Advice On Colon Cancer Diagnosis
posted on 09/30/2009
Receiving a diagnosis of cancer can be devastating. I was diagnosed with stage 1 colon cancer, which I am told is very rare at my age because you do not normally have symptoms until a much later stage and therefore don't usually get a colonoscopy. In my case, I did have symptoms.
After two colonoscopies, discussions with my gastroenterologist, oncologist, and colo-rectal surgeon, we decided a partial colectomy was the best decision for me. It was done laparoscopically, so I was only in the hospital for four days. There was one incision about 4 inches long right above my pelvic bone and two very small ones, one on my left side and one right above my belly button. I was surprised that the larger scar ran up and down instead of from hip to hip, but it is so low that my underwear still completely hides it.
They took 13 inches of colon and 15 lymphoids. I am thrilled to report that all 15 came back clear, as did the colon in the margins (I think that is the correct terminology), so I am considered cured, with no need for follow-up chemo or radiation!
I think the biggest surprise for me, perhaps because I wasn't listening well, was the necessary changes to my diet during recovery. For the first two weeks I was placed on the BRAT diet (literally only bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast). Boy, did I get sick of bananas! After that I went on a reduced fiber, reduced waste diet. This was better, but still not so much fun. However, I kept reminding myself that it was a world better than chemotherapy or radiation!! All of this giving the colon time to heal. I am now on a high-fiber diet, attempting to get 25-30 grams of fiber a day. I will go back for another colonoscopy in a year, and depending on the results, go from there.
If you are facing a diagnosis of colon cancer, first of all, I am sorry. My best advice is to find the best doctors you can and discuss fully all of your options. While there were other options I could have taken, taking the most conservative option was best for me. Laparoscopic surgery meant less hospital and recovery time for me, but may not always be possible. My first doctor was horrible, but the ones that I found later were beyond helpful and best of all, gave me the information I needed so I could make the decisions I needed to make.
Second, give yourself time and space. Everyone processes things differently and what works for one person, won't work for someone else. Cancer is a medical diagnosis, but it also really plays with your mental health. Don't ignore that while you are dealing with the medicine.
Lastly, find support. Whether it is a group of individuals that are going through the same thing, good friends, or family, this is vital. I didn't really want to talk with anyone about what was going on, but I can not tell you how much it meant to me to have people around to support me and especially to help after surgery.
Remember treatment is about making the whole you healthy to keep living. You are not just one body part. This cancer is not all of you. Take care of yourself.
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