Ask Me Help Desk - Colon Cancer

Colon Cancer

If anyone has experienced colon cancer, or knows someone that did, I have a few questions.

1. What is the survival rate of patients with colon cancer?
2. What surgeries (if any) are possible with colon cancer?
3. If you go into remission can you lead a normal life after colon cancer?

Any info at all would be helpful.

I would love to help you Alty, but this one is out of my league.

My father had a tumor in his urinary bladder. He had to have it removed, the bladder too. He lived with the "bag" for years, and was part of a group of cancer survivors. There were more colon cancer survivors than anything else. It is not a death sentence by any means. They have come a long way with surgeries, and "attachments". You would be surprised how common colon cancer is. Millions of people have been diagnosed with it.

I know this is not much help, but it's my two cents.

And my father died of a heart attack 10 years after beating cancer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmjoseph

My father had a tumor in his urinary bladder. He had to have it removed, the bladder too. He lived with the "bag" for years, and was part of a group of cancer survivors. There were more colon cancer survivors than anything else. It is not a death sentence by any means. They have come a long way with surgeries, and "attachments". You would be surprised how common colon cancer is. Millions of people have been diagnosed with it.

I know this is not much help, but it's my two cents.

And my father died of a heart attack 10 years after beating cancer.

Thanks JM. That makes me feel better.

I don't know if I could live with any "attachment" though. I have kids, I want to see them grow up, but I also want to be a big part of them growing up.

Yes, I'm asking for myself. No, it's not a positive diagnosis yet, but it's a very big possibility. I'll be going for an endoscopy sometime this week and I'm crossing my fingers and toes that it's just anemia and nothing more.

Quote:

Originally Posted by J_9

I would love to help you Alty, but this one is out of my league.

I'd rather be having a baby then going through this. ;)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Altenweg

Thanks JM. That makes me feel better.

I don't know if I could live with any "attachment" though. I have kids, I want to see them grow up, but I also want to be a big part of them growing up.

Yes, I'm asking for myself. No, it's not a positive diagnosis yet, but it's a very big possibility. I'll be going for an endoscopy sometime this week and I'm crossing my fingers and toes that it's just anemia and nothing more.

I know that you are scared. I am praying that everything will work out for you.

May God give you strength and peace.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmjoseph

I know that you are scared. I am praying that everything will work out for you.

May God give you strength and peace.

Well don't make me cry! ;)

Thank you JM. I am praying too. I'm terrified, not of death, but of dying before my kids are grown. They need me. I need them. I have to be here until they're adults, there's no other option.

I'm hoping that my doctor's assumptions are wrong and that the tests will come back negative.

I am severely anemic, but that's not something I'm very worried about. It's the cause of the anemia, possible colon cancer (because of many other symptoms) that scares the crap out of me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Altenweg

Well don't make me cry! ;)

Thank you JM. I am praying too. I'm terrified, not of death, but of dying before my kids are grown. They need me. I need them. I have to be here until they're adults, there's no other option.

I'm hoping that my doctor's assumptions are wrong and that the tests will come back negative.

I am severely anemic, but that's not something I'm very worried about. It's the cause of the anemia, possible colon cancer (because of many other symptoms) that scares the crap out of me.

We always assume the worst, and it usually doesn't turn out that way. Even if it is colon cancer, there are so many options. You just be strong.

The prayer here alone will get you through anything. You'll be holding your grandbabies, thinking of this worry, and what a waste of time it was.

God bless you.

Oh, Alty, I've been in the panic mode you are in right now. I know just how utterly frightening it is. Rae was only 3 when I went through it.

What are the other symptoms hun?

It's in our family. My uncle died from it and several of us have had polyps removed successfully. Many of us are on a higher rotation for colonoscopies due to family history and polyp removal. I hope that it's just a matter of tissue removal in your case. Keep us posted.

Hello Alty,

Am sad to hear that and we all will pray for you, you are a great member of this site, wish you all the best and god be with you, Thanks.

John

Hi Alty,
Colon Cancer is one of the more curable cancers, especially if caught early. My mom didn't and she died from it, but that was over 20 years ago.

