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Apr 06, 2018 - 12:01 pm
I was upset to learn that my colon tumor had grown back, and was causing blood in my stools. I thought the blood was from hemroids or aggravation from diarhea caused from chemo, and that's what all the doctors have told me every time I mention bloody stools or bloody diarhea. I've only had one chemo treatment since last August due to gallbladder problems, and surgeries to repair gall bladder. The colon tumor had disappeared from scans for over a year and a half, but is larger now that when I was diagnosed 2 years ago. I will have robotic surgery at Mayo April 20th. Really wish they could have gotten me in sooner, because of all the problems it's causing. My surgeon will use the robotic surgery and is also taking the lymph nodes behind the tumor. The oncologist wants him to remove a tumor in my liver the same day. I'll find out more after my CT scan on the 12th. I'm glad they're finally willing to remove that tumor. I was told I'd never have surgery because I'm stage 4. It really upset me since I've heard of so many others who've had surgery and even been cured from stage 4 cancer. Maybe I'll have the same good results after they cut all this crappy cancer out of me. |
Joined: Jul 2017
CRC
Joan, I'm so sorry to hear this news. When I met with a second Oncologist for the first time, he sat down with me and my husband to go over absolutely everything. And he referred to colorectal cancer as a 'surgical' cancer. I find it confusing that they seem to pick and choose what they'll operate on.
Prayers for an uneventful surgery and a quick recovery! One hurdle at a time, right?
Joined: May 2013
Joan
i am sorry you need more surgery but I think you are relieved its finally coming out so it sounds good at the same time. You have been through so much I hope this the start of a break for you.
Joined: Jan 2017
Hi Joan
so sorry to hear that the tumor grew, and so glad to hear it’s going to be removed robotically. I had robotic surgery last spring to remove my colon tumor and also had a small liver resection and abalation of some liver mets during the same operative setting. Each organ had its own separate surgeon. The surgery really wasn’t so bad. The incisions are pretty small and not too painful. I think the liver portion actually gave me more pain than the colon part. Take all the pain meds they give you for the first couple days, and as soon as you’re able start moving. the More you can ambulated the better you’ll feel.
Wishing you all the best
pam
Joined: Jul 2016
So sorry to hear this Joan.
So sorry to hear this Joan. Maybe the surgery will get rid of it. Prayers are sent.
Joined: Sep 2017
Sorry about the news :(
Sorry about the news :( However it is great they are willing to do both at once now. Will be great to have some sort of reset for you:) Good luck with the surgery..you will do great.
Joined: Jan 2013
Dear Joan
I am so sorry to hear this news. You've been through so much, and now more surgery.
I hope they get everything and some. And I hope they get the liver sorted to boot.
Thinking of you.
Tru
Joined: Feb 2009
Surgery
I'm so sorry that you need to have surgery again because of the new tumor, but if they can get it out all at once it's better. I've always been told that cutting it out is the best option. Please keep us informed.
Kim
Joined: Sep 2014
Oh no, what a huge
Oh no, what a huge disappointment! This time should be the ticket for sure. I'm so sorry you're having to go through that again. Best of luck with it. We'll be thinking of you on April 20.
Jan
Joined: Oct 2016
Thank you all for your advice and kindness
I am very happy that I'll finally get this tumor removed! I don't look forward to the recovery period... I've had other surgeries and seem to have more problems after anesthesia and also have a pretty low pain tolerance. I'm very glad they are using the minimally invasive approach, should make it easier to recover.
I leave for MD Anderson tomorrow to find out if they have any trials that would help me better than the folfiri or folfox. I will be traveling from Texas to Rochester for surgery so won't be home for a couple weeks.
Praying all goes as planned and leads to remission and cure!
Joined: Mar 2010
Ask for an epidural for pain management
That has helped me tremendously in pain control after my surgeries.
Joined: Jul 2016
God bless Joan.
God bless Joan.
Joined: Feb 2016
Best of luck with your
Best of luck with your surgery! You can do this!
