6 Years and Counting!

RunnerZ · January 2005

Just wanted you all to know that it has been 6 years since my cancer diagnosis next week. I was diagnosed with Stage 3 rectal cancer adn endured preoperative chemoradiation as well as surgery and follow-up chemotherapy. It was almost a full year of treatment...and many of you here have endured the same trial. I was treated by wonderful Drs. in NYC, and even appeared on the TODAY Show after my recovery (my Dr. was the Dr. who treated the late husband of Katie Couric). I was only 36 at diagnosis, and they used by story to warn younger people of the symptoms and dangers of colorectal cancer. I remain cancer free and healthy today, although i still struggle at times with the struglles well-documented here about frequent bathroom stops. That part of my recovery gets better every year however, as I was told it would. I just wish it had been even faster! I run 30-35 miles a week and coach my daughter's basketball team. I am a full-time prosecutor. I earned my life back, and have the scars to show it! I hope that all of you are reminded by my story that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Many, many people will survive this awful disease and move on. I try to remind you of that. Good Luck.

fedester · January 2005

hey z,
great news. we all need to hear that there is hope and light at the end of the tunnel. keep up the great work. you are an insprition to all of us.
all the best
bruce

Unknown · January 2005

Runner, thank you for passing along such inspiration and most of all hope to the many of us who are still in the trenches. While I know cancer survivors never really leave the "trenches" they get less deeper as time goes on. May God continue to bless you good health and again, thank you.

Monika

alihamilton · January 2005

Please keep posting so that we can be encouraged on a regular basis. There are so many on this board going through rough times or preparing for CT's, PET's etc., that it is really helpful to hear from survivors like yourself.

rejoyous · January 2005

Runner, I really appreciate your giving an update. We need to hear when things go well. I love hearing about your full life post treatment. Congratulations!!

slammer · January 2005

Dear RunnerZ, Excellent! and Kudos to you! See there is a light at the end of the semi-colon. I love way to go endings & I too will be there right w/ you! I hope, because I have a 6 yr old I need to teach softball to! God Bless & thanks for the encouragment.
Amy

bsrules · January 2005

Hello!! I can't tell you how happy I am for you!!!! To fight this monster is the toughest fight of all!!! I agree with you that you had to fight to get your life back!!! Life is such a special gift and living it to the fullest is so important!!!!

Congratulations on winning your fight!!!! Live life to the fullest and enjoy every moment as I know you are!!!

All my best!

Sue