I have UC and a history of colon cancer in my family. After seeing what they went through I don’t feel its worth spending my life savings just to go through that mess. My family says they understand my wishes. Is there anyway I can make sure nobody forces me to get treatment?

I am a 46-yo female with the following symptoms: Unintended weight loss (20% of body weight over 6 months), night sweats, easy bruising, fatigue, persistent diarrhea, low-grade fever that comes and goes, very susceptible to viruses. There is a family history of colon cancer. I had a colonoscopy 14 months ago that was fine.

My doctor ordered blood work which came back normal, a chest xray that I don’t have the results of yet, and a CT scan of the abdomen. The CT findings and conclusion were as follows:

In findings: "There is a segment of the distal ascending colon showing poor luminal distensionand possible soft tissue wall thickening."
Conclusion: "There is a potentially abnormal segment of the ascending colon just proximal to the hepatic flexure. A malignant mass is the primary concern, although a focal area of colitis must also be considered."

As a result, my doctor has referred me to a colorectal surgeon, but I have been waiting for a week to hear back on an appointment.

Can anyone help me interpret the CT findings/conclusion?

I’m not going crap everday like I used too. But when I do go crap it’s one normal sized and shaped piece and another ribbion like piece of crap.

Abdominal distension: Nope
Abdominal pain: Nope
Unexplained, persistent nausea or vomiting: Nope
Unexplained weight loss: Nope
Change in frequency or character of stool (bowel movements): nope
Small-caliber (narrow) or ribbon-like stools: I dont’ think so?
Sensation of incomplete evacuation after a bowel movement: Nope
RectalAnorectal fistulas
Colon cancer
Colorectal polyps
Digital rectal exam
Hemorrhoids
Imperforate anus
Imperforate anus repair
Inflatable artificial sphincter
Proctitis
Rectal biopsy
Rectal cancer, x-ray pain: Nope
Age. About 90 percent of people diagnosed with colon cancer are older than 50: I’m 20.
A personal history of colorectalColon cancer
Colorectal polyps cancer or polyps: Not that I know of.
InflammatoryInflammatory bowel disease
Ulcerative colitis intestinalAmebic liver abscess
Barium enema
Colorectal polyps
Colostomy
Gastrointestinal bleeding
Gastrointestinal disorders – resources
Gastrointestinal perforation
Intestinal gas
Intestinal leiomyoma
Intestinal obstruction
Intestinal obstruction repair conditions: Nope
Inherited disordersAdjustment disorder
Anorexia nervosa
Asperger syndrome
Autism
Autoimmune disorders
Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder
Bleeding disorders
Borderline personality disorder
Bulimia
Chronic motor tic disorder that affect the colon: I might have hemmorides, thouh it usually doesn’t cause a problem for me. Basiclly it’s not active most of the time.
FamilyBirth control and family planning
Choosing a primary care provider
Ewing’s sarcoma
Family troubles – resources history of colon cancer and colon polyps: Only my grandma, nobody else even polyps. My parents who are over 50 both got colonoscapes, neither one of them had any polyps.
Diet. Colon cancer and rectal cancer may be associated with a diet low in fiber and high in fat and calories: Probably
A sedentary lifestyle: Yeah, but do try to get at least a little bit of exercise each day.
Diabetes: Nope
Obesity: I’m only 145 pounds
Smoking. I don’t smoke
Alcohol: I don’t drink
Growth hormone disorder: I don’t think so.
Radiation therapy for cancer: I’ve never had cancer or anyone in my family except for my granda who was a smoker.

I’m not going crap everday like I used too. But when I do go crap it’s one normal sized and shaped piece and another ribbion like piece of crap.

