Off Topic again: Colon Cancer!

[Guest]

Ebass, sorry to hear about your dad. As a pathologist, I have witnessed the scenario that you described. I am sure that the doctor doing the colonoscopy saw the large lesion and assumed that it was malignant. Apparently the biopsies were benign, but they represent only a tiny fraction of a tumor that big. Although that is a large tumor, tumor size really doesn't influence the stage of the cancer. Staging which determines treatment and survival is dependent on TMN. T stands for tumor extent, how deep does the tumor invade into the wall of the colon. If the tumor does not penetrate through the wall the prognosis is excellent. It has been my experience that many larger tumors actually don't invade all that deeply. N stands for spread to lymph nodes. Obviously if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, additional treatment is necessary. M stands for distant spread which is of course worse, requiring aggressive therapy. I wish him the best and hopefully he will have an early stage lesion with an excellent prognosis and needing no additional treatment. I agree with animal, I havd had colonoscopy and it is no big deal. If you have any questions that I could answer, just let me know.

[buzbunni]

E, I will be praying for your Dad and your family as well. Keep us posted.

Thanks to all who reported on the testing procedure. I'm 39 and have been considering this. The usual fears invade and I put it off(I'm adopted, so no applicable family records for me). I remember hearing a guy interviewed once on a TV program on colon cancer. He had cancer, and had put off taking the screening test for the same reason we all put off going to the doc...especially in this case(test fears unfounded it appears). He went on to say something that bears repeating; to paraphrase, he basically said that if you are concerned about your diginity being assailed, it's nothing compared to what you will experience should you ignore the proper tests and later find out you wish you hadn't.

Wise words I think.

Not to laugh at your expense Ebass, but "she dumped my Ebass". That's funny.

I got dumped at the beginning of last summer. Guess when I returned "with a vengence" to fishing?

No more buying jewelry for the gal, the only jewelry I buy is lures for the tackle box.

Let's go fishing sometime.

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SERIOUSLY! It was THIS big!

[Dave]

Ebass, prayers out to your father and family for a good recovery.

[EBass]

Again thanks for the support!! I always look forward to seeing who responded and what they had to say! Just posting shows your care.

Fishingfan welcome to FM and thanks for sharing your wisdom on this subject.

Yup Buz it's been a very dump year for me. Sure we can go fishing sometime.

I saw my dad last night at North Memorial. He looked good considering.. My brother and I hung out with him for awhile until he was too tired to talk. He kinda kicked us out, but he kept nodding off so I don't blame him. I'll see him again tonight.

[can it be luck?]

Wishing Dad, you, and the rest of the family lots of prayers and wishes for a speedy recovery and a long healthy life ahead!
Take care Ebass, can it be luck?

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http://groups.msn.com/canitbeluck

[EBass]

Just a little update. He stood up yesterday and today they had him walking around. His hemoglobin (spelling?) is low and he will need another unit AKA blood transfusion. But that will give him some more strength which he needs.

Also he now gets apple juice for every shift. You can only eat so much ice chips.

He does have an issue with the catheter (again spelling?) because he said that you're whole life they teach you to not pee in your pants but now it's encouraged. LOL Dad!

[Big Julie]

EBass,
I talked to Rick and he said I could contact you on a personal level.
Please call me when you can:
320-759-1800
or 320-760-1609
Big Julie

[2dalake]

Your Dad's transfusion is a good reminder to the rest of us that blood supplies hover near the critical level almost all of the time. Show your support by donating blood locally.

Keep up the progress Ebass!

[MinnesotaMuskie]

My family and I have included your father in our prayers the last couple nights

My father-in-law went through this about 5 years ago. His treatment sounds similar. The treatments took a lot out of him during the therapy...but...he and my 2 brother-in-laws just completed seeding allthier corn on May 2.

He is as active in the farm operation now as ever.

Good Luck and God is with you.

[EBass]

Big Julie, I called your work # but they didn't know who Julie was. Unless that was you answering the phone? I called the home # and it was some guys voices so I didn't know if that was correct # or what. You can say whatever on here. We're all family except for the lurkers!

Thanks for the prayers MM and everyone else. They seem to be working so far. I talked to him today and he sounded better instead of that froggy voice. They took out the Epidural and are taking out the catheter (spelling?) today. I think that they may give him Jello tonight. This sounds gross but he passed gas today for the first time since the surgery.

They found a dark spot on his liver so they are going to do a MRI this weekend and maybe a CAT Scan AGAIN depending on the results of the MRI. They also found out that he has type 2 diabetes. So they are watching him for a lot of things besides the main reason. Poor guy, but he is doing better, and he has a more positive attitude today.

Again and again I thank you for all the support. I'll see him tomorrow and will post on Monday.

God Bless!
EBass

[EBass]

Just a little update.

The Epidural and catheter (I know I can't spell) are out. The MRI was cool no issues with the liver. He had a bad day on Sat with throwing up and hiccuping when he talked. Sunday was better though.

The swelling went down a bit to. He seems to be in better spirits but he's tired of being there. I still don't know when he's going home, but I'd rather have him there longer then to go home then go back.

He's going to miss the fishing opener for the first time ever, but has plans for the end of the month with his fishing buddies. I hope he can make that trip. He needs a vacation!

Thanks all!
EBass

[EBass]

My dad is going home today! The staples are coming out next week! I'm sure he'll be sore for months, but so far so good.

Again and again I thank all you for your thoughts and prayers. They worked!

[Mr Special]

That's great to hear bud. You and your dad are always welcome in my boat. Hey maybe I can turn him into a riverrat also.

[RJLipRip]

EBass,
My Grandpa had Colon cancer in 1983, he survived and is now 83 yrs old and doing great. He does wear a bag but that's a smal price to pay to be alive. I agree with the others who suggested the mayo clinic. My Mother went through surgery to remove a malignent tumor from her face there this fall, Mayo is the best possible place to be for things like this. Best of Luck and I hope everything turns out great.
RJ