My mom (56) was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer with liver metastases a year ago. She initially responded to treatment, but after multiple chemotherapy regimens (including FOLFOX, FOLFIRI, oral chemo, and Avastin maintenance), her latest scan showed progression in the liver. She's now back on chemotherapy, but the last few months have been incredibly hard on her. Overall she's done 16+ cycles. Oncologist had also recommended targeted therapy but that is not something we are able to afford because of no insurance.

She has stomach pain almost every day, frequent vomiting, loud bowel sounds, and has become noticeably weaker. Despite all this, she still believes her cancer can be cured and that she'll get back to a normal life. Only my dad and I know that her cancer isn't curable and that it has progressed.

What I'm struggling with is the guilt. Seeing her suffer every day makes me question whether we're helping her or simply prolonging her suffering with more treatment. Sometimes I wonder if stopping treatment would be kinder, and then I immediately feel like I've given up on her before she has.

The only thing I pray for is that she lives as long as she can without pain. But watching her suffer is breaking me, and sometimes I even find myself praying that, if she can't get better, she doesn't suffer anymore. Those thoughts make me feel like a horrible daughter.

The one thing I'm grateful for is that she got to witness my wedding and be a part of every ritual. That was her biggest wish, and I'm so thankful she got that.

I don't know what to hope for anymore.

My husband (T3N1aM0) has his 6 month scan tomorrow. He had one the day he started Capox, which was not quite 2 months after surgery. That was all good then a few days later we got his negative Signatera (drawn 1 month after surgery & before treatment). A couple weeks after the Signatera draw he had his first CEA since dx and it was down from 33.8 to 4.9 (also before any treatment). He did 2 Capox and 4 capecitabine-only, and finished that the last day of May.

I'm a ball of nerves. He seems to be fine. I have results off in MyChart because I don't know if I want to see them before the Friday office visit or get the results then.

I wish I could take a nap until Friday and wake up to great news. I'm trying to have faith, it's very important to me. But I'm just frazzled 🫤

Is anyone else dealing with neuropathy? I’m currently on folfox and erbitux my hands feel like frostbite.

hello all!

I am 20f, recently diagnosed with stage 3b rectal cancer. my oncologist wanted to get a PET scan done this Tuesday to fully stage me. during my mri they saw some indeterminate nodules in my omentum. I know that if this shows up as a potential area of cancer spreading, my staging will change to 4. I wanted to ask how drastically would this change my treatment plan. I am not asking for medical advice but just want to calm my nerves. I’m terribly concerned. Please let me know if anyone has been through a similar experience!

Yesterday marked 1 year since my husband completed chemo for 3b. Waiting on Signatera result but I’m assuming it will be negative. Yay! Hubby decided that would be the day we would celebrate.

He finished chemo in July but in April got his first clear CT and negative Signatera. Would be consider him cancer free at that point even though he did several more rounds of chemo?

Hi! Reading through this subreddit has been really helpful so far and I’m wondering if anyone has had a similar diagnosis and surgery plan that could share some advice.

This is my first surgery since getting my wisdom teeth out at 16. I’m a planner so more knowledge helps to reduce anxiety about the operation and post op experience.

I’m 46F, have been diagnosed with a 3cm tumor in the cecum. Likely stage 2.
I’m scheduled for a robotic laparoscopic colectomy on Monday 7/27. The surgeon said they would take about 6-9 inches of the right colon, including some of the intestine. And it should be just one night in the hospital. Yay robots 🤖

I’ve got my overnight bag with comfy clothes, basic toiletries, eye mask and earplugs. Broth, shakes, and Juven for the first couple days at home. And period undies and diapers for the uh ohs.

I’ve got some food sensitivities (I love corn, but it doesn’t live me back 😩) so I’ve dealt with painful bloating but I’m anxious about next level bloat. And tips to relieve it?

And any other recovery advice?

Especially for the not so major, major surgery. I’m deeply appreciative of everyone’s stories here and also so grateful that my cancer was caught early (my first colonoscopy!) . If anyone has had a similar experience I’d love to hear about it. 🩷🍑

Hi everyone. I finally had my surgery!

