This time yesterday a year ago that dreaded phone call came with results of biopsy

coloCan

After small talk, doctor uttered those three infamous words "you have cancer" and a whole bunch of words followed as my head spun continually like that girl in the Exorcist movie. The only other of the many words he spoke that day that I vividly recall was "colostomy".

Well here I am, sitting on my sewn up ****, trusty bag resting upon my upper thigh,typing this 366 days later, awaiting to have defective port removed the 24th and onc to call back with CT date. While there are a number of effects remaining from the chemo/rad and surgery that I could just as readily do without, nevertheless its amazing the difference between now and as recently as three,four months ago! It took some getting used to seeing myself with a stoma and colostomy bag but I didn't have much choice in the matter......Life is wonderful if stuff works out; I wish I could help those having difficlties......To those about to go thru a similar adventure, you can have a full life worth living after a colostomy. ......steve

PS To all of you who helped me when I needed it so bad, thank you so much.......

lisa42

"anniversaires"
I know thinking back to a year ago and how much your life has changed since those "you have cancer" words hit you. Today is also an anniversary of sorts for me- my liver resection was two years ago today. the "you have cancer words will be 3 yrs ago on Aug. 3). I now have new liver mets & we're hitting them (along w/ the lung recurrence) w/ chemo for now- who knows what fun surgeries or treatments lie ahead still. But... I look at with a different perspective now. I'm still here- feeling good, most of the time anyway, & I believe I'll still be around for quite some time. Attitude is everything in this fight, as I know you're aware.

You take care and God bless you in this "journey"-
Lisa

PhillieG

Three Little Words
That change your life. I remember my call. No foreplay, just "you have stage IV colon cancer" then he probably babbled some other stuff. It is one of those defining moments we get to face in life. You've been through a lot Steve and you're doing great. I'm sure your experiences and input have helped many on this board.
I'm glad to have gotten to know you better my fellow New Yourker
;-)
-phil

Kerry S

Damned if he didn’t get it
Steve and Lisa,
You both made me relive it, but in a good way. I was told over the telephone. When he removed the tumor from my rectum, he said it did not look or feel like cancer. Driving the 2 hours home we talked on how I dodged the bullet. The next day he made the call.

He then told me he could remove my rectum and put me on the bag. I told him that’s not going to happen. I chose to have chemo/rad to kill the node. Compared to most on this board, I got off easy.

I said in a good way. Yes, it was a ruff time but now the smiles of my grandkids are bigger and brighter - The woods smell fantastic – working outside is just fun – That wonderful old woman I live with is now looking hotter. I think God just wanted to get my attention. Damned if he didn’t get it.

AnneCan

Phil is right Steve, you are
Phil is right Steve, you are doing great! Your attitude is very positive + helps so many others. Take good care!

coloCan

AnneCan said:

Phil is right Steve, you are
Phil is right Steve, you are doing great! Your attitude is very positive + helps so many others. Take good care!

Its amazing what your body and mind can tolerate
When it comes to survival, your will to live can overpower so much adversity. However,there are so many variables to explain why some succeed while others succumb. There is really no real "same thing" when it comes to tumors/cancer because those tumors live inside of us and we are all unique yet the same in so many ways. What is the answer, I don;t know. now, I just try to carry on as best I can, make what I deem positive changes to my life based on recent experiences and what I've since read to better fortify myself as best I can against an enemy that can now come back at any time, in any place. Meanwhile.......

I got some livin" to do.......steve

msccolon

bittersweet anniversary
It certainly is wonderful that you are still here a year later, but it's hard to remember that day and the ones that follow. The 18th will be my 1 year anniversary since my last major procedure, and I am sure it's going to be a tough day, but I'm glad to be here!
mary

KathiM

I'm sending warm hugs...
Hugs, Kathi