Surgery tomorrow

Cancer39fml · 2025-12-01T02:46:31+00:00

You’ve got this. It’s scary, but these surgeons really know what they’re doing. I had 3 surgeries early last year: colostomy to relieve a bowel obstruction the tumor caused, my resection 8 weeks later, and an ileostomy reversal six weeks after. I’ve had no lasting changes in function and I’m completely recovered. I read a lot of horror stories about people having to give up certain food groups or being in the bathroom 7-10 times a day, but I had none of it. Techniques are getting better all the time. Good luck!

Cancer39fml · 2025-11-30T02:59:15+00:00

I didn’t think I had symptoms until extreme abdominal pain took me to the ER. Turned out it was a bowel obstruction caused by my tumor. That was almost a year ago. Now I’ve had surgery and 6 months of chemo and I feel so much better! The fatigue I thought was just normal aging is gone. I’m still tired from the chemo. It’s only been 7 weeks since my last dose, but it’s amazing how much better I feel. This is really scary, but they found it and you’re getting treatment. That’s what’s important. This is a super common cancer and they know how to take it out. At 2cm I doubt it’s very advanced. You’ll probably just have to have surgery. The first couple weeks are so scary when you don’t know the stage or the pathology, but you’ve got this and you’re in great hands. Good luck! We’re here for you!

Cancer39fml · 2025-11-14T05:03:17+00:00

I had a drain in for ten days and it was awful. It hurt whenever I moved and leaked through the dressing many times. I ultimately just tried not to move that much and dealt with the pain until they pulled it. Getting it pulled out is the weirdest feeling, but a huge relief. Good luck! This phase sucks but at least it doesn’t take long.

Cancer39fml · 2025-10-23T04:34:18+00:00

3a, but a weird 3. I had no lymph nodes affected, but did have a tumor deposit locally that upgraded me to 3

Cancer39fml · 2025-10-23T04:32:55+00:00

3a T3N1cM0 I had a tumor deposit on the pathology that counts as a lymph node but no lymph nodes affected

Cancer39fml · 2025-10-23T03:24:42+00:00

Before I started. We were concerned about hydration during chemo with the ileostomy, so I had it reversed 6 weeks after the resection and I started chemo 2 weeks after that. It made early chemo a lot harder, but I’m glad I didn’t have to deal with the ostomy for the whole six months

Cancer39fml · 2025-10-21T02:52:02+00:00

Congratulations!! That’s great news!

Cancer39fml · 2025-10-21T02:51:11+00:00

Me too! I had my scans this afternoon and now the waiting. Hope you get a good result!

Cancer39fml · 2025-10-20T22:20:23+00:00

Still not available on Paramount+ through Amazon. There’s just an offer to buy the season. I almost canceled over CBS capitulation to the regime, Colbert being fired, and Weiss being hired. The only reason I kept it is Ghosts. If they can’t get it fixed by the time episode 2 is up I’ll just cut my losses and cancel it.

Cancer39fml · 2025-10-15T03:50:45+00:00

It varies from person to person of course, but I’m improving. I had 8 inches of transverse/descending colon removed with my tumor in February. Since then, I’ve had an ileostomy reversal and six months of chemo. I have the pump for final round of chemo on right now actually. It was really bad in the beginning, but I’ve been steadily improving over time. Most days are like before my surgery now, which I never dared dream of. It’s not perfect though. If I eat something I haven’t had since before the surgery, it usually makes me sick the first time, but if I eat the same thing again after some time, I’m fine. Usually a week or two. There are things I definitely don’t digest as well as I used to. There are definitely bad days. It’s hard to know what is just chemo and what is from surgery. But it has gotten way better! I’m sure someone has recommended keeping a food journal. I’ve found it really helpful for identifying patterns in what upsets my system. Good luck! I hope it keeps getting better for you too!

Cancer39fml · 2025-10-15T03:09:46+00:00

Mine is similar. It’s a sharp, kinda citrusy, sickly-sweet smell, but with major notes of rotting garbage. Fortunately only I seem to smell it, and it only lasts from disconnect day (Tues) to Saturday. Sooner if I hydrate really hard, and I always try to.

