The Colon Club

Enjoying the beginning of my summer break without a round of oxi. I am so bummed the last two does will occupy summer, glad to have this four week window. Hope you find a comfortable headspace, it's scary isn't it?

So glad your colonoscopy was clear. I had mine in Sept, 2016 and the doctor said don't need another for 3 years. The screening tests do provide us with alot of anxiety. I just finished my 6 month bloodwork and scan. Even without lymph node involvement, the anxiety is still there every time testing time comes. I will be NED 3 years in September and I almost get panic attacks when it comes time for scans. I still think about my diagnosis everyday. The lingering side effects of treatment don't help. Mild neuropathy and digestive issues. But, I keep telling myself that life is good and I everyday I get up is a good day. Wishing you well on your bloodwork and upcoming scans.

So happy to hear your good news! I understand the concern for closer monitoring and I'd feel the same way. Maybe you can push to have it sooner, perhaps after 2 years for your peace of mind.

Enjpy your summer! Doing happy dance for you!!!

Shana

More good news! Bloodwork looks good too. Waiting on cea level. But I’m relieved. Now a scan on Aug4th.

Fabulous news!

teacher2017 wrote:More good news! Bloodwork looks good too. Waiting on cea level. But I’m relieved. Now a scan on Aug4th.

Great news! I knew you could do it!!!

Yay! Love to hear good news

Cea level went from 1.4 to 1.8. I don’t care! I’m ok for now and I’m happy. I haven’t been happy or relieved in six to eight months. First Scan since surgery is Aug 4th. I have no idea what to eat anymore or what supplements to take. My potassium is always low and I need to lose 50 lbs! It’s time to get fit! Let’s stay positive everyone:)

Awesome attitude!

I still remember your first post. You've come a long way baby!!!! And you certainly ROCK!

Robino1 wrote:Awesome attitude!

I still remember your first post. You've come a long way baby!!!! And you certainly ROCK!

Thank you!

Hey guys,

Well, made it through treatment and feeling stronger, better. NED following scans in late March. We moved overseas with the blessings of my oncologist and his belief this was all behind me. I am scheuled for my first 1 yr colonscopy and my first 6 month follow up PET/CT in mid-September.

However....3 months almost to the day after ending treatment, I have observed what appears to be blood in my stool...kind of what it looked like before my diagnosis and forced me to get checked in the first place. It's been 3 days consecutively now. streaks. now i have been eating tomatoes and strawberries...my diet is Mediterranean. the only thing is i recently as of a week ago started eating oatmeal again in the mornings or bran cereals for fiber.

I did send a note to my doctor on the above with a photograph of what I am seeing, but it is the weekend and i am sure i may not hear anything until early next week. My question is - with all of the research i have conducted and not found any comfort - is it likely the cancer has returned and what I am seeing is a bleeding tumor in my colon? after just 3 months of ending treatment?

jind of numb right now and somewhat afraid....

First of all congrats on NED status, that's awesome!

I hope you hear back from your oncologist soon. I know recurrence is always at the back of every cancer patient's mind so fear is normal.

Sending you positive thoughts that this is absolutely nothing!

DonutHead wrote:Hey guys,

Well, made it through treatment and feeling stronger, better. NED following scans in late March. We moved overseas with the blessings of my oncologist and his belief this was all behind me. I am scheuled for my first 1 yr colonscopy and my first 6 month follow up PET/CT in mid-September.

However....3 months almost to the day after ending treatment, I have observed what appears to be blood in my stool...kind of what it looked like before my diagnosis and forced me to get checked in the first place. It's been 3 days consecutively now. streaks. now i have been eating tomatoes and strawberries...my diet is Mediterranean. the only thing is i recently as of a week ago started eating oatmeal again in the mornings or bran cereals for fiber.

I did send a note to my doctor on the above with a photograph of what I am seeing, but it is the weekend and i am sure i may not hear anything until early next week. My question is - with all of the research i have conducted and not found any comfort - is it likely the cancer has returned and what I am seeing is a bleeding tumor in my colon? after just 3 months of ending treatment?

jind of numb right now and somewhat afraid....

I sometimes have the same issues but it could very well be food related. Do the Metamucil thing and see if there is a change. Could be hemmoroids too. Breathe.

Can anyone clarify the blood work and ctscan schedule? Are the scans once a year? Cea levels every six months? I can’t remember.

Starting to get scanaxiety. Aug 4 is the scan and I meet with the onc on the 7th. I’m sure hoping they will call me as soon as they know the results. I almost don’t want to know! I’m hoping nothing has happened. But every pain or hemorrhoid makes me crazy.

I have my 6 months set of scan and checkup upcoming in mid September. could be every 3 or 6 months for the first 3 years, but my onc thought it overkill for 3 and went with 6. i am certainly with you on the pains and seeing this or that, but hypersensitivity is what i end up concluding everytime. hell, i did not know i had cancer the first time, did not feel anything and a colonoscopy caught it. this ordeal is certainly not easy, everything has changed. however, we need to move on in our lives just as everyone does because, everyone has something, some trialor tribulation they must face daily. you will be fine, more than fine. we have to believe that.