Just diagnosed...

Alsison
Alsison Posts: 588 Member
May 1st, 2014. Today I was diagnosed with colon cancer.

And so my fight begins...

Step 1 - Wait for an ultrasound to determine the stage.
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Replies

  • sunglasses_and_ocean_waves
    sunglasses_and_ocean_waves Posts: 2,757 Member
    Hi & {{{hugs}}} This is truly the most difficult stage when you're in limbo going through the tests. We're with you in spirit.
  • missyjg99
    missyjg99 Posts: 246 Member
    I'm so sorry. Praying for stage 1 and for a quick recovery.
  • bmondloch
    bmondloch Posts: 28 Member
    Hopefully it was caught early and you can make a complete recovery. Prayers to you.
  • gobraves47
    gobraves47 Posts: 213 Member
    *big hugs*
    The first days were the worst for me--it's easier to handle when you know what you're dealing with and the treatment. I hope yours was caught in the early stages. Good luck on your fight!
  • KimP202
    KimP202 Posts: 68 Member
    Hi Alsison:
    we must be twins! I was diagnosed with colon cancer on April 24th.
    whew, scary time! I'm right there beside you!
  • Alsison
    Alsison Posts: 588 Member
    Hugs to all of you and thanks for the kind words. I am thankful I found this group (although sad that there is a need for it).
  • sweetcurlz67
    sweetcurlz67 Posts: 1,168 Member
    I agree with the others... The waiting is the toughest part. Sending prayers & hugz!:flowerforyou:
  • UtahWI
    UtahWI Posts: 257 Member
    I had stage 3 colorectal...T3N1M0..diagnosed July 20, 2012, last chemo, May 2013. I have a PET scan tomorrow, actually, so it's hanging a little close around me tonight.

    I am so sorry.

    I have sent you a friend request. I can provide you with some resources and ideas and just...be here.

    Jean
  • Alsison
    Alsison Posts: 588 Member
    May 7th, 2014.

    I had an ultrasound today which showed that the tumor has entered the 3rd layer of the intestinal wall (apparently there are four).

    The good news is that it hasn't seem to got into my lymph nodes but the bad news is that it looks like I may have to have chemo and radiation therapy while I wait for surgery. No idea what is involved with all that but whatever it is I will deal with it

    Now I wait to meet with the Surgeon and for the CT Scan...

    To steal the motto of a new friend.. Breathe in.. Breathe out.
  • Alsison
    Alsison Posts: 588 Member
    May 15th, 2014

    Got the call about my CT Scan today. June 27th. Seriously?? I have to wait 6 weeks... :noway:

    I have my consultation with the Radiologist on May 22nd, the Surgeon on the 23rd and the Chemo Specialist on the 28th.

    I am staying positive though. I can do this!!
  • 7fatcats
    7fatcats Posts: 9 Member
    Admin and waits for tests and scans are the pits -- been there. I am an ovarian cancer survivor, another one which is very undignified as well as distressing. Hang in there you will get your answers, and it all gets easier when you have those because you can look ahead.
  • Alsison
    Alsison Posts: 588 Member
    May 22nd, 2014

    I met with my Radiologist today. It went well. Sounds like radiation and chemotherapy in my case won't be that bad..

    The bad news is that because my tumor is so low I may have a permanent colostomy bag after surgery..

    Breathe in.. Breathe out.
  • BrendaBlis
    BrendaBlis Posts: 165 Member
    Welcome, although it's not the group any of us want to be in. I was Stage 3 colon cancer, it was in my sigmoid colon, with a small spot in one out of 33 lymph nodes. The beginning was the hardest, the waiting and not knowing. It DOES get better! I just had a scan, a year from finishing chemo and clear! I had an ostomy, temporary. It was reversed not long after finishing chemo. It'll all be worth being cancer free. Hang in there!
  • BrendaBlis
    BrendaBlis Posts: 165 Member
    I found a lot of answers and comfort at The Colon Club, Colon Talk. colonclub.com
  • Alsison
    Alsison Posts: 588 Member
    May 29th, 2014

    My Oncologist managed to get my CT Scan moved up and it's tomorrow...

    I am relieved and terrified all at the same time.
  • UtahWI
    UtahWI Posts: 257 Member
    I found a lot of answers and comfort at The Colon Club, Colon Talk. colonclub.com

    I also found these sites helpful...lots of info on dealing with ostomies, realities of foods, realities of feelings, etc. I had a temporary loop ileostomy. My tumor was also low, in the rectum. I forget how many centimeters it was, but he had 1/2 of a centimeter "extra" as he put it, to work with, so he was happy in that weird way. But it was the difference between a permanent ostomy or not. If you go looking on these sites, and you are looking up the...after effects...just make sure that you are comparing results from people that have had the same area removed, and are left with the same connections. Otherwise, it can scare the crap out of a person. Haha. Pun intended. LOL. Anyway...the intestinal connections we are left with vary and so the outcomes vary.

    My one year post chemo PET scan was also clear. So I am at almost two years (when they count from diagnosis)...I don't know. While I don't wish cancer and chemo and radiation or the things that can happen post ostomy reversal on anyone....I do wish that just once everyone in the world would be able to experience the pure rush of relief of that scan. I think it would make the world a better place.

    Anyway, I digress. Wishing you all the best today. I hope it goes as well as it can. I understand relief and terror. One small step at a time, keep going forward and eventually, you come out.
  • How are you doing?
  • Alsison
    Alsison Posts: 588 Member
    June 3rd, 2014

    It has been a month and the diagnosis stage is finally over and I start treatment on Friday... No scary surprises on the CT Scan :smile:

    I am so ready!!

    28 sessions of a daily radiation and chemo mix

    Breathe in... Breathe out
  • You can do it. You'll be surprised. And this time next year? All this will be in the rear view mirror.

    Keep us posted. {{{{hugs}}}}
  • Alsison
    Alsison Posts: 588 Member
    June 6th, 2014

    Today was my first day of my Radiology/Chemo mix...

    The Radiology was not so bad but I am not so crazy about the way the Chemo drugs make me feel.. :ohwell:

    1 down, 27 to go

    Breathe in.. Breath out