Am I a cancer survivor?

CY2K
CY2K Member Posts: 5
edited July 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1

Hello, I'm new here. I had a colonoscopy that revealed a stage 1 growth. I was terrified. 2 weeks later I went under the knife and had a 4 inch section of colon removed via a gnarly 10 inch vertical incision on my stomach. Surgeon says they got it all, no need for chemo or radiation therapy. Said he want's to "follow" me now to make sure nothing returns. So here is my question. Does this make me a cancer survivor? Even though I'll have no chemo or radiation? I'm a 52 y/o man who got diagnosed as a result of a routine checkup. I never had any symptoms. Thousands/millions of people go through such horrible ordeals, yet mine was not. I almost feel guilty even mentioning it on here. Opinions welcome.

Regards

Clint

 

 

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Comments

  • janderson1964
    janderson1964 Member Posts: 2,215 Member
    #2
    You are considered a cancer

    You are considered a cancer survivor from the day that you are diagnosed.

  • Lovekitties
    Lovekitties Member Posts: 3,364 Member
    #3
    Hi Clint and welcome

    A person who continues to live and function in spite of...in this case...in spite of a cancer diagnosis.

    Yes, you are a survivor. 

    The fact that your disease was found very early and was treated solely with surgery, does not make it any less important.

    Do not feel guilt.  Use your experience to tell all you know to get tested early, to watch for the symptoms.  Your experience if shared can save lives.

    All are welcome here...those of any stage of cancer or treatment...caregivers...those who have not had a definitive diagnosis yet...those who are now cancer free.

    Regardless of the stage of cancer when found, the diagnosis itself changes us forever.

    Marie who loves kitties

  • CY2K
    CY2K Member Posts: 5
    #4
    Thank you all for the kind

    Thank you all for the kind replies. Yes I have become a preacher to everyone I know about the importance of getting all tests that our doctors want us to have. Men are notorious for not staying current with doctor visits. I was no different. My wife and doctor tag teamed me on the colonoscopy. They may have saved my life. Fear? Fear will now be with me for the rest of my life, every time I get a test done. Again, thank you for the comments, all of you. You've made me realize that yes, it does change you in many ways. May God be with you all.

    I forgot to add, the 5 day hospital stint on the morphine button had another benefit. I quit smoking after 30 years. Wooooo

    Regards

    Clint

  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,804 Member
    #5
    CY2K said:

    Thank you all for the kind

    Thank you all for the kind replies. Yes I have become a preacher to everyone I know about the importance of getting all tests that our doctors want us to have. Men are notorious for not staying current with doctor visits. I was no different. My wife and doctor tag teamed me on the colonoscopy. They may have saved my life. Fear? Fear will now be with me for the rest of my life, every time I get a test done. Again, thank you for the comments, all of you. You've made me realize that yes, it does change you in many ways. May God be with you all.

    I forgot to add, the 5 day hospital stint on the morphine button had another benefit. I quit smoking after 30 years. Wooooo

    Regards

    Clint

    No more smoking

    And now your life has just got even better. 

    Congratulations!

    Great picture. I hope that means your going to pop in and visit and post. 

  • Phil64
    Phil64 Member Posts: 838 Member
    #6
    Clint
    I had a similar

    Clint

    I had a similar experience except I wasn't as lucky.  My cancer was found when I was 47 and it was already stage IV. And while my case may be more involved I consider you and myself a cancer survivor. And I hope you will promote the colonoscopy procedure as being vital / critical.  I have encouraged many people to get a colonoscopy. I can't believe how many don't want to do it (mostly out of ignorance as to what is involved).  And to think that a colonoscopy in time can mean a huge difference to someones' life!!!

    PEOPLE PLEASE HELP EDUCATE OTHERS ON THE BENEFITS OF A COLONOSCOPY!

    Thanks,

    Phil

  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    #7
    One Word Only
    DEFINETLY.

    Kim

     

  • Nana b
    Nana b Member Posts: 3,030 Member
    #8
    Annabelle41415 said:

    One Word Only

    DEFINETLY.

    Kim

     

    Yes...  You are very lucky

    Yes...  You are very lucky that it did not even get to the lymp nodes.  Don't feel guilty, we are happy for you.  Take care of yourself and exercise and eat your veggies  :)

  • Buddy2013
    Buddy2013 Member Posts: 17 Member
    #9
    Yes, indeed you are a cancer survivor

    Hi Clint,

    Good news on the early detection and the added benefit of quitting smoking.  Kudos to your wife for being persistent.

    There is a lot of news out there for excercise and Vitamin D preventing (and maybe preventing recurrence of) cancer. 

