If you are diagnosed with colon cancer, you must resolve to fight the disease with every cell of your being-literally. Colon cancer is one of the leading killers in the United States for both men and women and 108,000 people have been diagnosed with the disease so far in 2008 (www.cancer.gov). If diagnosed in the early stages, it is curable. However, there are usually no early symptoms for colon cancer and therefore screening is very important. The most common form is adenocarcinoma, when the cancer is formed in the cells that generate and release fluids. Symptoms may include:
* Diarrhea
* Narrow stools
* Blood in the stools
* Abdominal pain and tenderness
* Unexplained weight loss
* Unexplained anemia
Decisions will need to be made regarding surgeries and chemotherapy treatments so find out as much as you can about the cancer in order to make informed decisions. Contact the National Cancer Institute or the American Cancer Society.
Stage I level of cancer shouldn't require chemotherapy. If a large part of the colon needs removed surgically and there is nothing to hold the excrement until it is released from the body, you will need an ostomy bag. A new outlet would be made in the wall of your abdomen, called a stoma, and the bag would be worn indefinitely. The bag should be emptied when it becomes one-third to one-half full and the skin around the site must be kept clean. It will be easily hidden under the clothing you wear, so although you will feel self-conscience, it won't be noticeable. There are even bathing suits and swimming trunks made to accommodate colostomy bags!
One of the major side effects of chemotherapy is fatigue. When your body is under a lot of stress, it automatically becomes overly tired. In order to ease the fatigue, try to rearrange objects and furniture around your house so that you make as few trips as possible during your day and take time to rest. Place things on higher levels so you don't have to bend down to reach them and risk falling. Also, eat a diet high in fiber and low in fat to feel healthier and reduce the risk of new cancer growths.
Now is the time when you shouldn't worry about troubling someone else, so don't be afraid to ask for help. If family members aren't available, try local support groups, friends, and neighbors because they are all waiting to help you. Remember to talk with others. Talking is a natural outlet for stress that may otherwise hinder your well-being and cause further fatigue. If you are a spiritual person, find others who support your belief in the power of prayer and pray together. Sometimes you need to ask for specific support rather than just waiting for it to come. With commitment, determination, and support you will improve your chances of winning the war and improve your quality of life while in combat.