5 Years NED

HowardJ
HowardJ Member Posts: 474
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Hi all,

It's been quite awhile since I've posted so the newbies won't know me. Here's a brief history: diagnosed Dec '04 with stage 2a colon cancer and had laprascopic right hemicolectomy.

Like many stage 2 colon ca patients I struggled with the decision regarding chemo or not, and decided not since the data were not convincing for stage 2. To be clear, if I had been diagnosed with stage 3 or 4 I would have done the chemo. And I'm not suggesting that anyone else follow my path since everyone is different and this is a very personal decision.

Over the past 5 years I had regular follow-ups with the oncologist every 4 months for the first 2 years, then every six months. Each new ache and pain brought new fears of cancer, but my oncologist was good about following-up with CT scans (about 1/yr)and I had a repeat colonoscopy 1 yr after surgery, and two years later (2 years ago). I have an appointment with the GI doc in early January to discuss my next colonoscopy.

Over the years I have celebrated the successes written on these pages, and have been saddened by the opposite of those I only knew through their words written here.

While no one knows what the future will bring for any of us, at least for now I can say I lived 5 years after being diagnosed with colon cancer. So far so good...

Happy Holidays to all!

Howard

Comments

  • kmygil
    kmygil Member Posts: 876 Member
    Great news!
    Thank you for posting your 5-year NED. It is wonderful to bring hope and cheer about good outcomes. Merry Christmas and a very happy NED New Year!

    Kirsten
  • dianetavegia
    dianetavegia Member Posts: 1,942 Member
    Thanks Howard!
    Thanks for sharing your story and giving hope to others.

    Merry Christmas!

    Diane
  • lostit2003
    lostit2003 Member Posts: 53
    Newbie question
    I'm going to show how really new at this I am. I'm assuming NED is something about being cancer free but what does it stand for?

    Tina
  • Julie 44
    Julie 44 Member Posts: 476 Member

    Newbie question
    I'm going to show how really new at this I am. I'm assuming NED is something about being cancer free but what does it stand for?

    Tina

    Awesome
    Hey Howard,
    That is awesome news..It makes all all who are dealing with this monster feel hope...Happy Holidays...JULIE
  • tootsie1
    tootsie1 Member Posts: 5,044 Member
    Thanks for sharing
    Howard,

    That's fabulous! I just reached my 2-year mark, and that 5-year mark is the one I'm working for now.

    Hope you have a great Christmas!

    *hugs*
    Gail
  • JDuke
    JDuke Member Posts: 438

    Newbie question
    I'm going to show how really new at this I am. I'm assuming NED is something about being cancer free but what does it stand for?

    Tina

    Tina
    It means No Evidence of Disease. No harm in asking, that's how we all learn.
    Smiles,
    Joanne
  • ron50
    ron50 Member Posts: 1,723 Member
    conratulations
    Hi Howard,
    Glad to see you make the 5 year mark with many more to come,best wishes Ron.
  • lostit2003
    lostit2003 Member Posts: 53
    JDuke said:

    Tina
    It means No Evidence of Disease. No harm in asking, that's how we all learn.
    Smiles,
    Joanne

    Joanne
    Thanks for the info. Way to go Howard!!!!!!

    Tina
  • PhillieG
    PhillieG Member Posts: 4,866 Member
    Great News
    Howard, congrats on being NED!
    Have a Happy and Merry!
  • Fight for my love
    Fight for my love Member Posts: 1,522 Member
    Thank
    Thank you,Howard.Congratulations on 5-year mark.Happy holidays!
  • dorookie
    dorookie Member Posts: 1,731 Member
    Howard
    That is so awesome, thank you for sharing, we need to hear great outcomes like yours. God Bless you

    Beth
  • Nana b
    Nana b Member Posts: 3,030 Member
    dorookie said:

    Howard
    That is so awesome, thank you for sharing, we need to hear great outcomes like yours. God Bless you

    Beth

    Thanks
    Love hearing it.........
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    Hey Howard!!!!!
    Congrats on joining the 5-year club!!!

    I agree, the future is a mystery...so, I live life as large as I can!!!! I figure I worked so hard to save my life, well, I must enjoy it while I can...lol!

    Hugs, Kathi