Nineteen years after my right hemi (followed by eight courses of 5fu + leukovorin) at age 59, and faithfully following regimen of CT scans, colonoscopies and such, the beast has returned, with a vengeance! My colonoscopy in mid-March showed an eight-cm cancerous tumor and innumerable polyps, of which 50 were harvested for analysis - they contained every imagineable form of colon cancer! Have met with my gastro and my surgeon and think I have a good team. Liver ultrasound revealed fibrosis (!) but will be checked further during surgery. Am having a flexible sigmoidoscopy on May 15th. Then we'll know whether my surgeon can save any of my lower colon to avoid a total colectomy. Now that I've reached 77 (36, mentally. ), I don't want any issues with skin sensitivities or infections BUT if a stoma is necessary, sobeit. I haven't had a chance to speak with a nurse-specialist regarding stoma care, etc., so the only info is what I've picked up online. Other issues are cardiac problems, including lbbb and chf - so I would prefer to be sedated for the least amount of time possible. My surgery will take place at Toronto's St. Michael's Hospital, which has a good report vis a vis colorectal cancer surgery. During my first bout in 1999, I received much encouragement and useful information from an online group that has since folded. If you folks have any tips, I'd love to have 'em.
Blessings and Peace.
Anne