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Chris Dewald: Colon cancer for caregivers

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newspaperHello, my friends.  This is a difficult subject as I had written about my own dealings with cancer.

It is so important, although frowned upon, to render yourself to a colonoscopy.  Please do this.  Not happening to me is not an option and it could save your life.  This is why the article I am writing about is important.  If not for this procedure, my family member would not have known and it is catastrophic as it has already entered the lymph nodes.  This article I hope will explain this and what happens.  Please read about a colonoscopy first as printed above.  Cut and paste it in your browser to reach it.

For the information I shall present, I am going to a trustworthy site: mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colon-cancer/home/ovc-20188216.

Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine (colon), the lower part of your digestive system. Rectal cancer is cancer of the last several inches of the colon. Together, they’re often referred to as colorectal cancers.

Most cases of colon cancer begin as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called adenomatous polyps. Over time some of these polyps become colon cancers.

Polyps may be small and produce few, if any, symptoms. For this reason, doctors recommend regular screening tests to help prevent colon cancer by identifying and removing polyps before they become colon cancer.

 

Colon cancer locations

In most cases, it’s not clear what causes colon cancer. Doctors know that colon cancer occurs when healthy cells in the colon develop errors in their DNA.

Healthy cells grow and divide in an orderly way to keep your body functioning normally. But when a cell’s DNA is damaged and becomes cancerous, cells continue to divide — even when new cells aren’t needed. As the cells accumulate, they form a tumor.

With time, the cancer cells can grow to invade and destroy normal tissue nearby. And cancerous cells can travel to other parts of the body.

My notes: my family member did have a tumor and it is travelling.

 

Inherited gene mutations that increase the risk of colon cancer

Inherited gene mutations that increase the risk of colon cancer can be passed through families, but these inherited genes are linked to only a small percentage of colon cancers. Inherited gene mutations don’t make cancer inevitable, but they can increase an individual’s risk of cancer significantly.

My notes: she did have the inherited gene) which means all her offspring and to the grandchildren are at risk.

FAP, HNPCC and other, rarer inherited colon cancer syndromes can be detected through genetic testing. If you’re concerned about your family’s history of colon cancer, talk to your doctor about whether your family history suggests you have a risk of these conditions.

My notes: like my stroke articles… be informed! Then if the cancer specialist does not ask, you ask.Not only your family member but for your children and grandchildren.

 

Staging colon cancer

Once you’ve been diagnosed with colon cancer, your doctor will order tests to determine the extent (stage) of your cancer. Staging helps determine what treatments are most appropriate for you.

Staging tests may include imaging procedures such as abdominal and chest CT scans. In many cases, the stage of your cancer may not be determined until after colon cancer surgery.

The stages of colon cancer are:

  • Stage I. Your cancer has grown through the superficial lining (mucosa) of the colon or rectum but hasn’t spread beyond the colon wall or rectum.
  • Stage II. Your cancer has grown into or through the wall of the colon or rectum but hasn’t spread to nearby lymph nodes.
  • Stage III. Your cancer has invaded nearby lymph nodes but isn’t affecting other parts of your body yet.
  • Stage IV. Your cancer has spread to distant sites, such as other organs — for instance, to your liver or lung.

My family member is at Stage III and is currently undergoing chemotherapy.

 

Surgery for early-stage colon cancer

If your colon cancer is very small, your doctor may recommend a minimally invasive approach to surgery, such as:

Removing polyps during colonoscopy. If your cancer is small, localized in a polyp and in a very early stage, your doctor may be able to remove it completely during a colonoscopy.

Endoscopic mucosal resection. Removing larger polyps may require also taking a small amount of the lining of the colon in a procedure called endoscopic mucosal resection.

Minimally invasive surgery. Polyps that can’t be removed during colonoscopy may be removed using laparoscopic surgery. In this procedure, your surgeon performs the operation through several small incisions in your abdominal wall, inserting instruments with attached cameras that display your colon on a video monitor. The surgeon may also take samples from lymph nodes in the area where the cancer is located.

 

Surgery for invasive colon cancer

  • Partial colectomy surgery for colon cancer
  • Partial colectomy
  • Colostomy surgery for colon cancer
  • Colostomy

If your colon cancer has grown into or through your colon, your surgeon may recommend:

Partial colectomy. During this procedure, the surgeon removes the part of your colon that contains the cancer, along with a margin of normal tissue on either side of the cancer. Your surgeon is often able to reconnect the healthy portions of your colon or rectum.

The last was my family member’s surgery, where they tested the lymph nodes.  See how important it is to catch it early.  It could have been just a polyp.

 

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy for colon cancer is usually given after surgery if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. In this way, chemotherapy may help reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Chemotherapy may be used before surgery to shrink the cancer before an operation.

Chemotherapy can also be given to relieve symptoms of colon cancer that has spread to other areas of the body.

In people with rectal cancer, chemotherapy is typically used along with radiation therapy. This combination is often used before and after surgery.

My notes: so far, be prepared for reactions to the medication.  Radiation burns to the hands caught me off guard.

Prevention, prevention, prevention. If you show interest to my article, I shall keep you updated.  Right now chemo is for twp straight weeks and then a week rest.  Try and get a support system set.  Not only for the afflicted person, but for you.

Column by Chris Dewald

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