what I am going through". The first Dr. is a highly known colorectal cancer surgeon here in Lebanon NH. He was a colon/rectal surgeon at the Mayo Clinic for several years. Has been here for about 7 yrs. He says he can remove all of my colon laproscopicaly. I hope he is right. I had to go through the second opinion just to make myself feel better...but I don't. I have already made my decision to go with the first Dr. and my surgery is set for July 8. He also wants me to have a kidney scan, endoscopy, urine analysis, and mammogram. he sceduled all of these for tommorow! I am so scared. I have no family here close by which makes it very hard some days to deal with all of this. This site is a wonderful place to talk to people who actually know and care about what you are going through. Thanks for caring...
~Tessa~
dear tessa,
you have a hard road in front of you, i did too., but i choose life. i am living in agony with an arse
i would use as a torcher device on someone i hate. that said i am on family holiday in fiji and loving it, despite the pain.
most of us here are going through hell, have been or will.
my point is most of us have been saved, or helped, ot had life extended by our western ans eastern and alternative medicines. our affulence saves us. all the villagers i met don' have our medical mirarcles. so i am just so grateful to have a chance at life still.
smile and be brave, you can do this, we are here for support, it is what we do, we do it real well.
take john23 advice to heart and all the other comments.
i wanted to rush at dx, but my surgeon said slow and considered steps. i followed his advice, so far so good.
hugs,
pete0 -
Hi Tessanorthernlites said:second opinion
Hi,
My second opinion was at a different location. I will say I wasn't that impressed. My gut feeling told me "wrong place for what I am going through". The first Dr. is a highly known colorectal cancer surgeon here in Lebanon NH. He was a colon/rectal surgeon at the Mayo Clinic for several years. Has been here for about 7 yrs. He says he can remove all of my colon laproscopicaly. I hope he is right. I had to go through the second opinion just to make myself feel better...but I don't. I have already made my decision to go with the first Dr. and my surgery is set for July 8. He also wants me to have a kidney scan, endoscopy, urine analysis, and mammogram. he sceduled all of these for tommorow! I am so scared. I have no family here close by which makes it very hard some days to deal with all of this. This site is a wonderful place to talk to people who actually know and care about what you are going through. Thanks for caring...
~Tessa~
I had my entire colon removed. Had lots of opinions- all the same. I am glad I followed their advice. Even though it has been trying at times and I am really still recovering from it all.
I had a recent cancer scare, as in they thought I had sacral cancer, just a short bit ago. The thought of colon cancer dogging me for my whole life (I had two large tumors and lots of polyps), would have been too much for me to manage. I know that now. I know even a radical step does not guarantee the cancer will not return or that I won't get a different cancer down the road, but at least I know I won't have colon cancer on my colon
It sounds like you have a good surgeon. I hope you will be happy with the results. Just remember, it is all your choices and regardless of which ones Qyou make some of what you are going through will be hard (find a good support group if you have no family nearby), healing and adjusting (both mental and physical) will take time and it will be way better than dying of cancer.
My son lives in Claremont and works in Leb at Timpkin. We were just up that way last weekend. I hope all goes well on the eighth!
Rick0 -
when is staging doneRickMurtagh said:Hi Tessa
I had my entire colon removed. Had lots of opinions- all the same. I am glad I followed their advice. Even though it has been trying at times and I am really still recovering from it all.
I had a recent cancer scare, as in they thought I had sacral cancer, just a short bit ago. The thought of colon cancer dogging me for my whole life (I had two large tumors and lots of polyps), would have been too much for me to manage. I know that now. I know even a radical step does not guarantee the cancer will not return or that I won't get a different cancer down the road, but at least I know I won't have colon cancer on my colon
It sounds like you have a good surgeon. I hope you will be happy with the results. Just remember, it is all your choices and regardless of which ones Qyou make some of what you are going through will be hard (find a good support group if you have no family nearby), healing and adjusting (both mental and physical) will take time and it will be way better than dying of cancer.
My son lives in Claremont and works in Leb at Timpkin. We were just up that way last weekend. I hope all goes well on the eighth!
Rick
Hi Rick,
thank you for the comments. My sister has agreed to come here and stay with me at least for a couple weeks after i get home from the hospital. Is staging of cancer done before and after surgery?
Tessa0 -
I am going to differ with JohnJohn23 said:Tessa -
Re:
"He says he can remove all of my colon laproscopicaly. "
Sometimes that's a "good thing", and sometimes not.
Any abdominal surgery is invasive. Laparoscopic surgery can leave
less scars on the outside, but is just as invasive on the inside, and
it provides the surgeon with less information regarding the condition
of the area he's working in, than full open surgery.
Very often, the colorectal surgeon finds cancer that had been
previously undetected, during full open surgery. Laparoscopic
surgery can not provide that advantage.
