Appendix Cancer

Bromd · Regular Joined: 09 Jun 2006 Posts: 15

I had Surgery on may 21st for a blocked colon where the head of Surgery stated he was going to remove my appendix because it was in 'chronic' appendicitis and he claimed to think it was part o the cause of the intestinal blockage I had.

I was diagnosed with appendix cancer 5 days later, after it was removed. I've been told that they'll be beginning Chemo nd Radiation (In a sandwhich) in another 3 weeks after I've finished recovering.

It was 4ta - N0 - M1 for the official diagnosis - So far from what I can understand I should count myself very lucky. I've got a few scans and tests comming up as soon as my body will be able to handle it. I'm 31 years old and admit that this so far has been the hardest thing I've had to face in my life, hands down.

Even though it looks so far that they got everything it was still like being hit by a train to even be told I had cancer. I'll admit I thought I might face cancer because of my profession as a glass blower where the odds of getting Silicosis in my 50s are higher than most other cancers. Or I thought I might get Prostate Cancer in my 70s like my grandfather did. I've avoided sunning myself till I get skin cancer like my grandmother and wasn't too worried about breast Cancer like my other grandmother. Still, it was a shock to be told of it at 31.

From everything I've been told Appendix Cancer is rare to find and even more rare to catch in time, they removed a 2.5 by 3 inch by 2.25 inch tumor insde f my appendix and a small amount of cancer cells were in the surrounding fatty tissue.

I think the greatest blessing is finding out just how many people in my life I've already touched in enough of a way that they have offered me support and good wishes.

Ironically the only symptom of Cancer they found with me was a worn down feeling over the past few months and an elevated white blood cell count.

Lana8 · Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 7:52 pm Post subject: Re: Appendix Cancer

God was really on your side. Keep us informed how things are going and how your tests go. You are in my prayers.
Lana Smile

bethanyaok · Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 12:17 am Post subject: Re: Appendix Cancer

Hi Bromd! I am so glad that they found your cancer early!!! I had a friend with appendicial cancer. I think this was the web site where she found a lot of support! http://survivor-support.rare-cancer.org/forum/ They have a forum for appendicial cancer, and the moderator of that forum also has a web page with great links to information: http://www.appendix-cancer.com/

Hope this is helpful!! Take care of yourself!!
_________________
Bethany
breast cancer dx 4/17/00
4 AC, 28 rads, tamoxifen
7 years NED, and counting!
BRCA2+ 2/1/07

Lost Dad to Lung Cancer June '05

CarolynLL · New User Joined: 09 May 2006 Posts: 3

Hi,

My name is Carolyn, I am a 5 year survivor of signet ring appendiceal cancer that had metastsized into my abdomen. I have been cancer-free for 5 years post debulking surgery, peritoneal chemotherapy and IV chemotherapy. I am the moderator of the appendiceal cancer forum that was mentioned in this thread. I came across the forum I moderate for Sharon Lane 4 years after I was diagnosed. The internet is great in that it's probably the only place we can "meet" others with this rare diagnosis and share information. When I was diagnosed I was unable to find another survivor to communicate with, I also had difficulty finding information about appendiceal cancer.

My web site has my story, also information I've compiled about the various types of appendiceal cancer, contact information for some of the physicians who specialize in treating this cancer (I'm still trying to add to that list), treatment information and general information in regards to assistance with insurance and travel in dealing with this rare diagnosis. I wanted to use my experience to help someone else when I reached the 5 year mark. I was initially not expected to live 5 years. My web site is the one someone mentioned:

www.appendix-cancer.com

I wish all of you the best, feel free to contact me if I can be of help. I am also open to any suggestions as to how I can make the web site better or more user-friendly.

Take care,

Carolyn
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This post should not be considered medical advice. Review all information with your doctor.

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