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.
I forgot all about my "cancer-versary" this year.
I guess that's a good thing! September 28th went by, and it was only a few days later that it dawned on me that I hadn't even thought about the fact that it's been six years since my first surgery.
I don't post here as much these days, but I thought I would on this occasion, just to give a little hope to some of our newer members.
Stage 4 crc is a nasty disease, but there are those of us who make it through to the other side. In fall of 2011 I was told that chemo had failed, and that I would be having palliative surgery to address internal bleeding (due to a ton of new cancer). That was a serious low point, but the surgery went better than expected, and despite another failed chemo regimen, a few more surgeries got me back on my feet and eventually I got to to the point where I was declared cured. Had my last PET in January of this year, and no longer see an oncologist.
So hang in there, folks. Have hope. It's a tougher journey than any "civilian" could ever imagine, but you just never know how it's all going to play out. Sometimes the cards fall in your favor.
Lots o' love~AA
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Hey Sandy...Momof2plusteentwins said:YAY!
it is definately a good anniversary to forget! So happy for you. I am only 3 years out. i still see oncologist, just wondering how often are you getting PET, CT, CEA, I am still doing CEA every 8 weeks and CT every 3 months.
Sandy
I had PET/CT scans every three months for the first year after I got to NED, then every 6 months for a couple of years. That put me at 3 years out, and I then went to a yearly scan. Did that for just a year and decided to wrap it up when I was just a little past 4 years. My particular tumor type is very fast growing, so the doc was pretty confident at that point that nothing was still lurking. I think with the more typical adenocarcinoma that scanning up to five years is standard.
I do still get blood tests every three months, if I remember to go in (tho not CEA, something called CA-125, but same concept).
I hope you stay in the land of NED forever!
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5th time was a charm
Hey Ann, congratulations. I remember that last surgery, you were tired and discouraged, questioning the potential futility of the 5th surgery.
The lessons to me are the importance of staying in the fight, getting surgery when you can, and acting on documented technology no matter how humble, unconventional or unadvertised.
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