11 - Diagnosis and Treatment of Colon Cancer

01/28/20 • 36 min

1 Listener

On this episode of the Cancer Dietitian Podcast we’re discussing diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer with Joyce Fenstermaker, a GI Oncology Nurse Navigator at Wake Forest Baptist Health Comprehensive Cancer Center, about the colon cancer screening and treatment process and coping with the anxiety that comes with a diagnosis. We also chat with cancer survivor and Board-Certified Medical Oncologist at Novant Health Oncology Specialists, Dr. Eugene Paschold about his personal cancer experience as well as his advice for patients from a doctor and patient perspective. What we discuss:

How the process works When it’s time to make treatment decisions Why you should be asking for a second opinion How to cope with the anxiety of a diagnosis and treatment Where to go for help How caregivers, friends and family can help someone facing a diagnosis of colon cancer

Links mentioned:

NCCN Guidelines for Colon Cancer Patients Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center Novant Health Oncology Specialists Cancer Services, Inc. Cancer Dietitian Colon Cancer Coalition Get Your Rear in Gear 2020 Race Race Facebook Event Page

Links mentioned:

Previous Episode

10 - Genetic Risk and Colon Cancer

On this episode of the Cancer Dietitian Podcast we’re talking with Thuy Vu, a Genetic Counselor at Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center in Winston-Salem, NC, about how genetics can affect your probability of developing colon cancer and preventative measures you can take to help stay cancer-free. We’ll also chat with Jill Hyson about her diagnosis of Lynch Syndrome and how it’s affected her life and family. What we discuss:

When you should request to see a Genetic Counselor
Who is considered a medically “close relative”
When to worry about pre-cancerous polyps
Collecting your family’s medical history
The difference between genetics counseling and genetics testing
How often you should have your genetics tested
Three possible test results
How online genetics tests differ from the genetic testing requested by your doctor
Lynch Syndrome
Mentally processing your diagnosis

Links mentioned:

Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center Cancer Services, Inc. Cancer Dietitian Colon Cancer Coalition Get Your Rear in Gear 2020 Race Race Facebook Event Page

Next Episode

12 - Colon Cancer Survivorship

On this episode of the Cancer Dietitian Podcast we’re talking about survivorship with Kristin Houston, PA and Dr. Stacy Wentworth of Wake Forest Baptist Cancer Survivorship Clinic in Winston-Salem, NC. They walk us through recommendations regarding follow up medical treatment, treating common side effects, and the mental challenges that come with transitioning into post-treatment life.

We’ll also chat with Malek Rais, an eight-year colon cancer survivor, about his experience and how becoming a patient advocate at Cancer Services aided in his recovery.

What we discuss:

The current recommendations for colon cancer survivors regarding follow up appointments, colonoscopies and other types of medical management
The most important things you can focus on outside of medical management after completing active treatment
Determining small goals to help you transition to post-treatment life
Maximizing quality of life for survivors who remain on active treatment
Being open with your health care provider about any symptoms you’re experiencing, even if they appear minor or unrelated
Treating common side effects of cancer treatment
Establishing a survivorship support team

If you’re interested in participating in the clinical trials mentioned in this episode, please contact Meg Omara at 336-716-9055.

Links mentioned:

Wake Forest Baptist Cancer Survivorship Clinic Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center Cancer Services, Inc. Cancer Dietitian Colon Cancer Coalition Get Your Rear in Gear 2020 Race Race Facebook Event Page