    You should research this.  I recommend to everyone that you get your vitamin D levels tested and supplement if necessary.  Too much supplementation can be dangerous though so it is important to get your levels tested quarterly.  I've read that the level would ideally be above 50.   Vitamin D3 is very inexpensive in pill form at any drug or grocery store. 

    http://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/07/09/vitamin-d-boosts-survival-chances-for-bowel-cancer-patients-study-says/

     

     

  • ron50
    ron50 Member Posts: 1,723 Member
    #10
    Hi Clint

       Not only are you a cancer survivor, you are the type of survivor we all wish to be. Diagnosed eary ,treated early and because you were , no chem or  rad . Congratulations . A happy cancer story. If such is possible .. Ron.

  • aggie0053
    aggie0053 Member Posts: 110
    #11
    Phil64 said:

    Clint
    I had a similar

    Clint

    I had a similar experience except I wasn't as lucky.  My cancer was found when I was 47 and it was already stage IV. And while my case may be more involved I consider you and myself a cancer survivor. And I hope you will promote the colonoscopy procedure as being vital / critical.  I have encouraged many people to get a colonoscopy. I can't believe how many don't want to do it (mostly out of ignorance as to what is involved).  And to think that a colonoscopy in time can mean a huge difference to someones' life!!!

    PEOPLE PLEASE HELP EDUCATE OTHERS ON THE BENEFITS OF A COLONOSCOPY!

    Thanks,

    Phil

    scans

    yes you are

  • thxmiker
    thxmiker Member Posts: 1,278 Member
    #12
    Now become a health advocate Warrior!

    Congratulations that you caught cancer early!   Now become a health advocate Warrior!   We need people to remind all that everyone can get cancer and that our health is important.    No more fatty foods, smoking, high salt, high fat, etc....  Start ebing a Health Warrior and get the message out to all that will listen.  Start walking and losing weight.  Be the person you want to be and show all that our health is important.

     

    Keep up the good fight!

    Best Always,  mike

  • danker
    danker Member Posts: 1,276 Member
    #13
    CY2K said:

    Thank you all for the kind

    Thank you all for the kind replies. Yes I have become a preacher to everyone I know about the importance of getting all tests that our doctors want us to have. Men are notorious for not staying current with doctor visits. I was no different. My wife and doctor tag teamed me on the colonoscopy. They may have saved my life. Fear? Fear will now be with me for the rest of my life, every time I get a test done. Again, thank you for the comments, all of you. You've made me realize that yes, it does change you in many ways. May God be with you all.

    I forgot to add, the 5 day hospital stint on the morphine button had another benefit. I quit smoking after 30 years. Wooooo

    Regards

    Clint

    Fear

    Do not be afraid!! But keep yourself informed.  I waited 'til I was 77 to get my first colonoscopy.  It was too late-I was stage 2.  After chemo & concurrent radiation a resection removed my tumor.  This December it will be my 5year anniversary of diagnosis. I have been NED for 4 yrs. I realize it can come back,but I'm not afraid.  I see my oncologist every 6 months, and my internist 3 months after each session with the oncologist. I expecct to live 'til 90 like my sister. So hang in the and enjoy every day free of fear and full of hope.  Good luck!!!

  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,804 Member
    #14
    I would say yes

    You were diagnosed with Cancer. You were treated for Cancer. You no longer have Cancer. That, in my opinoin makes you a Cancer survivor. 

    I bet you went through all the assosiated fear that hearing the word, Cancer, makes you feel. 

    If it makes you feel uncomfortable telling people you're a 'Survivor', tell them that you had a 'Brush with Cancer'. You don't owe anyone any more of an explanation than that. 

    I am more than happy to know that you had your routine colonoscopy, and that the Cancer was found at such an early stage. That alone should give you strenght to tell others. What an example. 

    Thank you for posting here and sharing your story as well as your concern. 

  • lp1964
    lp1964 Member Posts: 1,239 Member
    #15
    In the 21st Century...

    ...this is how it should be. Disease cought early by routine check up. Awesome news!

    Unfortunatelly we still lack on prevention, but at least we should utilize our health insurance more while we are healthy, not when evrything is flling appart.

    Laz 

  • Easyflip
    Easyflip Member Posts: 588 Member
    #16
    Tell everyone
    Yes! You're a survivor. I think you should tell everyone you know so they go get a colonoscopy. Congratulations!
  • Helen321
    Helen321 Member Posts: 1,460 Member
    #17
    Hi Clint,
    When I was Stage I

    Hi Clint,

    When I was Stage I and had my first surgery and someone said "you're a survivor" the word seemed a little silly to me.  I had had a simple surgery and felt fine.  I even called my cousin and said I feel silly that she called me that.  After it came back and I went through hell, my opinion is well hell yeah, you survived by outsmarting this stupid disease and catching it early before it got you.  So yes you're a survivor because many are not and we need as many as we can get to let people know to get checked.   It's not about what you call us, it's about getting the word out there to people that they can and do want to prevent this!  You could even do a show called "Scared Shitless, Literally" - Kind of like Scared Straight.  lol    . . . . Some other things you could call yourself . . . . .  Cancer Messenger, Cancer Prevention Specialist, Cancer Eradicator.  "Cancer Eradicator, saving the world one butt at a time".  You look like you could scare a few folks.  You'd need a voice similar to the one Mr. T used and you can have a scary slogan like "Go get a Colonoscopy, BECAUSE I SAID SO!"   I'm really glad you're here, cancer is scary at any stage.