Abdominal distension: Nope
Abdominal pain: Nope
Unexplained, persistent nausea or vomiting: Nope
Unexplained weight loss: Nope
Change in frequency or character of stool (bowel movements): nope
Small-caliber (narrow) or ribbon-like stools: I dont’ think so?
Sensation of incomplete evacuation after a bowel movement: Nope
RectalAnorectal fistulas
Colon cancer
Colorectal polyps
Digital rectal exam
Hemorrhoids
Imperforate anus
Imperforate anus repair
Inflatable artificial sphincter
Proctitis
Rectal biopsy
Rectal cancer, x-ray pain: Nope
Age. About 90 percent of people diagnosed with colon cancer are older than 50: I’m 21.
A personal history of colorectalColon cancer
Colorectal polyps cancer or polyps: Not that I know of.
InflammatoryInflammatory bowel disease
Ulcerative colitis intestinalAmebic liver abscess
Barium enema
Colorectal polyps
Colostomy
Gastrointestinal bleeding
Gastrointestinal disorders – resources
Gastrointestinal perforation
Intestinal gas
Intestinal leiomyoma
Intestinal obstruction
Intestinal obstruction repair conditions: Nope
Inherited disordersAdjustment disorder
Anorexia nervosa
Asperger syndrome
Autism
Autoimmune disorders
Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder
Bleeding disorders
Borderline personality disorder
Bulimia
Chronic motor tic disorder that affect the colon: I might have hemmorides, thouh it usually doesn’t cause a problem for me. Basiclly it’s not active most of the time.
FamilyBirth control and family planning
Choosing a primary care provider
Ewing’s sarcoma
Family troubles – resources history of colon cancer and colon polyps: Only my grandma, nobody else even polyps. My parents who are over 50 both got colonoscapes, neither one of them had any polyps.
Diet. Colon cancer and rectal cancer may be associated with a diet low in fiber and high in fat and calories: Probably
A sedentary lifestyle: Yeah, but do try to get at least a little bit of exercise each day.
Diabetes: Nope
Obesity: I’m only 145 pounds
Smoking. I don’t smoke
Alcohol: I don’t drink
Growth hormone disorder: I don’t think so.
Radiation therapy for cancer: I’ve never had cancer or anyone in my family except for my granda who was a smoker.

My great uncle is suffering from colon cancer and I wanted to find what diet he used and what vitamins and supplement he used. I tried looking on line but I cannot find them specifically, and feedback would be great. Thank you

The price treatment for Colon Cancer is a lot of money. The treatment was done but now part of the intestine needs to be connected to replace a bag that holds the waste. If by any chance you would know how much this NEXT part would cost, please tell me an estimate if not exact.
This is very urgent & I’m not in the mood for jokes
Please This is VERY important
Thankyou so much

Hey, i’m 15 years old, and i’m worried i may have colon cancer. I have a healthy diet, i drink water, lots of fiber in my diet too, but recently i’ve noticed a chance in my bowel movements. I’ve recently had "on and off" diarrhea, and "on and off" Pencil – thin stools. i’ve felt more gassy than usual lately, but other than that, i’m fine. Not tired, no blood, but i noticed earlier today that i have pinworms, and don’t worry, i’m getting medication for that tomorrow. I just wanted to know, are the bowel movements more likely because of the worms, or cancer? please serious answers because im scared.

My dad was diagnosed with colon cancer in his early 30s.
No other people in my family have had this cancer, let alone any sort of cancer.
I’ve heard that people who get colon cancer before 35 usually have some sort of rare and dangerous hereditary condition.

I’m nearing 20 years old now, my dad claims he got his colon cancer from an extremely unhealthy diet and no exercise while working on US air bases in europe for a decade as well as environmental factors, he claims I have no worries of genetic conditions like FAP.

Do you think he may be hiding something from me?
Since he got colon cancer so early, what are my chances statistically speaking?
He said he had "problems with his colon"

For the past few months I’ve had some rectal bleeding accompanied with some pain/constipation, so I figured it was an anal tear/fissure. But now it seems to be bleeding more! It isn’t actually in the stool or anything, but quite a lot is coming out on the toilet paper and it is bright red. I really worried and I know I have to go to the doctor, but I’m just looking for some advice or assurance. I’m worried it’s colon cancer or something and I’m only 18.

Well my 32 year old brother-in-law just got diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer ; / and I’m just completely depressed… My sister just married him about four years ago and they have a one year old daughter and a 2 year old son. They just took out a 600k loan to buy a commercial property so financially they are in a difficult situation as well. It just breaks my heart knowing that there’s such a high chance they will never see their father when they are older and that my bro-in-law mightn’t see his children grow up…… Also, if anyone has tried effective alternative treatments besides just the conventional methods please inform me if you can and your recovery stories would be nice as well. Thanks guys.

I have slightly norrower than normal crap for the last couple days. Do I have colon cancer?

