Not good, sorry to hear....

---

Now that is truly sad to read. We can only hope that they did catch it in time. And that it did not spread.
My dad found out he had colon cancer early. He lived close to 20 years after. He only died of complications of parkinsons.

So Annie we pray taht your friend does get her wish.

Thank you :)

Late edit: I'm sorry to hear your dad suffered in that way :( but glad that he beat the cancer at least. Perhaps I could ask you some questions about that later (after I try having a nap)? Your words have already made me feel a lot better :)

I get my teeth cleaned every six months like a good little boy, but I'm a big wuss when it comes to preventative maintenance on the rest of my body. Let's all try to take the best care of ourselves as possible so we can take care of the most important people in our life.

---

The mind is a weird and mysterious place

Now that is truly sad to read. We can only hope that they did catch it in time. And that it did not spread.
My dad found out he had colon cancer early. He lived close to 20 years after. He only died of complications of parkinsons.

So Annie we pray taht your friend does get her wish.

Thank you :)

Late edit: I'm sorry to hear your dad suffered in that way :( but glad that he beat the cancer at least. Perhaps I could ask you some questions about that later (after I try having a nap)? Your words have already made me feel a lot better :)

I get my teeth cleaned every six months like a good little boy, but I'm a big wuss when it comes to preventative maintenance on the rest of my body. Let's all try to take the best care of ourselves as possible so we can take care of the most important people in our life.

+1

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rOZZ
Music
Pictures

Now that is truly sad to read. We can only hope that they did catch it in time. And that it did not spread.
My dad found out he had colon cancer early. He lived close to 20 years after. He only died of complications of parkinsons.

So Annie we pray taht your friend does get her wish.

Thank you :)

Late edit: I'm sorry to hear your dad suffered in that way :( but glad that he beat the cancer at least. Perhaps I could ask you some questions about that later (after I try having a nap)? Your words have already made me feel a lot better :)

I get my teeth cleaned every six months like a good little boy, but I'm a big wuss when it comes to preventative maintenance on the rest of my body. Let's all try to take the best care of ourselves as possible so we can take care of the most important people in our life.

+1

+ 1000 :)

Thank you everyone :) (You've made my eyes go all soggy - but for the best possible reason :)) We really do have a wonderfully supportive community here don't we! :)

Now that is truly sad to read. We can only hope that they did catch it in time. And that it did not spread.
My dad found out he had colon cancer early. He lived close to 20 years after. He only died of complications of parkinsons.

So Annie we pray taht your friend does get her wish.

Thank you :)

Late edit: I'm sorry to hear your dad suffered in that way :( but glad that he beat the cancer at least. Perhaps I could ask you some questions about that later (after I try having a nap)? Your words have already made me feel a lot better :)

I get my teeth cleaned every six months like a good little boy, but I'm a big wuss when it comes to preventative maintenance on the rest of my body. Let's all try to take the best care of ourselves as possible so we can take care of the most important people in our life.

+1

+ 1000 :)

Thank you everyone :) (You've made my eyes go all soggy - but for the best possible reason :)) We really do have a wonderfully supportive community here don't we! :)

+1 more, we sure have Anniet:)

---

rOZZ
Music
Pictures

Now that is truly sad to read. We can only hope that they did catch it in time. And that it did not spread.
My dad found out he had colon cancer early. He lived close to 20 years after. He only died of complications of parkinsons.

So Annie we pray taht your friend does get her wish.

Thank you :)

Late edit: I'm sorry to hear your dad suffered in that way :( but glad that he beat the cancer at least. Perhaps I could ask you some questions about that later (after I try having a nap)? Your words have already made me feel a lot better :)

You may ask away AnnieT.

I will add some info. In finding the cancer, They found that my dad had very many polyps. While they are not cancer they could be and are precursors to cancer. They took 12 inches of his colon out. It was found early. Well all of us kids were sent letters saying that having one parent with polyps, There is a good chance that it is heriditary. I told my DR. and he refferd me to a another Dr. I had the hubble telescope shoved up my keyster in a parking orbit and they found 3 polyps that were removed. No cancer. I was 45 at the time. I get to have a date with the hubble every 5 years. The second time they found 1 polyp. The last time none.
I do not like having a colonoscopy done. Drinking that crap to clean yourself is awefull. Then you get to sit on the loo all day. You starve drinking clear liguids.
I do it because of the people I love and who love me.

