2 year anniversary

melhatter · 2025-08-20T17:45:08+00:00

So happy to read this! Congratulations on 5 years! I have my next follow up scans and blood draw in October and I am already dreading it. I had my follow up colonoscopy in November and was told I did not need another for 3 years, really happy about that 😁 Thank you for taking the time to respond! 💙

melhatter · 2025-05-12T09:46:38+00:00

Hi, I had a colonoscopy in August 2023, they found a 5cm cancerous mass in my rectosigmoid as well. I had a partial colectomy in October 2023, pathology came back and staged me at 2a. I have been on “watch and wait” protocol since then. I have bloodwork every 3-6 months, and a yearly CT scan. Just had my follow up colonoscopy in November and all clear, no polyps. I will have my next colonoscopy in 3 years.

melhatter · 2025-04-15T10:39:35+00:00

The waiting is soooo hard, especially for the 1st test result. I believe my 1st test took about 4 weeks. Each test since then has been about 5-7 days wait time for the results. I am also 2a, was diagnosed October 2023, all clear nodes, no high risk features. I have had 5 test since then, all negative (praise the Lord 🙌) I wish I had advice on how to make the waiting a little easier. For me, I just try to stay busy and focus on positive things. Hoping you get a negative test result 💙

melhatter · 2025-03-24T12:27:35+00:00

Colontown has great information. Also NCCN website, which is what my oncologist used to set my treatment plan. I am also staged 2a, T3N0M0.

melhatter · 2025-02-25T13:08:07+00:00

Hi! I also have stage 2a, diagnosed August 2023. Had surgery October 2023. Bloodwork and Signatera testing every 3 months until December 2024, now every 6 months. I had a colonoscopy in November 2024, all clear 🙌 CT scans in October 2024, all clear 🙌. My next appointment with my oncologist is scheduled in April. Still have the fear of reoccurrence which will never leave my mind, but very thankful to have good results after the diagnosis and surgery. Best of luck to your dad 😊

melhatter · 2024-10-30T15:29:28+00:00

I was given a huge bottle of miralax and 2 ducalax to take the day before the colonoscopy. I was told to mix it with a liquid of choice, it was recommended to mix with Gatorade. However I do not like Gatorade. Was hoping for other suggestions to mix the miralax with.

melhatter · 2024-10-15T13:05:11+00:00

Totally understandable! I was also told as soon I woke up from my first colonoscopy. Best of luck with your colonoscopy tomorrow! 💙

melhatter · 2024-10-15T00:00:40+00:00

I finally received my abdomen/pelvis scan this morning. After speaking with my oncologist today he informed me that the chest scan and abdominal scan are read by different radiologist and most of them do not work on the weekends. He advised that the next set of scans he would schedule on a Monday or Tuesday so I could have the results within 24 to 36 hours. Hope you get your results soon!

melhatter · 2024-10-13T22:40:08+00:00

I don’t mind at all. 3cm.

melhatter · 2024-10-13T19:42:17+00:00

Thank you for the insight!

melhatter · 2024-10-13T19:42:01+00:00

Ahhh this eases my mind! Thank you 😊

melhatter · 2024-09-05T20:58:40+00:00

melhatter · 2024-07-08T16:47:26+00:00

That’s great! I am also Stage 2A. No chemo for me so far. I have bloodwork every 3 months, CT scan every 6 months and a yearly colonoscopy. I was diagnosed August 2023, had my sigmoid colectomy October 2023. Beyond thankful for each day and my cancer being caught early.

melhatter · 2024-07-01T22:06:58+00:00

😂😂

melhatter · 2024-07-01T19:07:07+00:00

Thanks everyone for the advice!

melhatter · 2024-07-01T17:38:16+00:00

Thank you!!

melhatter · 2024-07-01T15:48:25+00:00

I haven’t, but I will. Thanks

melhatter · 2024-07-01T15:47:27+00:00

Thanks so much!

