On Jan 15, 2012 4:43 AM Jeanette57 wrote:
I had the colon scope on the 3rd, the next day was told it was cancer, I had the colon scope in 2009 and they said all was fine but they didn't get all of one section because it was flat??
I am told after first meeting with surgeon that it was stage 3 or she said T3, only after she put her fingers in me. Said it was six inches. I have to have a PET/MRI to see if it matastised (spelling). I am feeling good, but wonder what it will be like to have a colon bag? Can one swim (I love my RA swiming classes) and would hate to give up on them. I have a few weeks before they start Chemo first then Radiation then surgery. Hum! I hate IV's...HATE. Can I get a port asap so no blood and IV issues??? Any information is great. My girl friend has me on Baking Soda shots (yum) to hold it until they can start some thing about PH. If it makes her happy and my family enpowered ok.
My brain is numb so forgive spelling/grammer. I am not at the top of my game at this fast pace, game to learning!
Jeanette:
Wow....been there done that! Except I did not get any choices except who do you want as a surgeon...What! I just came to the hospital cause my doctor sent me there for a severe stomache ache. What surgeon do I want....that's like asking me who my attorney is! Anyhow, lucky for me I worked in an HR department and has seen enough disability claims to know which was the best surgeon. So sedated as I was, was I able to choose him. Thank GOD! Anyhow, I woke up to stage three colon cancer and a temporary colostomy (16 long months). It was a real pain cause of where my doctor had to place it. I did go swimming (didn't mean to) when the canoe I was in turned over twice! Believe it or not the bag stayed on. I used alot of 4 inch cloth tape to hold the colostomy on. I survied, got my reversal and all is good now. I do get alot of gas...but it is alot less of a hassle.
In regards to the IVs etc.....I found that the PIC lines were the next best option from the PORT. I loved my PORT...my husband use to call it my on and off switch :D....I always had it numbed (frozen or emla cream spelling?)...no pain. I had 5 surgeries...always used my PORT...so don't get rid of your PORT until you feel certain you are done with the surgeries.
As far as chemo....if you get flofox...oxciliplatin...please be very careful and try not to be a "hero"....listen to your doctors! I wanted to ensure that the chemo took all my cancer and in doing so I ignored the signs my body was giving (allergic reactions, unusual pains in my feet, etc.)...Fortunately my doctors did stop part of the treatment early....thank God! As a result of the chemo I now have a condition call pheriphal neurophathy and I have alot of pain and numbing in my feet and knees and sometimes my hands. I am on a battery of medications and narcotics :( However, would I change anything?.....no, although I have to deal with the side effects....I am alive and thriving. My life has totally changed...but that is ok :D
Take care, God bless and good luck.