SC77 wrote:I had a colonoscopy on July 27th and my Doctor was able to see several cancerous tumors. I have had a cat scan and will have an MRI tomorrow. It is stage III because it is in my lower lymph nodes, though I dont know how many. I've had blood drawn for genetic testing but am unsure if the insurance will cover it yet. I'm waiting on insurance to approve my PET scan. I've met with my oncologist, surgeon, and radiologist.
Today I was tattooed and had measurements taken in radiology.
I'm only 40, non drinker, non smoker and no one in my family has had cancer. I'm so tired already because my hgb is low, 9.0.
I'm very scared I won't be able to handle treatment and work and family demands. I'm exhausted already and work and treatments haven't started yet. I am a teacher and school is starting very soon. My treatments will start a week after school starts.
If anyone has any positive stories or coping mechanisms for working during treatment, please share!
SC77 wrote:I'm only 40, non drinker, non smoker and no one in my family has had cancer. I'm so tired already because my hgb is low, 9.0.
I'm very scared I won't be able to handle treatment and work and family demands. I'm exhausted already and work and treatments haven't started yet. I am a teacher and school is starting very soon. My treatments will start a week after school starts.
If anyone has any positive stories or coping mechanisms for working during treatment, please share!
Basil wrote:Funny - as a 40 yo I haven't listened to new music in a while but my cancer song is "do you realize" by the Flaming Lips.
SC77 wrote:Thank you everyone for your replies. I am just still in shock and not processing everything real well right now. I didn't mention that it is rectal cancer. I had been bleeding a lot. My first hgb was 7.0. I went to a gastrointestinal two years ago! He told me to change my diet and that was it. I should have pushed harder for someone to listen.
I will start radiation and chemo (xeloda pills) on the 22nd.
Waiting to start treatment is driving me crazy.
Due to the location of the tumors, my surgeon has said he does not anticipate the need for a temporary illostomy, just removal and resection.
I am putting my trust in my local hospital cancer center. Anything else would be too far away.
My children are 11 and 12. They haven't questioned things much. I feel like they just assume I'm going to get better and I'm okay with that attitude. They are not aware that I'm going to look and feel worse before it's better. Since I don't know what it's going to be like, I don't really know how to prepare them.
Thanks for letting me vent and for listening.
Return to “Colon Talk - Colon cancer (colorectal cancer) support forum”
Users browsing this forum: Google [Bot], Google Feedfetcher and 392 guests