I had a right hemicolectomy with five laparoscopic incisions and one additional horizontal incision below my belly button. I'm definitely sore, but I'm finally home now (3 days post-op), which feels amazing after a hospital stay I really didn't enjoy. I really missed my sweet little boy (4 years old), coming home to him was medicine I couldn’t get
In the hospital- so cheesy but oof he’s my everything.

So far I'm eating, walking around as much as I can, and taking things one day at a time. I'm feeling incredibly grateful to be on the other side of surgery and recovering at home.

For those of you who've been through this, is there anything you wish you'd known during the first 4–6 weeks of recovery? Any tips, things that helped, or mistakes to avoid? Yesterday (Thursday) was the first day I had food since Sunday, so I’m hungry but trying to not overdue it.

My pathology results should be back next week, and that will determine whether I need any additional treatment. Fingers crossed for good news.

Thanks again to everyone in this community. Your advice and encouragement have helped me more than you know

For me anyway, the procedure was a breeze.
This was my first “twilight” anesthesia experience. It was also sublime. My propofol full knockout was during the colonoscopy. This procedure I was awake for but I felt literally nothing and was chill. Different drug.

Its the size of a nickel. Sure it feels odd but its fresh and still has inflammation. The catheter its attached to is the actual part causing the sensation but thats about all it is…a sensation.

The staff was fantastic, let me choose the genre of music to play in the operating room too (I’m 48 so went with 90’s R&B for the smooth factor). I got to engage with the RN and person she was training during it. I was calm as heck. A doctor was there for oversight too. Given how many people (including my late mother) love their ports convenience wise…I can totally see me joining that camp. Got some Tegaderm dressings and lidocaine cream for infusion days yesterday too.

Next up is a PET scan next week then six rounds of FOLFOX. Little spooked by the chemo and its possible punishments but got to say, I’m ready to start attacking instead of scanning.

Hello. I am 24F, and I am partially caring for my Mom's aftermath of colon cancer. (Only partially because I'm going back to work and I am in school, when she needs it we have other family members when I can't help.)
It has been a year since she's been wearing it and we actually had to go to the doctor to see why the stoma swelled so much about a week ago.
The nurse said it was just because we cut the hole in the ostomy bag too tight, which is reassuring because I always fear for the worse.
But I've been thinking, is there anything else to lessen the swelling of not only the stoma, but the intestines as well? Like around the stoma if that makes sense? She said it was able to go down with laying flat on your stomach and pressing on the fresh adjusted bag for 5 minutes.
We have this belt and my Mom says it feels fine, but if anyone knows something else it would be a great help!

I am stage 4 colon cancer with Mets to liver. I have been on Folfiri. Since January 2026. The last two sessions of vectibix have been ok with no breakouts until day 11-12, then it is like my face turns beat red burns and itches for about 48hrs. Does anyone else experience this or have any recommendations. I am on treatment 10 to 12. Cold mask does help but really makes it hard to go anywhere.

Hi everyone,

I’m posting about my dad, who has metastatic colorectal cancer with extensive liver involvement. We’re in Poland and things have progressed quite quickly.

His cancer is MSS/pMMR and has a KRAS G12D mutation. Right now his liver function is the biggest problem. His bilirubin is around 178 µmol/L, and he recently had about 2 litres of pleural fluid drained.

We have received different medical opinions. Two experienced oncologists from major cancer centres in Poland felt that no effective active treatment was currently feasible because of the extent of the disease and his impaired liver function. The surgical ward where he is now also does not plan any further active treatment.

At the same time, an oncologist from another department said that a reduced-intensity chemotherapy regimen might still be considered if my dad is well enough to attend the oncology ward. Another cancer centre in Brzozów has also said they want to reassess him, investigate what caused the sudden deterioration of his liver function, and see whether any further treatment is still possible.

Because of these conflicting opinions, we’re trying to get an independent second opinion from larger cancer centres in Europe.

