Colon Cancer Support Group

HI...I can t speak for the group, we all have slightly different, to vastly different chemo therapies. I also cannot speak to the radiation. I recently re-read a letter to one of my nurses, who asked me to recommend what to say to a new patient. I had wished they had given me a tour of the routine and introduced me to the team. I also wished that they had set me up with a support group at the hospital. I remember, 6 months back, crying a lot out of fear--there was a flood of emotions. The chemo was scary to me. I was mad and grateful all at the same time. The chemo went smoothly and the side effects varied depending on the type. But, tired seemed to build around the 2nd or 3rd treatment. The nausea was minimal for me. I used Ativan for that and to sleep at night. The hair loss was annoying, and a little upsetting. But, I got some really cute hats. I was glad to have some work and my daughter and dog and boyfriend to keep me busy and in my life. Being busy seemed to keep me from slipping into a long pity party. I hope that helps. It really depends on which drugs and how you react to them. It is not an easy thing to go through. Sounds like you have a good support system. Lighten your load.... : )

I had colon cancer, not rectal cancer so my experience is going to be vastly different than yours.

As for the staging, actually, the surgeon will remove lymph nodes and you'll have CT scans to see if the cancer has spread to your liver or lungs. That will determine your staging.

From what I've read, chemo and radiation pre surgery for rectal cancer is quite the norm.

Most cc chemo only causes hair to thin. Side effects will include pretty severe neuropathy. Mine has worsened AFTER chemo ended, to the point that I have trouble typing, taking money out of my wallet, etc. I did make it through all 12 treatments with all of the drugs offered for my Stage III colon cancer.

Wishing you well! Be sure to check out our threads on preventing recurrence!

Diane Tavegia age 58
Villa Rica, Ga.

I agree with My pretty and Diane, our treatments and our bodies are different. To put it bluntly chemo and I have not gotten along too well. I have stage 3 colon cancer, colon removed this last January, almost done with my chemo (2 more to go, 12 in all) I started with bad side effects the very first night of my very first treatment, but that's just me. My Dr reduced my dosage after 2nd chemo and after 6th chemo dropped one of my drugs and reduced my others again. My body over reacts to most all medications and drugs, so no surprise for me that I can't handle alot of chemo. If you don't over react then I suggest you take as much as you can, like Diane did. Chemo is not fun but it's what you and all of us need to get well. Put your faith and trust in God, He will walk with you through this. You are on my prayer list. May God bless you with a long and healthy life.

Hi there and welcome. Everyone is right, we are all different. I too, was diagnosed with rectal cancer. This was early April, and by the end of the month I was having radiation. My protocol was a bit different -- I had five days of IMRT therapy, a couple of weeks off, and then surgery for a resection. I have just completed round 6 of FOLFOX 6 and hope to be able to go for the entire 12. A lot depends upon your staging, which they can't fully do until after surgery and the path. reports come back. This site has been a wonderful place for me to learn more, and everyone is very kind and very supportive of one another.