New!

[jnfrmbrwn]

Hi all,

I wanted to introduce myself & say hello. My name is Jen & I'm a 24 yr old female living in Brooklyn, NY. I was diagnosed with colon cancer 3 weeks ago and had my first (hopefully last!) colon resection on Monday. Healing is going well so far! I am scheduled to meet with my surgeon in a week to discuss the results of my biopsy & further treatment. Just want to say what a great website this is - I had a hard time finding information regarding colon cancer in young adults & it's great to spread awareness. I now understand this disease can happen to anyone and any age - more people need to be informed!

Stay healthy!

[dianetavegia]

Hi Jen, so sorry to hear about your diagnosis (dx). I hope your biopsy shows Stage I or II but whatever... we're here to help.

Diane

[Angiemarie2000]

Hi Jen,

Welcome to the board. I am new here myself and have found an endless amount of information. Best of luck to you.

[sadysue]

Hi Jen, so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. There is a tremendous amount of info on this website and if you can't find what you are looking for, just post and ask for help. Best of luck when you see your doctor!

[thostie]

Hi Jen,
Im sorry you had to join the club but im happy you found us for information. I am also in my 20s (for a little bit longer) and found it hard to find other young people to connect with. Feel free to pm me if you have any questions about treatments or whatnot. good luck with you upcoming biopsy also

[JerseyGirl]

Hi Jen,

So glad you found us. I am 31, was 30 at diagnosis. I have been through two major surgeries and almost 12 rounds of chemo. I pray for good results for you. If if you ever have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me!

[sandrichelle]

Hi Jen,

I am 34 diagnosed stage IV...tons of support on here so don't be afraid to ask questions, pm peeps and just vent if need be! Sending positive vibes that you are a stage 1-cured

[elise]

Hi Jen

Welcome to the club! I've got my fingers crossed that you're stage 1

Elise

[CheeseHead]

24!

Now I really feel like an old fart with my 38 years...

Hope it's indeed your first and last colon resection and that it's stage I.

Glad you found us... I'm sure you'll get a lot of good advice from here.

Cheese

[Guinevere]

Welcome to the club no one wants to qualify for but is glad they found! There are lots of people on here who can help answer questions and it's a great place to vent and/or whine or share good news.
Guinevere

[jnfrmbrwn]

Thank you so much for your support! So glad I found this forum with so many great people.

I spoke with my surgeon this morning and received some results from the surgery - 5 lymph nodes tested positive and he is strongly insisting chemo. I have an appointment with my oncologist tomorrow to discuss in more detail.

When I was first diagnosed my oncologist explained that if chemo was needed it would most likely be FOLFOX. I was wondering if anyone has tried any other forms of chemo or alternative methods or you have used FOLFOX and liked it? This is all so overwhelming and of course the internet only shows what you don't want to hear! DId some research and not too thrilled about the side effects - mostly the chance of becoming infertile. Of course everyone reacts differently, I am just seeing the worst right now. Also concerned about how it will effect my eating habits as I am vegan & would prefer not to change my diet. At the end of the day I'll do whatever needs to be done, just trying to see all options!

Many thanks!

[Phuong]

Welcome Jen! You'll probably want to schedule an appointment with a nutritionist - there's probably one at your onc's office that could would be familiar with nutritional needs while on chemo. FOLFOX is a standard first line of chemo, though there are other options. There are all sorts of tips to be found on this forum, like using plastic utensils instead of metal to help minimize first bite pain and the metallic taste. We're here for you as you travel down this path. Let us know what questions you have - chances are that someone here has already BTDT.

[Peabody5422]

Hi Jen,

Sorry you are here but happy you found this site. It's great! Keeping my finger cross for a simple Type I with nothing else. Even if, don't completely freak. Life goes on and you will get thru. Ask all the crazy questions on this site. It really helped me thru when I didnt know how to talk to family and friends.

Deb

Age: 63
DX: T1 n1c Mx Rectal Cancer 11/22/11
Stage III
Micro Surgery: 12/21/11
Rad & Xeloda: 1/12 - 3/12
Clear scan: 4/22/12

[Cb75]

I was recently diagnosed with stage iv at the age of 36. It is amazing to me to see so many young people with this. I have not started chemo yet as I am waiting for liver resection surgery, but have been told that when I do start it will be with FOLFOX. As for side effects, everyone is different. My dad was diagnosed just over three years ago with stage three, similar to you and did six months of FOLFOX. His side effects weren't too bad, just some constipation, weight loss and a bit of nub ness in his fingers and toes. He is now cancer free and his doctors consider him 'cured'. As for your concerns about fertility, you can have your eggs frozen to be used later. I recommend you look into this if you want to have kids at some point. I have one child and have decided not tomlookmintomways to preserve my fertility.

[live2jett]

HI Jen ...Welcome to the family:)