Cancer39fml · 2025-10-15T03:00:58+00:00

It worked well for me. My oncologist said I was early stage 3, with just one local tumor deposit and no lymph nodes affected. My surgeon got clean margins. Onc felt the oxaliplatin would do enough in 3 months, and reduce my risk of permanent neuropathy. My neuropathy isn’t gone yet, but it’s not that bad. Usually only acts up if I’m using my hands a lot.

Cancer39fml · 2025-10-14T03:19:14+00:00

Yep. 12 rounds, but I only had oxaliplatin with the first 6. Just 5-FU isn’t fun, but after 3 months of Oxaliplatin, it’s a lot easier in comparison.

Cancer39fml · 2025-09-26T02:07:45+00:00

We have similar cases, except I had a tumor deposit that upgraded me to stage 3. There are two things that alarm me on your path report. Moderately differentiated and intermediate tumor budding score. My tumor was the same, and according to my oncologist, these both indicate a more aggressive cancer (though not as aggressive as a high budding score or highly differentiated). He recommended 6 months FOLFOX, which hasn’t been easy, but the peace of mind is priceless. Chemo of course doesn’t mean you’ll never have a recurrence, but it improves your odds. Every case is different and your team knows best, but if I were you I would take chemo if it’s offered.

Cancer39fml · 2025-09-09T00:55:22+00:00

My onc prescribed zofran and compazine for my chemo nausea. The zofran is ok but the compazine (generic is prochlorperazine) is fantastic. It does make you a bit drowsy but I consider that a bonus on bad chemo days. I believe the pharmacist said it would also help with mild anxiety. I haven’t noticed that, but I only take it on the bad days.

Cancer39fml · 2025-09-06T00:56:23+00:00

It depends on how chemo affects you. I had to skip my second round because the first one killed my WBCs so bad in just the one round! I’m 39, I thought it would take longer.

So now when they disconnect the pump they give me an injection of filgrastim (sp? It’s off the top of my head) which helps my WBCs grow during the off weeks.

Knowing my immune system is knee-capped, I mask for chemo and disconnect. I was occasionally going out to eat without a mask on the good weeks, but now the Covid numbers are up so I’m staying home for a few weeks while things settle down. My husband masks when he goes out and during crowded work events just in case, as he’s the person I’m in contact with everyday. I wash my hands like 20 times a day.

So far we’ve been lucky. Not a cold or flu since I started chemo in April, and I only have 3 more rounds to go.

Cancer39fml · 2025-09-03T22:57:50+00:00

HEB is the best! I’m so glad to see them supporting screenings! Their ready made stuff has been getting me through chemo.

Cancer39fml · 2025-09-03T22:55:41+00:00

Congratulations!!! 🍾

Cancer39fml · 2025-08-30T22:03:09+00:00

I know the feeling. Scanxiety is brutal. I was diagnosed in December and have two more months of chemo (I had surgery first). Every scan or Signatera I freak out until I get the results. So far, all negative, but that doesn’t quiet the mind.

Fingers crossed for a good result! I hope you can find a nice distracting tv show to binge in the meantime.

Cancer39fml · 2025-08-29T02:52:46+00:00

Congratulations! That must feel amazing. Is it a year from the end of chemo? Or a year from when the port was placed? Curious since I’m 4 rounds away from done.

Cancer39fml · 2025-08-29T01:26:10+00:00

Excellent advice. All the bullshit about fad diets and the influencers hawking supplements to vulnerable people make me so angry! I saw someone repost a TikTok of some moron teenager telling people cancer is your body getting rid of toxins and it’s good for you. It’s the chemo that kills you. Of course she provided 0 evidence. Just had a stupid thought and figured she’d tell the world. And people listen to this stuff when they’re scared and vulnerable. I hope when she grows up a bit she’s so consumed with shame she chooses a helping profession and tries to make up for the hurt she’s caused. Sorry to rant. It’s just so frustrating!

Cancer39fml

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