The Colon Club

Hi. I've been recently diagnosed with colon cancer at 40 yrs of age after a health check up. A 3cmx2cm tumor was discovered in my descending colon during a colonoscopy. I have no family history and other than the 1 tumor, no other health issues. I didn't have any symptoms prior to diagnosis and what was originally thought to be a stage 2 slow growing cancer turns out to be a stage 3a signet ring carcinoma. I've had a left hemi colectomy 10 days ago with 12 nodes removed, 3 of which had cancer cells. CT scans show clear pelvis, torso and chest. 8 rounds of Xelox every 3 weeks in conjunction with 2 weeks on, 1 week off of other tablets to follow. The thing is, I haven't found any information regarding this type of cancer...no best types of treatment, survivors beyond 5 yrs...nothing that isn't horrible statistics or prognosis. Where do I go to get current information and support? Or is there just nowhere? I'm feeling kinda alone and scared so any info would be much appreciated. Thanks

Hi Joe,

Hi and welcome. Sorry for the reason you are here, butt you have found the right place to be. While I don't have a lot of knowledge regarding signet ring cell, we do have several member who do have that type of cancer. You are not alone, this is a wonderful forum, you will find a lot of support and information here.

Remember, one day at a time.

Lee

Hello JoG,

Sorry about your diagnosis. I really don't know of any signet ring cell exclusive support groups (honestly I haven't looked for any either). However, you are certainly not alone as you can see from my signature, and there are others on this site. It's been over a year since my diagnosis.

The good news is it is possible for you to get through this and get back to your normal life with just the normal colon cancer treatment regimen. If you use the search function in the quick links (up on the top left corner of the page) you can you can find stories of people with SRC including some long term survivors.

There really is not much uniquely that is medically recommended for SRC carcinomas except close monitoring because they grow fast and spread.

But to assuage your fears: descending/sigmoid colon cancer are supposed to be less aggressive than ascending colon cancers. Your cancer seems to have been caught early enough to not be too dire. You said you were otherwise healthy so you have the strength to get through chemo hopefully without complications.

It is really unhelpful to focus on the stats., talk to a cancer social worker to help with your anxiety if it gets overwhelming. You can get through this.

Welcome and sorry for the reason you're here.*hugs* I hope your chemo goes well!*hugs*

There are stage 3 SRC survivors who have been on here. It does happen so don't get discouraged! My husband was advanced stage 4 SRC at diagnosis so I have followed this disease somewhat. My biggest piece of advice would be to push for CT scans every two months for a couple of years if possible. This cancer grows FAST when it grows. Many doctors do not take this into account--at least my husband's doctors did not. Hopefully all your cancer has been removed and you will be able to get on with life soon.

Hi,

It is so frustrating looking online for information on SRC carcinoma. I agree, all the information is depressing and not helpful! It is true that the treatment is the same as for non-SRC colon cancer, except that closer monitoring is a good idea. My insurance was willing to pay for quarterly PET/CT scans after treatment, so that is what I did (a lot of radiation, but I believe it was worth it, since the chance of recurrence is higher and it is best to catch them early if possible).

About me--I had Stage 3c signet ring colon cancer in 2008, with 14 out of 18 positive lymph nodes. I did six months of FOLFOX and I have not had a recurrence. It's true that SRC is more aggressive, but there are success stories like mine. I was in contact with a woman who was 10 years out from a stage 4 SRC appendix cancer diagnosis and she was doing well! It is good that your cancer is 3a, and not more advanced. Some of the lower prognosis for SRC is that it tends to be found later than other colon cancers, because it grows fast.

The one thing I would do differently, if I could, is that I would try harder to avoid obsessing about statistics and prognosis. I really, really drove myself crazy with that stuff. It's easy for me to say this now, but whether or not I was to have a recurrence, the time I spent torturing myself on the internet is time wasted. (I am totally not saying you are torturing yourself!! Just that is what I did and I always hope other folks can avoid doing it because it is a miserable place to be.)

Sending you my very best wishes. I hope your recovery from surgery and subsequent treatment goes well!

Dori

I had some signet cells, but it was called adénocarcinoma with signet ring. I am still here, it's been two years since diagnosis. So far , so good. I changed a lot since my diagnosis. Like Dory, i don't read about stats anymore. Whatever happens, happens. I try to enjoy life that i do have. And of course, i am not always that zen. I do panic when i have a weird symptom etc. But still, just live! You have a good prognosis.

Thank you all so much for replying to my post. I feel a little less anxious after reading your replies and will definitely take all of your advice on board. Knowing that this is survivable is of great relief to me considering all the doom and gloom Dr Google has to offer. Your stories inspire me to crack on and move forward, and for that I thank you x