7 Years

Hi all,

Some of the older members may remember me, and to the newbies, "Hello". This past Friday marked 7 years since my surgery for stage 2a colon cancer. Back then I had a laprascopic right hemi-colectomy, and chose no chemo since the data at the time indicated there were no differences in long term survival rates or recurrence rates for stage 2 colon cancer with or without chemo. Not sure what the data are today or current thinking on the topic, and had I had stage 3 or 4 I would have gone for the chemo post surgery. Nevetheless, it was not an easy decision at the time (my wife was convinced I would die without the chemo). Since my diagnosis, two friends were diagnosed. One was a recurrence (or new cancer?) from what was initially a stage 1 colon cancer, and the other was a new diagnosis of stage 3 colon cancer. Both of these people are doing well now, post surgery and chemo.

Over the years I've had my ups and downs, fearing every new ache was a recurrence or a new cancer. But even cancer survivors get non-cancer stuff.

Throughout the years I have read on this board difficulties and challenges and sadness, and also the good news people shared. While I sometimes had my doubts about getting this far, I found comfort by reading posts here, and wanted to share my update.

I wish you all a very Happy New Year.

Howard