On 1/1/2006 Suzette wrote:
I was diagnosed with Stage III colon cancer last February, during a routine colonoscopy, taken immediately to surgery where about 12 inches of my right colon was removed. I started chemo 6 weeks later, 5 FU, Leucovorin and Oxliplatin. When I had liver pain and vomitted bile, a PT scan showed liver inflammation so Oxliplatin was changed to Irrocantin in May. Although the neuropathy was no longer a problem, constant diarreha was. In September my stomach started cramping and I had severe chills also. Chemo ended October 6th and another colonscopy was done 3 weeks later which the dr. said showed ulcerative colitis. By November 7th, those symptoms left and a blood test run just after Thanksgiving said there is not colitis afterall. I am very grateful for that and feel that the false test and the symptoms of cramping and chills, etc. were brought on by the chemo regime. Now, however, I have constant joint pain, especially my fingers, ankles, knees and my legs just ache. Has anyone else experienced such things and could it be from chemo? If so, does it ever go away? Why is it MDs can not be more honest with patients as to what to expect as permanent results once we have made it through the chemo? I had nine positive lymph nodes and understand that makes my chances for recurrence that much higher too, but, how much and what should I watch for? Where does it usually move next if that happens? I'd like more honesty from the medical people. I had a hernia appear on my incision from the original surgery and had that repaired before Christmas and my port removed. I really don't want to see a doctor or hospital ever again if I could avoid it and want to do some real living now just in case my life is cut short. I promised myself if I lived through chemo, I'd take a trip so I'm planning it now. Cancer does give us a different perspective on life.
On 1/1/2006 Suzette wrote:
I was diagnosed with Stage III colon cancer last February, during a routine colonoscopy, taken immediately to surgery where about 12 inches of my right colon was removed. I started chemo 6 weeks later, 5 FU, Leucovorin and Oxliplatin. When I had liver pain and vomitted bile, a PT scan showed liver inflammation so Oxliplatin was changed to Irrocantin in May. Although the neuropathy was no longer a problem, constant diarreha was. In September my stomach started cramping and I had severe chills also. Chemo ended October 6th and another colonscopy was done 3 weeks later which the dr. said showed ulcerative colitis. By November 7th, those symptoms left and a blood test run just after Thanksgiving said there is not colitis afterall. I am very grateful for that and feel that the false test and the symptoms of cramping and chills, etc. were brought on by the chemo regime. Now, however, I have constant joint pain, especially my fingers, ankles, knees and my legs just ache. Has anyone else experienced such things and could it be from chemo? If so, does it ever go away? Why is it MDs can not be more honest with patients as to what to expect as permanent results once we have made it through the chemo? I had nine positive lymph nodes and understand that makes my chances for recurrence that much higher too, but, how much and what should I watch for? Where does it usually move next if that happens? I'd like more honesty from the medical people. I had a hernia appear on my incision from the original surgery and had that repaired before Christmas and my port removed. I really don't want to see a doctor or hospital ever again if I could avoid it and want to do some real living now just in case my life is cut short. I promised myself if I lived through chemo, I'd take a trip so I'm planning it now. Cancer does give us a different perspective on
hi suzette,
i found