Colon Cancer

[omasgrandsons]

My husband has just been diagnosed with Colon cancer on Wednesday, his surgeon wanted to admit him right away but stated he needed more testing before surgery.  Is having a chest xray and CT scan normal testing before the surgery or should I prepare for news that the cancer has spread.  I need to know because I don't want to be too upset when we meet the surgeon again this Wednesday.  Any help I would greatly appreciate.  
Thank you in advance.

[omasgrandsons]

Thank you so much for posting.  I will check out the two websites you listed.  I will post more when we know more.  Again, thanks.
mb

[jdwithhcv]

What great news that there is no tumor activity in liver and lungs.  You will know more after surgery, of course, but that is a very hopeful sign.  I hope they can clear the clots soon.

It is very hard to wait for tests and results, but a nice weekend will be a pleasant distraction.  I think caregivers have a harder time than the patient.  You will need lots of support through this.  Have you tried contacting the Lance Armstrong Foundation (livestrong.org)?  They have a good website with lots of good information.  Colon Cancer Alliance is also good (cca.org).

Best of luck to you both.  I will continue keeping a good thought for you.  Please post again and keep us updated on his condition.

jd

[omasgrandsons]

Thank you for your comment.  We have been trying to be very optimistic.  Since my last post we found out that my husband has had cancer for about 5 years, with 2 more reoccurrences in the colon.  He was admitted to the hospital last Tues. because CT scan showed blood clots in both lungs.  CT scan also showed no tumors in liver or lungs, good news.  Not sure of lymph nodes till surgery, and then wait for pathology.  Ultrasound showed a blood clot in left leg, so implant of a filter was done on Wedn. afternoon.  Genetic testing was also done, since the doctor said my husband was pretty young to develop colon cancer and for it to occur two more times.  New surgery date is scheduled for April 30th with the latest being May 1st.  Waiting on genetic results.  Probably a full colonectomy.  We have a nice weekend planned since the weather is going to be gorgeous.  God Bless you and your husband and like you said Prayers help out the most.  Take care.

[joejoesmom]

Hi omasgrandsons.  I understand how you feel just now.  My husband has stage 4 colon cancer.  What the doctors are trying to do is have as much information as possible. That way they can plan the very best possible approach to take care of your husband.  The waiting is so difficult. I find that prayer helps me, sometimes I write in a journal  or go for a walk and sometimes I just need to talk to a friend. It's a battle mentally and physically always. It's so very overwhelming at first for sure, and scary.  Everybody feels that way.
Support groups are so helpful for both you and your husband.  Hopefully the hospital where your husband will be has a social worker. They have a wealth of information usually.  Stay positive no matter what and please post how everything turns out.
joejoesmom

[omasgrandsons]

Thank you for your reply.  We just got back from his CT scan and they told him that his doctor will have the results by our Wednesday meeting.  Surgery is still on for Friday.
I will try to post back after Wednesday's meeting.  Thanks again.

[jdwithhcv]

Relax, there is a lot of testing and waiting ahead of you.  Usually there are a couple of weeks of tests, then your case is presented to the tumor board and they decide on a treatment plan.  They will do lots of imaging (CT scans, PET scans, x-rays) and this is standard, so don't let that throw you.  Keep posting here and people will help you understand what is going on.  Gotta run now but I'll check back later if you have any questions.  Take some deep breaths - this is not going to be any fun but they can do a LOT for your husband so don't give in to fear any more than you can help it.

jd