Quote:

Originally Posted by J_9

Oh, Alty, I've been in the panic mode you are in right now. I know just how utterly frightening it is. Rae was only 3 when I went through it.

What are the other symptoms hun?

Rectal bleeding which I've had for a long time but it's gotten worse in the last few month. TMI? Sorry everyone.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Altenweg

Rectal bleeding which I've had for a long time but it's gotten worse in the last few month. TMI? Sorry everyone.

Dark or bright red? Family history?

Quote:

Altenweg agrees: I'm terrified right now but I'm trying not to burn any bridges.

Sweetheart, you know where to find me if you need me. I'll be here for you no matter what. You know that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by J_9

Dark or bright red? Family history?

Bright red and plenty of it. I swear sometimes it looks like someone was murdered after I use the facilities.

There is family history of cancer, my great grandmother had and died from colon cancer, but no one else had that particular type of cancer.

I have suffered from anemia before but not to this extreme. The doctor also tested for diabetes but the nurse that called couldn't tell me those results over the phone. She only said that I'm severely anemic and the Doctor wanted to see me yesterday, in other words, come asap. She also said he'd be sending me for an endoscopy (am I spelling that right) to rule out colon cancer and that there are other test results he wants to discuss with me and other tests he wants done.

I am kicking myself right now for letting this go on as long as I did. It all started when I miscarried and it's gotten worse and worse over the years. I just hope it's something small, take a pill every day and feel better sort of thing.

I'm really scared right now.

Oh, honey, I am so sorry you are going through this. To be brutally honest, yes you should have had this checked out years ago. But hindsight is 20/20, you can't go back and change that now.

Yes, you spelled endoscopy right. I wish I could tell you more, but all I can do is support you and virtually hold your hand through all of this. If you email me your address (you already have my email address), I will send you an angel to wear on your shoulder through all of this. My angel got me through my cancer. I now collect them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by J_9

Sweetheart, you know where to find me if you need me. I'll be here for you no matter what. You know that.

Now I'm crying.

I do know that. You all have been such a support for me since I joined. You can't know how much you all mean to me. I don't know what I'd do without you, I never want to find out.

Right now I just want to be healthy. I've never been this worried in my life. Both my parents died of cancer. The C word is terrifying to me, no matter how curable everyone says it is, it's cancer. My dad had a cancer that had it been caught early would have been very treatable. He died 12 days after being diagnosed.

My mother started with breast cancer, went into remission. On her five year mark, when she should have been free and clear, she found out that the monster was back and it had spread rapidly.

I ignored my symptoms, I just hoped that everything was okay. What if I left it too long? What if my fear of hearing that it's cancer seals my fate?

This is driving me crazy. I just want to know and I want to deal with whatever it is.

I can tell you one thing, if it is cancer, I will fight with everything I have inside me. Sadly I don't have a lot right now. I'm so tired all the time, I'm in pain all the time, I have nothing left in me.

I know I'll probably die of cancer one day, just don't let it be any day soon.

I want to see my kids grow up. That's all I ask.

Quote:

Originally Posted by J_9

Oh, honey, I am so sorry you are going through this. To be brutally honest, yes you should have had this checked out years ago. But hindsight is 20/20, you can't go back and change that now.

Yes, you spelled endoscopy right. I wish I could tell you more, but all I can do is support you and virtually hold your hand through all of this. If you email me your address (you already have my email address), I will send you an angel to wear on your shoulder through all of this. My angel got me through my cancer. I now collect them.

Stop making me cry! ;)

Thank you so much J. Your virtual support means so much to me. I really hope this will all turn out to be something fixable, easily fixable. I collect angels too.

I have a little alcove in my house with my parents ashes (yes, my parents ashes are in an urn, in my house). When my mom found out she was sick I bought her an angel. Whenever she was in hospital she took it with her. She said it got her through. When my dad was diagnosed I bought him an angel too, I brought it to the hospital when he was in coma. It sat on the table next to his bed until the day he died, now it's in the alcove.

