7 Years

HowardJ
HowardJ Member Posts: 474
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

Comments

  • idlehunters
    idlehunters Member Posts: 1,787 Member
    Howard...
    Thanks so much for sharing your story. It was very uplifting to hear your survival success. Best of luck to you always and happy new year!

    Jennie
  • tommycat
    tommycat Member Posts: 790 Member
    Stories of hope and
    Stories of hope and encouragement are always welcome. Thanks for sharing your story. :)
  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    Wonderful
    That is the kind of news we love to hear on the first day of a brand new year. Thanks for your update.

    Kim
  • thxmiker
    thxmiker Member Posts: 1,278 Member
    CONGRATS! I am looking
    CONGRATS! I am looking forward for that day of 7 years past.

    It has been 6 months since ending chemo and having a CEA of 3.2 again.

    Best Always, mike
  • lauragb
    lauragb Member Posts: 370 Member
    Thanks for the uplifting
    Thanks for the uplifting story. Happy New year!

    Laura
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    Darling Howard....
    I am dancing for you, dearheart! I just passed 7 years since dx....

    BIG hugs, and it's wonderful to 'see' you!!!

    Hugs, Kathi
  • northernlites
    northernlites Member Posts: 96
    thank you
    Howard,
    I want to say that I thank you so much for starting my new year off with such inspiration. I am to a stage 2a survivor. As you know we don't hear much from the stage 2's on this board. I truly feel for the stage 3 and 4's out there, however; it doesn't stop my pain, anger, and fear of the cancer coming back because I am a cancer survivor. I too fear that every ache and pain that I have is the cancer coming back. I have let it consume my life...until I read your message. I am missing out on so much of my life because of fear. I am happy for your seven years of success and wish you many more years.

    hugs,
    Tessa
  • tootsie1
    tootsie1 Member Posts: 5,044 Member
    Hi
    Thanks for the lovely post, Howard! I'm glad you're still doing well!

    *hugs*
    Gail
  • HowardJ
    HowardJ Member Posts: 474
    KathiM said:

    Darling Howard....
    I am dancing for you, dearheart! I just passed 7 years since dx....

    BIG hugs, and it's wonderful to 'see' you!!!

    Hugs, Kathi

    Hi Kathi
    Hi Kathi,

    Great to "hear" from you! Hope you are doing well.

    Howard
  • HowardJ
    HowardJ Member Posts: 474

    thank you
    Howard,
    I want to say that I thank you so much for starting my new year off with such inspiration. I am to a stage 2a survivor. As you know we don't hear much from the stage 2's on this board. I truly feel for the stage 3 and 4's out there, however; it doesn't stop my pain, anger, and fear of the cancer coming back because I am a cancer survivor. I too fear that every ache and pain that I have is the cancer coming back. I have let it consume my life...until I read your message. I am missing out on so much of my life because of fear. I am happy for your seven years of success and wish you many more years.

    hugs,
    Tessa

    Hi Tessa,
    I can relate to

    Hi Tessa,

    I can relate to what you are going through. Early on I saw a therapist who specialized working with cancer patients, to help me through the emotions. One thing I learned was that the level of emotions felt do not correlate with stage of disease. Many cancer patients feel the same things you are feeling. There were times when I thought life would never get "back to normal". Over time life did get back to normal. Try not to let the fear rob you of experiencing life.

    Best wishes for a very good New Year.

    Howard
  • HowardJ
    HowardJ Member Posts: 474
    tootsie1 said:

    Hi
    Thanks for the lovely post, Howard! I'm glad you're still doing well!

    *hugs*
    Gail

    Thanks, all!
    Thanks, all for the kind words.

    Wishing you a very Happy New Year!

    Howard
  • christinecarl
    christinecarl Member Posts: 543 Member
    Thank you for sharing. It
    Thank you for sharing. It is so uplifting to hear some happy news.

    May health and happiness be yours in the new year!!
  • mom_2_3
    mom_2_3 Member Posts: 953 Member
    Great news
    Great news Howard. So happy to hear of your success. All the best to for continued wellness.

    Amy