OT - colon cancer

This is off topic to prostate cancer. But, since I have been on this board for a long time, I will share an update on a new health challenge. I had a routine 3 year follow-up colonoscopy on Tuesday. They discovered a "large, partially obstructive" tumor in the distal descending colon. The biopsy results confirm it is cancer. So, here I go again. Staging is in progress. I have CT scan on Monday and surgery consultation on the next Friday. I would have hoped to have fulfilled my cancer quota already. But, apparently it does not work that way. Sigh. Take care all.

Southern Comfort

Sorry to hear about this. Not what you want to deal with.

Sucks you have to do this whole thing again.

Andrew

Dear Southern Comfort ~

Thinking of you right now, wishing you the best, looking ahead ---

Hope that you can pursue some treatments that will help you in the near future.

Meanwhile, thoughts and prayers being sent to you right now.

We're all right here for you,
Iowa State "Cyclone"

Exactly 3 years ago this month I was dx with rectal cancer.....due to its location, all my docs thought it was a secondary cancer stemming from SVT back in 2004. So in addition to advanced Pca I have been dealing with this as well. I must admit that hormone therapy and the prostate cancer treatments have been far easier to deal with. As a result of the rectal cancer, I had 12 inches of colon removed and a permanent colostomy, then a year later 2 spots in my liver that were resected, and now 2 spots in my lungs that will likely be resected in Feb. In addition throw17 rounds of quite unpleasant chemo into this mix. So now I continue to fight them both. Generally, I feel pretty good and my QOL is still good....mentally it can be difficult though. Gather all your facts , do your research, find the best docs you can....this can be beat or managed for many years.

Thanks all. I was not having any symptoms that I could detect .. except: we have been chasing mild anemia for a while. I had stopped taking ibuprofen to see if that would make a difference. It did not. This might the cause; the tumor is oozing. I did have my first colonoscopy in October 2012. They removed one large polyp. So, they recommended a 3 year follow-up. So, now being a firm believer in health maintenance, I scheduled the follow-up. Obviously, I did not expect this. When I had radiation treatments, the radiation oncologist's PA told me there was a slightly increased risk of colorectal cancer at around 20 years. I don't know where the newly discovered tumor is in relation to the original radiation field. My lymph nodes were radiated and I do remember seeing the computer simulation. I don't recall that it was anywhere near the distal descending colon but my memory is fuzzy on that. I don't think is relevant to me at this point.

SC

Sonny called and told me to read your post. So very sorry to hear this news. Best wishes for your treatments. Please keep us posted.

Cajun Jeff

SC - the good news is that you did the colonoscopy.

I had my first one four years ago and was suppose to go again in three since they found four small polyps. . Just last week my GP said we'll do one next year... Now I'm thinking I might not wait.

It's interesting that you mentioned chasing anemia. I had severe anemia all summer and it eventually led to a major surgery and diagnosis of a very serious liposarcoma. I had a colonoscopy scheduled, because colon cancer is often a cause of anemia, but we never got that far. I had re-scheduled the colonoscopy but cancelled it yesterday due to current chemo for the liposarcoma.

Yes, dealing with a second cancer is a kick in the ass. To be honest, the only good thing that I can say about the PCa is that it prepared me mentally to deal with this other beast. If I'd gone straight from healthy to recurrent liposarcoma, I'd probably have melted down (mentally) by now.

I wish you all the best. I'm going to have part of my colon and large intestine resected in February, along with a hopefully minor liver resect as they try to get the tumor bits out after chemo.

And, it sounds like Ziggy has been through way more than I have so far. My urologist is a pretty blunt guy. He diagnosed both of my cancers and did the initial operation on the liposarcoma. He told me "Life simply isn't fair sometimes." I don't think that statement really helps any of us who are afflicted with a terrible disease, but it oddly gives me some comfort. It's not my fault. It just happened and I just have to deal with it. I'm sure you will do so as well.

Steve n Dallas said...
SC - the good news is that you did the colonoscopy.

I had my first one four years ago and was suppose to go again in three since they found four small polyps. . Just last week my GP said we'll do one next year... Now I'm thinking I might not wait.

My doc told me that having polyps puts you in a higher risk group, so sooner the better I'd say.

Andrew

Sorry to hear the news. I have followed your PC treatment and always admired your attitude and your knowledge on the subject. I hope this is a bump in the road and you will beat this new chapter too.

Southern Comfort--I'm so sorry to read about your colon cancer. Take care, be well, and hang in there.
Please keep us updated.

SC, sorry you are going through this. Your approach to the PCa has certainly prepared you for this, so I know you will do well.

I had a colonoscopy when I was dx with PCa. The doc removed two small polyps and put me on a five year schedule. Just had the second colonoscopy in October and the doc removed a polyp so I am now on a three year schedule. With your experience I may shorten that. Thankfully the doc said there was no evidence of radiation damage.

Sounds like to me, your cancer had been working for awhile and did not start from a polyp. I think it would be highly unusual for a secondary cancer to spring up so soon after your PCa radiation.

Finally some good news on the colon cancer front: CT scan came back clean - no metastases visible on the scan. No scan-visible lymph node involvement. No liver involvement!! Yahoo! Next steps: surgeon visits on Thursday and Friday.
SC