colon cancer what are your experences?

[huckster]

My sil finally got all her results back, she has colon caner stage 4, she is 48 her only symptons were constipation for 3 weeks unable to go , the first time in hosp for time for 5 days and said no cancer change diet went home and 3 days later back in ran test didnt show any thing wnrt in to look around and did surgery to find out they were wrong, the first time, , 15 cm removed 4 3/4 inches were cancers, 15 of 17 lymphnodes removed had cancer , and it spread to overies, they said in 3 weeks they will start kemo and radiation after she gets buitl up from surgery , she has a bag now also . she asked dr how long he said maybe 2 years what does that mean? that she cant recover? any one been thru this we are all so worried for her/ thanks

 

[mickeyboat]

I have no information or guidance, but . It sounds scary to me.

Denae

 

[Christine]

It sounds as if you need more info from the doctor.

My co-worker had fairly extensive colon cancer. They removed part of her colon; however, one year later it came back. She had to have more surgery and then 6 months of chemo. It has been another year and she is doing fine. No recurrences. She did not have spread to any lymph nodes or other organs, so I don't know what this will mean for your SIL.

How old is your SIL and how long has she been having symptoms, if any?

 

[chicagodisneyfan]

So sorry she is going through this! Stage 4 cancer is very bad - typically a 5% chance of living 5 years.

I would find out where the best treatment center for colon cancer is - and have her go there. She needs lots of support

 

[DisneyMomx7]

I've had two experiences with colon cancer. My brother was 45 when he was diagnosed. We though it was stage 2. He had surgery (no bag - hemicolectomy) and chemo and radiation. Unfortunately his spread to his liver. From diagnosis until his death was only 4 months.

10 years ago, at age 37 I was also diagnosed with stage 2 colon cancer. I had a hemicolectomy and resection surgery and had chemo for a year. Thankfully I am still cancer free.

It's the cancer nobody likes to talk about.

Prayers for your sister and your family.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

I don't have any information, I just wanted to give you a hug. Cancer sucks.

 

[sue1013]

We went through this with my father inlaw. The best advice I can give you is get her to a GOOD cancer hospital. FIL's colon cancer metasised (sp) to his liver. First hospital said they couldn't do anything since it has spread and just wanted to do chemo, they said surgery for liver could not be done. FIL fought us but finally kicking and screaming we took him to Sloan Kettering who did the surgery that supposedly couldn't be done put him in a new clinical trial. They put a pump right in his liver so chemo doesn't go anywhere except where needed. 8 yrs later still cancer free. Had we listened to the local hospital he'd be gone now. I realize the big hospitals can't save everyone but at least get a second opinion from one of the bigger hospitals.

 

[luvwinnie]

I am so sorry to hear this. COlon cancer runs in my family.

 

[minnie56]

Sounds like a second opinion is wise...especially as this hospital missed it first time around? There are always miracles and favourable stories out there too!

Many prayers and good thoughts heading your way.....what an awful worry.

 

[4nana]

Always sad to hear, cancer is such a devastating disease touching so many.

I agree with other posters and can't encourage your friend enough to get several opinions and the best possible care at the most progressive cancer institutes. Altho stage 4 colon cancer is never good, specially as it has spread to her ovaries - there is always hope to prolong life and one should not ever give up without a fight!! I have sadly watched 3 friends battle colon cancer and lost 2. One was given 6 mo to get things in order after being diagnosed w/colon cancer, later spreading to his liver and lungs. He decided to get a second opinion, fight it to the max, having several surgeries and progressive treatments, with amazing faith beyond compare and luckily lived another 6 yrs!

Best wishes and tell your SIL to give it all she's got! {{hugs}}

 

[LoveBWVVBR]

My grandmother had colon cancer. It was caught pretty early, as she had regular colonoscopies due to a polyp that kept growing back. In her case, she had radiation for a month after the polyp was excised. Her follow-up colonoscopies have been clear. I agree with finding the very best cancer center that you can for your sis. That can make ALL the difference. I am so sorry that your sister is going through this

 

[floridafam]

I'm so sorry.

A good Dr. is a must.

My brother had colon cancer. It was diagnosed through blood work-his hemoglobin was low. They scoped him to find out where he was bleeding and found a tumor near his secum (sp?) It has also grown outside the wall of the colon.

He had chemo and we thought everything was fine. About a year after his first diagnosis he started getting pains in his upper abdomen (on whatever side your liver is on.) Well, it has spread to his liver and lungs.

He was told there was nothing anyone could do. My Dad searched the United States for a good Dr. We also took him to the Mayo Clinic. They gave him 3 months.

He lived about 18 months after our trip to Mayo. He went to an oncologist in Memphis that tried some new things and a clinical trial. They helped a little.

I'm sending hugs your way. We'll be here if you need to talk.


Each case is different as you can see from the responses above. I would encourage her to seek the most aggressive treatment there is and help her to maintain a positive attitude.

 

[floridafam]

May I ask what part of Michigan you are in? Is your SIL in Michigan. I would go to U of M.


My brother was in Grand Rapids.

 

[JVL1018]

My Mom was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer in April of 2004. It had spread to her liver and she had a couple of spots on her ovaries.
She started chemo and was feeling better, and the doctor said things were going well, and then in mid June she told my Dad she was tired and closed her eyes and died. She was 62.
The doctor told us she probably had a heart attack, most likely the chemo was just too much for her.
I believe the 5 year survival rate is at 5% as someone else mentioned, so not good odds, sadly.
Tell anyone related to your SIL to get colonoscopies starting at age 35-colon cancer is extremely treatable if caught early!!

 

[MickeysMommy]

I agree with all the other posters as to "GET THEE TO A DIFFERENT DOCTOR"! Quickly.

To reinstate, no one likes to talk about this type of cancer but if it's detected early is 100% cureable! My dad had this in 1987 - found it incredibly early and had 6 months of chemo and did great. Of course, now he has another form of cancer but not related to the colon cancer.

My doctor is sending me this year for a colonoscopy (I'm 30) as she said my dad likely had it in his 40s he was diagnosed in his 50s and to be careful she wants me to go early.

My thoughts will be with your friend.

 

[mickman1962]

Sloan Kettering is the most amazing hospital I've had the disfortune of having to bring family members to. Every person is nicer than the next and their quality of care is amazing. Unfortunately with cancer quality of care is as important as luck. Wish you the best of luck.