Living With Colon Cancer

Hearing the diagnosis "colon cancer" may be one of the scariest things that can happen. The best way to deal with that fear is knowing what to expect from treatment and what life will be like with an illness. Working cooperatively with a health care team and a support system and keeping a positive attitude will help you live a more normal life while battling cancer.

Diagnosis

• According to the American Cancer Society, in 2008, colon cancer was one of the most diagnosed cancers in America, so researchers are working especially hard to find the most effective treatments for patients in any stage of colon cancer. No matter what stage of colon cancer you are diagnosed with, or what your prognosis is, there are treatments available for you.

Treatment

• Your health care workers are an important part of your support team when you're being treated for colon cancer. Doctors, nurses and hospital staff can answer questions about your treatment options, how long you can expect to be able to work and how to tailor your diet and fitness plans to your illness.

  Many colon cancer patients struggle with their dietary needs. A nutritionist can be a very important part of your health care team to help you change your diet as needed. For example, if you go through chemotherapy or radiation therapy, your nutritionist will probably advise you to eat smaller meals and avoid too much fat in your diet to help you avoid nausea.

  Drugs specifically for colorectal cancers can cause bouts of diarrhea. Your doctor will be able to tell you whether you can expect this side effect or not. If you experience diarrhea while on your medicines, it's a good idea to avoid a diet too high in fiber, too much caffeine or sugar, greasy foods and dairy. While you're on medicines that cause diarrhea, eat potassium-rich foods like bananas and potatoes and drink plenty of water, especially during bouts of diarrhea.

  Colon cancer treatments as well as colon cancer itself may cause you to lose your appetite. If you begin to experience this, tell your health care providers. According to the American Cancer Society, there are several cookbooks just for colon cancer patients who have lost their appetites; these can help you cope with short-term appetite loss. Also try taking a walk before meals, eating with friends or with the radio or television on or increasing the amount of liquids you drink.

  If you have colorectal surgery, monitor your bowel movements closely. Waste that becomes narrower and narrower may be a sign of an adhesion, which is an abnormal scar around your surgery site. There are medicines available for adhesions, but you need to see your doctor right away to make sure you don't have an obstruction. After surgery, you will probably be asked to eat bland foods so that your body can heal properly and efficiently eliminate waste.

Support

• It's important to have ample emotional support from your friends and family while you're living with colon cancer. For additional support, you can turn to a social worker, counselor or clergy member.

  There are social workers that work specifically with colon cancer patients to find financial aid, transportation options to and from the hospital and, if needed, in-home care from nurses who work exclusively with cancer patients. Talking with a social worker that works with cancer patients will allow you to explore all your options for financial support so you can make sure you are receiving the best care possible.

  If you and your family are having trouble coping with your diagnosis or if you would just like someone to talk to, find a colon cancer support group. These groups meet in person at hospitals or community centers, over the phone and even on the Internet. Health care providers can usually point you to a support group in your city. Going to a colon cancer support group gives you and your family a chance to speak with other colon cancer patients and their families and share stories, tips and treatment experiences with one another. Support groups remind you that you are not alone in your journey, but they can also offer invaluable advice about coping with your illness more effectively.

Healthy Living

• When you're sick, it may be difficult to think about eating well and exercising, but patients who are able to do so usually find that simple lifestyle changes make a big difference. Unless your doctor gives you special dietary guidelines, follow the USDA's good health guidelines to give your body the energy and nutrients it needs to keep you strong and help you heal.

  A regular exercise routine is also important to your health. Doing aerobic exercises like walking, jogging, bicycling or swimming for as long as you feel able will help keep your body strong, allowing you to feel less weak and more "normal" for as long as possible.