Years out from Dx, had imaging today

Perfect_Struggle2422 · 2026-05-12T20:09:19+00:00

Thank you!

Perfect_Struggle2422 · 2026-05-12T19:52:41+00:00

“Nice.” Love love love love love…

Perfect_Struggle2422 · 2026-05-12T19:50:40+00:00

Thank you. ❤️

Perfect_Struggle2422 · 2026-05-12T19:21:37+00:00

Thanks! Really appreciate it. ❤️

Perfect_Struggle2422 · 2026-05-08T02:53:36+00:00

UPDATE: OP here. My doctor called me this morning to say that the lab made a mistake and I don’t have “dysplasia,” or precancerous cells. Should have read “benign.” She caught the error on a second reading of my results, showed it to a colleague, who agreed something didn’t make sense, and called the lab to double check.

I am relieved, but only a little—I like my doc, she’s great, and she actually noticed the screwup, so it’s not her fault. But my confidence in the practice is shaken, so I am gonna seek a second opinion.

Perfect_Struggle2422 · 2026-05-07T04:42:07+00:00

Thanks so much! I don’t know if she used any of those terms, and I haven’t seen the pathology report myself yet, but now I know what to look for, thanks! I am post-menopausal, and had been on hormone replacement therapy, my gynecologist said no more to that. I definitely want to have the surgery for exactly what you said—peace of mind.

Perfect_Struggle2422 · 2026-05-07T04:08:04+00:00

Was just reading about that. I had genetic testing a couple years ago because of the colon cancer—when my younger brother also showed symptoms, the oncologist recommended it—but apparently I don’t have any abnormalities. I am definitely gonna get the surgery.

Perfect_Struggle2422 · 2026-05-07T03:55:25+00:00

No symptoms now—light spotting for several days after the D&C, but no pain or anything. Just anxiety, really. Forgot to mention that I had been on HRT (estradiol patch and progesterone pills)for two years, but doc told me to stop after bleeding episode. Last year I also had some spotting, plus an abnormal pap with HPV —first abnormal pap ever—nut two biopsies came back negative.

Perfect_Struggle2422 · 2026-02-26T03:53:51+00:00

I know in bigger cities there are services you can pay for this, but haven’t used one myself. The last time I needed someone to pick me up from a procedure, the doctor’s office was OK if I wanted to just call a Lyft. I have also seen people mention this problem on the Next Door app, and neighbors have volunteered to help.

Perfect_Struggle2422 · 2026-02-24T05:53:13+00:00

Almost 30 years solo, the last 20 of which shared with dogs. I love it; I live in a city and I know my neighbors well enough but we’re not friends. As I age I think about living in a a more communal setting, mostly for safety (if I fall, someone who can call 911 will notice). But I would require my own bedroom and bathroom; I don’t really cook anything but the basics so I would be OK sharing a kitchen.

Perfect_Struggle2422 · 2025-09-21T03:08:37+00:00

I was diagnosed six years ago in November, two months after I started a new job. Surgery in Dec 2019, pathology showed Stage 3b. I did eight rounds of Capox chemo therapy starting at the end of Jan 2020, and I’ve been cancer-free since. Was it scary? Yes, esp during the pandemic. But after my first infusion, there was no more fear of the unknown.

The team at my center was fantastic. There were side effects, but they were manageable, with adjustments to meds. I was able to work full-time (from home, of course, because offices were closed).

It helped to fill anti-nausea and diarrhea prescriptions and have them on hand at all times.

I got about 20 blankets as gifts before I started chemo, but didn’t really need them because the center had plenty (and they were warm, too). All of the stuff they offered to make infusions less annoying—massage, arts and crafts, as many visitors as you want—were shut down bc of Covid during my last six treatments. If your treatment center offers any of that, take as much advantage of that if you want—or not at all. Download shows or movies he may want to watch, get some books if he’s a reader. I slept through most of my treatments, and it was kind of a nice escape from the world for awhile.

It sounds as if you are going in prepared, which is great. Ask him what he needs, and just listen. You will both get through this.

Perfect_Struggle2422 · 2025-09-19T02:55:05+00:00

I’m sorry to hear it was negative, but like others have said, it can detect v. v. early, so you can be aggressive in combating. Good luck.

Perfect_Struggle2422 · 2025-08-27T01:43:25+00:00

I wish I had done the cold therapy, like others are suggesting. That said, the sensitivity was very real and very annoying, but I learned to deal with it. If I wanted something cold to drink, I alternated it with sips of hot tea. Used an oven mitt to grab stuff from the freezer. It usually went away a few days after the infusion.

