Reginald Said:

Which exams are typically ordered to follow a year(s) after a successful colon cancer surgery?

We Answered:

sounds like your friend had the same handling as my husband: surgery + adjuvant chemo. "Adjuvant chemo" is preventative - it's to mop up any loose cancer cells.

The followups will depend on the exact nature of the cancer (there are different types even within colon cancer ...e.g. adenocarcinoma) and the oncologist. Hubby has had
- colonoscopy immediately post chemo finishing
- CT scans immediately post chemo, and then every 6 months until 2 years from diagnosis
- blood tests every 6 months

He'll probably have another colonoscopy in 2010, and CT scans are now annual until 5 years.

Jesus Said:

is colon cancer surgery the worst surgery for patients?

We Answered:

colon cancer surgery is extensive , risky and messy specially the colostomy care ,

Marian Said:

Has anyone with a leaky heart valve had colon cancer surgery?

We Answered:

HI Tuke,

The surgeon and the anaesthetist will evaluate you dad's condition very carefully before they subject him to this surgery. No surgeon or anaesthetist likes to have a "death on the table" or a death due to surgical intervention.

I am a RN. I too have a role in pre-op assessment. Patients who are not fit for surgery are always managed conservatively. It does not mean that they do not get any treatment.

Deanna Said:

Does this mean there is nothing to worry about with the colon cancer surgery?

We Answered:

The use of anesthesia can cause cardiac arrhythmias as a side effect of the drug itself. If someone already suffers from atrial fribilation or a ventricular arrhythmias then they would be very concerned about surgery. There are many who suffer from leaky valves. That all by itself would probably not prevent surgery unless the leak was moderate to severe or in combination with other heart issues such as congestive heart failure. His cardiologist has determined that his heart condition would not add excessive risk to the procedure and has approved it.

The real worry here is getting the ALL tumor out and checking the surrounding lymph nodes for spread. He should have already had a CAT scan to determine if they see things elsewhere. You don't list here in your post any of these results so hard to comment on this. Even if it is late stage colon cancer, a person still gets relief by surgery to remove an obstructed bowel. I will just let you know, my father had colon cancer diagnosed 7 years ago, had the surgery, was positive in 11 out of 21 lymph nodes for spread, had the lymph nodes removed at the same time, and followed 9 months of chemotherapy. He is still alive and doing well with no repercussions from the ordeal. He is now almost 82.

Make sure you and your siblings get your colonoscopy every 5 years. Family history is an important predictor of issues for your generation. Getting diagnosed early and prevention by polyp removal makes this very survivable.

Hope that helps

Arthur Said:

Can people with leaky heart valves have colon cancer surgery safely?

We Answered:

You need to ask the doctor. However, if he has colon cancer and he doesn't have it removed he is going to die. My aunt had colon cancer. It's very painful and very deadly. My grandmother had a tumor in her stomach the size of a grapefruit as well as a tumor in her spleen and esophagus. She had a heart attack in the early 90's and so her primary care physician did not think she should have the surgery. Her cancer specialist thought she would be able to make it since she was always really active (cooking, cleaning, etc, even though she was 80). She decided to have the surgery because she knew there was a 100% chance that she would die without having the surgery. She had surgery back in May and is still living today. She had to have a feeding tube attached to her small intestine and requires a lot of care but, thankfully, she is still here.

Tom Said:

How long does it take to recuperate from colon cancer surgery?

We Answered:

My Mom survived colon cancer 2 years ago...it took her about 4 or 5 mos to get any spring in her step. She is now experiencing some bowel problems but will not have any thing confirmed...she says whatever will be will be......She today, at 81-1/2 looks fine, got back all her weight and her demeanor improved....but we will see P.S....She refused all treatment after her surgery