My Five Year Doctor Visit

Annabelle41415
Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
in Colorectal Cancer #1

Went to the oncologist to get the results of my blood tests and CT scan. I'm pleased to report that my scan was clear and the blood tests were all good. The only problem with the blood results is that my white/red count are still below normal. She told me that they probably will never go back to the normal range and should just be careful with people with contagious illness.

The one thing that I told her was that I was disappointed she didn't lower the oxiplatin a bit so that I wouldn't have permanent neuropathy.  But she told me that most patients want everything done while fighting cancer and will tolerate more at the time and she felt it best to leave it at that level.  I can understand that, but now I'll be on medication for life because of it, but in the long run it was worth it because I'm still cancer free.

Other exciting news is that she told me I no longer need any scans and won't need to come back to her. I said I was glad to meet her, but hope to never see her again – she understood the humor (but I was serious). I'll just be going to my regular doctor for all my yearly blood work. I just can't express how relieved I was to hear that. Of course, I'll be going for a colonoscopy every two years probably for the rest of my life, but it's a small procedure to do to keep me free from cancer.

Today I got rid of all past things of my cancer medication including chemo pills, nauseu pills, neupogen (white cell booster), numbing medication for my sore behind (which still happens) and my file folder which held all my information for 5 years. I quit smoking 5 ½ years ago right before being diagnosed and had a pack left just in case one time my news was not favorable just so I could smoke it (actually I never planned on smoking again, and I'm sure that pack was so stale I'd keel over from coughing) and I ripped the package in half and now vow never to smoke again (although I'd love to).

It's been 5 years later and I've been through 5 surgeries and many tests and I'm just relieved to be moving on with life.

Thank you all for your prayers and support throughout my journey. You are all in my prayers daily. You all hold a special place in my heart for your thoughtfulness through the years.

I'm not leaving the boards as I feel that this is an important part of me.  After I was diagnosed I've always felt that if I was able to help one person, then I'm doing part of God's work and I'll be here to help when I'm able and encourage others always.  I'm also able to help with ostomy questions as well since I've been that route also so I'm here to help whenever possible.

Hugs!  Kim


 

 

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Comments

  • steveandnat
    steveandnat Member Posts: 886
    #2
    So thrilled for you

    That is such great news having reached that golden five years! I pray you never ever have to deal with cancer again. I'm glad you will still be on the board with us. Jeff

  • johnnybegood
    johnnybegood Member Posts: 1,117 Member
    #3
    steveandnat said:

    So thrilled for you

    That is such great news having reached that golden five years! I pray you never ever have to deal with cancer again. I'm glad you will still be on the board with us. Jeff

    oh kim

    i am so happy for you im almost in tears.you have always been on this board with me and to see you come out of this 5 years clear is great.please come and visit sometimes but i understand if you just want to get away from all the cancer stuff.you have always been a great supporter here.we all need the cheers and prayers that you provide.now go out and celebrate you truly deserve it...Godbless...johnnybegood

  • Cathleen Mary
    Cathleen Mary Member Posts: 827 Member
    #4
    johnnybegood said:

    oh kim

    i am so happy for you im almost in tears.you have always been on this board with me and to see you come out of this 5 years clear is great.please come and visit sometimes but i understand if you just want to get away from all the cancer stuff.you have always been a great supporter here.we all need the cheers and prayers that you provide.now go out and celebrate you truly deserve it...Godbless...johnnybegood

    Wow!!!  Thanks for sharing

    Wow!!!  Thanks for sharing this wonderful news.  I am so happy for you.  Also, thanks for staying on the board.  You have much wisdom to offer, plus survival.  Reading this post was a great way to start the day as I wait for scan results.

    Celebrate,

    CM

  • maglets
    maglets Member Posts: 2,576 Member
    #5
    Cathleen Mary said:

    Wow!!!  Thanks for sharing

    Wow!!!  Thanks for sharing this wonderful news.  I am so happy for you.  Also, thanks for staying on the board.  You have much wisdom to offer, plus survival.  Reading this post was a great way to start the day as I wait for scan results.

    Celebrate,

    CM

    Kim

    Kim just like Johnny BG you have been there with me the whole time too.  Kim I love your post....especially the throwing out of all the stuff.  What a lovely post .....thank you Kim and congrats to you

    mags

  • abrub
    abrub Member Posts: 2,174 Member
    #6
    Fabulous news!

    Kim, how wonderful! It's wonderful that you can put this all behind you.   Here's to a long, healthy life! 

