Late Stage Colon Cancer

My friend is a 45 year old male, late stage 3 colon cancer. It is close to the anus and they might have to remove the anus as well. He is in decent physical shape (slightly pudgy), and has started working out. He looks fine right now but he is going to start chemo later today.

what should I expect?
What will he go through?
Will my buddy Al survive?

-Mike

His chances are fairly good IF HE FOLLOWS his medical plan. It is so important not to miss treatments and speak to him about a med that will bring up his red cell count, the doctors know what it is. I wish you both alot of success

2008-10-29 07:15:21 by Mike

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She was in relatively good health until she was diagnosed a few months ago. The cancer has spread all over her liver, to her lungs, and to other places, but I'm not sure where. She had surgery, but the doctors didn't remove anything because they said the cancer was too widespread. They decided to try chemo, but after a few sessions, they said her body was rejecting it- which I assume to mean that it wasn't working- and for some reason, decided not to try any more treatments. They have given her less than 6 months. I love her very dearly, but I do not feel that I can ask her or her immediate family question about her medical care because it might seem intrusive. I am struggling emotionally with this news, however. I don't understand why further treatments wouldn't be done. What would make a doctor decide to stop chemo all together after such a short time? Could there be something I'm not hearing through the family grapevine about her condition that would make chemo no longer an option?

The treatment may have been making her very sick. It did do that to my dad. I'm glad they are being honest with them. I get really bothered by doctors who push treatment when they know it is way past being useful and in fact making someone miserable. Hopefully they got into hospice which would work on symptom control, give medications, medical equipment and support from a variety of sources to make the last part of her life more comfortable so that she and her family would all be supported to allow them to spend this last period of her life together.

2007-10-05 10:51:09 by searcher95

I have a friend since 7 years whose close to me and i don't know the best way or choose the best words to help him in his hard situation, his mother is about to die anytime due to late stage of cancer.

I know no words can help, but i cant just watch without do anything, i keep calling and asking but still feel its not enough.

Just be with your friend. If he's at the hospital, go there. If he's home, go there. Don't talk just be there.

2009-07-19 06:20:22 by Sky's the limits

What are some of the symptoms of late stage colon cancer?
By the way, I'm not asking for me, I'm curious about a friend who's sick.

Symptoms of colon cancer can differ, my husband had a lot of back pain, abdominal cramping, bloating, and feeling full, and felt sick to his stomach after eating, Why do you think that your friend could have colon cancer? The best thing to do is to get your friend to have a colonoscopy. Is there a family history of abdominal cancer? Colitis, Crohns Disease? Is your friend diabetic? And by the way, my husband has Stage 4 Cancer, with a life expectancy of 3-5 years. He is currently on tube feedings, and has lot over 30 lbs from the cancer and Expert, not quite yet, but am getting there. Hope this helps, and remember just like pregnancy not all symptoms are the same for all people

2007-12-24 11:15:27 by Layla

My brother is only 48, was healthy and strong before the colon cancer, which remained undiagnosed until it was too late, put him in the hospital to undergo two surgeries, then chemo, and then another surgery, when the chemo was withdrawn, and he had a prognosis of six weeks remaining. He is now at home, under the care of his wife and hospice. The feeding tube was withdrawn, as was the IV drip that provided him with fluids. His belly is still being pumped to keep the bowel contents contained but there is no longer a 'bowel' remaining. Body fluids have risen to his arms and shoulders. I don't know what will end his life first... starvation? Respiratory failure? Heart failure? Or is there something else?
Last Sunday he was given just a few days to live. This is Wednesday night. Will he last weeks, or months? Pain management is barely working anymore.
My brother is gone. He left us at 1:28 this afternoon.
Thank you, each of you, who responded so sweetly. It does help.

I am so very sorry for your situation. He is swelling up now and that usually starts when the end is near. Unfortunately no one can say how much time he has left. It doesn't sound like his pain is being managed very well. Insist that he be given the top dose. i worked as a hospice nurse and we were very liberal with pain meds in its last stages. god bless and good luck.

2008-01-23 17:57:21 by wolfislandwizard