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On 6/23/2008 ladybrat wrote:

I have known for one week that I have colon cancer. I go see my surgeon Tuesday June 24. This is so new to my and I can't call my mom and talk to her. As she is ill herself so this is real hard for me. Ihave no idea what is my stage or treatments I am just out there until tommrow.So any incourgement is helpful.

Good luck,  I know this is difficult my husband had Colon Cancer 16 yrs ago at that time I thought it was the end of life for us but we went thru surgery / Chemo and all was ok my husband Ed he has been Cancer free for 16 yrs but just word for thought  no matter what the Dr's tell you we need to remember to follow up even if a Dr tells you all is ok nothing shows up, my husband has been going to Dr for lower back pain for the last 3-4 yrs and they had been treating it for Siatica nerve due to his line of work,  NEVER did I think the Dr was not doing everything they could and he just had meds for pain. Now early May he was seen in ER has 9 cen growth on spine and stage 4 bone cancer.  If we would have insisted on more tests be ran back when this may have been under control enough of us back to you my friend,  you will get alot of info on line City of Hope or just enter Cancer information in your browser or can go to Library and there are many books, it helped me to get as much info as I could this way I knew what was being done and why also these sights will give you questions to ask your Dr when you go in & if they are unclear let them know to speak in your terms where you can understand & it does help to have a friend or family member go with you at time of visit this way what you miss they will catch. Will say a prayer for you and there is so much they do now for Cancer (even Colon Cancer)  stay strong and positive, this message board helped me back when and am back for more info needed now.  God Bless, hang in there!

Hi,

So sorry.  I know the fear of the unknown.  But hang in there one more day and you'll have some answers.  There are many survivors of colon cancer of all stages.  I was stage iv 16 years ago and my colon has never been a problem since.  Most people have surgery followed by chemo but sometimes the order is reversed depending on the case.  The chemo is usually Folfox (oxaliplatin and 5 fu, sometimes avastin).  It affects people different ways - some continue working and some need time off.  It is usually a 48 hour treatment (in clinic and wear a pump home), every other week for 12 weeks.  Here again, it might vary depending on your case.  There are some side effects (cold sensitivity, numbness and tingling in hands and feet) but manageable.  The anti-nausea medications work great.  I hope this gives you an idea of what to expect, but your medical team will provide lots of info and specifics for you personally.  The members on this board are compassionate, helpful and supportive so stay in touch, ask questions and let us know how you are.  Good luck as you start this journey. 

Lynn