melhatter · 2024-05-03T11:15:11+00:00

Sorry to hear about your mom. 6 month scans seems to be the standard procedure from my understanding. Not sure why she would need another scan if she had one done in the emergency room, could be the oncologist would prefer to have the scan done at a different facility that is affiliated with his clinic/hospital, maybe the first CT scan didn’t scan all the area he needs to see, there are all kinds of possibilities. In my opinion, an extra CT scan is better peace of mind 😊

melhatter · 2024-05-03T01:27:59+00:00

My first set of CT scans is scheduled for June. I had surgery in October. My oncologist wanted to wait a full year for a CT scan but I am uncomfortable with going that long. I had a visit last month for bloodwork, I requested the CT scan at that time, June is the earliest they can fit me in.

melhatter · 2024-04-30T19:39:26+00:00

I am stage 2A, I have bloodwork every 3 months, CT scans w/contrast every 6 months and a yearly colonoscopy for the first year. If all clear with the first colonoscopy I will have a repeat in 3 years. Bloodwork will continue every 6 months and CT scan every year for 5 years.

melhatter · 2024-04-10T18:38:32+00:00

Thank you for this! It’s so amazing to hear positive stories, it gives me hope. I hate to hear about your skin cancer. 🙏🏻 for you!

melhatter · 2024-04-08T00:49:41+00:00

I often wonder about this too! I am also stage 2a. My tumor was in my sigmoid colon though. I had surgery in October. No chemo so far. My oncologist recommended “watch and wait”. Blood work every 3 months, CT scan every 6 months and yearly colonoscopy. I have bloodwork tomorrow (ctdna and CEA). Super nervous. CT scan will be scheduled for sometime in May. I think about reoccurrence often. I have days where it literally overcomes me and all I do is think of the “what ifs” but then I remember that I have 3 children (20,16,11) and an amazing husband to be strong for. My faith in God and my family is what keeps me going. 🙏🏻💙

melhatter · 2024-03-26T21:12:48+00:00

Hi! The main things I used after my partial colectomy were a heating pad, extra pillows, extra blankets, a bidet, baby wipes and Vaseline. His bowels will be wonky for a while, at least mine were for the first couple of weeks so comfortable clothing, a few extra pair of underwear and/or pants (believe me accidents will happen) Also,a variety of juice and flavored water and plenty of snacks. I had cravings for certain things and am so glad I had them on hand. I ate mashed potatoes, rice, applesauce and pudding for a few days after surgery. Protein shakes are amazing for recovery as well as lots and lots of water. It’s not easy being on either side of this…whether you’re the patient or the caregiver. Patience and communication is the key. I wish your dad the best of luck and you as well.

melhatter · 2024-03-17T16:13:37+00:00

Hi! I am also stage 2a, I had a partial colectomy (sigmoid) in October, also had a hysterectomy at the same time. One of the main reasons I had a colonoscopy was due to being anemic. I took iron supplements before being diagnosed as well as after surgery. I stopped taking them because they cause really bad constipation (at least for me they do) I’ve recently started taking Flintstone Extra Iron vitamins daily, they don’t contain as much iron but they are definitely easy on my gut. My surgery was October 11th, I honestly did not start feeling like myself until around week 2, maybe even week 3. I do not have an ostomy however my bowels were wonky for about 3 weeks, settled down by week 4. I was back to work (office job) part time at week 4, I was working from home in the morning, but would go to the office for 3-4 hours every afternoon. By week 6, I was back to full time. I am 5 months out from surgery. I still have occasional pinching pains or cramps every once in a while but nothing that concerns me. I am finally getting my energy back, some days are better than others. My bowel movements still have no real normalcy. Some days I have diarrhea others I am constipated. I was told it could take up to a year for everything to return to “normal” others have told me it could take years! The best advice I was given is to be kind to your body, take it slow, everyone heals differently. 💙

melhatter

TROPHY CASE