I need to BBQ some hot dogs. I will be popping in and out.

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[/quote]

Old James

Also sorry to hear the news Annie. Best wishes to you and you friend.

+1

+10

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Annie,

As I said on the phone; if there's anything I can do, let me know. My dad had colon cancer; and is a ten year survivor. He had his rectum and eight inches of colon removed. I believe he also had radiation; but not chemo, though I could be wrong on that...

He is fully active, and is working in construction management. Absolutely no signs of recurrence. (Thank God.)

So, if they've caught this early, then your friend should be in good shape.

God bless.

---

TimeLord04
Have TARDIS, will travel...
Come along K-9!
Join Calm Chaos

Annie,

As I said on the phone; if there's anything I can do, let me know. My dad had colon cancer; and is a ten year survivor. He had his rectum and eight inches of colon removed. I believe he also had radiation; but not chemo, though I could be wrong on that...

He is fully active, and is working in construction management. Absolutely no signs of recurrence. (Thank God.)

So, if they've caught this early, then your friend should be in good shape.

God bless.

Cancer is everyones public enemy #1...

---

The T1 Trust, PRR T1 Class 4-4-4-4 #5550, 1 of America's First HST's

I will add some info. In finding the cancer, They found that my dad had very many polyps. While they are not cancer they could be and are precursors to cancer. They took 12 inches of his colon out. It was found early.

From what I have gathered, the surgery is very invasive. :( My friend has to somehow get through the next three weeks before that happens.

I don't suppose you can remember how much time it took for your dad to recuperate just from that aspect of the treatment? (I want to try to make sure I free up as much time as I can so that I can be available to help out with the childcare during that stage in particular, and with things like housework and shopping, cooking etc. My friend's partner is self-employed, and if he doesn't work, they starve.) From thereon, I know there will be chemo and/or radiation therapy which we can work our way round once it starts.

Well all of us kids were sent letters saying that having one parent with polyps, There is a good chance that it is heriditary.

:( I am going to presume at this stage that her doctor would have mentioned that to her, or will mention to her if it needs to be said - because I don't think I could do so - I think it would devastate her beyond which it already has. :( But I will keep it in mind in the meantime.

I told my DR. and he refferd me to a another Dr. I had the hubble telescope shoved up my keyster in a parking orbit

:))) the giggle is for your way with words - NOT the message within them :(

and they found 3 polyps that were removed. No cancer. I was 45 at the time. I get to have a date with the hubble every 5 years.

That must have been a relief, but OUCH! :/

The second time they found 1 polyp. The last time none.

I sincerely hope that there will be no more

I do not like having a colonoscopy done. Drinking that crap to clean yourself is awefull. Then you get to sit on the loo all day. You starve drinking clear liguids.
I do it because of the people I love and who love me.

I'm sorry that it is such an unpleasant procedure to go through James :( but it's what makes love such an incredible thing - we'll put ourselves through anything if it means we can share even one more day with those we love :)

Your words have in part helped already with regards answering my next question. I'll give you a little background first however. My friend has been feeling, emotionally, really low for some time. She's beautiful and so sweet, but she's somehow convinced herself she is ugly and unloveable and her self esteem has taken a terrible tumble in the past year. She's even said things like her daughter and her partner would be better off if she wasn't around. The possibility she will need a colostomy I believe is quite high... and I'm afraid for her mental health given the circumstances I've described.

I don't know whether your father had need of one, and if he did, whether you were privy to any problems he may have had adjusting to it, but if you can offer any advice or insight into that I would be most grateful.

I've spent a lot of time trying to boost her self-confidence, but what she needs more than anything else is for it to come from her partner I think. Frustratingly, everything she's told me has been in confidence - and I've been sorely tempted to break that confidence several times, but haven't... would this be a time to do so, or should I leave that well alone?

I need to BBQ some hot dogs. I will be popping in and out.

You've got me hungry now :)


Ps: don't worry if you can't answer any of my questions. Just being able to express them has been good... stops them racing around in my head :)

The irony here is My Brother was checked for Colon cancer, He had none, ever, yet He had emphysema and lung cancer, the cancer spread to His brain eventually.

---

The T1 Trust, PRR T1 Class 4-4-4-4 #5550, 1 of America's First HST's

The irony here is My Brother was checked for Colon cancer, He had none, ever, yet He had emphysema and lung cancer, the cancer spread to His brain eventually.

