confused and unsure

Hi Strong Lady. My friend had a similar diagnosis - they suspected from the scans that there was lymph node involvement (ie. N1) but the histology report (which is produced from testing the actual tumour and surrounding area) confirmed that there was no lymph node involvement so she was downgraded to N0 and no chemo needed. 
Chemo is tough and can have long lasting side effects so if the consultant says you don’t need it then I’d grab that with both hands. Focus now on getting your health back and moving forward with your life - you may find this paper helpful?

https://www.workingwithcancer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/After-the-treatment-finishes-then-what.pdf

Take care

Karen x

ps my friend was diagnosed in 2016 and is still cancer free

Hi, Strong lady mine was rectal, and started off as T3N1M0 and after a TME removed 40 nodes, they were all clear. As there was vascular invasion found I ended up T3N0 V1M0. As it was rectal cancer they recommended chemo, but not essential. I did take it, 30 weeks of IV 5FU /LA. I nearly gave up but persevered. Having been left with some peripheral neuropathy it is/was a double edged sword. My surgical consultant when asked if she would take it, said yes on balance and gave the reason. Rectal is very confined in the pelvis. In your case the sigmoid is further out, and you had no invasion. Hence i'd be tempted in your shoes to go without, you've got to trust what they say. Hope that helps and not bamboozled you!! Whatever you decide you have to live with the result. 

Please also read the paper.....it still is my go to. And it went to family and work as well. Xx

Hi Strong lady, I am going through the exact same experience as you. I am 51 and have just had a hemicolectomy  with a histology report concluding T3 N0 M0. I was super strong through out the process of the initial diagnosis and surgery until I was told no Chemo. Which I also had convinced myself I would need. Ofcourse i was delighted but strangely it’s the first day I fell apart. Since then I have episodes of anxiety, which is very unlike my usual personality. I wonder if this is the time we now need to process what has happened to us. I have found talking about it has really helped. When I am having a proper melt down the best for me is to either let the tears flow(and they do!) or try one of the online mindfulness sessions. Again, mindfulness is not something I would usually do but it’s been a life saviour. 
I’ve just had another PET CT as I’ve had some unexplained fevers so my anxiety has shot up again but I’m hoping it will all calm once I get the result. I feel we both need time to digest this crazy, uncertain world we’ve suddenly found ourselves in. I love the article Karen attached (thank you), I hope it helps you too. Be kind to yourself, allow yourself to feel whatever comes up and it’s ok to just be. It’s early days of healing and we will both get through this. 
Take  care Strong Lady xx

Hi Hubbles and welcome to the board. Good to hear that you’re through the op and no further treatment required. Yes it’s a strange feeling isn’t it? I think sometimes you’re running on adrenaline throughout it all and then when everything stops you take stock of what’s happened and it’s almost like delayed shock? I felt quite deflated when the oncologist told me that she never wanted to see me again! 

Glad you’ve found the paper helpful and the support desk is always available if ever you need a chat

Take care

Karen x

I can totally relate to everything you said thank you so much for replying, I have requested to speak to my GP to deal with my anxiety and look for guidance to move forward post surgery. 

waiting on a MRI scan as the surgical team saw a shadow on my liver most likely cysts but have to be sure so think I will wait on that before making a decision. My mindset before all of this was always cancer equals chemo so hard to believe I have another option.

keep in touch xx

Thank you so much for your reply and for sharing the link I will read that later waiting for my son to go out as haven't yet shared the full story as I need time to digest and decide which way I go. 

thank you for your honest feedback food for thought 

Happy to talk more if it helps.

Hi Strong lady and Hubbles.

I also had sigmoid tumour but had both invasions and nodes affected, so just completed a gruelling 6 month chemo plan and have plenty of lasting side effects.

I can hand on heart say that if your lucky enough not to need chemo, please be kind to yourself and, once your ready to, start to celebrate this moment + enjoy your N0 success.

Congrats to you both

Thank you Karen for your kindness. The understanding  from people in the same position makes such a positive difference. 
i somewhat am struggling to trust the CT scans and CEA because they initially showed no cancer despite the positive biopsy from colonoscopy and then the T3 from histology. But Since joining this group I am feeing much more positive. 
Thank you everyone xxx