Talk Cancer

Question:

How did it go? In addition to the NCI (and the ACS too http://www.cancer.org), there’s the Colon Cancer Alliance and, I believe, a colon cancer listserver support group. If you’re interested, go to http://www.acor.org. Click on ‘Links’ and you’ll eventually find the CCA website. It’s really pretty good. Click on ‘Lists’, scroll down to find the colon cancer list. This is a group of regular people who have colon cancer and exchange info. A list is like a newsgroup, but it’s all done with email. There’s a lot less riff-raff too. Lance – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I found your message comforting and helpful. Last Friday I was told over the phone by my doctor that I have colon cancer.  I go to see him about treatment options this morning (Tuesday, 4/18/2000).  I’m understandably concerned.  I’ve been searching the internet for some clue as to what questions to ask (Am I going to die next week, next month, next year?  Did you cut out the tumor in my colon when you found it as you said?  If so, why do you want to talk to me about something that you say you have already cut out?

Response:

For accurate, current information about colon cancer, visit the National Cancer Institute’s CancerNet web site (http://cancernet.nci.nih.gov/), or call the NCI’s Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER M-F between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. local time. The CancerNet page for colon cancer is at http://cancernet.nci.nih.gov/Cancer_Types/Colon_And_Rectal_Cancer.shtml You will find information on treatment and support as well as general information about causes, risk factors, and prevention. D. McGrath NCI/ICIC

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I found your message comforting and helpful. Last Friday I was told over the phone by my doctor that I have colon cancer.  I go to see him about treatment options this morning (Tuesday, 4/18/2000).  I’m understandably concerned.  I’ve been searching the internet for some clue as to what questions to ask (Am I going to die next week, next month, next year?  Did you cut out the tumor in my colon when you found it as you said?  If so, why do you want to talk to me about something that you say you have already cut out? My father died of colon cancer when he was 53.  I’m 59.  My "Maternal" grandfather died of stomach cancer in his mid 60s. When I found out about my situation, I immediately called my two sons and asked them to schedule colonoscopies right away.  I don’t know if they will. My wife has been treating me like a prince of some kind.  I get hugs all the time, meals on time, lots of attention.  I sure like that – but this is getting it the hard way.  I know she is doing this because she is scared too. I feel like a child.  I want my mommy to hug me and my pop to take my hand and say that he will protect me.  They are both gone several years ago. I apologize for dribbling this stuff on you.  I sense that you might understand.  I just needed to say it to someone who won’t panic. I have been a "Caretaker" in discussion groups, on the job, in civic groups, in social groups, etc. all my life.  I probably won’t change now. I just needed to unload so I can go on to the next step – whatever that is and wherever it takes me. Thank you, Dan H.

Response:

I found your message comforting and helpful. Last Friday I was told over the phone by my doctor that I have colon cancer.  I go to see him about treatment options this morning (Tuesday, 4/18/2000).  I’m understandably concerned.  I’ve been searching the internet for some clue as to what questions to ask (Am I going to die next week, next month, next year?  Did you cut out the tumor in my colon when you found it as you said?  If so, why do you want to talk to me about something that you say you have already cut out? My father died of colon cancer when he was 53.  I’m 59.  My "Maternal" grandfather died of stomach cancer in his mid 60s.   When I found out about my situation, I immediately called my two sons and asked them to schedule colonoscopies right away.  I don’t know if they will. My wife has been treating me like a prince of some kind.  I get hugs all the time, meals on time, lots of attention.  I sure like that – but this is getting it the hard way.  I know she is doing this because she is scared too. I feel like a child.  I want my mommy to hug me and my pop to take my hand and say that he will protect me.  They are both gone several years ago. I apologize for dribbling this stuff on you.  I sense that you might understand.  I just needed to say it to someone who won’t panic. I have been a "Caretaker" in discussion groups, on the job, in civic groups, in social groups, etc. all my life.  I probably won’t change now. I just needed to unload so I can go on to the next step – whatever that is and wherever it takes me. Thank you, Dan H.

Response:

Dan,    I was told in March of 98 that I had colon cancer. I can tell you there are lots of things they can do. Your Doctor probably wants to discuss the pathology report (he removed lymphnodes to see if it had spread) and to discuss treatment. He’ll recommend you see an oncologist who will most likely discuss chemotherapy treatment. I was 58 when I got it and I’m doing very well. One of the most important things you can do is to always be positive.  Believe me it helps. Any other questions please feel free to e-mail me.          Tom – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Last Friday I was told over the phone by my doctor that I have colon cancer.  I go to see him about treatment options this morning (Tuesday, 4/18/2000).  I’m understandably concerned.  I’ve been searching the internet for some clue as to what questions to ask (Am I going to die next week, next month, next year?  Did you cut out the tumor in my colon when you found it as you said?  If so, why do you want to talk to me about something that you say you have already cut out? My father died of colon cancer when he was 53.  I’m 59.  My "Maternal" grandfather died of stomach cancer in his mid 60s. When I found out about my situation, I immediately called my two sons and asked them to schedule colonoscopies right away.  I don’t know if they will. My wife has been treating me like a prince of some kind.  I get hugs all the time, meals on time, lots of attention.  I sure like that – but this is getting it the hard way.  I know she is doing this because she is scared too. I feel like a child.  I want my mommy to hug me and my pop to take my hand and say that he will protect me.  They are both gone several years ago. I apologize for dribbling this stuff on you.  I sense that you might understand.  I just needed to say it to someone who won’t panic. I have been a "Caretaker" in discussion groups, on the job, in civic groups, in social groups, etc. all my life.  I probably won’t change now. I just needed to unload so I can go on to the next step – whatever that is and wherever it takes me. Thank you, Dan H.

Response: