Hi Weazy...welcome to our group, although I'm sorry for the reasons. Believe it or not, your port will be a blessing. I went through the same thing 3 years ago this Jan. with the exception I was stage 4, had to wear a bag for 14 months and had mets to left lung. I too went thru 6 months of chemo. As I have told several of our group, be sure to share any and all concerns, issues and problems with your chemo team. My husband was at my side thru it all, and thank God I had him. I was on overload and trying to process everything and his extra set of ears were there to catch things that I might have missed!! Just know that we're here for you too. This is a wonderful, warm and supportive group. We've laughed, cussed and cried together, and we welcome you with open arms. Please keep us posted on your journey. Big {{{hugs}}} to you....survivor : )

Thank You Survivor!! I am a bit overwhelmed and appreciate your response!

You are exactly where I was almost a year ago.......had a colonoscopy, found a tumor, had colon resection surgery to remove it, stage III, the surgeon said he got it all, but I did have 2 positive lymph nodes so chemotherapy was the way to go. It can be overwhelming, and seems like a long road ahead when you are just starting out on it. I chose to do the oral chemo (Xeloda) which they combined with Oxaliplatin, which was administered through a port, the port was a big help, though I only used it for two months, I had a bad reaction to the oxy and it was discontinued after 2 rounds.

Best advice I can give from the "I just finished chemo" perspective is to keep your oncology team well informed of every side effect, strange happening, unusual event, no matter how minor, that you experience duing chemo. I didn't do that, and I ended up in the emergency room, then 5 days in the hospital. If I had let the oncologist know when I first started the symptoms I could have spared myself many miserable days. Most side effects can be treated.

The whole process may seem daunting, I know it did to me......6 months out of my life was how I viewed it, but it really wasn't. Life went on, once my dosing was adjusted the rest of the 6 months seemed pretty normal with just occasional issues. Now that my chemo is done, I feel inordinately proud of myself for making it through, look at it as your chance to take charge of your future.

Idy,
Thank You for your response! I'm trying to have a positive attitude. I think comming here will help!

The second time I had chemo (a year & half later a met was found in my liver) the doctor put in a port. What a blessing -- no more sticking & having problems finding a vein. Both times I had chemo, I continued to work. I had told my employer that there may be some days after a specific chemo that I would stay at home & rest. I think if you can continue your daily routine it helps and allow for some "down time" just to rest. Wishing you the best.

Hi Weazy,

don't panic too much, chemo for stage 3 cancer is pretty standard, whilst they will have probably got it all with surgery they do chemo as precaution to make sure that anything too small to be seen will be hit by the chemo.

so look on it as a positive thing that they are doing chemo to make sure that you are completely cured and have a much better chance of a long and healthy life.

You are where I was 8 1/2 years ago. It has been a rough journey but I'm still here and have met alot of people who have survived from stage 3. The port will be a blessing..it's much better than having to get and IV every time you go for treatment! Make sure they give you a power port so you can use if for scans too. My first port wasnt and ended up having to get it taken out and put in a new one..so now I have scars on both sides od my chest.

I was also diagnosed with Stage 3 but mine was farther along and had surgery 2 weeks ago. mine was to far to be able to have a resection and had to have a colectomy. I also had a port put in its a very simple procedure and trust me youll be thankful you got it. Im also starting chemo shortly for 6 months and the port will make it sooo much easier. Glad you found this site i just recently joined and everyone here is very sweet and helpful.

I was dx with stage 3 last year in Jan and had my resection a year ago 2/2/10.

When I first was approached about the port, I was very upset. Having the procedure was actually fine. Although I was semi awake, it didn't feel like anything and I was in a very relaxed dreamy state. After, it was a bit sore for a few days.

The clinic should give you a prescription for lidocane and prolocaine topical cream. Put that one your port area and cover it with a x-large bandage about 45 minutes before you get chemo, that will numb the skin and you will be fine when they stick you.

The port is just one more thing in your defense against this nasty disease. You will get used to it and actually be grateful because it's an easier way to receive chemo.

I had 6 months of chemo as well. Keep us posted on how you're doing and be sure to ask us anything. We are full of support here!

My 29 year old son has Stage 4 colon cancer. He has a port which is so much better than finding veins! His cancer spread to his lymph nodes and is having extensive Chemo for 6 months. His first 2 rounds were rough but this third one was much better since they were very pro active in telling the oncologist in detail his side effects. Amend helps a lot. God is giving him so much peace and courage! I had Stage 4 Cancer 20 years ago! I will be praying for you. God will help you every second never leaving you alone through this along with your support of family and friends! This support group here is awesome!

Hi Weazy,
As the others have been saying here, chemo for stage three is pretty routine. That was the case for me - I had 6 of 14 cancerous lymph nodes. I kept a journal here while I was doing my chemo if you'd like to read it: http://www.dailystrength.org/people/199543/journal

Yes - the port makes getting the chemo much easier.

Good Luck!!

Mike

Hi Weazy and welcome to the group. 'adjuvant chemotherapy' usually follows Stage 3 surgery, and the chemo regime can vary. I had 8 months Folfox via IV chest port, and that was two years ago now. Here's a link to a few of our experiences with chest port installs.

http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Colon_Cancer/advice/9141926-chest-port

Weazy, this shall pass mate. We'll be here to support you along the way.

I have a friend who went through a very similar experience as you. You are very lucky that they believe they got it all during surgery! Chemo will just make sure it does not spread any where else. It can be rough but it is worth it in the end. My friend is now cancer free. I was not so lucky and found out I had stage IV that had spread to my liver. But chemo is going well for me despite the ups and downs. Keep your head up and I know you will be fine in the end! :)

Thank You All so much for your support!!!!! I can't tell you how much it means!!!!!!!!!!