Colon Cancer

[toejam]

Wow, sorry to hear. Stay strong and get well soon!

[GWARGHOUL]

In my thoughts and prayers. And have motivated me (22) to go ahead and get a good physical. Its been over 7 years, and I know I have a pretty large cyst in my chest. Thanks man. Hang in there, and keep us posted.

Defintley move quick, and get a 2nd opinion.

[shreddermon]

Whatever happens, dude, focus on getting well. That is your primary mission. Thoughts and prayers.

[Top Jimmy B]

Very sorry to hear this scotty. I have gone trough chemo, radiation and surgery and can attest that each one sucks in its own way, but the combination of all three saved my life - twice.

Seek out, and find, as much information and MEDICAL advice as you possibly can and fast. There is no such thing as "I'll look into this tomorrow" with cancer - please dude, move quickly on this and do not make any decision under informed.

I won't tell you what option I would take as my cancer had no relation to the choices you have to make with your illness. Jesus dude, I am very sorry to hear this.

Best of luck and you are in my thoughts.

[charvelguy]

I'm sorry to hear this. This hits home for me as I'm also 44.
(recently unemployed with no benefits unless I cobra)
I've lost a few close friends to cancer as well.
Someone very close to me a few years back.
I'm sure you know you have to make a choice soon as you are in a race for time as well. Its sounds like stage 1 still but given the urgency they are insisting with the surgery.. I can only guess. The remove option would probably be the most effective, and the most traditional, quickest and effective right now choice.

Another opinion with another specialist or two if you can afford it can be great. I would. There are alternative medicines too...some people take a sabbatical, go to Mexico or whereever, Nevada where they can practice different methods.

We just had a friend who had breast cancer take some time off and go to a place..it was in the states. I forget the name offhand or where exactly but she had good success using both chemo and alternate all healthy immune boost methods.

All my best to you man.

[daisp]

Act fast and decisively. Personally, I would not like living with a bag, but I would like to LIVE, even if it is with a bag.

As it is, it seems chemo/radio is more of a completentary treatment, used either before or after the surgery, or both, to further reduce the risk of the cancer returning.

Also who knows what kind of reconstructive surgery techniques might come around in the next 5 years? New technology is being implemented virtually every day.

------------

I did some quick research and came up with:

Seems like the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center is one of the best places (though obviously quite far from Texas, being in NY).

http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/311.cfm

http://nymag.com/health/besthospitals/24095/index1.html

They're already working on a prosthesis it seems.

Agreed...

[stevieb91]

Scotty,my father in law was diagnosed in much the same situation,however he did not seek medical attention until much later in the game(his wife is a nurse, so try and figure that one out).

He was given 6 to 8 weeks after his surgery..

15 years later,at the ripe old age of 69,he goes deer hunting,bought himself a four wheeler and a jet ski,spends winter driving a 53 foot wheeled mansion around Florida,and has at least 5 Manhattans a day....

[scotty]

Thanks for the thoughts and advice everyone, I really appreciate it.


I have gotten a second opinion, the second doctor was more through but he suggested the same oncologist and surgeon. I also got another number for another oncologist which I am going to call. Monday I will be visiting my surgeon to setup my surgery. I am in no way am I going to slow down this process but I am going to see as many people as I can before the surgery. I can always cancel it if I get a better opinion. My current oncologist did his internship at M.D. Anderson in Houston and he is going to help me with a referral there.


I recently became unemployed as well and I signed up for Cobra. It is as expensive as hell, but is much cheaper than paying for all of these expenses out of my own pocket. It is almost $600 a month.


Thanks again everyone, I will keep you posted.
Scotty

[fett]

I have nothing to add other than, just stay alive.

[shobet]

I lost my mother to something similar, all I can say to you is fight it like a fucker and get it sorted. It's only a brief time we get on this planet and you should make the most of it and fight for every second of it.

My best wishes to you and your family, and good luck with the treatment, let's hope you get some good looking nurses!

[Cleveland Metal]

We all have our problems we complain about, but most pale in comparision to this. Add this to your job situation, and I hardly know what to say.

I just so much wish you the utmost best possible luck and hope you do the best you possibly can, given the situation.

Definitely keep us posted on what goes on man.

[Predator1]

Stay Strong! I have a couple of friends that have overcome this same illness. It can be beat and your are in my prayers.

[cookiemonster2]

Sorry I have no advice but wish you the best outcome possible.

[OnlineStageGear]

I wish you the best as well and hope things go as well as can be.

Matt

[jackson1]

scotty, I hope the best for you. If you can, keep up your band playing and keep your social contacts intact. They could be a good support if needed. It's great to see that you seek out different opinions on this and keep an open mind about it. You'll pull through.