It's a devious disease. :( I'm sorry to hear about your brother Vic. It's hard watching those you love suffer. I think unfortunately with cancer, the treatment is a big part of the suffering. :(

The irony here is My Brother was checked for Colon cancer, He had none, ever, yet He had emphysema and lung cancer, the cancer spread to His brain eventually.

It's a devious disease. :( I'm sorry to hear about your brother Vic. It's hard watching those you love suffer. I think unfortunately with cancer, the treatment is a big part of the suffering. :(

From about March of 2004 to May of 2005, I visited once a month, My rent was much higher then, so My budget was smaller. He passed before I could see Him again in June of 2005. So of My immediate family I am the youngest and the last and still single too.

---

The T1 Trust, PRR T1 Class 4-4-4-4 #5550, 1 of America's First HST's

I will add some info. In finding the cancer, They found that my dad had very many polyps. While they are not cancer they could be and are precursors to cancer. They took 12 inches of his colon out. It was found early.

From what I have gathered, the surgery is very invasive. :( My friend has to somehow get through the next three weeks before that happens.

I don't suppose you can remember how much time it took for your dad to recuperate just from that aspect of the treatment? (I want to try to make sure I free up as much time as I can so that I can be available to help out with the childcare during that stage in particular, and with things like housework and shopping, cooking etc. My friend's partner is self-employed, and if he doesn't work, they starve.) From thereon, I know there will be chemo and/or radiation therapy which we can work our way round once it starts.

Well all of us kids were sent letters saying that having one parent with polyps, There is a good chance that it is heriditary.

:( I am going to presume at this stage that her doctor would have mentioned that to her, or will mention to her if it needs to be said - because I don't think I could do so - I think it would devastate her beyond which it already has. :( But I will keep it in mind in the meantime.

I told my DR. and he refferd me to a another Dr. I had the hubble telescope shoved up my keyster in a parking orbit

:))) the giggle is for your way with words - NOT the message within them :(

and they found 3 polyps that were removed. No cancer. I was 45 at the time. I get to have a date with the hubble every 5 years.

That must have been a relief, but OUCH! :/

The second time they found 1 polyp. The last time none.

I sincerely hope that there will be no more

I do not like having a colonoscopy done. Drinking that crap to clean yourself is awefull. Then you get to sit on the loo all day. You starve drinking clear liguids.
I do it because of the people I love and who love me.

I'm sorry that it is such an unpleasant procedure to go through James :( but it's what makes love such an incredible thing - we'll put ourselves through anything if it means we can share even one more day with those we love :)

Your words have in part helped already with regards answering my next question. I'll give you a little background first however. My friend has been feeling, emotionally, really low for some time. She's beautiful and so sweet, but she's somehow convinced herself she is ugly and unloveable and her self esteem has taken a terrible tumble in the past year. She's even said things like her daughter and her partner would be better off if she wasn't around. The possibility she will need a colostomy I believe is quite high... and I'm afraid for her mental health given the circumstances I've described.

I don't know whether your father had need of one, and if he did, whether you were privy to any problems he may have had adjusting to it, but if you can offer any advice or insight into that I would be most grateful.

I've spent a lot of time trying to boost her self-confidence, but what she needs more than anything else is for it to come from her partner I think. Frustratingly, everything she's told me has been in confidence - and I've been sorely tempted to break that confidence several times, but haven't... would this be a time to do so, or should I leave that well alone?

I need to BBQ some hot dogs. I will be popping in and out.

You've got me hungry now :)


Ps: don't worry if you can't answer any of my questions. Just being able to express them has been good... stops them racing around in my head :)

AnnieT, can I just call you Annie? As for my dad they found it quick enough that he needed no chemo. Yes the removal of part of his colon was invasive. But he was only out of work about 6 weeks.
Now I can tell about my diverticulitus. The summer of 1999, I found out I had it. Its little pockets in you coclon that sometimes geta seed or food stuck in it. Its leads to an infection. I suuferd 3 months of taking Antibiotics trying to get rid of the infection. MY surgeon told me I had a choice. keep playing around untill I have a preforation of the bowel which might kill me out right. And Or if I lived I would have a bag for up to 6 months while my bowels healed. Or I could have the infected area of my colon removed. To me it was a no brainer lets get the bad section removed and be layed up 5 and 1/2 weeks.
They ended up removing ten inches of my sigmoid colon. And yes they sent samples off to the lab to check for cancer. None found again.

