Hello, I'm here seeking support, advice, prayers for my son who has colon cancer. He is 46 years old and has a 17 year old daughter. There is no family history of colon cancer and my son has no risk factors. A brief history:
My son began having rectal bleeding, GP referred him to GI Dr for colonoscopy, which took a few months to get in for an appointment despite repeated calls. On colonoscopy a sigmoid mass was found in December, in January had a pre-op MRI, CT from neck to groin--all clear. In January, he had a colon resection. Margins were clear, the tumors was a Stage 3A adenocarcinoma moderately differentiated with one out of 7 lymph nodes +. Had a port implanted.
He began chemo with oxiliplatin, 5-FU and Leucovorin (FOLFOX) on Feb 26, to be given every other week for 12 cycles or 6 months of treatment. April 9 liver functions tests (LFTs) were markedly elevated so the oncologist held the oxiliplation but gave him the other 2, which he gets a bolus of 5-FU then wears the pump for 46 hours. Yesterday at the oncology appointment one LFT was normal the other almost normal so this coming Monday he has the green light for the full chemo regimen. No neuropathy thus far, but he has headaches, cold food/drink intolerance, jaw clenching and a few oral sores, insomnia (early wakening), fatigue and nausea. Dr felt the elevated LFTs were due to Tylenol he was taking for headaches, so she advised Aleve only if absolutely needed...and to report any bleeding.
Oncologist wants to do early surveillance due to his age (?) which would be repeat CEA and CT to be scheduled pretty soon. She's monitoring the LFTs, CBC, renal function every other week.
Needless to say, this has been a tremendous SHOCK to me and my family. The news was stunning and very scary--it still is! My daughter, his sister (age 42), is having her initial colonoscopy today due to the first degree relative recommendation. I pray that it's normal. Oncologist advises my son's daughter should have her first colonoscopy about age 35-36. Oh and genetic testing was negative for cancer. We're awaiting the written report.
He wants the aggressive treatment and is willing to, as he says, "suck it up" the side effects to do so. He goes to work every day, walks 4 miles nearly every day, eats well, especially on his "off" week when he's not so nauseous. Makes green smoothies for breakfast and takes one to work. He takes a multivitamin. He's on no other meds except an occasional Xanax. I worry that he keeps things bottled up inside and encourage him to verbalize. I don't know that he does though. He has a busy and stressful job, is extremely responsible & brings work home often. As he says "It is what it is" (both to work and cancer), and I know the reality of it, but this surely hit out of the blue.
I welcome any and all comments, advice, support and prayers. Thank you if you feel led to respond. I''m sorry if this is too long.
9/2017 rectal bleeding
12/2017 colonoscopy; sigmoid mass found. MRI chest abd pelvis - normal, CEA normal
1/16/2018 colon resection Mod. differentiated Adenocarcinoma T3 N1 MX
1/18 Port implanted
2/26/18 FOLFOX begun