I'm in Seattle, and we have a group that meets monthly for CRC patients, survivors, and caregivers. Anita Mitchell is a Stage IV survivor and former Colondar model who leads the group when she's not traveling for advocacy. Second Wednesday of the month, so Nov 14 is our next meeting. 7pm at the SCCA...

I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis 13 years before my colon cancer diagnosis. The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation gives a lot of information saying that having an IBD raises your risk of colorectal cancer. They recommend yearly colonoscopies Starting ten years after diagnosis. Even if you have i...

I just saw this thread, so even though it sounds like you are past this stage, Menreeq, I wanted to add a book recommendation in case others stumble upon it. Ellen Meyer wrote a book about having colon cancer, and her 11yo niece illustrated it: Mommy's Cancer: https://m.barnesandnoble.com/w/mommys-c...

Saw your posts regarding Miss Molly and then read your history. Wow, your story is heartwarming and I'm so glad to know that you are here watching your daughter grow up! Take care and forever NED! Awww, thanks! She's a fifth grader! :shock: Congrats on the continued shrinkage! I can't say that ever...

Logging in to send you more support. Losing a companion is tough. Much love.

Varma is awesome. I don't think you can go wrong with her background in pelvic surgery. A friend of mine had her colostomy done by Varma (I think), and it's quite lovely.

If they haven't raised the issue yet, please talk to your team about your fertility. It may be less of an issue for you since your surgery was a hemi (versus full), and you don't have rectal cancer (so you probably won't need radiation). However, chemo can affect your options, even if it's only the ...

Boudreaux Butt Paste: http://www.buttpaste.com Using toilet paper is irritating to skin that is already irritated by going multiple times a day. Consider using a squirt bottle of water to clean up (https://www.amazon.com/Medline-Perineal-Irrigation-Cleansing-Bottle/dp/B01M2BKNLE), or soft wet wipes ...

Bumping up.
Eight years since my stage III diagnosis, and six years since my lung surgery/scare.

My daughter was a little bit older when I had my ostomy surgery (she was about 30 months), but since she was also potty-training at the time, I had her "help" me with my bag changes. I would bring a step stool into the bathroom, line up my supplies at her level, and let her be my assistant...

What kind of doctor? I would be reluctant to follow the sole treatment advice of a GP or a GI, and he should consider getting an opinion of a colorectal surgeon and an oncologist. I'm not knocking GPS or GIs, but this field of study is constantly changing, and in his shoes, I would consult with some...

Bump. This is a super sweet thing for you to do.

For those of you who struggle with Imodium, you might ask your doctor about Lomotil. It's also an anti-diarrheal med, but I find it's much easier on my guts, and I don't have the pain and cramping I got on Imodium.

Those who forget history (or choose not to search for it) are condemned to repeat it. This is a natural ebb and flow of a discussion list. New members come and hopefully find what they are looking for. Experienced ones found it and hopefully stay to help the new ones. Many move on when their life wi...

My oncologist yesterday told me that CEA was a stupid test for ME Yes, I've heard of this before. Honesty, I don't know why they "continue" use it for people it DOES NOT work well with. Lee CEA wasn't an indicator for me, but conversations with my onc led me to believe that that could cha...