CancerCompass message board discussion started by Sandy24 on 11/18/2006 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,7872,0.htm Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ Hi Everyone, Thanks for your thoughts and prayers the last couple of days. Husband had his surgery on Thursday around 4. He was out and in his room by 8 pm. He felt pretty good except for a real sore shoulder. Had a good night and Friday daytime was good he was out walking, but Friday night hit and he was miserble. He was so bloated that they took him down to x ray just to make sure everything was okay. It was ,they told us it was just part of the recovery for this type of surgery. Anways they gave him a shot to get things moving and he pretty much slept the rest of the night ( not me! boy are hospitals noisy!). But today he felt great. The bloaty feeling is leaving, he had a shower and we walked and walked. Left him tonight with my son so I could come home and take a bath and sleep in a bed! He only passed gas once so far but he's still on clear fluids, and jello. He is so hungry. Doctor said tumor was small, but we won't know till pathology comes back next week sometime. So once again we wait. But I think now that we have passed this stage I think he's ready for whatever God has in store. Thanks again everyone, just know you are all in our prayers also. Sandy Sandy24 Sat, 18 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Sandy , I am not certain if I replied you previously but I am in kind of in a similiar situation as you . My husband also has been diagnoised with colon cancer . CT scan done but no result yet as the surgeon will share the result with us when we meet her for the 1st consultaion next week . Meanwhile I just sit here and imagine the worst though he looks just fine like he is not sick at all . If you don't mind me asking , how do they stage the cancer ? Is it only after the surgery ? Or do they stage from the CT scan result ? How many days will your husband have to stay in hospital ? Do they give you a special diet to follow ? What and how can we assure that all the cancerous cells were removed during surgery ? Does he have to do chemo ? I am so so scared ... if you can share your experience and any info you have , I am enternally grateful . Lisa Kaypo Sun, 19 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Lisa, So sorry you have to go through this. I so know how you are feeling right now. I think the waiting and the fear of the unknown is the worst. Just hearing the word cancer when you haven't even thought about it just punches you in the gut and it doesn't help that they look and feel prefectly healthly. Can I ask why you are waiting for your appt. at the doctors office next week, you need to find out about the CT scan now,thats one fear of the unknown you need to get over, finding out the results now will relieve some of the tension you are feeling and give you time to digest the information, get used to it, and do some research before you go to meet the doctor, call the doctors office and ask for the results. Our doctor called us right away with the results because he wanted us to know what to be prepared for when it came time for the surgery. I know are doctor told us that the staging is done after surgery and the pathologist has looked it over. I know stage IV is when it has spread to other organs like the liver or lungs. The other stages are done by how far advance it has grown in to the colon wall,and if it spread to any lymph nodes which they take out also. But I think if you knew the results now it would take some pressure off you two, even if it has spread to another organ at least you would know now and be able to be prepared when you did meet the doctor. Sitting with the doctor is bad enough but hearing everything all at once is going to be so over whelming you may not remember everything he says. At least if you know if it had spread, that would be in your brain already digested and you could focus on what the doctor is going to do. My husbands surgery was on Thursday and it took about 3 hours, he's coming home tomorrow. Thursday night and Friday daytime he was feeling fine up walking, but Friday night was rough for him. The intestines started working and he was really bloated and the pressure was intense but Saturday he was better. He was on clear liquids till last night and then today they started him off with oatmeal and wheat toast this morning, and regular meal for lunch and dinner tonight. The one thing you have to make him do is walk, walk, walk, it gets everything moving releives the pressure and gives you private time to talk by yourselves(my husband had a room mate) and the nurses are coming and going. We should hear from the doctor tomorrow or Tuesday on what stage it is and if my husband will need to do chemo, we are praying we caught it really early and that won't happen. I'll say a prayer for your husband and you that the lord will bless you and give you peace during this trying time. Just try to keep a positive attitude so