New diagnosis

[Maggie2018]

Hi everyone. I am 70 y/o female and was diagnosed 5 days ago with a 3 cm. Adenocarcinoma of transverse colon during colonoscopy. No staging yet…first appointment with oncologist next Monday. I had an Adenomas polyp removed during colonoscopy three years ago.
What imaging studies or other testing are done to determine staging?
Appreciate any information…this still feels unreal!

[roadrunner]

Maggie:

First off, sorry you got that finding. It’s definitely unsettling, and can be scary. However, with luck, this will just be a speed bump for you. It’s been a while since my diagnosis, and others will likely be able to provide more comprehensive information, but mine was staged initially through a whole-body PET-CT scan. This allows reasonable staging of the tumor itself and also checks for distant metastases, which are the most critical issue. That was how they did it in my case, at least. I suspect the process varies by country/health system, tho.

I wish you the best of luck with this!

[utahgal7]

Maggie,

Any new updates?

Paige

[Maggie2018]

Thank you for asking ❤️
Mt PET scan was negative for any metastasis. Saw surgeon a few weeks ago and surgery scheduled for this Monday. My tumor is in transverse colon but report didn’t indicate exactly where. Surgeon said he would check with pathologist. Found out when talking to pre op nurse that my scheduled procedure is for a right hemicolectomy. Of course staging will be determined after pathology completed on specimen. My big concern other than staging is how much bowel function will I have?

[utahgal7]

Maggie,

Good luck with your surgery. I am sure it will go smoothly. It is great news that PET scan was negative for metastasis. Although I don't have any personal experience with a right hemicolectomy, there are others on this forum that do. Perhaps, someone can weigh in here and describe their experience to you. Hopefully, it can alleviate some of your concerns related to bowel function post surgery.

Best of luck and let us know how things turn out,

Paige

[Catlady]

Thank you for asking ❤️
Mt PET scan was negative for any metastasis. Saw surgeon a few weeks ago and surgery scheduled for this Monday. My tumor is in transverse colon but report didn’t indicate exactly where. Surgeon said he would check with pathologist. Found out when talking to pre op nurse that my scheduled procedure is for a right hemicolectomy. Of course staging will be determined after pathology completed on specimen. My big concern other than staging is how much bowel function will I have?

Hi Maggie,
I had a right hemicolectomy in February and my bowel function was fine. It was a little runny to begin with but then I guess it figured out the new configuration of the colon and things began to get more solid. I hope everything goes well for you and your stage is low!

[Maggie2018]

Hi!
I had a right hemicolectomy on Nov 18th. Pathology showed Stage 3 (2of 14 lymph nodes +)
I start chemo on January 7th for 6 months.
I still have liquid stools and can’t control them much of the time. Surgeon advised to try Metamucil. I bought the gummies since powder is not pleasant to drink. What is everyone else doing to manage bowel movements?

[utahgal7]

Maggie2018,

I had a different surgery than you, but my doctor prescribed Lomotil and that slowed things down quite a bit. Have you reached out to your care team for additional guidance with loose stools? Also, certain foods can help firm up stools (bananas, white rice, white toast, white pasta, oatmeal, potatoes, cheese, crackers, pretzels, marshmallows, chicken breast, white fish).

Hope this helps and good luck,

Paige