I'm hoping that my two guardian angels are watching out for me right now. They better get to work, I need some help right now. Mom, Dad, are you hearing this? If you have the ear of the big guy, talk to him! :)

Sweetie, we are all full of "what if's" There is nothing that can be done now aside from finding out the answer to the question and going from there. There have been so many advances since you lost your father, since I had my cancer.

I know you are tired, I know you are worried... DAMN the distance! I would give anything to get in my car and come to be with you through this.

I always had a fear of cancer. I got cancer. It made me a stronger person. No matter the outcome, you will get through this.

Quote:

Originally Posted by J_9

Sweetie, we are all full of "what if's" There is nothing that can be done now aside from finding out the answer to the question and going from there. There have been so many advances since you lost your father, since I had my cancer.

I know you are tired, I know you are worried....DAMN the distance!! I would give anything to get in my car and come to be with you through this.

I always had a fear of cancer. I got cancer. It made me a stronger person. No matter the outcome, you will get through this.

Seriously J, I'm out of tissue!

I am going to try to stay positive. I'm really trying, really I am. I keep telling myself not to worry until there's something definite to worry about, but the human mind is mean. I can't stop thinking the worst.

If you lived within driving distance we'd be going for a beer right now. I could use a distraction. Maybe the male strippers? ;)

I really want to thank all of you for the support. I also really hope that I'll be writing on this thread that I'm just anemic and nothing more.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Altenweg

Seriously J, I'm out of tissue!

I am going to try to stay positive. I'm really trying, really I am. I keep telling myself not to worry until there's something definite to worry about, but the human mind is mean. I can't stop thinking the worst.

If you lived within driving distance we'd be going for a beer right now. I could use a distraction. Maybe the male strippers? ;)

I really want to thank all of you for the support. I also really hope that I'll be writing on this thread that I'm just anemic and nothing more.

Girlfriend, if it makes any difference, the day I got my diagnosis I went to the doctor during lunch hour from the law office. Was given the bad news and went back to work. :eek: Talk about denial! But I knew the truth even before the biopsy.

I truly believe in intuition. Now you have to suck up your guts, face the music and make two plans. One plan for anemia, the other for cancer. If it is the latter, you have to involve your kids.

For example... I took Rae with me to every doctor's appointment, she was only 3-5 during my treatment, but now she is 16 and faithfully does monthly breast exams. If you get my point.

Quote:

Originally Posted by J_9

Girlfriend, if it makes any difference, the day I got my diagnosis I went to the doctor during lunch hour from the law office. Was given the bad news and went back to work. :eek: Talk about denial! But I knew the truth even before the biopsy.

I truly believe in intuition. Now you have to suck up your guts, face the music and make two plans. One plan for anemia, the other for cancer. If it is the latter, you have to involve your kids.

For example...I took Rae with me to each and every doctor's appointment, she was only 3-5 during my treatment, but now she is 16 and faithfully does monthly breast exams. If you get my point.

I would never hide it from the kids, I couldn't. I'm really scared for Jared if it is cancer, he remembers both my parents, he was around for a lot of the bad times. To him the word "cancer" is a death sentence. He's old enough to know what death is. Heck, he's known about death for far too long.

If it is cancer then the whole family will be involved. I'll need their support, their love, their strength. I watched two people go through treatment, go through pain, feeling sick, losing hair, losing finger nails and toe nails, losing life. I will fight it if that's what I have to do. I'm stubborn as all get out, I won't let this beat me.

Still, I'm hoping it's just anemia, or diabetes which my doctor also tested for.

How sad is it to hope for diabetes? ;)

OH Alty I hope everything works out OK! You are definitely in my thoughts! I have nevr known anyone who had colon cancer, but my aunt just had a full historectomy from ovarian cancer, and they had to remove most of her colon as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aurora_Bell

OH Alty I hope everything works out ok!! You are definitly in my thoughts! I have nevr known anyone who had colon cancer, but my aunt just had a full historectomy from ovarian cancer, and they had to remove most of her colon as well.

Thanks Bella.

