Jenn_C's Journey with Adenocarcinoma, Colorectal Cancer

I started taking a muscle relaxer and prescription anti inflammatory for tension in my back because of my desk job which led to side effects of bloody stool. after days of extreme abdominal pain where I was almost crying trying to use the restroom I called my doctor and let her know about the blood. she had me go in for a colonoscopy, where they found a polyp that was flat and could not be snared. I was immediately scheduled for surgery February 20, 2012. I was extremely scared, this being my first surgery and being completely under anesthesia. I barely remember my first day waking up but I know I had quite a few loved ones and visitors. I was expected too be out after 5 says outre so, but my body didn't want to wake up, I was there for 8 days. I had great nurses and I became infamous, in the doctors words, around the hospital and with local doctors for being so young for this to happen to me. I have a wonderful husband who stayed with me every night and day that he could and my Mom and Dad stayed with me the other few days, I did not want to be alone there. My pathology came back and that is when I was told I had had stage 1 colon cancer, but it had not spread to any lymphnodes. I am blessed to say that after a 18 inch section if my colon was removed I am cancer free and at 10 weeks post op I am feeling great! I won't lie, the surgery recovery was difficult, I am thankful for morphine, and I called the doctor at least twice a week once I was released. (I had a flex sig 4 weeks post op because I was still bleeding) the two weeks after leaving the hospital were rough too. I slowly gained strength and hobbled around everywhere, but after 5 or 6 weeks I had my pep back in my step. I have a CT scan next month and some more check ups I'm sure, but as of now I won't need any other treatment.

We went to the oncologist to see if I needed further treatment like chemo, and he said I wouldn't as of now, and shouldn't ever. Will keep having colonoscopies regularly, and I am due for a CT scan next month, lets hope it shows all is gone.

I didn't have a scan before surgery, but I just had one three months post op and it had come back clear!