Colon Cancer Support Group

Are you on chemo?

Certainly, contact your surgeon about the wound area! This sounds like you might have some abscess or some other problem going on.

What stage Colon Cancer are you?

Diane

I'm not sure if this is the right place or way to reply but...I don't have cancer. I never received any report from the pathologist, the only thing the surgeon said was that there was some type of growth in my colon near where the small intestine joins the large intestine and that it had to come out. They also took my appendix. He said they removed about 8" total. It all happened so fast. Unfortunately, my half sister died from colon cancer so I don't think anyone wanted to take any chances but I'm questioning whether it was really necessary. It was all very scary.

The surgeon would give you the path report and I'd check with him to make sure it was all clear.

No. You should NOT be this tired. I had 18 " of my colon removed, 17 lymph nodes and was out of the hospital in 42 hours. I went walking that very night. I will say, tho, that my main incision is less than 2 inches long with a few other teeny spots scattered round.

The redness and heat sounds like infection. Please contact your surgeon to have it checked out and find out about the path results.

Your post is exactly in the right spot and I hope you'll make an appointment and let us know how it goes.

Diane

Caterina, I agree with Diane, it sounds like an infection. I had 99% of my colon removed in Jan. small intestine was re-attatched to area above the rectum. You need to find out more information, get your path report and talk to Dr to get all the details. Let us know, we care.

Yep I make three about infection.

But all said and done go back to the Doc and say OK doc when we agreed to do the surgery I was in a panic and did not thinks straight, can you now "IN LAYMAN TERMS" explain to me what went on and why I am feeling like this and what is the prognosis for me.

Write your questions down and get him to answer. Cat this is your life do not let him brush over it because he believes he is important or busy get your answers then you can make the right decisions for your.

I wish you all the best

G8

Thanks for the replies!! I appreciate the support. I've put a call into my primary care physician and my hormone specialist and will call the surgeon's office today. I'm due to have blood work this month and then back to my primary after results are in. I just am frustrated with the fatigue and discomfort around the incision. I'll let you know what they say. Thanks again! Have a GREAT day! =)

OK, so the redness around the incision is gone today. I ordered a copy of the path report but still haven't spoken to the surgeon. Tonight the incision area hurts. I must have pulled something when I was lifting my dog. VERY uncomfortable. I tried ice but that didn't seem to help. I'm going to try heat.
I spoke to the nurse with my hormone doc and she said I should up my cortisol. She thinks my adrenals may be struggling and this could be causing the fatigue. She said to let her know if it isn't better in 2 weeks and they may up my thyroid.
I guess I just want to know that the pain is normal. Perhaps the muscles are healing or some scar tissue has developed and may be causing the pain? I do appreciate all the information. You all are great! Cat

You need to be checked to be sure it isn't a hernia. My surgeon had me totally terrified about hernias (he knew I wouldn't follow his instructions unless he scared me).

But what I've found about pain and healing is that it varies a lot and can be unpredictable. A surgeon explained to me that we are all different inside. For example, he said he's opened up people where he couldn't believe how high up their intestines were - almost touching their ribs. That is just one of the variables that affects how we heal, or how much pain we might feel. We also all build scar tissue differently. I had a friend who had colon surgery a year ago (Stage 1 cancer, like me) and still occasionally uses her Oxycodone. She warned me to save mine, but in fact I haven't needed it at all - maybe because I'm lucky.

Oops, I meant to say I "have" a friend (not "had"). She's alive & well, and we're still friends, lol.

I'm looking at my path report now stating, "no evidence of malignancy, 13 lymph nodes w/no histopathologic abnormality, submucosal foreign body reaction w/numerous pigmented macrophages and appendix w/fibrous obliteration of the lumen"
So, I'm assuming that this is good.
I go in for blood work tomorrow morning, among other things the doctor will be checking my electrolites. She agrees with you all that I should not be this tired.
Thanks again for the information and I'll let you know what they come up with.
On another topic...it is sooo stinkin' hot in St. Louis right now! The humidity is about to knock me out! =|
Cat