Colon Resection

[smarosites]

I had a large Polyp removed on October 3rd and it had Cancer in the very tip of it.
They said there was a wide margin of no cancer between the cancer and the cut.
Now they say that there is evidence of changes that mean possible invasion into surrounding areas.
I find out in 3 weeks if I need Colon Resection to check for spreading.
What can I expect with the surgery.
And is it best to have normal surgery or Lapriscopic>
How long do you have to stay in the hospital with the surgery.
And what is the recovery time after?
How long til I can drive again or go for walks.

Please give me some feedback. I am scared to death now of surgery and they finding out there is cancer spreading.
One good thing is the Pathologist said the cancer I had in polyp was in early stage, only in the tip.
How much chance is there that more spread?
Help please.

[nemoon]

hi, my name is norm. i had a cancerouse polop removed 5 years ago and follow up colonoscopys showed no signs of cancer for 4 years. this year the cancer returned in two places, one near the original site and a second cancer one the other side of my colon.i had an open double resection october 3rd.my hospital stay lasted 12 days with no complications.it has taken several weeks for my bowels to ajust to having less colon to work with. i'm feeling stronger each day and am having just one bowel movment a day for the last few days . you can expect diarea and several loose bowel movments a day your first 10 days after returning home.laproscopic surgery is much less invasive and heals much faster.please read the other postings and replies on this web site.they are very informative and will give you a great insite as to what other people have experienced.hope this reply has helped.
lots of luck, norm.

[smarosites]

Hi
When I had my Colonoscopy on October 3rd, they found a large polyp.
Pathology report came back that it was in the very tip of the polyp.
Also said there was a wide margin between the cancer and the cut area.
They also said there were some changes that meant possible invasion of cells into the Lymphatic system.
Does that mean the cancer is spreading in other areas?
I have to wait for 3 weeks to find out if I need surgery, as the Doctor who did the Colon test is away on vacation and I saw a new Gastro guy and he wants to talk to the first one to see what they both decided.
Should I just wait or should I see an Oncologist?
I am very scared of surgery.. I hate hospitals. Having to stay in one for days or a week or longer is scaring me more.
Any feedback on this??
Does this mean I am going to die soon? I know it sounds silly, but I always thought that once you get cancer, your life is over.
Sue

[smarosites]

One more question.
If I have Colon resection, does that mean I have to have a bag on my stomach for months after?
Sue

[stitchntime]

Heloo from someone who is also facing resection in about a month. i am scared but keeping informed is a big help. Feel like you maintain some control over your situation will help you cope better overall.
Cancer is not the death sentence it was years ago. I prefer to use the term living with or fighting cancer rather than dying. Technically i guess we are all in a stage of dying---in other words our bodies are aging and experiencing changes. this change just happens to be cancer.
At least you know what your are dealing with and where. getting to it early i am told over and over is key. if you know what the dragon looks like and where to find it you can fight it better!

Going in the hosp in never a joy that's why they don't call it a hospital or spa. However to get what we need in care/cure that is where the 'party'is. don't mean to sound flip-humour is my defense and armor.
Having resection does not necessarily mean colostomy. Even when a person has a colostomy it might be just temp. till the body is better healed and fully functioning.

If you check with your doctors or even 2 or 3 opinions and there is a gen. agreement you should have the procedure-go for it. i am in the same boat i guess.
i have recurring polyps considered pre-cancerous (in situ) some polyps gone bad are like 'bad seed'... maybe not too troublesome now, but given the chance to grow they can be dangerous and dig in deeper/spread and morphing into cancer for sure.
I feel i have tested fate long enough.like the sword of dameclese hanging over our heads,,long enuf may be sorry waited.
its a personal decision, just be informed, prepare yourself medically and personally (activity wise) for the process. come to a support group and become more confident and assured.
Best of Better days 2 come 4 you