I was in the hospitol for 7 days. And out of work for 5 and half weeks. The hardest part was trying to get out of my water bed. My stomach muscles just didnt have the guts to propel my ass off the bed:). So I stayed on a real bed in the guest room.

Oh I forgot to say that my dad didnt need a bag either. But Ive known two folks with Crohns disease who have one. Trust me they are glad they are still alive.

---

[/quote]

Old James

AnnieT, can I just call you Annie?

:) Of course you can! :)

As for my dad they found it quick enough that he needed no chemo. Yes the removal of part of his colon was invasive. But he was only out of work about 6 weeks.
Now I can tell about my diverticulitus. The summer of 1999, I found out I had it. Its little pockets in you coclon that sometimes geta seed or food stuck in it. Its leads to an infection. I suuferd 3 months of taking Antibiotics trying to get rid of the infection. MY surgeon told me I had a choice. keep playing around untill I have a preforation of the bowel which might kill me out right. And Or if I lived I would have a bag for up to 6 months while my bowels healed. Or I could have the infected area of my colon removed. To me it was a no brainer lets get the bad section removed and be layed up 5 and 1/2 weeks.
They ended up removing ten inches of my sigmoid colon. And yes they sent samples off to the lab to check for cancer. None found again.

I was in the hospitol for 7 days. And out of work for 5 and half weeks. The hardest part was trying to get out of my water bed. My stomach muscles just didnt have the guts to propel my ass off the bed:). So I stayed on a real bed in the guest room.

Oh I forgot to say that my dad didnt need a bag either. But Ive known two folks with Crohns disease who have one. Trust me they are glad they are still alive.

And that is what I intend to keep her focused on :) Thank you James! The time scales you mention above I know will vary from individual to individual, but they're a good frame of reference for me to work on. I can start rearranging my diary. :)

Re the waterbed... won't be a problem for her :) but it demonstrates a valid point re her aftercare which hadn't occurred to me. (As to propelling myself out of bed... I rely on gravity overcoming inertia :) Works best at the edge of the bed... what am I saying...? "works" best in the middle of the bed :)

Thank you for being so generous with your time :) It's greatly appreciated. Do hope you're having a lovely weekend :)

Best wishes to you and everyone else too! Annie :)

AnnieT, can I just call you Annie?

:) Of course you can! :)

As for my dad they found it quick enough that he needed no chemo. Yes the removal of part of his colon was invasive. But he was only out of work about 6 weeks.
Now I can tell about my diverticulitus. The summer of 1999, I found out I had it. Its little pockets in you coclon that sometimes geta seed or food stuck in it. Its leads to an infection. I suuferd 3 months of taking Antibiotics trying to get rid of the infection. MY surgeon told me I had a choice. keep playing around untill I have a preforation of the bowel which might kill me out right. And Or if I lived I would have a bag for up to 6 months while my bowels healed. Or I could have the infected area of my colon removed. To me it was a no brainer lets get the bad section removed and be layed up 5 and 1/2 weeks.
They ended up removing ten inches of my sigmoid colon. And yes they sent samples off to the lab to check for cancer. None found again.

I was in the hospitol for 7 days. And out of work for 5 and half weeks. The hardest part was trying to get out of my water bed. My stomach muscles just didnt have the guts to propel my ass off the bed:). So I stayed on a real bed in the guest room.

Oh I forgot to say that my dad didnt need a bag either. But Ive known two folks with Crohns disease who have one. Trust me they are glad they are still alive.

And that is what I intend to keep her focused on :) Thank you James! The time scales you mention above I know will vary from individual to individual, but they're a good frame of reference for me to work on. I can start rearranging my diary. :)

Re the waterbed... won't be a problem for her :) but it demonstrates a valid point re her aftercare which hadn't occurred to me. (As to propelling myself out of bed... I rely on gravity overcoming inertia :) Works best at the edge of the bed... what am I saying...? "works" best in the middle of the bed :)

Thank you for being so generous with your time :) It's greatly appreciated. Do hope you're having a lovely weekend :)

Best wishes to you and everyone else too! Annie :)

Another thing I just thought of is stairs. For the first few weeks or two might be a problem. I had a hard time just going uo 3 steps to my house. Luckily my house is a ranch. So no second floor to go up to. And the drive home will be very uncomfortable. Your guts feel every bump, crack and pothole every bit of the way. I had a 25 mile drive to suffer through. When i did get home I did gladly take the pain pill and went to bed. And I wasnt allowed to drive for a week and only then after I saw my Dr.

