I was asked to come over here and "tell my story". After many scans, MRI's and 2 hospital stays, I was diagnosed with Crohn's in April, '10. During surgery, to remove what looked like scarring causing a blockage on the scans, they found Crohn's was in the ileum. which was removed in May. In the process of the surgery, they found a malignant tumor, in my small intestine with 11 lymph nodes also removed, but only one affected. It was categorized as stage 3 cancer because of the one affected node. I am undergoing chemotherapy now - had 3rd infusion out of 12, yesterday. I was told by my surgeon and oncologist that it is extremely rare to find cancer in the sm. intestine, and we were lucky to catch it before it metastasized elsewhere. That's the reason for the chemo to make sure it hasn't.
Having to deal with the chemo and the Crohn's at the same time is quite the challenge. I've lost about 20 pounds since May and am very careful what I eat to not aggravate the symptoms.
I'm on Pentasa and Endocort in the meantime, until chemo is finished in December (every other week for 6 months).. then the GI will take over with other meds if needed. D (from the Crohn's and chemo) is somewhat under control with Citrucel, Align and Questran. I also use Lomitol as needed when the "going" gets too much. It's a challenge trying to balance all the meds, since the Pentasa is taken 4 times a day and the Questran has to be taken twice a day, l hour after other meds and can take other meds only after another 4 hours! Like I said, it's complicated and I need to use a flow-chart!
This is a great place to be and get encouragement from other Crohnies. I don't have much experience since I've only been dealing with this for a few months, but it certainly takes over your life with it's unpredictability.
Thanks for being there and hope to develop some great friendships here!
((( Hugs )))
Ann
Having to deal with the chemo and the Crohn's at the same time is quite the challenge. I've lost about 20 pounds since May and am very careful what I eat to not aggravate the symptoms.
I'm on Pentasa and Endocort in the meantime, until chemo is finished in December (every other week for 6 months).. then the GI will take over with other meds if needed. D (from the Crohn's and chemo) is somewhat under control with Citrucel, Align and Questran. I also use Lomitol as needed when the "going" gets too much. It's a challenge trying to balance all the meds, since the Pentasa is taken 4 times a day and the Questran has to be taken twice a day, l hour after other meds and can take other meds only after another 4 hours! Like I said, it's complicated and I need to use a flow-chart!
This is a great place to be and get encouragement from other Crohnies. I don't have much experience since I've only been dealing with this for a few months, but it certainly takes over your life with it's unpredictability.
Thanks for being there and hope to develop some great friendships here!
((( Hugs )))
Ann
Welcome to the forum!! You may be the first person I could say this to, but perhaps your crohn's symptoms saved your life. This is a great place for info and friendship so please stick around!!
