9 more days!

[ocstacy]

Nine more days until my mom finishes her radiation and Xeloda and nine more days until I get my 1st colonoscopy I am super nervous as heck and had to fight hard for this procedure but I made it happen and I can't back out now! My mom's treatment has certainly flown by super fast and I am very pleased on how my mom is doing with treatment. I thought for sure she would be so much more weaker and sick from the chemo and radiation. She is staying with me now so I can care for her. Today she was up all day cooking her favorite dinner for the family. She doesn't have the energy to go the super market or shopping but she has the energy to clean and cook. This colon club has been such a blessing to have. I found this club on Google while researching Colorectal Cancer. No referrals at all. I just wanted to thank you all so much for all of your support. I have learned so much from you all such as side effects, products, emotional support, experiences, suggestions, etc. etc. My mom's oncologist, radiation oncologist and colorectal surgeon are AMAZING people. I am so glad that I found the best of the west doctors for my mom. Although, my mother doesn't want to have the surgery, she most likely will have to. She is afraid that she will have a permanent bag, but the surgeon mentioned most likely she will have a temp, than a reversal. It all depends on how much the tumor has shrunk, location, etc.

How many weeks did you wait to have surgery after your last radiation treatment? I think the surgeon mentioned 6-8 weeks or so? How was your experience?

[AbbyDoo]

Glad she is doing well with minimal side affects.
The last week is the hardest. The last three radiation zaps they will adjust the machine and just hit the tumor hard.
Six weeks to eight weeks seems like the average time between all phases of this treatment.
Your such a great daughter and I'm sure your mom is very proud and thankfull.

[Aqx99]

My surgery was 6 weeks after my last radiation treatment. Make sure that your mom has a consultation with an ostomy nurse before the surgery. I was scared about the prospect of a permanent colostomy as well. My awesome ostomy nurse really helped me get past that fear. We talked about both, and she taught me about the pouching systems. She marked me for both the colostomy and the ileostomy, making it a point to put a larger X at the ileostomy site. She said it was for luck. I told her the first thing I was going to do in the recovery room would be to feel which side the bag was on (and I did just that!).

[ocstacy]

The last week is the hardest. The last three radiation zaps they will adjust the machine and just hit the tumor hard.
Six weeks to eight weeks seems like the average time between all phases of this treatment.
Your such a great daughter and I'm sure your mom is very proud and thankfull.

Good to know, I had no idea they did that! The oncologist mentioned that after the last week, it will kick her butt after she ends (like more weaker) I didn't understand why, but now I think I know why. I wish I knew the answers now, if the tumor has shrunk or spread.. it's always nerve racking to know what is happening.

[ocstacy]

The last week is the hardest. The last three radiation zaps they will adjust the machine and just hit the tumor hard.
Six weeks to eight weeks seems like the average time between all phases of this treatment.
Your such a great daughter and I'm sure your mom is very proud and thankfull.

Good to know, I had no idea they did that! The oncologist mentioned that after the last week, it will kick her butt after she ends (like more weaker) I didn't understand why, but now I think I know why. I wish I knew the answers now, if the tumor has shrunk or spread.. it's always nerve racking to know what is happening.

[Rainykatie]

Hi there, glad to hear your mom only has 9 more days- that is great!

My mom lives with me now so I can help care for her too. The good days are the best, I know what you mean. We are currently in the FOLFOX trenches, with 6 treatments down and 6 more to go. I can't wait for her to have a break.

Glad to hear your mom is doing well.

Hey, I'm also 39 and am hoping to try to get a colonoscopy too. My primary care physician kind of just scoffed at the idea, but my mom's oncologist recommended I get one done. Are you in the US by chance? If so, any words of advice for trying to get one done and paid for by insurance?