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Colon Cancer Game Plan

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Posted 12/14/2015 11:00 PM (GMT -5)
Colon Cancer Update: I have a game plan – surgery. Kick-off is 7:30 AM on Tuesday, December 22.
I interviewed two surgeons late last week and made my selection. I will likely stay in the hospital three or four days. I hope to be back at work no later than the second week of January.

While I thought I had the all-clear on metastases, based on the liver and lymph nodes, both surgeons said “no so fast.” I had not received a CT scan of my lungs. One of the surgeons stated I had a 4% chance of lung metastases even without liver involvement. So, I dutifully went for my lung CT scan on Saturday. The result? All clear!! Phew! Had there been any metastases, I would have needed 6 months of chemo prior to surgery, not to mention the highly negative statistical implications of being deemed stage 4. Further staging will occur post-surgery based on surgical pathology.

Now, for the serious talk. The surgeons and I discussed complication risks for me. Both surgeons were highly concerned about my prior surgeries and especially that I had received radiation in some of the general anatomical vicinity of the upcoming surgery. One of the surgeons estimated I had a 5-10% risk of an anastomotic leak. I will not bore you or scare myself with the details of that terrible complication. (I tell myself, “Stay off the internet! Do not Google things like that!”) A main criteria for selecting my surgeon was her detailed plan for mitigating this risk, including the high likelihood of her installing a temporary (5-6 weeks) ileostomy. The latter is sure inconvenient. But, I am all for reducing risk! She will make that final decision during surgery.

I feel fine, am upbeat, and continue to live my normal life. I will even sing in our church choir’s Christmas Cantata this weekend. However, I am definitely impatient to get this show on the road. I have had enough time planning and thinking about it. I am ready for show time!

Southern Comfort
Posted 12/14/2015 11:05 PM (GMT -5)
I'll be thinking of you.

Here's hoping all goes well,
Andrew
Posted 12/15/2015 12:40 AM (GMT -5)
I'm glad you've got a game plan and sounds like you've got an excellent surgeon. Wishing you all the best on this. Good luck to you!
Posted 12/15/2015 1:51 AM (GMT -5)
S.C.
Sending you thoughts and prayers for a very good outcome. So hard to plan on Christmas in the hospital, but I know you are wanting to get this over with and begin the journey to recovery. You have such a positive spirit and attitude. A lot of people would be lamenting in how unfair it is to have to go through this twice. A special good vibe, prayer or thought, whatever you prefer, for the surgeon you have chosen to make this cancer history for you along with the PCa.
Best to you,
Beth n Gary smurf
Posted 12/15/2015 1:56 AM (GMT -5)
Great plan, great attitude! Here´s to a fellow singer, keep those notes coming, they are pure medicine.
Posted 12/15/2015 4:46 AM (GMT -5)
Sounds like you have a solid plan. Keep us updated. Happy you can get this behind you soon.
Posted 12/15/2015 7:54 AM (GMT -5)
Sounds like you have a solid game plan and a super attitude, which is so very important. Will be sending positive vibes and healing prayers your way! Keep us posted as soon as you're able!
Posted 12/15/2015 9:46 AM (GMT -5)
Great news on the lung scan. I can't describe the deflating feeling of hearing the phrase "Stage 4" from my oncologist recently. She said it was a technicality, because the metastasis is local to the original tumor site, but it's Stage 4 because of the very existence of the metastasis. Not PCA, by the way.

So, I'm doing 4 rounds of inpatient chemo (round 2 starts tomorrow) before I can have my next surgery.

I hope your surgery goes great. I spent Thanksgiving in the hospital having chemo, and I honestly didn't mind it at all. It eliminated potential drama with overly inquisitive family members, and I didn't want the holiday to be about the cancer.

Hopefully, if you are in the hospital for the holiday, it will be peaceful and relaxing.
Posted 12/15/2015 10:18 AM (GMT -5)
SC... all the best... I'll be thinking about you on the 22nd.
Posted 12/15/2015 12:51 PM (GMT -5)
I've been down this exact road......my only advise is to be sure your surgeon is a Board Certified Colorectal Surgeon.
Posted 12/15/2015 10:23 PM (GMT -5)
Thanks for the update. All the best to you for a successful surgery. Glad to read that you're enjoying a normal life until this interruption happens. Take care, hang in there and keep in touch
Posted 12/15/2015 10:54 PM (GMT -5)
Dear Southern Comfort ~

I will be mindful of you this holiday season, as you prepare for your medical treatments --- sounds like you've got an established game plan all ready to go ...

Meanwhile --- sing your heart out at your Christmas cantata in a few days --- and set your sights on the "road to recovery" in the New Year to follow !

Thoughts and prayers for you this holiday season, Southern Comfort !

With caring thoughts,
Iowa State "Cyclone"
Posted 12/16/2015 6:19 AM (GMT -5)
S.C.
I will be praying for you and all your team- medical- family- other choir members during this special time. The miracle of Christmas brings hope and healing. You will be in my thoughts next Tuesday. Good plan.Blessings
David
Posted 12/16/2015 8:28 AM (GMT -5)
Best wishes for a cure and a speedy recovery.
Posted 12/16/2015 10:16 AM (GMT -5)
you're a tough one, Mister Grinch.

ed
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