Joined: Oct 2017
Best wishes for a speedy
Best wishes for a speedy recovery. No treatment is wanted but at least you're having it done at a great cancer center.
Joined: Jan 2018
Prayers
Sending prayers and hoping you have a easy recovery.
Joined: Dec 2009
Best of luck
with your surgery! Prayers for strength and healing!
Joined: Feb 2009
Holly
Good to see your post. It has been some time. Hope you are doing well.
Kim
Joined: Apr 2018
sending good energy
Much good for upcoming surgery.
Joined: Feb 2009
Welcome
Welcome to the board. It would be nice if you could start a seperate post and introduce yourself. We are here to help.
Kim
Joined: Jan 2017
Hi Joan
Thinking of you . I believe your surgery was scheduled for today. Wishing you a successful outcome and a speedy recovery
pam
Joined: Jul 2017
Me too!
Thinking of you today, Joan. Praying for your strength in recovery. We look forward to seeing your next post. --Beth
Joined: Sep 2014
Also thinking of you! I hope
Also thinking of you! I hope it goes as easily as possible.
Jan
Joined: May 2013
Thinking of you
here to Joan! I hope the surgery goes smoothly!!
Joined: Jan 2013
Been thinking of you all day
Hoping that you will bounce right back.
Feel the love!
Tru
Joined: Feb 2009
Surgery
Praying that the surgery was a success. Just let us know when you can how you are doing. We are all pulling for you.
Hugs! Kim
Joined: Aug 2013
Same as everyone, while I
Same as everyone, while I work through another regular Friday, I thought of you and how important this day is for you. Hope the medical team nailed it [contractor term] and your comfortable enough and healing up well this day after........................................................Dave
Joined: Apr 2015
Same here
Hoping the surgery went well and you are recovering with minimal pain.
Grace/lizard44
Joined: Oct 2016
Thank you all for the good wishes!
I feel very fortunate that I was able to have the surgery done at the Mayo Hospital and am very happy that my surgery was done robotically. I've healed up quicker than I expected. The largest main incision was done along my c-section scar at the bikini line, and is about half the size of the c-section scar (aoubt 3 or 4 inches). I have 4 other incisions that are about 1/2 inch to an inch and then about a 2 inch scar a few inches from the right side of belly button.
It's been just over 2 weeks, and I'm finally starting to feel somewhat normal without pain meds. I've been doing well for most of the day and have taken some in the evening or bedtime.
After posting about the scheduled surgery, I had a CT scan done and the doctors saw an "abcess" in the right lobe of my liver. They tested the fluid and it was initially negative for infection but after 7 days showed some growth of bacteria. I have to travel back to Mayo and see an Infectious Disease Specialist. I was told I may need to have a drainage tube placed in the abcess to drain the fluid and that the area will collapse so there will not be a fluid filled cavity there after the tube is removed. I'm really dreading that tube but need to get the matter resolved so I can get back on chemo.
I haven't been on the site much sinhce I got back from Mayo because I've been caring for my granddaughters (with the help of my mother) while my daughter finishes her finals. She graduates this Saturday and I have company arriving Thursday evening for the graduation.
I will keep you updated about the liver issue on a new thread because I would like people to know that the doctors believe this abcess is due to necrosis after Y90 theraspheres, which is good in part because the tumors died, but the fluid filled cavities can become infected and kill you. So it's not an easy thing to deal with. My husband said I should not have had the Y90. Hard to know that this could be a result of the procedure since I don't recall any information to that effect given as a warning.
This afternoon is pretty quiet so I'm going to take a nap before my son gets home from school.
Take care and God Bless you all!
Joined: Jun 2017
Joan
I am glad your surgery went well and recovered sooner. I hope you got rid of the disease anymore.
Joined: Jun 2017
Well wishes
I just finished my follow up chemo this past Sunday and am worried about recurrance some time in the future. It's almost as scary as finding out you have it in the first place. Glad to hear you have a good support system in place. Hope you beat this disgusting disease. Take care and God bless you and yours.