I got the results of my colonscopy today, well biospy stuff. My CEA was .20 and the polyp they found embedded in my acsending colon needs to be removed with part of my colon. I am going to see a colon rectal cancer specialist in next Tuesday for a surgical consult, the GI doc stated this was probably stage I cancer, as he doesn't think any lymph nodes are involved, or it has spread. I had an abd/pelvic ct with a rectal enema for contrast last week, but the doc said that, that type of contrast isn't good enough, so I am going to have a chest, abd, and pelvic ct on Monday. He doesn't think I will need chemotherapy, but won't know for sure. I am going to see an oncologist either tomorrow or Monday. He does think this is genetic, since I am so young, just turned 29 on Friday, and my mom died 8 years ago of it.
He wants me to see a genetist (sp) and I am not sure how I feel about that, that opens up a whole lot of doors.

My questions for the board are:

Do you know what chemotherapy or radiation does to fertility? I still don't have any kids, but would like at least one.

Also, does anyone have colon cancer here where they're mother or father had it too?

Do you know anything about genetic testing or therapy?

Lastly, would it be selfish of me to want to have a child once I get this taken care of? With knowing that there is such a strong family hx on my mom's side, and the possibility of having a reoccurance is probably pretty good?

On another note today, my dad found out that his lung cancer looks better, as odd as that sounds, the chemo and radiation may have helped, his uptake on his PET scan was less than last time, however, this was a different oncologist that told us this today, the partner of the other doc he sees. The other doc had to r/s his appt twice because his wife, 31, just died this weekend of ovarian cancer. The original doc told us last time from the CT report he thought the mass had increased in size and the chemo/radiation didn't work.

Thank you all for your inputs and for reading my post in advance. :wave:

Can't answer your other questions but I had CC and so did my mother. She had it about 5 years before me which means that I got it 16 years younger than she did.

Christy:
Sorry... just read this posting now. I'm sorry about the news. What is the histology though... poorly, moderately, or well differentiated? I'm assuming it's an adenocarcinoma. Trans anal is out of the question since it's in your ascending colon. They can't do radiation to you since it's colon cancer... run the risk of destroying your small intestine among other things in the radiation field. Stage 1 is the best you can have... most docs will tell you 100% 5 year survival.

As for fertility... IF they want to do chemo, which I doubt if it's truly a stage 1, then they will tell you not to get preganant for a year or two. Depending... you could harvest and freeze your eggs. That's down the road just a little bit to think about.

You need a PET and CT scans. I know you are having the CT's but please push for a PET. Also, same holds true... get that second opinion from a colorectal specialist. You may also want to talk NOW about genetic counseling and giving your blood for evaluation. Did you say your CEA was 20 or 0.20? Anything less than 3 is normal. Different people/tumors produce different levels of CEA... It's just a good diagnostic tool down the road.

Having a child is a personal choice and is NOT selfish in the least. Keep in mind that you can get that genetic testing taken care of and have answers for your own treatment and for whether you want to have a child within a few months. First thing first... you need that tumor removed, but you do have some time to regroup and get your bearings with 2nd and third opinions.

This is NOT the end of the world. You seem to be keeping a level head... especially with your family history, you seem intelligent enough to know what needs to be done. Remember, knowledge is your friend.

Please let me know the other information from your histology/biopsy report. Which, by the way, you have EVERY right to have a copy of.

Fondly,
CDad

Christie... Sorry to hear your news, but as far as colon cancer goes, you are still one of the luckier ones with them haivng caught it pretty early. Like CD I dont know that they would do chemo (specially not radiation) on a Stage1.
As for your question about do you think its still fair to bring a child up.. I think Yes, but make sure he/she knows to have the tests done asap. I can fully understand you still wanting a child for sure and I dont think its unfair. Just my opinion. Goodluck and let us know how you go.
Take care of you
Maz

I just read your post and can somewhat relate. I am 30 years old and was diagnosed in August with stage II Colon cancer, no lymph nodes involved. I unlike you don't have a family history of colon cancer, but can understand your wanting to have children and the questions that go along with that. I too want kids (and don't have any yet).