---

[/quote]

Old James

Another thing I just thought of is stairs. For the first few weeks or two might be a problem. I had a hard time just going uo 3 steps to my house. Luckily my house is a ranch. So no second floor to go up to. And the drive home will be very uncomfortable. Your guts feel every bump, crack and pothole every bit of the way. I had a 25 mile drive to suffer through. When i did get home I did gladly take the pain pill and went to bed. And I wasnt allowed to drive for a week and only then after I saw my Dr.

:/ that's going to take some problem solving :( Thank you for pointing it out! She has horrendously steep stairs, and her house has three floors. So... major room shuffle will be in order I think... thanks James :)

The irony here is My Brother was checked for Colon cancer, He had none, ever, yet He had emphysema and lung cancer, the cancer spread to His brain eventually.

It's a devious disease. :( I'm sorry to hear about your brother Vic. It's hard watching those you love suffer. I think unfortunately with cancer, the treatment is a big part of the suffering. :(

From about March of 2004 to May of 2005, I visited once a month, My rent was much higher then, so My budget was smaller. He passed before I could see Him again in June of 2005. So of My immediate family I am the youngest and the last and still single too.

It's heartbreaking when financial restraints stop us from being able to do what our hearts are telling us. Byron mentioned just such a terrible situation he faced when his dad was ill. :( I had a brother who died when he was six. I was only a baby so never had a chance to get to know him, which spared me a lot of the pain that others experience when they lose a sibling - but it has left a big hole in my life nevertheless. I'm not sure whether to sympathise or congratulate you on still being single :)

Another thing I just thought of is stairs. For the first few weeks or two might be a problem. I had a hard time just going uo 3 steps to my house. Luckily my house is a ranch. So no second floor to go up to. And the drive home will be very uncomfortable. Your guts feel every bump, crack and pothole every bit of the way. I had a 25 mile drive to suffer through. When i did get home I did gladly take the pain pill and went to bed. And I wasnt allowed to drive for a week and only then after I saw my Dr.

:/ that's going to take some problem solving :( Thank you for pointing it out! She has horrendously steep stairs, and her house has three floors. So... major room shuffle will be in order I think... thanks James :)

Annie, They told me the more I walked in the hospital the better off I would be. I took that advice to heart and was hardly ever in my room during the day. I walked everywhere. At first it was very hard, but every day the more I walked the better I felt. Yes its a drag lugging an IV pole with you and your butt hanging out those studid gowns. (I did have my wife bring me my bath robe.)
Annie,Please tell your friend she is not alone. And to never ever give up hope. She must have the will to take what ever comes her way. And then laugh at it.

Annie, I know with out a doubt you will be there for her. So will we. And we will be here for you to.

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[/quote]

Old James

The irony here is My Brother was checked for Colon cancer, He had none, ever, yet He had emphysema and lung cancer, the cancer spread to His brain eventually.

It's a devious disease. :( I'm sorry to hear about your brother Vic. It's hard watching those you love suffer. I think unfortunately with cancer, the treatment is a big part of the suffering. :(

From about March of 2004 to May of 2005, I visited once a month, My rent was much higher then, so My budget was smaller. He passed before I could see Him again in June of 2005. So of My immediate family I am the youngest and the last and still single too.

It's heartbreaking when financial restraints stop us from being able to do what our hearts are telling us. Byron mentioned just such a terrible situation he faced when his dad was ill. :( I had a brother who died when he was six. I was only a baby so never had a chance to get to know him, which spared me a lot of the pain that others experience when they lose a sibling - but it has left a big hole in my life nevertheless. I'm not sure whether to sympathise or congratulate you on still being single :)

Thanks, I've been living on My own since July 2004 while getting SSI, My check has gone up slightly since 2004, in 2007 it was $623 a month w/o what CA gives, this year My check is $721+156.40 for 877.40 a month, I just have to account for every penny and do what's inexpensive for Me, like buying powdered eggs, instead of fresh since fresh eggs can't last more than 2 weeks and shopping in town is 12 miles away and I use a gallon of gasoline going there and back each time or more if I hoof it some, instead of driving at 55mph with cruise control enabled. My expenses though have gone down, as I have adapted.

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The T1 Trust, PRR T1 Class 4-4-4-4 #5550, 1 of America's First HST's