Either method of surgery will produce an equal amount of adhesions,
so there is no advantage there. The only advantage of Laparoscopic,
is the lesser amount of scarring that will be seen on the outside
of your body.
That said......
It should be obvious that you will be enjoying the novelty of having
a permanent Ileostomy. Since that is the case, an experienced, well
educated colorectal surgeon would have explained to you, the need
to come in prior to your surgery, and have the area suited best for
you, clearly marked for the location of the stoma.
You can search the forum for my previous posts concerning this....
They generally use a 4x4 rule, where the stoma is located 4" to the side
of the navel, and 4" below the belt line. The stoma should protrude between
3/4" to 1" from the body, and -not- be located on a hernia, fold of skin,
scar, or any uneven surface.
The surgeon usually has a WOCN (wound ostomy continence nurse)
measure and locate the spot best for you. Often they have you wear a
pouch filled with a heavy substance (apple sauce), to make sure you
will be comfortable with the location for the ostomy.
You can learn more regarding ostomies at the UOAA web site.
It can take between 6 months to a year before the new stoma
(and you) settle in. During that time, maintenance of the stoma
can be very taxing on your entire composure. You can get very
depressed, angry, and downright hostile with anything around.
You will need to take time, and accept the need for patience with
this "new you". It does get better over time.
You will experience leaks at very inopportune times, and have
bodily waste running down you leg, or saturating your bed.
You will need to invest in soil-proof pads to use on your bedding,
at least until things settle....
So Tessa..... Please take the time to make certain the colorectal
surgeon has made those special arrangements for you? If he hasn't,
or tells you it isn't necessary, you may be better off locating a
colorectal surgeon with better judgement and experience.
I'm telling you this, not to be rude or mean, but to save you much
heartache and grief.
My best wishes are with you,
John
on just one point. While laproscopic surgery does equal the same amount of cutting on the interior, it also means almost no cutting of the abdominal wall. Having your stomach muscles torn stem to stern takes a lot of healing (much longer than laproscopic) and an increase in the pain.
Personally, I have colostomy, and am finally getting used to it after about six months. John's tips on UOAA and on meeting with a WOCN prior to the surgery are good ones. Also, while he had some very bad experiences after surgery not everyone experiences those. You may get lucky and have an appliance that fits right at the start (personally, I like Hollister products) but it is a good idea to be prepared for the worst and hope for the best.
Good luck,
Blake0 -
Double PostJohn23 said:Tessa -
Re:
"He says he can remove all of my colon laproscopicaly. "
Sometimes that's a "good thing", and sometimes not.
Any abdominal surgery is invasive. Laparoscopic surgery can leave
less scars on the outside, but is just as invasive on the inside, and
it provides the surgeon with less information regarding the condition
of the area he's working in, than full open surgery.
Very often, the colorectal surgeon finds cancer that had been
previously undetected, during full open surgery. Laparoscopic
surgery can not provide that advantage.
Either method of surgery will produce an equal amount of adhesions,
so there is no advantage there. The only advantage of Laparoscopic,
is the lesser amount of scarring that will be seen on the outside
of your body.
That said......
It should be obvious that you will be enjoying the novelty of having
a permanent Ileostomy. Since that is the case, an experienced, well
educated colorectal surgeon would have explained to you, the need
to come in prior to your surgery, and have the area suited best for
you, clearly marked for the location of the stoma.
You can search the forum for my previous posts concerning this....
They generally use a 4x4 rule, where the stoma is located 4" to the side
of the navel, and 4" below the belt line. The stoma should protrude between
3/4" to 1" from the body, and -not- be located on a hernia, fold of skin,
scar, or any uneven surface.
The surgeon usually has a WOCN (wound ostomy continence nurse)
measure and locate the spot best for you. Often they have you wear a
pouch filled with a heavy substance (apple sauce), to make sure you
will be comfortable with the location for the ostomy.
You can learn more regarding ostomies at the UOAA web site.
It can take between 6 months to a year before the new stoma
(and you) settle in. During that time, maintenance of the stoma
can be very taxing on your entire composure. You can get very
depressed, angry, and downright hostile with anything around.
You will need to take time, and accept the need for patience with
this "new you". It does get better over time.
You will experience leaks at very inopportune times, and have
bodily waste running down you leg, or saturating your bed.
You will need to invest in soil-proof pads to use on your bedding,
at least until things settle....
So Tessa..... Please take the time to make certain the colorectal
surgeon has made those special arrangements for you? If he hasn't,
or tells you it isn't necessary, you may be better off locating a
colorectal surgeon with better judgement and experience.
I'm telling you this, not to be rude or mean, but to save you much
heartache and grief.
My best wishes are with you,
John
*0 -
Buck.....Buckwirth said:I am going to differ with John
on just one point. While laproscopic surgery does equal the same amount of cutting on the interior, it also means almost no cutting of the abdominal wall. Having your stomach muscles torn stem to stern takes a lot of healing (much longer than laproscopic) and an increase in the pain.
