Good Morning People- I had colon cancer about 5 years ago, three sugeries and 8 months of chemo and radiation. Ever since chemo, I have felt really bad, like having the flu or something, no energy, kind of achey, just bad. I have been to numerous doctors, but no one can seem to help. Have any of you folks had the same reaction, please, I would like to know, also if you have found some relief. Thanks Dan Picou, Marietta, GA

Good Morning People- I had colon cancer about 5 years ago, three surgeries and 8 months of chemo and radiation. Ever since chemo, I have felt really bad, like having the flu or something, no energy, kind of achey, just bad. I have been to numerous doctors, but no one can seem to help. Have any of you folks had the same reaction, please, I would like to know, also if you have found some relief. Thanks Dan Picou, Marietta, GA

Dan:
I am an almost 3 year survivor of stage 3C (T3N2M0) rectal cancer and experience much of what you describe and also have chronic pain, an inability to urinate (I self-cath 6+ times a day) and have ED non-responsive to medication. I also have a colostomy after reversal of my ileostomy led to a year and a half nightmare of hospital dilations of the anastamosis (tumor was 3 cm. from the anal opening) and barbaric self-dialations at home all due to stricture of the opening to less than the size of your pinkie finger.

In any event, I am on serious meds for the pain in my rectum (what's left or where it should be), lower back, hips, hamstrings, and buttocks. I have been told by a couple doctors that its cause is from the rectum and radiates, and by others that it is multi-focal pain (nerves and damage to tissue and scar tissue/adhesion) and that the lifetime dose of radiation I received damaged my hips and caused my tissue to be like leather causing much damage.

Anyway, I am unfortunately still unable to work due to severe pain and fatigue. I take Provigil (a wake-promoting drug) during the day which helps a little. Basically the specialists I saw have told me that this is most likely the result of all the trauma to my body, and the high dose chemo/radiation. I have heard from others that radiation is the main culprit.

In any event, you are NOT alone. There are many people with this problem, but nobody really talks about the after-effects of colorectal cancer. They just concentrate on the fact that we are alive, which, PLEASE don't get me wrong, I am grateful...knock on wood... that I am still alive and in remission to see my children grow up. But there is also a quality of life issue.

You NEED to seek out a Physiatrist who deals with cancer patients. I was lucky to find one who specializes in rehab, paint management, and Physiatry. You may need to look around depending on where you live. He/she can help you to lead a more productive life, moderate what you do, and expect set backs. They also can give you medications to boost your energy such as Provigil or Ritalin.

And I should have said, first and foremost, please see your oncologist to make sure you do not have a recurrence and are not anemic.

Good luck and please stay in touch,
CancerDad :angel:

PS I should have mentioned that I have had 4 surgeries (massive amounts of scar tissue and adhesions found during the last surgery) and that I was dx at 31.

Man, DAD, I thought I was in bad shape. I still work some, about 6 hours a day, but work from home, as travel is too hard. Thanks so much for your reply, I figured it was just me and my bad luck, and after 5 years of this, I guess it is not going to get any better. Maybe some other folks in the same boat will report in, and I will take this info to the doctors again and tell them something is seriously wrong with me. Although I am just about doctored out trying to get some relief. Thanks and please take care. Dan Picou