PirateJim

found colon mass 3 weeks ago, having colon resection tomorrow, I'm so scared.

Welcome Pirate Jim! I go through phases of being active on this site and then disappearing for a while (recovering from Chemo), but the support and the resources are wonderful. I don't know where Ridgetop is, but Atlanta can't be too far from you. I was diagnosed with Stage IV Colon Cancer about a year and a half ago; no mass in Colon, so no Surgery, but Chemo right out the gate. Mine was spread to many other places at that time, with the Lungs and Liver being of the most urgent to address. I was on a cocktail that included "Oxyilplatin",( the one that makes you avoid cold things.) I completed 11 rounds of that, but couldn't quite make the goal of 12. My other side effect was Neuropathy (numbness in hands & feet) which progressed even after that course of treatment ended. My understanding is that that particular side effect does not rear it's ugly head with everyone..... but keep an eye out for it, and don't be alarmed should you experience that. The good side of that treatment is that my Lungs are pretty much cleared up and reduction in Liver is marked..... in thanks to the Oxyilplatin, and the support and fervent Prayers of others (I believe.) I then did some maintenance Chemo for a spell, and then just recently finished a round (6 Treatments) involving Irhinotecan..... different side effects..... a bit tougher on me. Next is more maintenance Chemo and then we will reevaluate where to go from there! I take one day at a time, and thank God for each one. The support of loved ones and any other communities that you may belong to is so important. If someone offers you food or assistance..... take it! Just say, "yes." I am rambling a bit here, but I hope that some of this is helpful. There is so much to my journey, pain, suffering, and yet gratitude, that it is too long to write here, but if you should need anyone to vent on I will respond as I can! Anger is appropriate, and it is your right for sure, but I promise you that it will avail you nothing (in the long run.) We want to try and stay positive, thankful for what we have, and concentrate on our health and rest, which will in turn keep our immune system vital and our our bodies strong enough to help in the irratication of cells that, for some reason, have gone completely haywire and are out of control. Best to you & if you want some prayers, just say the word.
~ Catherine Payne

Hi PirateJim

How are you doing?

Hi Jim, Welcome to our site. So sorry to hear your diagnosis. If it's any consolation to you, I also am stage IV and I'm coming up on my 4 year anniversary of my diagnosis. I was diagnosed with rectal mucinous adneocarcinoma. I have a permanent colostomy and will continue to do chemo the rest of my life. The cancer spread to my lungs. I recently went on a stronger chemo to help keep the cancer in check. There are thankfully many options and I know it stinks and its ok to get mad and vent. Don't lose hope and know that we are here for you. God Bless! P.S. I'm 53

Hello and welcome, we are glad you found us. Please feel free to join in the conversations. Here is a link to our cancer dx page for your type of cancer. Take a look at it to get you started on some information. You will notice at the bottom of that page 4 of our active users who have had that journey already, you may wish to contact them for their experience and wisdom. Also, I encourage you to go to the questions page now by clicking on the questions tab at the top of the page and post what is the most pressing issue you have right now. This will introduce you to the community and get you started on the help you need right now.

https://www.whatnext.com/conditions/cancer/colorectal-colon-cancer

There are also subtypes listed on this page to narrow down the type of cancer to match your dx.

Also, if you can take a few minutes and fill in some details of your journey so far, it will help others as they try to answer questions for you, it also helps others as they search through the data base to find someone like themselves. Confirming your email will allow you to receive updates and notices from the site when someone answers your questions or writes on your wall.

Thanks for being with us and let me know if I can help you find any information on the site. After you have an opportunity to look the site over and see what great things there are here, we encourage you to invite your friends, family or anyone you know that may be helped by the connections on WhatNext to join the site also. Just click this link to invite them to join. http://www.whatnext.com/recruit-a-friend

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GregP 3X Survivor
Team WhatNext Community Mgr

Welcome! You'll find that this is a place to turn to... for questions (none are too silly), for support- as we all are either going through it or have gone through it. It's amazing and you realize you're not alone in this. We've all become a part of a new (BIG) family. Good luck and stay positive.... that is so important. Prayers your way!

Hi PirateJim, welcome to What Next. This is a wonderful community with a lot of knowledge. We've all been where you are right now, so if you have questions, thoughts or anything else we can help you with, please let us know!

Hi PirateJim

Welcome I am glad you found all of us at What Next.
We are here to answer questions you might have and support any way we can the list is endless.
Ask away.
Be strong. Hang in there.
And smile

Welcome to the WhatNext family! The WhatNext family is made up of people like you who are looking for help or looking to help others. To help you along your journey the WhatNext family has put together a Beginner's Guide to Cancer that I highly recommend you check-out here: http://bit.ly/10BQKCi. Also, please do not hesitate to reach out to others or ask for help.

Wishing you the best.

David
Founder, WhatNexter