How long ??

by Sherry
(United States)

I am a 36 yr old female, I was diagnosed with stage 1 colon cancer on Nov 4, 2011. I had no s/s. I just felt, or knew somehow that I needed to be checked. I had a few other issues going on that display a few s/s that may, for some be s/s of colon cancer - although my MD is telling me that the s/s I had were not connected to my tumor.

The cancer is at the hepatic flexure, I think they said it is about 1 cm in size. The doctors are also telling me I probally have Lynch Syndrome, (which I will get tested for after my surgery.)

-- My question is, how long do they typically wait to do the surgery, one MD tells me I should be scheduled in 2 weeks, another told me a few weeks. I met with an oncologist who specializes in this type of surgery, whom said that would call to schedule but its been a week now, I called them and they said they would call next week. I am worried about it spreading, I already know that they have invaded the cancer with biopsy. Any comment you have would be appreciated.

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How long ??

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Apr 12, 2012
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Is this common in a 30 year old?
by: Anonymous

I just had a colonoskopy when they removed 2 polyps and one had cancer. They haven't told me yet what my results are or the kind of cancer yet. I am extremely nervous. I tried researching some avenues and just get depressed when I find some answers. I am wondering if this is common in a 30 year old woman.And what is the percentage of this cancer taking a life????

Dec 25, 2011
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Thank you
by: Anonymous

Sherry,
Thank you so much for the information. Your f/u seems consistent with what I've been reading, at when people are lucky enough to have caught their cancer in stage 1(no chemo or radiation). I'm glad to hear directly from someone going through it that it seems to be the reality. Although you do what you have to do, my mom is 75 and I'd hate to see her go through that. I wish you all the best and really appreciate your willingness to share your experience with others like me. To be honest, it gives me greater peace of mind that speaking with the physicians. May you have a happy healthy new year!

Dec 25, 2011
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In my case
by: Sherry

Just to answer your question, my cancer was stage one, although we do not yet have the pathology results, my surgeon said that he does not refer those with stage one to an oncologist. I was also told the same by my primary care physician and my gastroentrologist. So, I will not be having any other treatments at this time; only the testing for Lynch Syndrome. As far as a f/u appt with the surgeon, mine was in 10 days; January 19th seems a bit far for me, perhaps you could call her primary doctor and ask what he/she thinks. Hope this helps. I hope your mother is feeling well really soon!

Dec 22, 2011
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Additional treatment
by: Anonymous

Hi--my mom just had surgery for what is probably stage 1 rectal cancer (still haven't gotten the pathology back but it was small, didn't penetrate the colon wall, and no spread). We are all wondering what happens next and she doesn't have a follow-up appointment with the surgeon until 1/19. What additional treatment, if any, will you have for your cancer than was just removed. Do you have to have radiation? Thank you for any insights you can give us. The unknown is very scary.

Dec 19, 2011
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Thanks for your responses, my update
by: Sherry

I had my surgery on the 7th of December, and have been healing well, each day I feel stronger, and feel like I can do a little more. I have noticed that the more I move, the less pain in the abdominal area. Today would be post-op day 12, I went back to visit my surgeon today and received my report. Lymph nodes are clear. We will do testing for Lynch syndrome now, then genetic testing as necessary to help protect our next generation. Thank you again for responding, the waiting games are hard to get through, and although I have a wonderful support chain from my family, it still helps to talk with others who understand what I am going through.

Nov 29, 2011
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Thanks!
by: Sherry

Thank you for your comments and sharing your stories. I did get a date, its in just a few days. Yes, very scary.....your words have helped.
Sherry

Nov 24, 2011
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Recovering from colon surgery as we speak
by: AnonymousMelissa

I was very lucky my doctor was a close friend to my surgeon. They got me in ASAP. One week later I had surgery. I was very pro active though. Firm and said I would take whatever appt. avail. Anytime. And begged to be squeezed in. Usually when it comes to cancer pts. You will go to the front! Also my cancer was very large a 2.5mm in size that wa removed at colonoscopy. Then when my surgeon went in he Said what he saw was very small. He actually did another colonoscopy to verify and make sure he got it all. He feels he did. Still waiting for pathology though. Sounds like you caught it early:) hang in there. It's scary I know. But there have been pts with stage four colon cancer who has beaten this. Stage one is very treatable. Good luck, God bless you,Melissa

Nov 20, 2011
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colon cancer
by: Anonymous

My advice is to get the first appointment for surgery available. I had colon cancer earlier this year and am doing well now. The best advice is keep all of your appointments with your doctors. good luck with your journey.

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