Next Steps -- Cancer Typed and Staged

[kevin.turley]

So I now know that I have stage 2 rectal cancer. As far as I am concerned that was the good news from today's procedures. The bad news is that there are so many polyps that there is no way to reverse the colostomy AND I am going to loose my entire colon with an ileostomy the rest of my life. I am ok with that as it is what I heard from the first doctor and now the second opinion doctor. Sometime next week I start my 6 weeks of chemo and radiation but do not have the appointment with my oncologist until later this week, so at this point I do not know what they are going to use for chemo or radiation. Once I know that, I will come back and share so I can get some incite as to what to expect based on what they are going to do. What I do know is that I got this and will beat it. Staying positive because that is the only way to be.

[midlifemom]

Like the positive attitude. Hold on to it.

[SugarBubbie]

Every one of my docs at MD Anderson (and the nurses) have all told me that a positive attitude is one of my tools to fight my (two different) cancers. I know that alone cannot cure me but it sure isn't gonna hurt anything, so good luck with your treatments and stay positive!

[poohbear]

Just diagnosed with Colon cancer. I had a hemi colectomy and will be starting my six month chemo regimen next week. My dr ran some blood work last week and my CEA level came back a 20 and I had a PET scan yesterday. Worried I will be told the cancer has spread. Any other causes as to why it would be so high or is that normal when cancer is involved and you just found out?