My mom had to have a hysterectomy too. I really think that's when her troubles began. After that was when she took hormone replacement pills and her doctor is convinced that's how the breast cancer started.

Why did I just tell you that? I really don't know.

Thanks for coming to lend a shoulder. :)

Oh Gawd!

No problem! I'll lend a shouolder when ever you need it! Want to beer?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aurora_Bell

Oh Gawd!

No problem! I'll lend a shouolder when ever ya need it! Wanna beer?

You should know me well enough by now to know the answer to that. :p

OK well here's 3 then

Dang Alty , I'm lost for words :(

I really hope it all works out positively for you , sorry I can't help with any info etc. but this is really out of my league.

All I can give you is my support and love , chin up and I'll be here if you need anything at all that I can provide.

Quote:

Originally Posted by friend4u178

Dang Alty , I'm lost for words :(

I really hope it all works out positively for you , sorry i can't help with any info etc. but this is really outta my league.

All I can give you is my support and love , chin up and I'll be here if you need anything at all that I can provide.

You're at a loss for words? My work here is done. ;)

Thanks M. Your love and support mean more then any words. I am so happy to be a part of this online family. I can't tell you all how much you mean to me.

I could use a good joke right now, or a funny poster. Just saying. :)

1 Attachment(s)

THis pic makes me laugh.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aurora_Bell

THis pic makes me laugh.

I said funny, not scary! :eek:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Altenweg

I could use a good joke right now,

When Rae was 4 she asked me what was big, pink and on the bottom of the ocean. I told her I didn't know... She said, and I quote... "Silly Mom...It's Moby's D1ck!"

1 Attachment(s)

This one too

1 Attachment(s)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Altenweg

You're at a loss for words? My work here is done. ;)

Thanks M. Your love and support mean more then any words. I am so happy to be a part of this online family. I can't tell you all how much you mean to me.

I could use a good joke right now, or a funny poster. Just sayin. :)

Don't feel like funny at the moment :(

How about this... considering what's going on at PS I think it's quite appropriate :cool:

Attachment 29703

Quote:

Originally Posted by J_9

When Rae was 4 she asked me what was big, pink and on the bottom of the ocean. I told her I didn't know....She said, and I quote..."Silly Mom...It's Moby's D1ck!"

LMAO! OMG! I love it.

A few years ago Sydney asked me how babies are made. I figured she was too young for the whole story so I tried to kiddify it. I told her that daddy has seeds and mommy has eggs and when they get together at the right time, they make a baby.

The next person that came to our house got the "I know how babies are made" speech. It went something like this "Daddy has seeds and mommy has a basket of cracked eggs".

I may need help with the "talk". ;)

Quote:

Originally Posted by friend4u178

Don't feel like funny at the moment :(

How bout this...................considering what's going on at PS I think it's quite appropriate :cool:

Attachment 29703

Very appropriate. I had to spread the rep, story of my life.

PS is nuts. In light of what's going on in my life right now, I may just loose it and go full blown Alty on them. I miss full blown Alty, she's been in hiding.

OMG! Am I unstable? :confused:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Altenweg

LMAO! OMG! I love it.

A few years ago Sydney asked me how babies are made. I figured she was too young for the whole story so I tried to kiddify it. I told her that daddy has seeds and mommy has eggs and when they get together at the right time, they make a baby.

The next person that came to our house got the "I know how babies are made" speech. It went something like this "Daddy has seeds and mommy has a basket of cracked eggs".

I may need help with the "talk". ;)

We had that talk too. Daddy has seeds and mommy has the "dirt." We planted bean seeds to watch them grow.

Quote:

Originally Posted by J_9

We had that talk too. Daddy has seeds and mommy has the "dirt." We planted bean seeds to watch them grow.

I should have gone with dirt, that's much better then a basket of cracked eggs. ;)

My father was diagnosed with colon cancer in 1988 and 4 feet of his colon was removed. He didn't require a bag and is now in his 80's. Since 1988 he has had annual checkups with never another sign of cancer.

I met a gentleman once who successfully beat colon cancer. Here's his story History: Hallelujah Acres . Stay strong and hope for the best.