AJS wrote:PainInTheAss....I think I like calling you Newbie better!
Haha... It just seemed so fitting cuz my butt hurts so bad!
To answer your questions........Ever since I was diagnosed back at the end of 2007, I get a CT Scan every 3 months. Usually when my scan is scheduled, my appt. with my onc is usually scheduled for the next week and I have my blood work done then. So I have both done every 3 months when I have a "break" from cancer. During chemo I don't have a scan until all treatments are done, but blood work is done every 2 weeks on treatment day.
Okay, good to know. They mentioned "checking every three months" but didn't say how they were going to check. I am guessing both scans and blood tests. I'm glad they are not "scan-shy" like some docs from what I've heard. I feel confident that I am in good hands.
My cancer was a surprise when it was found. I had NO symptoms. I originally had my 1st resection for diverticulitis and my gastro surgeon found the cancer then. After mop up chemo, had a 6 month break before 1st recurrence. After surgery and mop up chemo, had a 2 year break, then 2nd recurrence last year. After surgery, ileostomy bag(had that thing for 8 long weeks) and take down (oh how I hated that bag...put me in the hospital twice)
How did the bag put you in the hospital? They are telling me I will likely need a permanent colostomy because my tumor is right next to my sphincter and only 15 percent chance they can save it even with a complete response. I'm okay with that, but I have been worried about complications. Not sure if a temp ileostomy would have more complications than a permanent colostomy, but it's good to know what "might" happen.
did mop up chemo and had a 6 month break and now in 3rd recurrence. But happily only cells this time. I am fortunate in that I tolerate chemo very well. Yes I have a couple of side effects but it's usually on the weekend of my treatment week. I have never missed a day of work during chemo and haven't changed my routine at all. The only concession I made last summer and this time around is that I did get a temporary handicap tag (6 months) to use for parking. I usually run a lot of errands after I finish my treatment on Day 1 and I don't feel like walking from one end of a parking lot to whatever store/business I am going to. This is my story....I'm sure I answered your question and then some.
Yes, but every survivor story is an encouragement!
Hope you are doing well. How are your treatments going?
I start with chemoradiation next week. I've been going through old posts on here and compiling advice for handling side-effects after getting a few tips from a few people (Jaynee's posts are sooooo helpful! I PM'd her to get more advice as well) so I feel pretty "armed" with real knowledge about what to expect and how to best handle symptoms (rather than the vague "the last few weeks will be bad" the docs keep saying). I have a recto-vaginal fistula, so the diarrhea is a big concern. The docs all recommended a temporary colostomy before I started the treatment, but I didn't want an additional surgery and to have to wait until it healed to start treatment. I'd rather deal with the diarrhea than postpone treatment. I'm glad to know now that there are some things you can do for it.
Thanks so much for responding. I hope your next round of treatment goes well for you!