you can support him and remember to take care of yourself also. I know it's scary, I am still scared but I am taking each day one at a time, doing alot of praying and know that God doesn't give us more than we can handle. Let me know how you are doing, and if I can help in any way. It does help when you know their is someone out there who is going through the same thing, it makes you realize you are not the only one even when you feel like you are. Sandy Sandy24 Sun, 19 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT The Doctor who did the sigmoidoscopy said it will take several days but if he knows anything before we meet the surgeon , he will call us . He has not . Perhaps this is how Kaiser works . My husband is not giving up but he is not talking about it either because I think he is afraid . Who wouldn't be ? I just hope for the best Sandy . Kaypo Sun, 19 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT If you feel that you need to know call the doctor tommorrow and ask if the results are in yet, at least he will know you are anxious and will remember to call right away when he does hear. My husband didn't talk either. I think he was trying to be strong for me, when really I was trying to be strong for him ! These last few days we've talked alot while we were walking the halls at the hospital, learned alot about what he's been thinking these last few weeks and how he feels now that the surgery is over and the prospect of doing chemo. Just make sure you tell him you love him alot, because he's probabley thinking all the same things you are thinking like will he be okay, how will he take care of his family, what is work going to do, will they hold his job while he's off etc, those were the things my husband was thinking. He said he didn't care so much about himself as he was much more worried for his family. Just let him know you are there for him and the rest will fall into place. Sandy Sandy24 Sun, 19 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Sandy We got the CT scan result . No cancerous cells in the lung nor the liver . What a relief ! However the surgeon suggested a colonscopy to be performed inorder to have a clearer picture of his entire colon . She wants to be sure that she gets all the tumour out not just the affected area which is at the sigmoid colon . Seems like the affected area has gone into the colon walls ..so hopefully the surgery will not be so challenging but safe and straight forward.The surgeon says Ct scan usually takes a few days to compile ...and still no written report yet from the radiologist , our surgeon is able to read the ct scan . Surgeon thinks it's either stage 2 or 3 but only can confirm once surgery is done . She says that the surgery will defintely take place before Christmas . About 7 days in hospital depends on my husband well being and same goes for recovery . Might take about 6 wks or so . I wish you a safe and warm Thanksgiving and the coming holiday ahead . It's alright to not be rushing out to the malls on friday ..family support comes first . We will all survive through this one way or another ok . Take care Sandy . Lisa Kaypo Wed, 22 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT That is great news, sounds like our husbands are on the same track. I didn't realize your husband had not had a colonoscopy, but the CT scan news was good. When they do surgery that is the real marker for stage and spread, so I 'll pray that you get great news like we did. Now that you've gotten positive news keep up the positive attitude, can the surgeon do the laprascopy surgery? I truly hope so, it's so much eaiser. Recovery is all about your husband, his attitude that is. Thanks for letting me know how things came out, it's truly is a "THANKSGIVING" Day for both of our familes. Keep in touch and let me know how things are going.I know right now you are breathing a sigh of relief, now just put one foot in front of the other and keep moving towards the day when you can just say that adventure is over! I'll keep you both in my prayers. God Bless Sandy Sandy24 Thu, 23 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT Now that your husband is home , how is he doing ? Does he lay down alot or how do you keep him circulating his blood ? What is his diet like now ? Is there a special diet to follow ? Is it true it's best to take sweet stuff before surgery ? Cancerous cells love sugar ? My husband has a sweet tooth , so he is disappointed when I tell him to eat only moderations on the 2 deserts we have tonite for Thanksgiving . I think it's the thinnest apple and pumpkin pie he has ever had . By the way , I am located in the bay area , where are you located ? Happy Thanksgiving . Stay in touch . Thank you for your prayers and your thoughts . Lisa Kaypo Thu, 23 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Lisa, We are from Michigan! Beautiful today 45 and sunny. Husband doing great, sleeps alot but he's out walking alot too! No special diet as of yet but did tell him he has to lay off the sweets and eat more fiber. Have him on Vit. c, B6, B12, Calcium with Vit. D, he's drinking alot of CranApple Juice for some reason just sounds good to him. The doctor told my husband to eat 6 small meals each day so as not to get that bloated feeling and he is pretty much doing that. Yesterday was good for him. He ate a little dinner and then saved his pumpkin pie for later. But all and all he's doing great. Just waiting to see the surgeon to get his staples out and then off to the onocologist for his his opinion. My husband says he will do chemo just wants to know how many rounds. Oh well Iam working today (only one here, trying to make up the hours I missed last week! So wanted to go shopping!)Keep in touch and let me know when your husband's surgery is. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Sandy Sandy24 Fri, 24 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT Oh wow ! You are very faraway from us . We are here in the Bay Area . 45F ? Brrrr... guess you guys are used to the cold weather . It's also a sunny but chilly day here today . Went to the hospital to get a blood test and chest xray done. So your husband wound is stapled ..it is hard to clean the area ? Once removed .. how will the skin be closed back ? Is it one of those where the stitches will "melt" away ? Why must he see the onocologist ? Once again , very encouraging and happy news about how your husband is doing . I hope my husband will find the inspiration to hang in there and fight this disease from the messages I have been reading and relaying to him . Yes , stay in touch . Kaypo Fri, 24 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT Yeah my husband has 13 staples in his long excision, and 2 in each of his 3 other ones. The staples take the place of stitches. No need to do anything with them. When he takes a shower he just washes them off. You can see the the incisions are healing by the just looking at the skin. It's kinda neat looking! I just remember when I had my two kids, both were by ceseran section and when they went to close me up I refused staples, I made them sew me up because I thought the staple thing was gross! But now it is pretty much standard with surgery. The reason he has to see the onocologist is because one of his slides that the pathologist looked at said it had gone through the colon wall, which means that there is most likely a few stray cancer cells circulating so he most likely will have to do chemo, but hopefully a short course and not as strong as the usual stuff. We'll know more when we meet with him. We go back to the surgeon in another week and then we will see the onocologist after that. I'll let you know what he recommands when I find out. Just keep a positive attitute and be there for your husband it will rub off. Stay in touch Sandy Sandy24 Fri, 24 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Sandy. Surgeon informed us that the Gastronologist said colonscopy cannot be done . Something about the camera/tube unable to pass through the colon ...instead to have the Barium Enemas done . Do you have any idea if this is effective at all ? I thought colonscopy is a sure thing to see if the entire colon has any tumour right ? But again , doesn't the ct scan show everything ? Anyway , we are still going ahead with the Barium Enemas with a positive attitude and hopefully get encouraging news out from doing this test . Believe my husband's inflammation aka cancer area was almost causing a blockage at the sigmoid colon . Fortunately they could still do the flexible sigmoidscopy on him . How is your husband doing ? I hope he is getting stronger and better each day . So he is not planning to discount chemo therapy ? Does he take any supplements such as vitamins since the surgery ? How are you doing ? Lisa Kaypo Wed, 29 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Lisa . Just an update . Surgery has been schedule for Dec19 and hopefully it is a straight forward operation and Dave will be able to come home before Christmas . The barium enema tests will be on Dec4. Another lady also by the name of Lisa replied me . She had colon cancer in her sigmoid same as my husband ( as far as know for now ) and she couldn't have the colonscopy done as well . She had the barium enema done and reminded me to ensure Dave drinks lots of water cos it can be pretty dehydrating and can also constipation too . Anyway , she had her surgery last Dec on her birthday and she said the doctor and nurses all wish her a happy birthday before her op . I am waiting for her to reply me to tell me more of her experience and diet and hopefully can have an even better understanding of the process . Lisa O. Kaypo Wed, 29 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Lisa, Thanks for the update. I will keep you both in my prayers that everything will go as planned and Dave will be home for Christmas. I know when my husband did his CT scan he had to drink bariumn and he did get constipated, so yes make sure he drinks lots of water. Kurt goes to the surgeon tomorrow to get his staples