The Cancer Survivors Network (CSN) is a peer support community for cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, families, and friends! CSN is a safe place to connect with others who share your interests and experiences.

Thank you for being a part of the Cancer Survivor Network community. Survivors and caregivers like you have played a unique role in fostering an online environment that encourages connection among those needing support, community, and education. On May 28, the Network will be discontinued. More details are available here . If you have any questions, contact CSNSupportTeam@cancer.org. Thanks again for the support you’ve provided each other over the years. We remain committed to supporting you in other ways throughout your cancer journey.

So far so Good

Watersprite3
Watersprite3 CSN Member Posts: 31
in Colorectal Cancer #1

I just had a CT scan for my colon cancer - I am 18 months out of treatment.  It was all clear and my CEA is still below 1.  It has actually been that way since my surgery, before my chemotherapy.   I had to change insurance when I lost my job in June, but I am really pleased with my new oncologist.  

As I mentioned before, I have now been diagnosed with a chronic form of leukemia, called CML.  I take one pill a day - I have been taking it for almost four months and my oncologist says that I have shown a great response to the medicine.   It doesn't have the kind of side effects that chemo did so I actually feel pretty good.  It is treated as a chronic illness, sort of like high blood pressure.  As of right now, I will probably have to take this medicine long term, but there are a lot of trials going on so a cure may be found at some point.

The one thing I decided, especially after this last diagnosis, was that I didn't want to try to manage this and work at the same time.  I crunched some numbers and realized that by taking my own two pensions, and my late husband's Social Security, I could manage financially.  I am 64 amd can switch over to my own SS at 66.  This has really eased my mind, and I am able to concentrate on my own health and do some things I wanted to do.  I am eating much better than I have before and walking my dog for exercise.  

Eileen

 

 

Like Care

Comments

  • Tunadog
    Tunadog CSN Member Posts: 235 Member
    edited January 2018 #2
    Great News!

    Cool  It sounds like things are going your way.

    It’s a beautiful day today.

    Peace

    Like Care
  • BRHMichigan
    BRHMichigan CSN Member Posts: 365
    #3
    How wonderful!

    That's terrific news. And even better that you can stop working and concentrate on your health! Congratulations!

    Like Care
  • Trubrit
    Trubrit CSN Member Posts: 5,814 Member
    #4
    Wonderful news!

    What a happy post to read. 

    I am so glad to hear the CRC is NED and that the leukemia is under control. 

    I think you deserve our little Happy Dancing Man.

    image

    Tru

    Like Care
  • Watersprite3
    Watersprite3 CSN Member Posts: 31
    #5
    So Far so Good

    Thanks everyone for the good wishes, and Tru, thanks so much for the Happy Dancing Man!  I hope everything stays this way - I am sure I will be anxious before every scan, but it is so nice to have such a supportive group.

    Eileen

     

    Like Care
  • JanJan63
    JanJan63 CSN Member Posts: 2,478 Member
    #6
    Good for you! Sounds

    Good for you! Sounds wonderful! I wish I could do some of the things I used to, like walking our dogs or riding my horse. Maybe one of these days... In the meantime I'm so happy for you!

    Jan

    Like Care
  • Watersprite3
    Watersprite3 CSN Member Posts: 31
    #7
    It is good to see you back

    It is good to see you back posting, Jan - I know you have been one of the stalwarts on this board and you have been through so much.  I lurked for a long time and just read posts.  I didn't actually join until my treatment was over.

    When I was having my chemo, it took everything I had to take my dog around the block and sometimes I just couldn't do it.  Thankfully, she has a nice back yard to go to and I have one adult son still living with me.   He could take her for her walks as needed but I really missed doing it.  Within two weeks of finishing chemo I started walking her again and it felt good.  I know exercise is good for you but I was just really tired during treatment.

    My next milestone will be having my port removed in March.  It doesn't really bother me but everytime I see it under my skin I am reminded of chemo. 

     

    Like Care

Discussion Boards