    Alice

  • PatchAdams
    PatchAdams Member Posts: 271
    #7
    Have to admit......

    I'm jealous but am thrilled for YOU.   I'm coming up on 5 years since dx (we were VERY close) but with the liver met 18 months ago, my onc says another 10 years clear before he'd use the word 'cured' for me. 

    HAPPY LIFE, dear gal!  

  • marbleotis
    marbleotis Member Posts: 720 Member
    #8
    Fantastic

    Just love this post and I am so happy for you.

  • Happyhar
    Happyhar Member Posts: 49 Member
    #9
    Great News

    Praise the Lord! So happy for you!

  • geotina
    geotina Member Posts: 2,111 Member
    #10
    Kim:

    Thats about the best news I have heard in a long time.  So happy for you.

    Love and Hugs  -  Tina

  • lp1964
    lp1964 Member Posts: 1,239 Member
    #11
    Dear Kim.

    It was so wonderful to hear all the good news. I like your balanced approach of getting rid of a few things that accumulated during your treatment, but staying involved in the fight by helping others. You may not see it that way but you are a very important pillar of this forum and your participation is invaluable. I may definitely need to ask for your advise on the colostomy that I also have to have for a rest of my life. 

    Thanks again for everything, and wishing you a long, happy, healthy life.

    Laz

  • danker
    danker Member Posts: 1,276 Member
    #12
    Smoker

    Glad you kicked the smoking as well as being NED !! When I worked for the American College of Chest Physicians, we used to tell smokers that the best thing they can do for their health  was to quit smoking. I  quit three times, but the last one was 46 years ago.  Best of luck to you.  Enjoy Life.  Auntee Mame says "life is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death."

  • UncleBuddy
    UncleBuddy Member Posts: 1,019 Member
    #13
    Wonderful news!

    Enjoy your new, healthy life!

  • janderson1964
    janderson1964 Member Posts: 2,215 Member
    #14
    That is such great news Kim

    That is such great news Kim for such a wonderful and giving person. I am glad you are staying here. You have helped so many here as I know you will continue to do so.

  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    #15
    Thank You All

    Thank you all for your wonderful comments.  I'll never forget the ride home after hearing my diagnosis as my husband and I were silent and then I said "God has given me this for a reason and I'm sure it is to help someone else out."  That's what I've tried to do from that moment on.  I'm proud to be a part of this extended family. Smile

     

    Hugs!  Kim

  • Phil64
    Phil64 Member Posts: 838 Member
    #16
    Thank You

    Kim,

     

    Thank you for reporting your good news on this board.  News like this gives us all hope and hope is an important part of fighting this fight. Your news has certainly helped many more than one person.  I am happy for you and for all the good you do. 

     

    God Bless

    Phil

  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,804 Member
    #17
    God bless!

    What a wonderful post. 

    I will thank the good Lord in my prayers tonight for your five year report.  I want to be you in five years time. 

    How wonderful of you to have stayed here on the forum all of those clear years. I'm quite sure you have touche many lives along the way and will continue to do so.  As JBG said, we would understand if you wanted to leave the board behind as you let all the other things cancer related, but of course, being selfish I hope you continue to stay and share. 

    I also agree with Chelsea, treat yourself to something lovely to replace something you have tossed. Or a picture for your wall, you'll know what works for you. 

    May you continue to enjoy life and all that it can offer you. 

    Blessings. 

  • Lovekitties
    Lovekitties Member Posts: 3,364 Member
    #18
    Dear Kim

    I am so happy for you that the news was good...and that you have "graduated"!

    I am also glad that you are going to remain here to help others on this journey.  It is vitally important to show especially the newbies that there are success stories.

    May your life and health continue to improve for long into future.

    Hugs,

    Marie who loves kitties

  • So Worried
    So Worried Member Posts: 111 Member
    #19
    Annabelle

    Priceless!! May you be NED forever!!! Love reading happy news :)   

  • Hooley
    Hooley Member Posts: 156
    #20
    Wahoo

    Praise God!   wishing u all the very best.  You have been a wonderful witness to so many.  Please check in every so often 

    take care and a Gods blessings always.  

     

    Sue

     

  • Chelsea71
    Chelsea71 Member Posts: 1,169 Member
    #21
    Wonderful news.  Very happy

    Wonderful news.  Very happy for you.  Must have been a nice feeling to throw out all that stuff.  Maybe you should buy yourself some type of starting over gift.  (like Trubrit's new bracelet).  A symbol that you can see every day to remind you of your fresh new start.

     

    Congratulations

    Chelsea

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