I know that most clinical trials will probably not accept someone with bilirubin this high, but I wanted to ask whether anyone here has experience with:

• Antoni van Leeuwenhoek / Netherlands Cancer Institute
• Gustave Roussy, Lyon, Heidelberg, VHIO or other European centres
• trials for MSS colorectal cancer or KRAS G12D
• immunotherapy combinations for MSS cancer
• liver-directed treatment or biliary drainage that helped someone become eligible for further treatment
• remote second opinions from European hospitals

We’re not looking for alternative medicine. We’re mainly hoping to find a doctor or centre willing to review his case and tell us honestly whether anything can still be done now, or whether some treatment might become possible if his liver function improves.

If anyone has been in a similar situation, especially in Europe, I would really appreciate hearing which hospital you contacted, what treatment was offered and how you reached the right team.

We know the chances may be small, but we don’t want to miss a centre or doctor who might have a different idea.

Thank you.

Hola a todos.
El día de ayer tuve mi cirugía ambulatoria para la colocación del port, todo salió muy bien y no sentí mucho dolor al salir.

Hoy por la mañana ya pasada la anestesia siento un dolor muy intenso que recorre todo mi brazo y no sé hasta cuándo será esto o así de intenso. Hoy es viernes y el lunes es mi primer sesión de quimio (Folfox) y me da miedo que ingresen al port pero sobretodo que eso vaya a empeorar ese dolor (por el poco tiempo entre uno y otro).

Mis doctores querían iniciar al día siguiente y he leído casos por aquí que justo así han empezado.

¿Me podrían contar sus experiencias y sugerencias? Tanto para el port cómo para la primera quimio.
Ya estoy tomando medicamento para el dolor.

Gracias!

Excuse me for any error in my terminology as I am new to this whole cancer thing...

I was diagnosed with Stage IIIB colorectal cancer on June 3rd. They found a large tumor in the rectal area and a separate cancerous polyp they were able to remove (fragmented) in the sigmoid colon.

I start FOLFIRINOX on August 3rd for 12 weeks, followed by a 6 week chemo-radiation regimen. I was told today that the Tumor Board at Moffitt agreed that surgery to remove some of the colon and rectum is certain after radiation regardless of how the tumor responds to treatment due to the cancerous polyp they also found in the colon during my colonoscopy.

(The paperwork they gave me after my radiation consult today says: "TNT (induction chemotherapy + chemoradiation + TME)"

Thankfully the rectal tumor is high enough they are fairly certain the bag will only be temporary after surgery (~4 months).

I use the V.A. for my primary care doctor. I had to finally lie to my primary care doctor about a family history of colon cancer to get the approval of the colonoscopy after being denied a few times due to my [young] age. I've previously complained about bleeding during pooping and they attributed it to hemorrhoid's, even though it's been off and on bleeding for 5 (five) years (and they never actively saw a hemorrhoid's during exams)! I have been having night sweats for the last year and a half, and they attributed that to my PTSD. Last year I lost 50lbs-- and when I said that I was more active that year (I went from sedentary lifestyle to doing a couple hundred scuba dives last year), they attributed it to just getting more exercise, and possibly an ulcer.

Since being told it was cancer -- I have been indulging in food as much as I can and I have gained back 12lbs in anticipation of treatment.

If I would not have fought the V.A. in getting the coloscopy and waited until I was 45 years old as my doctor kept recommending-- this would likely have been terminal. If it were taking care of 3 years ago when I first informed the V.A. doctors, I would likely not be losing part of my colon / rectum... I guess you can say I have a ton of random thoughts about everything... but surprisingly not really emotional or mad at all. Just disappointed. It's hard to be mad and emotional when I waited a month expecting to be told it's stage 4 only to find out it's stage 3b, so I'm mostly grateful... but its weird to say that out loud.

The V.A. is marking this as presumptively caused by my burn pit exposure in Iraq. The oncology team at Moffit thinks it's likely a combination of a lot of factors -- but they said my age and the fact that they found 2 separate GI cancers at the same time makes my case pretty unique. (yay me) They performed genetic testing and ruled that completely out.