Personally, I have colostomy, and am finally getting used to it after about six months. John's tips on UOAA and on meeting with a WOCN prior to the surgery are good ones. Also, while he had some very bad experiences after surgery not everyone experiences those. You may get lucky and have an appliance that fits right at the start (personally, I like Hollister products) but it is a good idea to be prepared for the worst and hope for the best.
Good luck,
Blake
There is a vast difference between a Colostomy and an Ileostomy.
The main and probably the most important difference, is that the
colon neutralizes the digestive fluids, where the Ileum/small intestine
does not.
The colon/large intestine output is also is fairly well regulated, where
the small intestine's output is normally directly into the large intestine
with some control from the Ileocecal valve. That valve is part of the
colon, and is removed with the colon when an Ileostomy is formed.
The Ileostomy output can vary from every fifteen minutes, to hourly,
depending on various conditions. The Colostomy output is better
regulated, and controlled, and the output not as abrasive to one's
skin and peristomal area, as the Ileostomy output.
"Grapes and watermelons".
Although the Ileostomate has more to deal with, anything is
eventually manageable.
As we agree..... expect the worst, and hope for the best.
It really does get better.
And Tessa.....
There are plenty of us around to help you with any problems;
do not be too shy to ask about anything! That's what these forums
are for!
Best of health to you (and Buck, too)
John0 -
John,John23 said:Buck.....
There is a vast difference between a Colostomy and an Ileostomy.
The main and probably the most important difference, is that the
colon neutralizes the digestive fluids, where the Ileum/small intestine
does not.
The colon/large intestine output is also is fairly well regulated, where
the small intestine's output is normally directly into the large intestine
with some control from the Ileocecal valve. That valve is part of the
colon, and is removed with the colon when an Ileostomy is formed.
The Ileostomy output can vary from every fifteen minutes, to hourly,
depending on various conditions. The Colostomy output is better
regulated, and controlled, and the output not as abrasive to one's
skin and peristomal area, as the Ileostomy output.
"Grapes and watermelons".
Although the Ileostomate has more to deal with, anything is
eventually manageable.
As we agree..... expect the worst, and hope for the best.
It really does get better.
And Tessa.....
There are plenty of us around to help you with any problems;
do not be too shy to ask about anything! That's what these forums
are for!
Best of health to you (and Buck, too)
John
I apologize if I came across as saying they were the same, I am very aware of the differences, and of the issues you have had with yours (a true nightmare scenario).
I was only mentioning that I too have an Ostomy, that SOME of our issues are similar, and that the right appliance can make a HUGE difference in outcome.
I can also say that you were a big help to me when I found out I would need an appliance, so many thanks to you for all of your assistance.
Health to you,
Blake0 -
Blake -Buckwirth said:John,
I apologize if I came across as saying they were the same, I am very aware of the differences, and of the issues you have had with yours (a true nightmare scenario).
I was only mentioning that I too have an Ostomy, that SOME of our issues are similar, and that the right appliance can make a HUGE difference in outcome.
I can also say that you were a big help to me when I found out I would need an appliance, so many thanks to you for all of your assistance.
Health to you,
Blake
Re:
"I apologize if I came across as saying they were the same,"
No apology needed!! My return post wasn't "aimed" at you,
it was intended to be a simple clarification to anyone that might
not realize the differences between the two.
You're correct that the appliance can make a world of difference.
Back in 2006, I started with Convetec. Apparently Convetec supplies
hospitals and nurses with a ton of free samples. A smart move....
I found that Convetec and Hollister appliances gave me one helluva
rash. After six months of hell, I tried the Coloplast appliances, and
they did not produce any problem with my skin; I've used Coloplast
ever since.
But skin conditions can and do change as our body chemistry changes,
and what works well today, may be rendered useless tomorrow.
I've been having a problem with the adhesive becoming liquefied after
a day's use. But since I have "short bowel syndrome" and a high
output Ileostomy, it may be my cheap bourbon that's doing it.
(yeah, really!) More bourbon may be dumping into the appliance,
than into my bloodstream, and dissolving the adhesive.
So I'm now trying to find out if I can add the bourbon it to my
Saline solution and into my PICC line....
(not really) (hic)
Having an ostomy isn't the end of life. In many ways, depending on
one's need for an ostomy, the ostomy can be blessing.
But it's of great importance to make sure it's placed where it's
best for oneself.
My surgeon swore he would re-use the stoma for the resection,
but I woke up with a new stoma - a very poorly made stoma,
and very poorly placed one; It will present a fight to the end.
That's life. Cancer takes away initially, and continues to take
away, even in it's absence.
Best of health to ya'll !
