Personal recommendations are the best indicator of a colon surgeon's reputation. It's great if your doctor happens to know a surgeon personally and can attest to his/her character, record, and bedside manner. Learn more ways to assess the reputation of your potential surgeon.

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: How do you cope with the nausea from chemo?