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Colon Cancer Treatment Options
My name is Bernie Davis. I have been diagnosed with stage 3C colon cancer. I have the advantage of doing lots of research, preparation, etc. BEFORE my treatment begins. My colon cancer treatment options are below.
Yes, I’ve surgically removed the colon tumor and I have a pretty good idea of what chemotherapy regimens I’m going to undergo but there is a lot of research I have to do to get prepared for my treatment.
Okay, okay, I’m a little scared- researching every detail makes me feel better so…
AI spit out my treatment options listed below. My problem is that I am cynical about the short-term, long-term, and late-stage side effects of chemotherapy.
I’ve got to research possible side effects of the chemo regimens listed below.
I’ve got to research a 3-month versus 6-month course of chemo, and I’ve got to research all complementary and integrative therapies for colon cancer.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on overall health, organ involved (colon vs stomach vs other adenocarcinoma), and patient preferences, but in general:
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Surgery
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Already done — margins were negative, which is excellent (complete removal).
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Adjuvant chemotherapy
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Standard for Stage III adenocarcinoma (e.g., colon).
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Goal: kill microscopic cancer cells that might have escaped into blood/lymph.
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Common regimens:
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FOLFOX (5-FU + leucovorin + oxaliplatin)
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CAPOX (capecitabine + oxaliplatin)
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Sometimes 5-FU or capecitabine alone if patient can’t tolerate oxaliplatin.
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Typically given for 6 months.
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Additional therapies
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Depending on molecular testing (MSI status, KRAS/NRAS, BRAF mutations), some patients may be candidates for immunotherapy or clinical trials.
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I am interested in colon cancer survivors’ experience- good or bad. Scroll down the page and post.
Thanks,
- Bernie Davis
- Colon Cancer Survivor
Alternative cancer treatments: 11 options to consider
Using these evidence-based integrative medicine approaches along with standard treatments may help relieve many symptoms associated with cancer and its treatment. But alternative or integrative treatments generally aren’t powerful enough to replace standard treatments entirely. Discuss your options with your provider to find the right balance.
| If you’re experiencing: | Then consider trying: |
|---|---|
| Anxiety | Hypnosis, massage, meditation, music therapy, relaxation techniques |
| Fatigue | Exercise, massage, relaxation techniques, yoga |
| Nausea and vomiting | Acupuncture, aromatherapy, hypnosis, music therapy |
| Pain | Acupuncture, aromatherapy, hypnosis, massage, music therapy |
| Sleep problems | Cognitive behavioral therapy, exercise, relaxation techniques, yoga |
| Stress | Aromatherapy, exercise, hypnosis, massage, meditation, music therapy, tai chi, yoga |
Complementary and alternative medicine use in colorectal cancer patients in seven European countries
Abstract
Purpose: The aim of the present study was to examine the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in a sample of colorectal cancer patients in Europe.
Methods: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey and data were collected through a 27-item self-reported questionnaire from seven European countries.
Results: As part of a larger study, 126 colorectal cancer patients participated in this survey. Among the participants, 32% used CAM after the diagnosis of cancer. Almost half the CAM therapies used were new therapies, never tried before the diagnosis. The most common CAM therapies used included
- herbal medicine (48.7%),
- homeopathy (20.5%),
- use of vitamins/minerals (17.9%),
- spiritual therapies (15.4%),
- medicinal teas (15.4%)
- and relaxation techniques (12.8%).
A dramatic increase was observed in the use of CAM from usage levels before the cancer diagnosis. High levels of satisfaction with CAM were also reported. Patients used CAM more often to increase the body’s ability to fight the cancer or to improve physical well-being. However, expectations did not always match with the benefits reported.
Conclusions: As one-third of colorectal cancer patients use CAM, health professionals should be more aware of this approach to the patient’s management. They should discuss the role of CAM therapies with their patients in a non-judgemental and open manner, and endeavour to provide accurate information in order to allow patients to make their own decision about CAM.
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