John0 -
Scared
You being scared is so normal. Glad you got the second opinion and it sounds like your first doctor has a good plan. Someone from Mayo clinic is a good doctor to go with and you have every right to go to a third opinion. Just make sure that you ask lots of questions and if you don't know what to ask come here and ask for questions to ask. Good luck with the procedure and let us know how it goes.
Kim0 -
second opinionAnnabelle41415 said:Scared
You being scared is so normal. Glad you got the second opinion and it sounds like your first doctor has a good plan. Someone from Mayo clinic is a good doctor to go with and you have every right to go to a third opinion. Just make sure that you ask lots of questions and if you don't know what to ask come here and ask for questions to ask. Good luck with the procedure and let us know how it goes.
Kim
Hi Kim,
I do feel comfortable with the Dr. I chose. I received a phone call from his nurse yesterday informing me of the procedures that would be done on the 8th. She mentioned a colectomy w/ileostomy, lymphadenctomy, lysis of adhesions,sigmoidoscopy w/ brushing. That sounds all overwhelming or is that normal for removal of the colon.0 -
stagingnorthernlites said:when is staging done
Hi Rick,
thank you for the comments. My sister has agreed to come here and stay with me at least for a couple weeks after i get home from the hospital. Is staging of cancer done before and after surgery?
Tessa
Tessa,
Usually staging is done twice. The first time it is called clinical staging. Kind of a best guess bassed on initial symptoms, tests and usually biopsies. Later in the game, after surgery, biopsies and sometimes treatment, pathological staging is done, to give a more accurate picture of the cancer progression. Sometimes they differ, even by a wide margin, and sometimes not.
Google cancer staging and look at the Wikipedia entry - it is accurate - then check out the colon cancer link at the bottom as well as the TNM link at the bottom. That should give you a pretty good understanding of cancer staging, particularly colorectal cancer.
Here is a good excerpt:
Cancer staging can be divided into a clinical stage and a pathologic stage. In the TNM (Tumor, Node, Metastasis) system, clinical stage and pathologic stage are denoted by a small "c" or "p" before the stage (e.g., cT3N1M0 or pT2N0).
Clinical stage is based on all of the available information obtained before a surgery to remove the tumor. Thus, it may include information about the tumor obtained by physical examination, radiologic examination, and endoscopy.
Pathologic stage adds additional information gained by examination of the tumor microscopically by a pathologist.
Because they use different criteria, clinical stage and pathologic stage often differ. Pathologic staging is usually considered the "better"
or "truer" stage because it allows direct examination of the tumor and its spread, contrasted with clinical staging which is limited by the fact that the information is obtained by making indirect observations at a tumor which is still in the body. However, clinical staging and pathologic staging should complement each other. Not every tumor is treated surgically, therefore pathologic staging is not always available. Also, sometimes surgery is preceded by other treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy which shrink the tumor, so the pathologic stage may underestimate the true stage.
This staging system is used for most forms of cancer, except brain tumors and hematological malignancies.0 -
HNPCC
Hi Sweetie,
So glad you did get a second opinion--it always helps to get more comprehensive information so that you can properly advocate for yourself. The right doctor does make a world of difference.
I, too have HNPCC; in fact, both my sisters do, too. It's all down the line in my mother's family. My Mom passed away from undiagnosed colon cancer 7 years ago. The family history had my onc doing the test and sure enough, there it was. Surgery followed by chemo ensued and then 4 months after my last chemo treatment, I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer, another lovely cancer that HNPCC brings. Fortunately, only surgery was needed for that one since it was such an early stage.
At any rate, you may want to carefully weigh the laparoscopic surgery. Yes, it means less bleeding, quicker healing time and no huge scar. On the other hand, the colon is a convoluted rascal, and nothing beats getting in there with plenty of room to eyeball everything around it. Think well about it.
I don't know where you are in life, but if you are in menopause, you should NEVER have any bleeding; if you do, get to your gyn ASAP.
As for the other tests, including the endoscopy, just do them in order to rule out anything untoward. Don't worry about no surgery date yet. Once everything is decided things will move so fast your head will be spinning, and you will just want to say, "Slow down, People!"
Finally, you definitely have come to the right place. This site was my best friend during the worst of it, and I still periodically come here to check in. Information, encouragement, prayers and support of all kinds are freely and happily given and taken. You can talk about anything and ask about anything and if the answers are to be had from anyone here, you will get them.
Hang in there. I just had my next-to-last test before I am officially 5 years out from the colon cancer and 4 years out from the uterine cancer. Life does go on, but there's a process to getting there and a new way of looking at things. Your new normal will be very different from your old normal, but there are many compensations, like enjoying things you never took the time to enjoy before and not sweating the small stuff (and yes, after this everything will be small stuff.)
Let us know when your surgery is and what route you opt to take. Meanwhile, my prayers and comfort go out for you and to you.
Hugs,
Kirsten0
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