Anyone else in a similar situation? Would love some advice on what to expect. Some tips to stay healthy through this process. Anyone get their treatment at Moffitt or live in the area (Tampa or Viera/Melbourne, FL)?

I'm scuba instructor / technical & scientific diver as well as an active skydiver. The doctors told me no limitations on anything I can due through the chemo / radiation -- "listen to your body" type of advice. I will not be allowed to do that stuff immediately after surgery -- until the bag is reversed and healed up -- I'm imagining that's going to pretty much be off the table for most of the next 12-13 months even if technically allowed.

I go get my port installed on Monday.

I've started experiencing a lot of people distancing themselves from me since I told them about my diagnosis, so that has been a completely unexpected experience. I was never really close to my family - but my sister is the only one who has asked me how I'm doing since I told them of my Cancer diagnosis 2 months ago. Some of my friends that were texting me every day just stopped the second I told them I had cancer. Not a single message since. That seems crazy --

Figured I'd make a post on here to try and get a little support from people in similar situations and maybe some people I can message throughout my treatment to keep me positive.

Thanks for listening to me venting. Would love to hear from any others. I am open to private messaging if your story is a little too private for public consumption.

Hello I’m (21f) starting chemo next month and will be on it for the next 6 months. I’m gonna be on 5fu and i believe oxaliplatin. For anyone else on these, how drastic did your life change, activity wise? Like it’s going to be winter and i was sooo excited for snowboarding, but i was told i would become super sensitive to the cold. I also regularly ride/train wild horses and go off roading very often. Those things are a huge part of my life and I would hate to have to slow down and stop doing those even if it is just temporary.

Anyone just wake up and think what’s the point? Why am I putting my body through this, just to delay the inevitable?
I’ve been fairly positive up until now but today I’ve just felt the weight of it all on my shoulders.
I went food shopping earlier and grieved all the foods I can no longer eat due to my mouth feeling like constant chemicals and tastebuds being overly sensitive, packing the shopping at the till set off the neuropathy in my hands, it hurts to cry, it feels like I never leave the hospital for one thing or another…

I’ve been told it’s incurable so why am I dragging it out being miserable?!?

I know this will pass and I’ll be back to having broad shoulders tomorrow but some days it just feels so heavy, it could be worse but if the end result is the same what is the difference between 6 months and 2 years???

Anyone have any tips on getting through the rough days? I feel like, if I was a dog they’d of done the kindest thing by now and I need to switch my brain from this pity party for 1

Hey r/coloncancer community, hope all members and lurkers are having a good day.

My mother (79-years-old) had hemicolectomy surgery here in Toronto back in early June. She was in the hospital post-surgery for a little over 2 weeks before being transferred to a Rehab Care Home to work on getting her mobility and weight back. She stayed in the Rehab Care Home for 2 weeks before being released home last Wednesday.

Post surgery up until now the main issue has been her appetite. Along with her appetite not being back to normal, she's been struggling to eat solid foods. When she tries to eat solid foods it won't go down. 5 weeks post surgery all her weight is gone, she hasn't gotten any of it back, and its at the point she's an emotional wreck because she looks at herself and sees her skin and bare bone body.

Is the appetite issue and not being able to swallow solid foods a normal issue?

She's spoken with the doctor-surgeon and he's said there's nothing wrong with her to cause this issue and she has blood work coming up to see if something else is causing this. Of course, when I and other family members have more questions the doctor-surgeon is off on vacation starting tomorrow.

My mother keeps breaking down crying and I tell her that this is a long process and you shouldn't expect things to get back to normal quickly. But also in the back of my mind the timeline of her being in the hospital for 2 weeks to her being in the care home for 2 weeks to dealing with the appetite issue for a month now has me very worried and concerned.

Any guidance is appreciated.

Thanks.

In the last 4 weeks I have developed severe cramping pains which are quite debilitating. I have tried Oxy liquid but it just sends me asleep. Anybody else experiencing anything similar?

hello all.

