Colon cancer

[mrnoodle]

Pathology came back today -- there was cancer in 1 of the 25 lymph nodes they tested. That means they'll have to do some chemo, but it shouldn't be too bad (i.e., not enough to cause hair to fall out).

The only better news we could have gotten would be that all the cancer was gone. But in a way, it's almost a relief to know that they're delivering a coup de grace to whatever cells remain. Even with a clean bill of health, we'd still be terrified every time he got a fever or had stomach complaints. Looks like we'll be seeing a lot of Dr. Lee over the next few years. I think I might owe him a beer.

[bluecuracao]

Originally Posted by mrnoodle

Pathology came back today -- there was cancer in 1 of the 25 lymph nodes they tested. That means they'll have to do some chemo, but it shouldn't be too bad (i.e., not enough to cause hair to fall out).

The only better news we could have gotten would be that all the cancer was gone. But in a way, it's almost a relief to know that they're delivering a coup de grace to whatever cells remain. Even with a clean bill of health, we'd still be terrified every time he got a fever or had stomach complaints. Looks like we'll be seeing a lot of Dr. Lee over the next few years. I think I might owe him a beer.

That is some really good news! Best wishes to you and your family, mrnoodle.

Over the previous couple of years, both of my parents went through cancer treatments (breast and prostate), with full recoveries. Mom's spread to a few of her lymph nodes, so those were removed and she had 6 mos. of chemo and radiation. The chemo was the tougher of the two--she had to be careful about some foods she ate (no raw food, for example) and being around sick people, since her immune system was more sensitive during treatment. And she would complain of being queasy sometimes, and being fatigued--in a "weird" way that she could not describe. Her hair fell out, too, but it was no big deal--she looked cute bald.

I know it's hard, but try your best not to be terrified for your dad. Of course, there is the chance it could rear its ugly head again, but it could happen to any of us at any time, same as being hit by a bus (but probably with a better chance for recovery)--so no point in worrying!