Hi Tony , The usual progression is to have a colonoscopy. It involves a good clean out and a flexible camera inspection of your large bowel. The scope has tools and any polyps or suspicious areas can be biopsied.Good luck with the tests ,hope it's all benign or early stages. Ron. ... View more

Thanks Ron, it was great to hear that you are free of the curse and for such a long time. You know I went to physio the other day as I have a knee problem and after some tough exercise I woke at 3 am the next morning with massive pain in my shin and ankle, it was like my bone was being sawn up the middle. Physio said if it happens again he want me to go see my Dr. Nueropathy is no fun but since he changed me from Ice to heat I haven't experienced it again. It gives you a bit of a jult when medical professionals get concerned like that. I don't want to be worried about everything I feel in this messed up body. I guess its like the Australian Government say about terrorism- "Be Alert Not Alarmed"............. Thanks again for your words it helps to hear it from survivors not Doctors. Lush ... View more

Hi Jean, I know the way Samex felt towards the end of chemo ,but when it comes to cancer you do what you have to. I had 48 weekly sessions of 5Fu enhanced every second week with 9 tablets of levamisole ,three a day for three days after chemo. It was a dreadful drug ,it made those who took it feel like death warmed up. It was actually banned for human use two years after I had it because of fatal side effects. At the end of forty weeks my onc gave me the option of not doing any more chemo. He thought that I had enough both physically and mentally. I admit I was stuggling as I had worked thru chemo and I was doing it tough. I thought about it and I felt that If I quit and it came back I would never forgive myself...so I had the forty eight weeks. Did it make any difference? I don't know but I have no regrets.I did what I had too. At the time I had been dxed with a very aggressive stage 3 tumour into six lymph nodes. My surgeon gave me three years at the most based on the aggression and speed it was spreading. I have now been ca free for over fifteen years. That dreadful drug has caused me a lot of long term problem with side effects but I am still alive and still at work at 63. Good luck with your treatment and happy Easter ...Ron. ... View more

Hi Ria I didn't personally but I witnessed other people that needed to get some help with their depression and anxiety. It made all the difference to them and it isn't necessarily a permanent solution. If you feel you need it, get it! hug Julie ... View more

Hi Kdubya59, I have been treated for colon cancer over the last 12 months, surgery & chemo. Bloody awful! Now waiting for a scan & next onc appointment to see if it worked.....hard but keeping my fingers crossed! People (medical ones) have very nicely and positively shared with me the good survival rates these days compared to 20 years ago. Lets hope our journey continues cancer free. Good luck! Annie003 ... View more

G'day, I was one of the lucky ones with colon ca. I lost half my colon and it was into 6 lymph nodes. I had some dreadful chemo. It was banned for human use not long after I had it for fatal side effects. I have just passed 15 years ca free. My fiend Virginia in NZ had the same deadly chemo . She had part of her colon removed and a wedge resection of her liver. She is 19 yrs ca free. I suspect that they will use chemo to try and knock out most of the ca in both your fathers livers then if possible resect the liver to remove the rest. Livers are unreal they regenerate in no time. I have been on acs for over ten years and there are quite a number of survivors with liver mets for whom ca has become a chronic diseses. They have been surviving for years.. Ron. ... View more

Hi Kerry, Just this last week I have been corresponding with a friend in new zealand. I had st3c colon ca in 1998.I had surgery and a year of chemo and have been ca free for 15 years . Virginia and I were on the same chemo(no longer used) and we have stayed in touch. She had part of her colon removed and a wedge resection to remove liver mets. Then a year of chemo. she just finished year 19 still ca free. It is no an easy road. I wish her the best of luck and hugs to you. Ron. ... View more

Dear Allision; Do not worries ! I have 3 years now. You will be ok. Not that bad. When I first got stage 3 colon cancer, I am nervious too. but now i am ok. Regards Richard ... View more

Hi Joe, everyone has given you great advice and I will just repeat one of those things...DO NOT GOOGLE IT.... We all understand the emotional rollercoaster each day is but trying to live as normally as possible is the best medicine and not worry about things that haven't happened and may never happen is very good advice. It's a waste of a great day! It's sounds as if that is flippant advice but I promise you there is nothing flippant about it. I've got to this stage because I've been through what you're going through, so look after yourself and know that whatever you may be feeling, this is a great place to come and get some support because we can all empathise with how you're feeling. Good luck 🙂 ... View more

Thank you very much for your wise words (and the birthday hug). I will certainly use that quote if you don't mind. I actually found myself having a breakdown at work today. I think I cried for a solid 6 hours. When I started having thoughts of why didn't the doctors just let me die, I knew it was time to seek help. I phoned Cancer Council and had a long conversation with a very nice nurse. She is going to put me in touch with a counsellor. I have never experienced anything like this before and it was quite scary. Sorry you have neuropathy. That is not a nice thing to have - my dad has it. I do hope that it doesn't progress any worse for you. I think you have been through enough. I think I may take some medication and have an early night. Hopefully my happy face will be back on tomorrow. Got to get ready to face Thursday, my 3 month check up. Take care Tash ... View more