Sunday, September 20, 2009

Is it possible that I have colon cancer

Is it possible that I have colon cancer?
I'm 16 years old and my mother was diagnosed with colon cancer this summer, and she is 52. I recently started bleeding irregularly, I have diarrhea often, and I get dizzier than usual. Should I worry about it? I really don't want to go to the doctor unless I absolutely have to. Thanks in advance!
Cancer - 3 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
The chance is extremely low. even though your mother has it, you more than likely don't. only people in their 50s and higher will get diagnosed with this illness.
2 :
Your chances of having colon cancer are nil. You have in all probability infective diarrhea. Consult GI specialist.
3 :
diabetes. Avoid sugar and high amounts of carbohydrates. get an a1c diabetes test, it gives your average blood sugar for the last few months. eat smaller meals more often.




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Wednesday, September 16, 2009

I have recently been diagnosed with colon cancer

I have recently been diagnosed with colon cancer?
I am 30 years old, and they have found a tumor...long story. Anyway. I have been referred to Washington Hospital Center. My dad had colon cancer 3 years ago (believe my case is genetic) and I was wondering what is better...washington Hospital center of johns hopkins? I want to make the right choice.
Cancer - 8 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Hey, Ohh, I'm very sorry to hear. Um.. Sorry, but I'm not here to answer that, just telling you good luck. I'm from australia so yeah. -.-"
2 :
From what I heard, Johns Hopkins is one of the best hospitals in the U.S. But, essentially, do what is most possible, and what you think is the best for you.
3 :
First and foremost, I am very sorry to hear that & my prayers are with you. Secondly, I've never heard of WHC but I do know that Johns Hopkins is a wonderful hospital!
4 :
I cant actually answer your question because im not in the states, but im 21 and fighting colon cancer for the second time. I know it sucks having it so young so if you need anyone to chat to, pls feel free to message me.
5 :
Johns Hopkins is an excellent hospital. They are a teaching hospital & at the forefront of research. However, remember hosps assoc w/universities will have a group of physicians observing all of your procedures. You will have doctors learning how to perform procedures on you under the supervision of top doctors. You will receive excellent care, but you might feel a bit of a "fishbowl" experience or that you are a guinea pig. I don't know what type of hosp Washington Hospital Center is. Yes, you want the best medicine/technology has to offer. I've had many surgeries at teaching hospitals. However, the last surgery I had I just wanted to be a patient & not a case for someone to learn from (although in many "regular" hosps u'll have ppl who are also observing/learning). At the "regular" hosp, I got to just have my surgery & heal. That's plenty enough to deal with; ppl are still in & out of your room at all hours. I didn't want anyone who was not an expert poking & prodding me. If it were a little-known disease, I'd go for the university hospital due to the research factor; sometimes they'll have exp that regular hospitals won't. I've known many ppl who've had great success w/colon cancer at local hospitals. Colon cancer is something we know a lot about. They can remove the tumor & part of the intestines. Sometimes radiation &/or chemo are not necessary. Also, the atmosphere of the hosptial has a lot to do with recovery. Visit the floors you'd be on in both hosp, if possible. Sometimes smaller hospitals have great benefits. Speak w/patient advocates in both hospitals. Tell them your concerns & ask questions (write them all down beforehand). Research the doctors (& teams: anesthesiologist, assisting surgeon, oncologist, etc) for both centers. Go with the professionals whom you have the most confidence.
6 :
Both fine hospitals, so don't worry about it...just be glad it was caught so early, you are very lucky indeed! Colon cancer is very easy to treat if caught early (easy for me to say, I know), they'll just resect the affected length of colon and sew the ends back together. Learn all you can from reliable sources, it makes the cancer less of an enemy and more of a neighbor you could do without! Best wishes
7 :
I am here to say sorry for what happened to ya i would say genetics hope you get better!
8 :
Well, my mother had colon cancer. My mother had surgery at John Hopkins. We were not too happy with the treatment and service there. I would try Washington Hospital. But then again, I would go by your situation. Do your research, but get on this fast. You cant play around with this. Best wishes to you.






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Saturday, September 12, 2009

Has anyone here survived stage 4 colon cancer

Has anyone here survived stage 4 colon cancer?
We just found out my dad has colon cancer and it's stage 4 (all over the liver) the oncologist said he has 2 months to live without chemo and a max of 2 years before it takes over him even with the chemo...... Please anyone give me any info. Has anyone survived cancer spread to the liver and lymph nodes???? Is it possible to overcome this with the most aggressive chemotherapy? He is in his early forties!
Cancer - 5 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
I'm so sorry to hear of your ordeal hon but, it's in God's hands and yes he may very well beat this beast!!
2 :
There is an ex model named Grace DeLarosa who survived colon cancer. She has a blog which may be useful to you. She chronicles her medication and visits. Sorry to hear about your dad. www. gracedelarosa. com
3 :
My family has along history of colon cancer. My father died from it in 1974, my nephew had it this past year and died from it, and my sister had it but had 18 inches of her colon removed, and now my brother has it and it has spread to his liver. They are doing one last surgery to save him. I hope the best of luck for your father. I would just get the recommendations of his doctors and pray.
4 :
Sorry to hear about it. The hard question to answer is quality versus quantity of life left. If he will lose weight, be nauseated, lose his hair and just be miserable and in pain for the (potential) two years - only he can answer if it is indeed worth it. Unfortunately, in my experience, oncologists tend to be OVERLY optimistic in expected outcomes. Has it spread to the bones as well? A lot depends on his age and overall physical and emotional condition. Obviously, he has been given a death sentence either way. Without knowing any other specifics, his chances of making it five years is likely less than 10%. If he is young and in his 60's or younger and has the will, I would encourage him to fight the damned thing. New therapies are coming out often and you might just buy enough time for something more effective. If he is in his 70's or older, or is in frail health, maybe this is a time to say the things you wanted to - but never did, including your goodbyes. Thermo-ablation can be useful to 'cook' the liver metastases and buy more time. This is dome with a needle that is inserted into the liver and heats up - thereby cooking the tumor. But this is only effective if the liver is not loaded with multiple small tumors. There is also something called microembolization therapy. I'm bringing up diferent options and possibilities. I will keep your father in my thoughts and prayers. Sounds like he is a good man to have had a child as caring as you.
5 :
i honestly dont know the statistics but im sorry to hear that and i hope your father stays strong and fights. miracles happen so dont give up hope.





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