The Straight Dope:
We humans have a tendency to want to take information and label
it, organize it, and put it into schemata in an effort to create some sort of
(perceived) semblance of control and order. In the case of cancer this comes
about in the form of types, grades, stages, prognoses etcetera. I list these
here because it’s usually the first thing people ask me and it’s the most
common way that people talk about cancer.
However, this info is a bit depressing and it doesn't take into account the mind-body connection, so I’d like to stress
that I don’t dwell on it. I’ve never been one to follow trends nor do I
appreciate being labeled. I believe the tail ends of every bell curve are
understudied and their significance underestimated. Besides... I just plain refuse to die, for I only very recently learned how to truly live.
Type of cancer: Adenocarcenoma (of the colon)
Histologic Type:
Signet ring cell features (indicates higher malignancy & worse
prognosis)
Histologic Grade: High grade / poorly differentiated
(indicates rapid growth & spreading)
Stage: IIIC (3C) Read about stages here.
Prognosis: Approximately 22% chance of being alive in 5 years
(according to a calculator on adjuvantonline.com -where my oncologist directed
me- that takes into consideration age, stage, general health, treatment type
etc.)
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