Ann's Journey with Colorectal (Colon) Cancer
Survivor: Colorectal (Colon) Cancer
Patient Info: Finished active treatment more than 5 years ago, Diagnosed: over 24 years ago, Female, Age: 84, Stage IV
Patient Info: Finished active treatment more than 5 years ago, Diagnosed: over 24 years ago, Female, Age: 84, Stage IV
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Ann
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Experience with
Colorectal (Colon) Cancer
almost 9 years agoCancer has spread/Metastasized
Oh No
9 of 39 lymph nodes are positive
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Ann
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Experience with
Colorectal (Colon) Cancer
almost 9 years agoColon surgery (colectomy or hemicolectomy)
Procedure or Surgery
Whole of ascending colon removed PLUS sigmoid-rectal junction removed. GREAT impact!!
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Ann
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Experience with
Colorectal (Colon) Cancer
almost 9 years agoChemotherapy
Drug or Chemo Therapy
Had PORT-A-CATH implanted in chest and carried its cassette at all times, 24/7. It had 5Fu in it, which was refilled once a week. I had radiation at the same time, 5 days a week at the hospital, as an out patient traveling in.
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Ann
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Experience with
Colorectal (Colon) Cancer
almost 9 years agoExternal radiation
Radiation
I felt VERY ill during this time and developed skin problems. Nausea and weakness may have been from radiation OR chemo -- or a combination may have cause diarrhea which was almost constant.
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Ann
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Experience with
Colorectal (Colon) Cancer
almost 9 years agoDiarrhea
Side Effects
Diarrhea, nausea (and some vomiting), fatigue/weakness almost constantly.
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Ann
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Experience with
Colorectal (Colon) Cancer
almost 9 years agoToo ill to function normally
Loss
The side/after effects went on for a VERY long time and SEVERELY impacted my life, making normal living impossible.
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Ann
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Experience with
Colorectal (Colon) Cancer
almost 9 years agoCould not continue my responsible professional career
Decision Point
After more than 2 years had to decide I could only take a very part-time lower-level professional position---a real loss for me.
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Ann
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Experience with
Colorectal (Colon) Cancer
almost 9 years agoHusband at home (still working professionally, however)
Other Care
My husband and daughter living 10 minutes away were marvelous. But totally necessary! (This surgery and treatment started in 1997. In 2001 I had to have a dural fistula in my head repaired by embolization (caused by bowel straining) AND in September 2001 I had emergency open gall bladder surgery. In 2004 and 2005 I had breast cancer surgeries. In 2010 I had a minor rectal surgery for removal of a benign polyp.) I am writing in 2012 and the past year has been very difficult with a recurrence of the after-effects of the colon cancer treatments---unwanted, sudden diarrhea attacks. I am under the care of a GI specialist.