Abdominal distension: Nope
Abdominal pain: Nope
Unexplained, persistent nausea or vomiting: Nope
Unexplained weight loss: Nope
Change in frequency or character of stool (bowel movements): Yep
Small-caliber (narrow) or ribbon-like stools: Yep
Sensation of incomplete evacuation after a bowel movement: Nope
Age. About 90 percent of people diagnosed with colon cancer are older than 50: I’m 21.
Colorectal polyps cancer or polyps: Not that I know of.
Intestinal obstruction repair conditions: Nope
Inherited disorders that affect the colon: I might have hemmorides, thouh it usually doesn’t cause a problem for me. Basiclly it’s not active most of the time.
Family history of colon cancer and colon polyps: Only my grandma, nobody else even polyps.
Diet. Colon cancer and rectal cancer may be associated with a diet low in fiber and high in fat and calories: Probably
A sedentary lifestyle: Yeah, but do try to get at least a little bit of exercise each day.
Diabetes: Nope
Obesity: I’m only 145 pounds
Smoking. I don’t smoke
Alcohol: I don’t drink
Growth hormone disorder: I don’t think so.
Radiation therapy for cancer: I’ve never had cancer or anyone in my family except for my granda who was a smoker.

20% of people who have colon cancer in Britain end up going from "treatable" to "incurable" while waiting months on end for treatment.

Libs really want universal healthcare like Britain has.

Will Libs mind it if their spouses gets colon cancer and has to wait so long for treatment that they end up dying?

I’ve been having slightly norrower than normal crap for the last couple days. Do I have colon cancer?

Abdominal distension: Nope
Abdominal pain: Nope
Unexplained, persistent nausea or vomiting: Nope
Unexplained weight loss: Nope
Change in frequency or character of stool (bowel movements): Yep
Small-caliber (narrow) or ribbon-like stools: Yep
Sensation of incomplete evacuation after a bowel movement: Nope
Age. About 90 percent of people diagnosed with colon cancer are older than 50: I’m 21.
Colorectal polyps cancer or polyps: Not that I know of.
Intestinal obstruction repair conditions: Nope
Inherited disorders that affect the colon: I might have hemmorides, thouh it usually doesn’t cause a problem for me. Basiclly it’s not active most of the time.
Family history of colon cancer and colon polyps: Only my grandma, nobody else even polyps.
Diet. Colon cancer and rectal cancer may be associated with a diet low in fiber and high in fat and calories: Probably
A sedentary lifestyle: Yeah, but do try to get at least a little bit of exercise each day.
Diabetes: Nope
Obesity: I’m only 145 pounds
Smoking. I don’t smoke
Alcohol: I don’t drink
Growth hormone disorder: I don’t think so.
Radiation therapy for cancer: I’ve never had cancer or anyone in my family except for my grandma who was a smoker.

can this be possibly a symptom of colon cancer or pneumonia maybe? how can i cope with it just by myself?

Can someone who has ever been through chemotherapy for colon cancer or sat through a chemo treatment with someone or who is in oncology field please give me a run down of what a typical chemotherapy infusion is like for a patient? Specifically, I’m looking at the FOLFOX regimen.

I’m a writer and I’m trying to describe my character’s first chemotherapy treatment, so a full account with as many details as you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!!

Obamaites check this out about your fearless leader.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-health25-2009jun25,0,1978875.story

You never know if or when life saving treatment will save a life.

My Mother-in-law was diagnosed by 3 doctors as being terminal with colon cancer, she finally found 1 doctor who would treat her. She died of colon cancer ALMOST 30 YEARS LATER!

My mother was diagnosed with colon cancer at the end of October 2008. After emergency surgery to remove her colon, the doctors informed us that it had metastasized to her liver (completely filling it) as well as the outer wall of her pelvic bone, and lungs. She is half way through her 3rd round of chemo, and she is so severely sick all the time from it, in and out of the hospital, that she has decided to stop treatment. She would be on Chemo for the rest of her life, so she has decided this is no way to live. She is only 48 years old, and has been so healthy prior to this.. I know I should be asking her doctor, but he is impossible to get a hold of, and always resists giving any sort of time line to us.. I was wondering how long it usually takes for someones liver to fail when it is consumed with cancer? And how long it usually takes for a person to pass away after their liver fails?

Thanks!

I am 21 years old and I had a colonoscopy in August of last year. The reason I had it done was because I thought I had some of the symptoms associated with colon cancer. Colon cancer does not run in my family but my father does have some type of digestive disorder. Anyways after the procedure the doctor told me everything was okay and I should include more fiber in my diet. I am still having the same symptoms but they seem to have gotten worser. Could polyps form within a 9 month span?
It was a specialist a gastroenterologist

Mom has been dealing with colon cancer (stage 3) for couple years now, and just recently had to have 2nd surgery due to abscess and couple small tumors found. Are abscess common after surgery?