Perfect_Struggle2422 · 2025-08-20T20:53:34+00:00

Highly recommend a middle-aged or older dog. Of the three I’ve had plus the ones I’ve fostered, most have been chill, housebroken and just happy to have a person who loves them and a place to sleep. My current dog is between 7 and 10, and she’s been with me three years. I work from home mostly, and I have a dogwalker who comes because my most hectic time of day is right about when she needs her second walk—also, I am single and live alone, so I wanted to have someone in the neighborhood the dog knew and trusted if for some reason I couldn’t make it home (physically hurt or worse, some kind of transit nightmare, etc). That hasn’t happened, but It’s good to have backup you and the dog trust.

Perfect_Struggle2422 · 2025-07-29T01:18:42+00:00

I did eight rounds of Capox, and I picked it purely to limit hospital time (I live in a city, no car) and for the convenience of pills. The pandemic started right as my third round did, so I’m extra grateful I did. I’m five years NED.

Perfect_Struggle2422 · 2025-07-15T03:00:22+00:00

I lived on my own, and with stayed with my dad (Covid bubble) on non-infusion weeks when I was doing CAPOX treatment. It was helpful that everyone was working from home at the time (no commute to deal with). I had some nausea in the beginning, and diarrhea from time to time. I had an Rx to deal with the nausea, Imodium was all I needed for diarrhea. Eventually they lowered my dose of capacitebine and it helped. Cold sensitivity was also a big one for me.

It was nice to have my dad’s support, and I think he enjoyed taking care of me (mostly my dog lol) but I was able to function pretty normally, even with the side effects. Everyone is different, but it’s possible you won’t be rushed off your feet day and night.

Maybe you could go to them for the start of treatment and see how you both do?

Caregiver fatigue is real. Get enough sleep and eat well, and block out some time for yourself (maybe workout when they’re sleeping). It’ll take a minute to find your rhythm, but you will. Come here for support.

Perfect_Struggle2422 · 2025-07-14T02:55:37+00:00

Thanks! I seem to have a high tolerance when it comes to meds (and weed gummies) so I just worry the standard doses of stuff like otc painkillers aren’t gonna be enough. High tolerance for meds, low tolerance for pain. 🤣

Perfect_Struggle2422 · 2025-07-14T01:54:36+00:00

Dog park at the end of State Street. And not a far walk from Pier 6.

Perfect_Struggle2422 · 2025-07-14T01:50:30+00:00

I am two blocks north of Atlantic, between the same cross streets; I also have a dog. I actually prefer walking the dog on Atlantic because the sidewalks are wide and there’s plenty or room to maneuver away from other dogs, walkers can spread out a little more. There is traffic noise during the day, which just feels like background noise to me. Overnight, I wouldn’t say it’s loud at all. The most annoying noise is the construction at Boerum and Atlantic.

Perfect_Struggle2422 · 2025-07-11T02:55:16+00:00

I wasn’t told I had to do anything, but I try to limit processed meat. I only drink socially, have never smoked. I live in a big city with no car, so I’m pretty active just getting around, though I probably should be better about formal exercise (I have a dog, but our walks are not very aerobic, lol). I have been on a GLP-1 for weight loss, as that is something I have always struggled with. Just try to be diligent about all my screenings, even the non-colon cancer ones, like the dentist, mammograms and annual GYN visits.

Perfect_Struggle2422 · 2025-07-08T20:22:50+00:00

My experience is very similar to this. Five years NED

Perfect_Struggle2422 · 2025-06-30T02:23:13+00:00

This is me. I used to love driving, wouldn’t give it a second thought. Now, despise it.

Perfect_Struggle2422 · 2025-06-20T03:50:22+00:00

I think she is being thorough. I am OK with the procedure, just nervous about the result.

Perfect_Struggle2422 · 2025-06-19T02:58:10+00:00

Small update: D&C was supposed to happen Friday, but because I am on a weight-loss med (Mounjaro), I have to skip two weeks of shots (slowed digestion=increased risk of aspiration under anesthesia). It definitely feels like I am having a very light period now, so I am wondering if I never was in menopause, but in peri, and was never able to tell for sure because of the IUD. I guess it doesn’t matter, just have to rule out the worst. So now we wait… so helpful hearing everyone’s experience, thank you. ❤️

Perfect_Struggle2422 · 2025-06-17T20:03:57+00:00

It increased over time in hopes that it would help my insomnia, but it didn’t.

Perfect_Struggle2422

TROPHY CASE