Found out My Aunt has Colon Cancer

@AmbiePam (85181)
United States
November 6, 2007 4:39pm CST
Today I found out one of my dad's siters has colon cancer. Ironically she works for Cancer Center Treatments of America and they told her she was fine. A second facility proved them wrong. I don't know yet if the cancer has spread outside the colon, or if it is still contained to the colon. My dad has a lot of brothers and sisters and he especially loves his sisters. He trreats them like royalty. He is obviously upset, but isn't showing it of course. My Aunt Ruth, the one with the cancer, lost her husband fifteen years ago to a heart attack. They were jogging when he collasped and died. She never remarried, and she's only 59 now. She has two children and they are both married with children. I live two and a half hours away, but you can be sure I'll be e-mailing her and sending her many a card. I was wondering if anyone had any news about colon cancer that might help me better understand everything she might be going through? If you have had this kind of cancer, what is something you wished someone would have done for you? What do you NOT want someone to say? I never had cancer, but when I was very ill I didn't like it when people repeatedly told me it would be OK. Because that was a lie. It wouldn't, it is something people say in hopes to make others feel better. Any input would be welcome. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. : )
5 people like this
7 responses
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
7 Nov 07
Oh I'm so sorry to hear about your aunt, ambiepam. That is an irony to say the least that she worked for A Cancer Center and they told her she was fine--gee, be nice if she could sue them or something. I have no advice to give you about this. My mom did have cancer but esophageal cancer. All I can offer for you is to let you know that your aunt is in my prayers, and you as well! (((hugs)))
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (85181)
• United States
7 Nov 07
I actually got that part wrong. I couldn't figure out how the place she worked wouldn't help. Turns out her regular doctor who was recommended by her work wouldn't help her. But even though they had recommended her doctor, her work insisted she get more tests, and that is when they found it. Thanks for the prayers. : )
@theprogamer (10534)
• United States
6 Nov 07
Though Champ Oreocookie nailed it, there are several causes, symptoms and issues about colon cancer. In my experience and encounters it was people with bad diets especially ones consisting of a lot of uncooked red meat, that causes colon cancer due to the body not being able to absorb foods or get rid of them effectively. Sometimes the body also breaks into rashes due to it trying to expel the wastes (but this is not just for colon cancer but just digestion/lower digestion afflictions in general). Adenoma growths or polyps also cause this cancer though most times they are benign. They can become malignant due to digestive strains, growth or serious legions/infections. Please give your aunt some of my own regards as well. I know this will be a tough situation. I can't say anything else to make things better. But at least you've got the support in real life family and here, both you Ambie and your aunt.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (85181)
• United States
6 Nov 07
Thank you very much Programer. One thing my aunt did say is that she was mad she had been eating salads for so long for nothing!
@lilaclady (28207)
• Australia
6 Nov 07
You know I have been thinking lately that maybe it pays to get a second opinion on things as I have two friends who were being treated for things and when they have gone for second opinions they have found out they had much more serious things wrong with them, one of my friend was being treated for an earache when in actual fact she was at the start of a stroke, I do hope things work out for your Aunt, there are a lot of new things out these days that maybe will be able to help her...I send her good wishes.
@AmbiePam (85181)
• United States
6 Nov 07
Thank you very much. I didn't have cancer, but years ago I was very sick and my doctor told me I was fine. I had to go out of my network and pay extra for a doctor not approved by my insurance to find out yes indeed, I was sick and because of that one doctor who misdiagnosed me, there has been damage done that cannot be reversed. Second opinions are essential.
@cher913 (25782)
• Canada
7 Nov 07
well i dont have cancer but as someone who is in constant pain, i could give you some advice...if you do go and visit take premade meals that she can enjoy when she is not feeling well (its tough to cook when you arent well) as for sending her stuff, little trinkets are nice or magazines, that sort of thing. sorry about your aunt, give you and yourself a hug for me!
1 person likes this
@OURDEW (4809)
• United States
7 Nov 07
Hi AmbiePam, I am so sorry to hear about your aunt. I don't know anyone with colon cancer but I will be giving you aunt all of the prayers and possitive thoughts I can.:)
1 person likes this
• Australia
8 Nov 07
That is sad news. I don't know anything about colon cancer, but I am sure it you do a web search, then you will find something of use.
1 person likes this
@peanutjar (5198)
• Canada
7 Nov 07
Im very sorry to hear this about your aunt and i will wish/pray for god to give her strength through this ordeal and you also. Peanutjar:)
1 person likes this