I am undergoing chemo now 12 cycles of folfox routinue and my doctor tells me that there is a chance that it would affect fertility or stop your period during treatment, but in most cases with someone as young as me that I should be able to have kids down the road. I don't think you should feel bad about it, I have those thoughts of "great I've destined my children to early and numerous colonoscopies" but with the knowledge of the genetic testing etc, it will be much easier for you and them to manage.

I would focus on surgery etc now, plenty of time to talk with genetics, My docs have told me I should talk with those people too, but I am focussing on getting and staying well first. Take care and good luck Sammy

Thanks everyone for your replies, insight and support. I really appreciate it, it makes it easier to deal with this terrible disease knowing they're other people out there just like me!

Hugs to you all!

Christy

christie, i've also done fertility stuff, if you have any questions about that. My partner and I froze some embryos. egg freezing is less viable, still a valid option.

Lastly, would it be selfish of me to want to have a child once I get this taken care of? With knowing that there is such a strong family hx on my mom's side, and the possibility of having a reoccurance is probably pretty good?

I am still sort of struggling with this (after spending thousands of dollars getting the damn thing done, not to mention shooting myself up with hormones and on and on). I'm kind of hoping that that by the time i choose to have my children, i'll be able to tell if they have the gene that caused my cancer, even though i know that's kind of ethically iffy on it's own. it was a hard decision to make, but my fiancee really wanted a chance to have *our* children, and if this was my only choice, I figured we might as well try.

Some notes:

my radiology oncologist had to write a note to my health insurance explaining that by the time I could "prove" infertility (from the pelvic radiation), IVF wouldn't be able to help me, so I had to do it while I was fertile. there were some websites that offered grants to offset the costs if your insurance didn't cover it, but I would have to look to see if I still have that information.

my radiologist said that due to the radiation, my womb would most likely not be viable, and I would not be able to carry my children. I'm going to talk with gynocologists before I look into surrogacy, but it's a kind of hard reality that I have to think about.

i'm currently in menopause due to my radiation-- I get hot flashes, and I haven't menstruated since October. The gyno said that it was possible I would go out of menopause, due to my youth, but it's kind of a pain.

radiation shrinks the vaginal canal due to build up of scar tissue in the pelvic area. your doctor will give you dilators to help stretch you out again. it hurts a bit to use the dilators, but it's necessary for penitrative sex and for gynocological examinations.


I'm not on all the time, but I really emphasize with your situation, so if you have any questions about the information I posted, please let me know!

Hi Cinda,

I love these boards. I believe that I may carry the gene as well. My father, and sister both died from colon cancer. My dad was in his 40's, and my sister was 28. I am 34, and I've had 6 colonoscopies, which all of them I had polyps. I'm due for another one in July, but I think I am going to go in sooner, because I've been experiencing a little blood streaks, and narrowing of the stool. I also have internal hemroids. I have children already, but I am so afraid for thier future, as well as mine. Like Christy, I try not to be negative, but its hard. I think about cancer all the time. Although, I don't have it, I stress about it. What symptoms did you have, and did you know about your family history with cc before your were diagnosed?

Hi there,

I am so sorry for your diagnosis. I am 32 and I understand all of your concerns. I don't have a lot of advice regarding fertility, but I can say that I have two boys and I just hope that by the time they are 18 and go for their colonoscopy that things will be better and they will be fine. They are the loves of my life and I am so thankful I have them.

Regarding the effects of radiation Cinda spoke of...I would highly recommend talking to a gynocologist oncologist... Mine has been such a help to me (more so than my radiation oncologist in this department). I am on hormones to help with the menopause (I had a total hysterctomy when I had my TME). Also she prescribed me vaginal tablets called VagiFem. They have made a HUGE difference for me as far as pain during dilation or intercourse. I highly recommend talking to your doctor about them. The estrogen from the vaginal tablets does NOT go to your bloodstream, if you are worried about estrogen.

Good luck to you! It is a long, hard road, but you will find lots of support here!

Cats

Oh! I just started vagifem! I'll have to be more diligent about it if it really works. I've been having a hard time remembering to take it.

Cinda,

Take it every day for two weeks straight...then go to twice a week. You will be glad you did!! It really helps make everything more comfortable.

Good luck to you!! :wave: