Getting the results...

We got the biopsy results back. It is cancer. The CT scan does not show cancer anywhere else so that is a very positive sign that it has not spread. They did see a few lymph nodes around his colon which could indicate it is in his lymph nodes but it could also be a sign that its fighting an infection. They will be able to examine them during surgery and then remove them for pathology. Pathology will be able to identify what stage the cancer is.

We met with the surgeon today. Dr Daniel Otchy (http://www.fairfaxcolorectal.com/phys_otchy.shtml). Because of the location of the tumor, they have to do one more test to verify its location. It is very close to his rectum. Apparently colonoscopies have a margin of error in location and because of that, they have to do a test on Friday which will verify the placement. They will be able to know this right away on Friday.

If it is in his rectum, he will have to go thru radiation and chemo for 6 weeks, wait 4 weeks, then do surgery to remove the mass. Reattach it and be in the hospital around 8 days.
If it is in his colon, he will have surgery and they will remove the part of the colon affected and then reattach it. He will have to remain in the hospital 5-7 days. Then do chemo.

Because he is young, they can do aggressive treatment if they need to.

How does a 37 year old get colon cancer when they have no history of it? They aren't sure. They have identified 3 genetic mutations that have occurred in other patients and will test Scotty for those.

So its kinda a waiting game right now. We are not telling the kids. They don't need to know and unless Scotty is visibly ill, we won't be telling them. I know everyone is on board to help, and as soon as we know what we need, we will let you know. Right now, Scotty and I are very much in shock and with each dr's appt we are learning more and more. I am very scared about what lies ahead but I know Scotty and I along with everyone will get through this.