8 Years, so far so good...

HowardJ
HowardJ Member Posts: 474

Hi all,

I have not been on this board for some time and most will not know me so here's a brief history:  diagnosed with stage 2a colon cancer 12/2004 and underwent a laporoscopic right hemicolectomy.  Opted not to do the chemo due to the lack of evidence of benefit for stage 2 at the time (although would have done the chemo if higher stage).  Had regular visits, procedures, and check-ups with the oncologist for first 5 years, then "released" (a bit scary at the time).  Over time I've had my share of scares with every new ache and pain, all of which were investigated and found not to be cancer (even cancer survivors get other stuff).  A repeat colonscopy two weeks ago was clean.  I just realized today's date and since it is now 8 years since my surgery, wanted to check in and say "hello" to those who might remember me, and to the newbies.  I know not everyone is as fortunate, and some of the people on this board when I used to frequent it are no longer with us--I remember them as if they were my friends although we never met.  I found kinship, help, and understanding on this board, and glad to see it is still active.

Best wishes to all.

Howard

Comments

  • k44454445
    k44454445 Member Posts: 494
    thanks

    for posting. i love to read posts like this! congrats

    hugs

    judy

  • Daffodil324
    Daffodil324 Member Posts: 59
    Always great to hear good news

    Hi Howard,

    I was diagnosed with stage 3b in August 2009, so it's been close to 3 1/2 years for me. I did have chemo due to several lymph nodes with cancer cells found in surgery. No problems so far post-surgery and post-chemo--all scans and bloodwork and colonoscopies have been good. I still worry as we all do, but it's so nice to hear from a long term survivor like you.

    Karen

  • ron50
    ron50 Member Posts: 1,723 Member
    G'day mate
    Glad to hear you are still doing fine,stay well,Ron..
  • LivinginNH
    LivinginNH Member Posts: 1,456 Member
    Hi Howard, congratulations!

    Hi Howard, congratulations!  May you have many more healthy years to come.

    :)

    Cyn

  • Cathleen Mary
    Cathleen Mary Member Posts: 827 Member

    Hi Howard, congratulations!

    Hi Howard, congratulations!  May you have many more healthy years to come.

    :)

    Cyn

    Thank You

    It is great to hear news like this...makes my heart leap for joy. Thank you for taking the time to share this milestone with us. Wishing you a lifetime of NED.

    Cathleen Mary

  • HowardJ
    HowardJ Member Posts: 474
    k44454445 said:

    thanks

    for posting. i love to read posts like this! congrats

    hugs

    judy

    Thanks, Judy!

    Thanks, Judy!

  • HowardJ
    HowardJ Member Posts: 474
    k44454445 said:

    thanks

    for posting. i love to read posts like this! congrats

    hugs

    judy

    Thanks, Judy!

    Thanks, Judy!

  • HowardJ
    HowardJ Member Posts: 474

    Always great to hear good news

    Hi Howard,

    I was diagnosed with stage 3b in August 2009, so it's been close to 3 1/2 years for me. I did have chemo due to several lymph nodes with cancer cells found in surgery. No problems so far post-surgery and post-chemo--all scans and bloodwork and colonoscopies have been good. I still worry as we all do, but it's so nice to hear from a long term survivor like you.

    Karen

    Thanks, Karen!
     

    Thanks, Karen!

     

  • HowardJ
    HowardJ Member Posts: 474
    ron50 said:

    G'day mate
    Glad to hear you are still doing fine,stay well,Ron..

    Hi Ron,
     
    Good to see you're

    Hi Ron,

     

    Good to see you're still around!  Happy Holidays.

     

    Howard

  • HowardJ
    HowardJ Member Posts: 474

    Hi Howard, congratulations!

    Hi Howard, congratulations!  May you have many more healthy years to come.

    :)

    Cyn

    Thank you, Cyn!

    Thank you, Cyn!

  • HowardJ
    HowardJ Member Posts: 474

    Thank You

    It is great to hear news like this...makes my heart leap for joy. Thank you for taking the time to share this milestone with us. Wishing you a lifetime of NED.

    Cathleen Mary

    Thank you, Cathleen Mary!

    Thank you, Cathleen Mary!

  • Eltina21
    Eltina21 Member Posts: 173 Member

    Always great to hear good news

    Hi Howard,

    I was diagnosed with stage 3b in August 2009, so it's been close to 3 1/2 years for me. I did have chemo due to several lymph nodes with cancer cells found in surgery. No problems so far post-surgery and post-chemo--all scans and bloodwork and colonoscopies have been good. I still worry as we all do, but it's so nice to hear from a long term survivor like you.

    Karen

    Great News

    Hi Karen,

         I just felt as if I had to write you.  Not only do we share the same name, I was also diagnosed with stage III colon cancer.  I knew what stage I was even before the doctor's told me because I am a disability examiner.  My diagnosis was in 2010.  My follow ups have also been great thus far. I am second generation with this disease, for it took the life of my mother and I was told that my family caries the gene for colorectal cancer.  I am the second of  my first cousins to have the diagnosis.  When I hear testimonies from others, it gives me continued hope.  Thank you so much.  I remain positive, eat more foods that grow in the earth than walk on the earth and my faith remains stronger than ever.  I don't sweat the small stuff anymore, instead I just enjoy each day.  I take daily walks, I dance volunteer for church and community activities and work 40 hours a  week.  Not bad for and ex-flower child. WinkThis website is truly an inspiration.

    Peace and Blessings,

       Karen

  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,796 Member
    Three for the price of one.

    Thank you Howard, Karen and Karen. 

    As someone starting out on this journey, your survival stories are a Godsend. 

    May I be here in three, eight, ten years time to share my success, help and support, and may you continue to uplift others. 

  • wawaju04976
    wawaju04976 Member Posts: 316 Member
    Trubrit said:

    Three for the price of one.

    Thank you Howard, Karen and Karen. 

    As someone starting out on this journey, your survival stories are a Godsend. 

    May I be here in three, eight, ten years time to share my success, help and support, and may you continue to uplift others. 

    Sending you positive

    Sending you positive vibes...

    Judy