out and get the name of the onocologist he will see. He is a little unsettled about the chemo but he knows that he needs to do it so he'll get it done. Take care and please keep me updated. Sandy Sandy24 Wed, 29 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT How's Kurt doing ? Is recovery painful ? Has he been eating much and gaining weight ? Yes I do hope Dave's surgery will be a smooth sailing one and he will be home for Christmas . Right now , we are doing ok , everyday is just like any other day . Now that we have the surgery date , we feel it's moving along , and soon it will be our turn to enter the recovery phase like you guys . How many weeks did your surgeon say that Kurt will require to recover ? Please kep me posted after you see your doctor and onocologist tomorrow . Good luck ! Lisa O. Kaypo Thu, 30 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT Kurts doing great. Staples came out today, and we have an appt. with onocologist next Friday. Recovery has been fine. Kurt really didn't need any pain meds at all. He used them the first day after surgery but that was it. He goes back to work Monday so figure his surgery was the 17 and goes back to work 17 days later. Now he can't lift anything more than 20 lbs for 2 more weeks but thats it. Surgeon said he was good to go. Just make sure Dave goes in with a positive attitude and keeps it up, and walks, that's the big thing the sooner he gets walking after surgery the better, cuz thats what get the digestive system going again. I'll let you know how the appt. with the onocologist goes next Friday and let me know how Dave's tests go this week. Take Care and God Bless Sandy Sandy24 Thu, 30 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT You know , I am so glad that we have become friends and able to share our experiences and constantly updating each other . I am very very pleased to hear about Kurt's progess in his recovery. I think he is very strong and brave and for only one time pain med , that's very good . 17 days recovery is amazing . After removal of the staples ...how does the abdomen close back ? Or is it already closed ? Is there a scar that is perm ? So no more medication to take for now ? After seeing the onocologist , that's when you'll know if you have to do chemo right ? So has the surgeon staged his cancer ? When do they do the staging ? Lisa O. Kaypo Thu, 30 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT Sandy , the supplements which Kurt is taking , are they in tablet forms ? Like Nature Made vitamins ? Or do you actually give him fresh fruits/veges that contains the Vitamins you mentioned ? If they are the tablets , does he take them all at one go ? Thanks . Lisa O. Kaypo Thu, 30 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi, Got a copy of the pathology report.This is the report they give you after your surgery and have sent all the tissue to the lab. They staged it as pT4b. Not sure what the p and b are. It did go through the subserosal adipose tissue and perforates visceral peritoneum. Which means it broke through the outside of the colon. They tested 16 lymph nodes all negitive. No lymphovascular invasion seen. I am not real clear on all this so Iam gonna start a new thread and see if someone can explain. Also Kurt's tumor was in the sigmoid colon. The staples came out today, and all is healed. There is scabs and yes he will have a scar. He calls it his battle scar! Just looking at the books it looks like he will have to do some chemo but won't know till we see the onocologist next Friday. Sandy24 Thu, 30 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT Oh wow , very deep info and I really don't comprehend . Hopefully someone can explain to you in a more simplified manner . So no lymph nodes were affected right ? That's very good news . 17 days ago he had surgery and 17 days later staples comes out and next week he is going back to work . This is a wonderful recovery ! You guys should celebrate . Thank you so much for letting me know what is going on and the possibility of the same situation that I may face in the coming weeks . PT4B ? I thought it's either stage 2 or 3 in his case . Lisa O. Kaypo Thu, 30 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT Yeah I thought that too. The surgeon also questioned the pathologist on the T4 diagnosis. So We'll talk to the onocologist and see what he says. But I did post a new thread with the pathology report info so hopefully someone can explain it in english! Sandy24 Thu, 30 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT Don't worry too much . You can see for yourself that Kurt is all better now right ? Just focus on the good things ok . Lisa O. Kaypo Thu, 30 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi how are you and Kurt doing ? Is he eating better now ? Gained weight yet ? Previously I asked you about the vitamins Kurt was taking . Was it recommended by the doctor ? Are they in tablet forms ? Anyone managed to read the report for you yet ? Dave's barium enema is tomorrow . He is all