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.
New here, two years clear but with a question?
Okay I had cancer in my appendix found during an appendectomy, lucky for me I had a good surgeon who immediately did a right hemi-colectomy (didn't even wake me up to tell me :-) ). It was stage 3, T4 N1 M0 - i.e. only in one lymph node.
Anyway this was just over two years ago (Jan 2007), and I find I still have problems digesting certain foods, such that I can't eat things like lettuce or other difficult to digest food items, also I find that my bowels get over-stimulated when I do exercise and I tend to get diarrhoea after exercise. It's not a major issue and controllable by over the counter loperamide(immodium).
Has anybody else had similar issues, does it get better with time?
Oh and if anybody to see what can be achieved after recovering from surgery and chemo check out what I'm doing at the moment - http://www.mhbroughton.com/ski_course.html
Okay I had cancer in my appendix found during an appendectomy, lucky for me I had a good surgeon who immediately did a right hemi-colectomy (didn't even wake me up to tell me :-) ). It was stage 3, T4 N1 M0 - i.e. only in one lymph node.
Anyway this was just over two years ago (Jan 2007), and I find I still have problems digesting certain foods, such that I can't eat things like lettuce or other difficult to digest food items, also I find that my bowels get over-stimulated when I do exercise and I tend to get diarrhoea after exercise. It's not a major issue and controllable by over the counter loperamide(immodium).
Has anybody else had similar issues, does it get better with time?
Oh and if anybody to see what can be achieved after recovering from surgery and chemo check out what I'm doing at the moment - http://www.mhbroughton.com/ski_course.html
It is good to see lots of athletic people here. I can't wait to start exercising again.
G8
based on my experience you'll probably find that things settle down after 3 or 4 months, but that you'll get the occasional bout of diarrhoea, it took me a little while to make the link between the diarrhoea and exercise, so I got quite stressed about it as diarrhoea can be one of the symptoms of the bowel/colon cancer, I was lucky that I had access to a brilliant specialist colorectal nurse who when I made the link set my mind at rest.
The other thing you can do besides immodium is to edge towards a low residue diet which is basically easier for your system to digest. I also found that eating little and often is easier on the system rather than eating a big meal.
One final thing this UK organisation gives email access to a specialist nurse http://www.beatingbowelcancer.org/ .
take care
Mark
Everyone has different experiences and symptoms with colon surgery/chemo, some extreme, some mild. We can't tell you what to do, or what you will get. We can only share what our experiences were/are. Make sure you discuss any concerns with your Doc. I'm sure your 'Carlton' is only temp though. Coogee xxx
lots of water and a bit of yogurt and Kombucha, which has enzymes and good stuff for your bowels flora. I take probiotics and enzyme supplements... but check with your doctor to be comfortable when and how things mix. I m staying away from supplements for 5 days after the chemo gets unplugged. I'm also starting to work with an alternative doc, who will be doing IV vit C and D drips on off weeks to keep my immune system strong and clear out my liver and lymphs. Chemo is hard on our filtration systems...they are working over time.. we want to keep them happy so cancer can t find a good breeding ground..still learning ; )
G8
G8
OH CM you have a lot to answer for!!