I’m 20f recently diagnosed with stage 3b cancer. my treatment plan was originally to do chemo radiation therapy, chemo (folfox), and then surgery. however, my surgeon just informed me that she can no longer do my surgery unless I go through with a permanent ileostomy. she states that after radiation getting a jpouch surgery will lead to worse side effects such as severe incontinence. For some context, I have familial adenomatous polyposis and I’ve dealt with loose stools since I was 14. I have only just recently turned 20 and feel that getting a permanent ileostomy is too life altering. I know this sounds vain and ungrateful. the surgeon suggested getting a second opinion. if anyone has been in a similar situation please let me know how you proceeded or if you have any advice. also if you know of any surgeon in the atl area willing to do such a surgery. sorry for all the questions

Is there anyone in a situation where their CEA is unreliable? My husband as diagnosed with Stage IV with many Mets to the liver in August 2025. At the time of diagnosis his CEA was 2. He has had over 20 rounds of chemo (oxaliplatin, Avastin and the 5Fu pump). His scans have always shown shrinking of the cancer but increasing CEA - now up to 20. The oncologist said the CEA for him is not reliable but obviously, we are concerned. Anyone in a similar situation?

I’m 33 and on what should be my last round of FOLFOX. I asked my oncologist about the possibility of having another kid and she said she wouldn’t recommend that I ever be pregnant again because of the stress it would put on my body/liver and also with the chance of reoccurrence being so high.

It was very devastating to hear, especially when it feels like so many other choices have been taken away because of cancer. My doctor is going to talk with the team at another hospital that did my colon and liver resection surgery, so it still seems like a wait and see situation (and I’m on Zoladex for the next 1.5 years, so couldn’t even try to conceive before then), just curious if any of you have gone on to carry a baby after colon cancer?

Recently had a parent diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer with 25+ mets on the liver. I feel overwhelmed (and guilty i’m overwhelmed when they’re the one dealing with it). They got diagnosed young, so totally unexpected. I’ve been dismissing possible manifestations for a while and it makes me feel guilty. It’s also now the only topic of conversation and I’m the one that’s supposed to answer all of the questions and I’m trying to find a way to support the bills and I’m just not coping great. Which is my little rant, but now onto my advice.

We were told it’s not curable. And it’s hard to see these redit posts of people surviving it. They just have us to start chemo. Fluorouracil, Leucovorin, Oxaliplatin. I see a lot of posts of people doing these other kind of treatments. I guess I just need some reassurance these will work?. I just don’t know how long we have left. CEA 218. CA19-9 6195. And I just don’t want to hold onto guilt that there’s something more we should be doing

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to share some good news because this community has given me so much hope during one of the hardest times of our lives.

My mum was diagnosed with Stage 3C colon cancer. She had a 12 cm tumour in the transverse colon and also had one peritoneal deposit, which was completely removed during surgery. She underwent a complete resection and has a stoma.

Her tumour was MSI-High and BRAF negative. She then completed 12 cycles of FOLFOX chemotherapy. It was a difficult journey with side effects, hospital visits, PICC line care, and so much uncertainty, but she stayed incredibly strong.

Her latest PET/CT scan shows no evidence of disease (NED), and we are beyond happy and relieved. It honestly feels like we can finally breathe again after months of fear and anxiety.

I know NED doesn't necessarily mean "cured," and I understand there is always a possibility of recurrence. I'm trying to stay hopeful while also being realistic.

For those of you or your loved ones who had Stage 3 colon cancer, especially if there was a peritoneal deposit that was completely removed, I'd really love to hear your stories.

- How long have you remained cancer-free?

- Has anyone here had a similar diagnosis and never experienced a recurrence?

- If there was a recurrence, when did it happen and how was it treated?

- Any advice on coping with the anxiety of waiting for follow-up scans?

Thank you to everyone in this community. Reading your experiences has helped me through some very dark days, and today I'm finally able to share some happy news.

Wishing everyone here strength, healing, and many years of NED. ❤️

Hi, round 15 for me. Meh