My dad had colon cancer & his job let him go. They said he failed to turn in an paper for his leave. We know it’s bogus. But he still needs to get chemo.

my dad was diagnosed with colon cancer around 9/2009 and was told to go on leave ASAP for treatments such as IV chemo and radiation. After the treatments he had an operation to remove the cancer around 02/2010 and the surgeon had attached a temporary colostomy. A few weeks after he was back to chemo pills for weeks. he has been very weak throughout his treatments and can barely walk. Around 09/2010, he had his 2nd operation to remove the colostomy. He had an open wound. I change his dressing twice a day. I’m still changing his dressing til now. He has been updating work with everything paperworks he comes up with from his surgeon or when HR needed information. Last week, he receives a letter from work stating that he had already exhausted all of his options and that they can no longer accomodate him. My dad had told me that from what the letter says, they want him back to work in 2weeks or they’re going to have to terminate him at the date of the letter. He had called HR, he was told that someone from HR will give him a call today but never did. Is that possible? Is that fair?
He’s on disability at this time and was asked to recertify so it’s pending. He’s also in process of apply for LTD as well as Social Security. Everything is pending at this time. I’m not quite sure yet if my dad still has PTO with the company, would it matter?

Experimental Cancer Treatment?

I’m 22 years old, to some this may seem dumb, but I need to try everything. But you never know if someone out there knows of a good experimental treatment that has high counts of success.

My mom has been battling cancer off and on. It started in my freshmen year with stage 4-colon cancer. 7 years later it has spread into different organs but she has been able to concur the problem at times, and even went into remission. She has been in remission for almost a year, and about three months ago she found out the cancer had spread to her liver. After of having been on several different forms of chemotherapy, including being on the pump, the doctors had her try the one last form of chemo they could think of to battle the cancer. After 2 months the doctors said the treatment hadn’t helped her at all.

After consulting with several doctors they seem to feel that they have no treatments left to try on my mom to fight off the cancer and the only option was experimental drugs.

Has anyone heard of any experimental drugs having high success? If she doesn’t find one that does they’re not sure how much longer she could fight off the cancer.

Thank You

I have a nice guy in my life that found out he had a bad case of colon cancer at the young age of 37. He went in for surgery right after chirstmas and start chemo treatments. He had 6 weeks of chemo a 2nd surgery and 6 to 12 weeks of more chemo. We were planning a longterm relationship but I had not the heart to ask him if all the chemo would cause problems with making babies later on. Something we had talked about having more kids earilier before all this happened but then this seemed to happened so fast… I did not think to ask him questions like that. Is our own kids too much to hopeful?
Thanks for the replies…

Back in July I had a few cases of rectal bleeding after a bowel movement. Two were days apart and the other occurred a couple of weeks after the first. I did not experience any pain or anything, just a toilet full of bright red blood with large clots that I only discovered after I started wiping. I have regular constipation so I assumed it was hemorrhoids or something. It was a lot of blood each time, enough to fill the toilet. I went to see a colorectal surgeon in August and she looked up inside but didn’t find anything.

It’s been almost two months since my last experience, but today I discovered another toilet full of blood after an easy bowel movement. I wasn’t constipated or anything and it came out relatively easy with not too much hard pushing, even though I hadn’t had a bowel movement in a while. But there was still enough blood in the toilet that it colored the water red, and it was VERY brightly colored, almost pink, with clots. Afterward, now I am feeling some lower pain in my back. However, there was no pain when I passed the bloody stool. Again, there was a LOT of blood in the toilet.

I am starting to really worry about rectal cancer. Can anyone tell me what it might be? I am going to call that surgeon again and schedule a colonoscopy, but in the meantime I am so worried that I feel like crying. What am I going to do if they can’t get me in right away? I don’t have colon cancer in my family, but I am still really really worried. Can anyone help?

My uncle was recently diagnosed with colon cancer stage four, liver cancer, pancreas cancer and brain cancer. He also has diabetes. Doctors say he has probably had this for about eight years, but was never diagnosed. He is given only two months to live. Anyone know of any centers, treatments or survival stories that apply?
thanks.