The Colon Club

I can relate to so much of what you wrote in your intro because a lot of it mirrors my story. Wanted to let you know to stay strong if they find there was lymph node involvement. That's what happened with me and it meant I was stage 3 and needed six months of chemo. I'm still here 8 years later and the same could be true for you.

horizon wrote:because a lot of it mirrors my story.

Thanks for the reply and so glad you're around and doing well to tell your tale. I have a few questions- I hope that's okay with you

What size was your Tumor in mm? layer? I'm at minimum SM3 depth with 17mm polyp, but they won't know more until Aug 21st and free me of all of those lymph nodes.
Has your life been significantly altered due to the actual surgery or chemo part? (mental or physical)
Have you altered your diet or are you taking anything to attempt to prevent a reoccurrence?

Much appreciated and best,
Zack

So much of the story cannot be told until your post surgical pathology. Your very nice distance from the AV is a huge plus. I had what my GP told me was a huge (7 cm) tumor that had been there awhile. Struggled getting a qualified surgeon. But once the insurance approvals came through, absolutely rough and smooth sailing. All the bumps in the road that come with the pre-surgical chemo and radiation - not fun. My qualified surgeon was determined (while I was under) that we could skip the ileostomy and they watched me after surgery for leakage. Not fun at all, quite a bit of drama - poop drama. After that, more chemo - we skipped the wait and watch option. More chemo - not fun. After that, neuropathy pain. Time - about a year.

The hubby is a colon cancer and small cell lung cancer survivor. So, we know the drill and are pretty stoic about it all.

20 months down the road. We've travelled all over with few issues, except that we need to know where the bathrooms are. The neuropathy has waned, the memory of the port and the hanging chemo bag is a distant memory. I will never be the same, although I am "way better" than before diagnosis.

There is a point on the other side. Waking up and realizing your lawn has been neglected, the garage is an absolute mess. Hubby griping about lights left on and the wife complaining about the algae that needs a power washing. Pure heaven.

Zackattack wrote:

horizon wrote:What size was your Tumor in mm? layer? I'm at minimum SM3 depth with 17mm polyp, but they won't know more until Aug 21st and free me of all of those lymph nodes.
Has your life been significantly altered due to the actual surgery or chemo part? (mental or physical)
Have you altered your diet or are you taking anything to attempt to prevent a reoccurrence?

To be honest I can't remember. Mine was complicated by the fact that it was a flat polyp that they couldn't just grab during a colonoscopy. After my resection my surgeon called me and told me there was lymph node involvement and I needed chemo.

I definitely have physical and mental scars from the whole thing. I don't see how you couldn't. Don't get me wrong, I'm thankful to be here and have a good life. I was actually one of the lucky ones that got through chemo without lasting side effects. I had some neuropathy issues but they dialed back my dosage to address that.

I already was barely eating red meat before my diagnosis. I did give up bacon, which was brutal for me. I limit how much processed meat I eat and try to eat more fiber. I take vitamin D3 as well.

horizon wrote:I definitely have physical and mental scars from the whole thing. I don't see how you couldn't. Don't get me wrong, I'm thankful to be here and have a good life. I was actually one of the lucky ones that got through chemo without lasting side effects. I had some neuropathy issues but they dialed back my dosage to address that.

Agree with horizon. I kind of divide my life into BC (before cancer) and AC (after cancer). The AC part is both more exhilarating (there's not a day I don't appreciate just being alive and able to do the things I love like rock climbing, hiking, running, etc.) and more terrifying (staring death in the eye does that to you). It's a double edged sword this experience and knowledge we share. But one thing I can guarantee you is the friends you make along the way will be the most amazing people you'll ever meet.

horizon wrote:I did give up bacon, which was brutal for me.

Dude, I feel your pain.

Juliej

Before my diagnosis, I was in great physical shape working out 5 days a weeks, and felt invincible. Its amazing how something like this changes your outlook on life and what is important..

Have to admit I broke down reading about your reaction to getting clean scans. The morning after my colonscopy getting my CEA level and getting the results of my chest CT I had the same reaction. Cried like a child.

Congrats on the baby, clean scans, and you beating this.

juliej wrote:Agree with horizon. I kind of divide my life into BC (before cancer) and AC (after cancer). The AC part is both more exhilarating (there's not a day I don't appreciate just being alive and able to do the things I love like rock climbing, hiking, running, etc.) and more terrifying (staring death in the eye does that to you). It's a double edged sword this experience and knowledge we share. But one thing I can guarantee you is the friends you make along the way will be the most amazing people you'll ever meet.

She speaks the truth Zack! People who will really *get* what you're going through because they've been there.

camicom wrote:Before my diagnosis, I was in great physical shape working out 5 days a weeks, and felt invincible. Its amazing how something like this changes your outlook on life and what is important..

Yep, I was hitting the gym 4 days a week and was in the best shape of my life. My dad is completely sedentary and has a train wreck of a diet. Somehow I'm the one that got CC. Still boggles my mind.

First, congratulations on the baby.

Second, wow you story is almost identical to mine. I was same age, we even look similar based on your picture lol.

You "may" have a bag for a short while depending on how much they have to take. I went to a crappy imaging place instead of a big institute so they missed a bunch on my lymph nodes so I had to do chemo unfortunately. If yours ends up just being the tumor, no chemo and you are good to go. The reversal wasn't fun since I had to have a jpouch, but after a month, it gets a lot better. Regardless if it is stage 1 or 3, you have a great chance at life and being watching your kids grow up.

I'm going on 3 years cancer free, and I couldn't even complete chemo etc.

Maelleous wrote:congratulations on the baby.

Thank you for your comment! I'm hopeful we don't see/have lymph node cancer deposits. I believe that i shouldn't need a j pouch or a colostomy bag but I will know until after I wake up.

When you say that they missed a bunch on your lymph node imaging, what do you mean?

Anyone that I missed, thank you for your replies and they have been read and appreciated. The surgery is on schedule for this Wednesday and I'm looking forward to finally getting it out of the way and facing whatever results/healing ahead.

If anyone's around, I'll be at memorial Sloan-Kettering from Wednesday through the weekend probably.

Forgot to mention, I've had a swollen lymph node under my right jawline /ear for the last few weeks, it has me concerned that it's related but obviously it wouldn't be swollen from that lower area more than likely

It's great that your surgery is just around the corner. I'm just starting so I don't have any information to share to help you but I'm here rooting for you!

MeAndMine wrote:I'm just starting so I don't have any information to share to help you but I'm here rooting for you!

Good luck to you my friend. If you want to chat anytime, i'll make myself available. Surgery is 2 days from now. Xanax helps to take the edge off but I'm frightened in many ways, as i'm sure you must be. Will be on here at times through the recovery. Crossing fingers for 0 lymph nodes have cancer and no leak or blood clots. Family and friends support has been great. It's go time.

Hi Zack,

Just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you as your surgery date approaches. Stay positive and know that you are getting the best care at MSK.

anneliz

Sending you strength, stay positive. I know it’s hard but you’ll feel better when you have a plan. I worried up till they put me out. Then woke up and I try not to look back. It’s always in my mind, but I take everyday and keep moving. You got this!

KathyLynn

Another person sending you positive vibes for your upcoming surgery!!