nervous . Today he has to fast , so it's liquid liquid liquid . Also have a pre-op appointment with his surgeon tomorrow afternoon . Just keeping in touch with you . Take care . Lisa O. Kaypo Sun, 03 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Lisa, How'd everything go today. Hopefully okay. The vitamins I just put him on myself because of research I did. Anyways let me know how everything went. Sandy24 Mon, 04 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi there . Dave didn't like the Barium Enema . It was awkard and uncomfortable . Test was only 15mins but the waiting for the technician and doctor took 1.5hrs all in all . He is ok all day but feeling alittle fatigue as expected when one goes thru barium enema . As for the pre-op appt with his surgeon . We did get very encouraging news today . Hopefully it will continue to be good news all the way . The barium enema test shows the rest of the colon has no tumours and is clean . The CT scan and blood tests he did also came out negative for tumours . His surgeon will do laproscopy surgery on him and says the tumour to remove is prob 6cm an she will remove about a foot of his colon and then resection it back . She is also trying not to haev clomstomy done on him . Of course during surgery should she find any lymph nodes that has tumour , she'll remove it without any hesitation . After he discharge from hospital , he will need to see an onconologist which will then see if really any chemo/radiation incase they miss out on some runaway tumours . Right now it's a slight relief , at least I can see Dave has his spirits lifted up today and the confidence in his voice . How's your hubby doing ? Better ? Lisa O. Kaypo Mon, 04 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT Glad to hear your day went well. It sounds very encouraging. It is a good feeling to know that things are not as bad as you think they will be. Kurt is doing fine. I think he is a little nervous to see the onocologist but he knows it's for the best to do all he can to get rid of any stray cells running around his body. Anyways keep in touch, I know your husbands surgery is next week so keep in touch and let me know how things are going. I will let you know how our appt. with the onocoloigist goes. Take care. God Bless. Sandy Sandy24 Mon, 04 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Sandy Surgery is on Dec19 so hopefully we'll be able to have the laparoscopic surgery done successfully and have him home the weekend before Christmas . Yes we did get very positive and encouraging news but we still worry . Please keep me posted with Kurt's progress . I wish you all well and in high spirits . By the way , he didn't have a clostomy right ? He is able to poo normally now ? Lisa O. Kaypo Mon, 04 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT No colostomy at all. Remember positive thoughts, I am sending positive vibes your way. I'll keep you in my prayers. Just make sure he eats well to build up his strength, have him start walking now too it will do you both good if you go for a walk everyday, and then when he's in the hospital he can continue to walk which is very important. You take care. I'll let you know how Friday goes. Sandy Sandy24 Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT Ok please let me know what happens on friday . Dave is still going to work everyday and there are days when we go out to have errand done . So I guess he is walking right ? As far as eating is concern , it's a much healthier diet now . We are more aware of ensuring some greens on his plate everyday . Plus he is also taking supplements . Surgeon says he seems healthy and hopefully we will get the laparascopy done successfully . Now it's countdown to Dec19 , surgery day . She says the surgery will take 1.5hours but if there's more than expected work to be done than maybe longer . He should be able to get up and walk in the evening . Let's hope so . Lisa O. Kaypo Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT He'll be able to walk with no problem. The hardest part will be getting out of the bed. But once he is out of the bed the walking isn't so bad. Just make sure he does alot of it cuz it gets things working again. Time for bed, it's 11:56 and I am tired! Take care and I will let you know what happens on Friday. Sandy Sandy24 Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT Dave had his surgery today . Laparascopic surgery was unable to be done becos of new findings . Tumor was also clinging onto the kidney and prostate . All tumors removed and organs are good as new . Have to wait and see what the pathologists have to say . It was a tough surgery where 3 surgeons were needed . He did well according to them , age and general health plays a part if he was older than it would have been challenging . He appears tired and was doozing on and off when I saw him at his ward this evening . Hopefully he will feel better tomorrow . Thanks for your prayers . Lisa O. Kaypo Tue, 19 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT