Stage of colorectal cancer

[Laura1685]

Hi, I've been diagnosed with 3c rectal cancer. Statistics for 5 year survival aren't very reassuring so I'm wondering if anyone out there who has my stage and beat the odds could let me know. Guess I just need some positive feedback to bring up my morale. I know many people might think this is a silly question but it would make me feel better if I knew that people with my stage have been able to get past 5hat 5 year mark.

[Dog lover 23320]

Hey there. I was dx last Fall witg stage 2 rectal cancer.
After surgery changed to stage 1. So last night I spoke
To a woman who was dx in her early 30s with stage 3
Upgraded to stage IV and 8 years later there is no evidence
Of the disease. Get a good support group, and keep a
Positive attitude. This is not a death sentence. You
Too will be a survivor.

[Jimbob]

The leader of our support group was stage three at the age of 22, he just went on medicare after turning 65.

[Laura1685]

Thank you for responding. Its so nice to hear good news and gives hope.

[Button]

Laura:
Maybe you already know of the Colon Club? It is an online forum for individuals with colon-rectal cancer, with a target audience of people 55 and younger. It is an amazing group.

www.colonclub.com

[ot dave]

I was diagnosed stage 3 at 36. That was 11 years ago. I remember reading the same statistics. That's when I quit looking stuff up on WebMD...or at least that's when I quit self-diagnosing myself! The numbers are unnerving for sure. However, this cancer, caught early enough is completely curable. Due to the above mentioned self-diagnosing (maybe some denial in there too), I almost waited too long. The tumor had almost gone completely through the lining of the rectum, which would have led to a more serious situation. This is a common cancer with well established treatment protocols. My recommendation, despite anything that may occur in the next 5 years, is to make as many memories as you can with the people that you love. I didn't realize how much that advice, when given to me, would change how I saw and did things differently with my own family. I'm cancer free, and I'm still doing everything I can to make the best memories I can...every day.
Hope that helps.

David

[cfdbagman]

Laura 1685, I was diagnosed w stage 3 rectal ca in 2000(39 year old). Got a perm colostomy that year too. Different docs, different opinions. Attitude is huge. Keep busy. An idle mind is the devils workshop. You can do this. Barry