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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jaynieG 03/07/2011

I finished my chemo in November 10, and just had a ct scan about 3 wks ago that was all clear. I forgot to ask how long it would be before i would have a colonoscopy. I havent had once since my initial diagnosis Feb last year. How long did you guys wait before you were required to have one?
I know my ct scan was clear but i think having a colonscopy will be a more accurate result, am I right in thinking that?

markarina 03/07/2011

I had mine pretty soon after finishing chemo, probably within 2-3 months

markarina 03/07/2011

in answer to the second part of the question, a CT scan will only normally detect anything bigger than 10mm, anything smaller won't show up.

jaynieG 03/07/2011

thanks for that Mark, Ive just been discharged from the oncology dept and been referred back to the bowel/stoma dept, but havent had an appointment yet.
glad to hear from you hope you are keeping well and enjoying the skiing.
I think my mind will be more at rest when ive had the colonoscopy, as the ct scan itself was a big relief.

deleted_user 03/07/2011

I had my colonoscopy in about 6 months after the surgery. It's been over 8 years now and I've never had anything else in my colon. The colon cancer went to my lungs and now to my spine. I'm thinking that keeping up the PET scans would be more benifit. My doctor only focused on my stomach and abs. By the time it was accidentally found in my lungs it's been too late. I havent been able to get it undercontrol.

deleted_user 03/08/2011

I finished Chemo November 15 but had a colonoscopy in October because they were not able to go past the tumor on the first one. With the exception of one small polyp low that was nothing the rest was all clear. I asked for it because I wanted to make sure there was nothing past the tumor and thankfully there was not. I just had my first CT after treatment and found out at my appointment yesterday that it was all clear.. Thank God. I will go back in 6 months for another CT and at a year for another colonoscopy. I would say you should have one a year after the last or within a few months of finishing treatment but you might need to ask. Better safe than sorry.

deleted_user 03/08/2011

I was diagnosed in May 2005 and have had a colonoscopy once a year right around my anniversary.

CoogeeMum 03/08/2011

I finished chemo in Dec, and had one within a few months. That was a little anxious for me, but I was glad to have that first out of the way.

Another colonoscopy followed 12 months later, and now 12 months later again, I'm having a colonoscopy tomorrow (prep tonight...yuk!).

Cancer markers were clear last week, so if clear, I'll only require a colonoscopy every two years. Will still have cancer markers done every 3 months.

jaynieG 03/09/2011

thanks for that guys, Its a year tomorrow since my surgery and finished chemo, november 10, so if an appointment doesnt come through in next 1-2 months will chase it up. They are gonna do my cea tumour markers every three months aswell had last one done in jan.
CGM good luck with colonoscopy,

kate1127 03/09/2011

I had mine within a year of my resection. The date didn't seem to relate with the end of chemo but rather my surgery anniversary.

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