Colon Cancer Support Group

Colorectal cancer, also called colon cancer or bowel cancer, includes cancerous growths in the colon, rectum and appendix. Many colorectal cancers are thought to arise from mushroom-like growths that are usually benign, but some may develop into cancer over time. The majority of the time, the diagnosis of localized colon cancer is through colonoscopy.

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tpoulos 12/18/2012

My Dad has stage 3 Colorectal cancer , had 6 weeks of Chemo & Radiation and then surgery, it's been 4 weeks since surgery he is 73 , he is having pain in his anal area and not sleeping well, I think he thinks he should be better by now , appetite not the best but eating. Oncologist today said he needs 4 months of Chemo FU FOX twice a month . He is so worried about his quality of life and side effects he is considering not taking the additional chemo . Dr days 30 % chance of it coming back without further treatment , 15 % with, I guess my questions are ...

Anyone have surgery ? How long to recover and feel good ? How bad are side effects from FU FOX I realize every body is different. Anyone know the life expectancy without further treatment ? ANy other support or advice you can offer I would really appreciate it ever so much . Thank you from the bottom of my heart. My 49 year old husband died from Esophageal Cancer 9.25.09 but he was Stage 4 terminal upon diagnosis.

deleted_user 12/21/2012

I had stage 3 colorectal cancer in 2007. I went thru the 6 weeks of daily radiation while taking xeloda chemo pills. I had the surgery and wore a colostomy bag while I did the additional chemo treatments twice a month for I believe 6 months. It wasn't FU FOX. But I don't remember which one it was. The chemo made my appetite drop dramatically and I lost a lot if weight. My energy of course was through the floor. But daily ensure drinks and chicken broth helped keep my nutrients up. The weeks in between treatments I was better. Each treatment had a few days of down time. After the chemo was done I had my second surgery to reconnect my bowels and take off the colostomy bag. It took a good few months to adjust to my "new normal" as my surgeon calls it. I always packed an extra paid of clothes just in case when I went out.

There is an age gap between your dad and I but I would think if the oncologist is recommending the chemo, he probably believes he can survive it and have a good quality of life. I was 35 when my whirlwind hit me. And to this day I live my life differently. But I am active and have a full life. I hope the same for your dad.

I know they say to stay away from online research,... but I don't agree. Just make sure you get a well rounded amount of knowledge from reliable sources. I was lucky that one of my sisters (also a survivor) was very good at researching the medicines at the time.

I hope this is helpful to you.

deleted_user 12/22/2012

Hi TP I had colorectal surgery on Oct 12, 2012. They removed sigmoid colon to rectum. I had pain in my hip/butt for a few weeks - felt like it was in my anus. I am 53 and recovered fairly quickly according to the Dr's. On around week 4-5 I felt recovered (while it started around week 2). I did experience an infection on the incision which has healed as well. We are go through this differently. I wish your father well on his journey.

kate1127 12/27/2012

I had 6 months of Folfox and it wasn't easy but my chemo team was great! I reported every side effect and they did a lot to relieve these with different suggestions and medications. I was 55 at the time and there were many older folks at the clinic, so I know they can get through it. My recommendation is he work closely with his chemo team and not be afraid to report to them every discomfort. I found out there were times I was dehydrated and didn't realize it. I could have avoided the discomfort had I called them. Best of luck to your dad.

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