This topic is about someone living with recurrent colon cancer, dealing with complications from a colostomy, and facing new tumors in the mesentery and liver. After an emergency surgery in 2009, they woke up with peritonitis and a permanent colostomy. Following chemotherapy and struggles with skin issues around the stoma, they managed to gain some control over these problems. However, a recent scan revealed a new tumor and a suspicious spot on the liver. They are waiting for an oncology appointment and are seeking advice from others who might have experienced similar situations.
Here are some helpful insights and advice shared by others:
1. Emotional Support & Mind-set
- Many long-term survivors emphasize the importance of maintaining faith, staying positive, and enjoying life despite challenges. Meditation and visualization can be helpful coping strategies.
2. Seek Multiple Opinions & Specialized Centers
- It's important not to rely solely on one oncologist's opinion. Consider seeking second opinions from large cancer centers, which may offer additional treatment options that smaller centers might not.
3. Investigate Advanced/Surgical Therapies
- Look into treatments like hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for abdominal or mesenteric disease. Ask about procedures such as total mesentery excision and liver-directed treatments like ablation, CyberKnife radiosurgery, or SIR-Spheres for liver metastases.
4. Colostomy & Quality of Life
- Skin issues around the stoma can be managed over time, and many people adapt to living with long-term or dual ostomies. Engaging with reading materials, preparation, and peer forums can help normalize daily ostomy care.
5. Alternatives & Complementary Approaches
- Some individuals choose to focus on diet, natural remedies, and maintaining a positive attitude instead of chemotherapy. While this is anecdotal, it highlights the importance of aligning treatment with personal beliefs after thorough research.
6. Clarify Anatomy & Recurrence Risk
- Even after extensive colon removal or diversion, cancer can recur in remaining intestinal tissue or metastasize elsewhere. Continued monitoring through scans and colonoscopies of any residual bowel is necessary.
See full discusison