Postby chards » Sun Jan 29, 2012 8:13 pm
Hi,
Wow. You inspire me. My husband was just diagnosed with Stage 3 Colon Cancer. 4 out of 23 nodes affected. They didn't look enlarged upon removal, so I'm not sure if there was a lot of cancer in there or not. Trying to read about that, and should probably ask the Onc. (we have yet to choose one). It truly is a roller coaster. After surgery we were encouraged, because no cancer was seen on outside of colon and the nodes "looked" fine. Then we get the devastating call. Then we get the report further explained to us, and find that there are some things in our favor. First Onc. we saw said we have a 50-70% chance of beating this, closer to 70 - because of favorable conditions (highly differentiated cancer, young - 43, and generally healthy, good blood work, lots of nodes taken), and and increase in survivability up to 85% if chemo is taken, which is all that was suggested.
Some people seem to get radiation too. I wonder why some do and some don't?
Anyway, we are remaining quite positive, but I get these horrible waves of panic that we will never beat this. It will always be a struggle and we will always worry about every little thing we put in our body, and worry about each test result. Cancer does change your life, and not for the better. I am so scared at times. We have little kids who need their Father. I need their Father. How do you deal with it?
I will pray for you.
Anyway, what is (HIPEC)? Just wondering. Is it a treatment?