Colon Cancer Blog

Have you ever heard of Hasya Yoga? I hadn't, but I read an article in the Yoga Journal today that touted the benefits of this new type of yoga developed by Madan Kataria, an Indian-based physician and author of "Laugh for No Reason." Hasya Yoga is a type of laughter therapy that combines deep, controlled breathing with stretching and belly laughter. Read more...

If we're lucky, the challenges we face teach us lessons we can pass on to others who are experiencing a similar situation. Each week, I ask readers to consider a particular question and offer insight when they can. All responses will be considered for inclusion in articles designed to help site visitors cope with colon cancer and related conditions, such as genetic syndromes that increase colon cancer risk. This week's question: Do you have any advice for coping with the loss of a grandparent to colon cancer?

While all colon surgeons must meet certain requirements to practice, some surgeons are better than others. That's why finding the right colon surgeon is one of the most important steps you can take as a colon cancer patient. Learn about seven things to consider when choosing a colon surgeon.

From the Colon Cancer Forum: I'm a new kid on the block with stage 4 colon cancer. Last night I went to bed thinking about getting my affairs in order early next week. Meeting with my lawyer, shopping for a plot and saying my good-byes to friends and family. I came online today looking for info that would give me more info about how long I had. I found yours and other possitive posts. I now have a new lease on life and these posts have given me the strength I needed to stop feeling sorry for myself and fight, fight, fight. THANKYOU! Respond to this post.

Stage 0 colon cancer is the earliest stage possible and is also called carcinoma in situ. Colon cancer is considered stage 0 when it hasn't moved from where it started; it's still restricted to the innermost lining of the colon. Learn more about stage 0 colon cancer.

From the Colon Cancer Forum: My 86-year-old father just had two feet of his colon removed as a treatment for stage 3 colon cancer. The doctor said my dad would not be a good candidate for chemo because of his age. It would make him too sick. He said that the cancer was not found anywhere else in his body, there is only a 50% chance the cancer could come back, and that my dad would probably die from old age before that happened. Any opinions? Respond to this post.

Cancer patients, survivors, and their families are invited to reserve their free hotel rooms for the eighth "Weekend of Hope" in Stowe, Vermont, May 2-4, 2008. Why are Stowe lodging establishments giving away hundreds of free hotel rooms? Find out by reading Free Lodging for Cancer Patients by About.com's Guide to New England Travel.

Recently, a visitor to the colon cancer forum explained that her dad had a colonoscopy on March 20th that found cancer. He's had subsequent tests and the doctors at the VA hospital plan to meet on April 15th to discuss treatment options. She's concerned that things are maybe moving too slowly and are an indication that her dad isn't getting very good care. What do you think? Do you have any advice to offer? Read the post.

Pro-Pharmaceuticals is recruting colorectal cancer patients for a clinical trial to determine whether the combination of DAVANAT, 5-FU, Avastin and Leucovorin can help colorectal cancer patients who are unable to tolerate intensive chemotherapy. The researchers are looking for 50 people who can receive treatment at the clinical trial site in Israel.

You can learn more about the clinical trial at the NIH's website or by contacting Aaron Lubetsky, MD at aronlub@netvision.net.il. The clinical trial identifier is NCT00388700.

To learn more about clinical trials for colon cancer, please read How to Find Clinical Trials for Colon Cancer.

From the Colon Cancer Forum: My wife is 61 years old and was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in June 2007. She started chemo in mid-July and her oncologist doesn't give much hope beyond 2 1/2 years. My wife is depressed and has sort of given up, although she is working on her treatments which are knocking her out (i.e. she sleeps until 4 pm, has no appetite, food tastes like cardboard, and she hardly drinks). I'm trying to motivate her to fight but it's difficult. Respond to this post.