  • Helen321
    Helen321 Member Posts: 1,460 Member
    #18
    Buddy2013 said:

    Yes, indeed you are a cancer survivor

    Hi Clint,

    Good news on the early detection and the added benefit of quitting smoking.  Kudos to your wife for being persistent.

    There is a lot of news out there for excercise and Vitamin D preventing (and maybe preventing recurrence of) cancer. 

    You should research this.  I recommend to everyone that you get your vitamin D levels tested and supplement if necessary.  Too much supplementation can be dangerous though so it is important to get your levels tested quarterly.  I've read that the level would ideally be above 50.   Vitamin D3 is very inexpensive in pill form at any drug or grocery store. 

    http://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/07/09/vitamin-d-boosts-survival-chances-for-bowel-cancer-patients-study-says/

     

     

    I got mine tested and so did

    I got mine tested and so did all my kids, we were all deficient!

  • CY2K
    CY2K Member Posts: 5
    #19
    Hello Everyone

    It's been a few days since I last checked in here but thanks for the continuing comments. I had my first week back at work this week and DAMN, I'm out of work shape! It's amazing how 2 months off, don't lift over 10 lbs etc will degrade the body. Big daddy's a wuss right now. haha

    I have indeed become the 'preacher' to family and friends about getting this vital/critical procedure. 3 friends have scheduled tests at my urging after relaying my story and I'm riding several others quite hard. I'm relentless on em. I don't care. I'm hardcore now. "You wanna see your kids grow up dude? Go get your **** tested." I say.. It's not about shame, I no longer have shame when it comes to this. Someone on here told me they were going to die cause they were scared of needles. (you know who you are and I love you) But in this day that is just not acceptable. We must get tested. We must! I'm fortunate, no longer feel guilt, and now want to fight for everyone. Please, I beg you all to ride your families and your friends. Stay on their ****, don't stop till they schedule that colonoscopy and get it done! Together we can save lives. Scared shitless? Damn right I was, and I still am! I'd give anything to host a show and donate any money made to research.

    Lastly I'd like to say I love the beautiful photos of each and every one of you. I read your words, look at your faces, and I smile through watering eyes. Thank you and may God bless you all.

     

    Regards

    Clint

     

  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,804 Member
    #20
    CY2K said:

    Hello Everyone

    It's been a few days since I last checked in here but thanks for the continuing comments. I had my first week back at work this week and DAMN, I'm out of work shape! It's amazing how 2 months off, don't lift over 10 lbs etc will degrade the body. Big daddy's a wuss right now. haha

    I have indeed become the 'preacher' to family and friends about getting this vital/critical procedure. 3 friends have scheduled tests at my urging after relaying my story and I'm riding several others quite hard. I'm relentless on em. I don't care. I'm hardcore now. "You wanna see your kids grow up dude? Go get your **** tested." I say.. It's not about shame, I no longer have shame when it comes to this. Someone on here told me they were going to die cause they were scared of needles. (you know who you are and I love you) But in this day that is just not acceptable. We must get tested. We must! I'm fortunate, no longer feel guilt, and now want to fight for everyone. Please, I beg you all to ride your families and your friends. Stay on their ****, don't stop till they schedule that colonoscopy and get it done! Together we can save lives. Scared shitless? Damn right I was, and I still am! I'd give anything to host a show and donate any money made to research.

    Lastly I'd like to say I love the beautiful photos of each and every one of you. I read your words, look at your faces, and I smile through watering eyes. Thank you and may God bless you all.

     

    Regards

    Clint

     

    Who, me?

    Since my diagnosis, I have told everone to get a Colonoscopy at 50 (Last night I told my husband's cousin, whom I'd never met before).

    One person has been diagnosed with Stage III, and she is on her last round of chemo this week. She says I saved her life. Do you know how good that feels. Well, pretty darned good. But she feels better (or will, when she's over the chemo). 

    Keep at it Big Daddy (the name of a wrestler in England whose real name was Shirley Crabtree - you almost look like him too)

    SUE/TRU

  • Helen321
    Helen321 Member Posts: 1,460 Member
    #21
    Trubrit said:

    Who, me?

    Since my diagnosis, I have told everone to get a Colonoscopy at 50 (Last night I told my husband's cousin, whom I'd never met before).

    One person has been diagnosed with Stage III, and she is on her last round of chemo this week. She says I saved her life. Do you know how good that feels. Well, pretty darned good. But she feels better (or will, when she's over the chemo). 

    Keep at it Big Daddy (the name of a wrestler in England whose real name was Shirley Crabtree - you almost look like him too)

    SUE/TRU

    40!  This whole 50 thing has

    40!  This whole 50 thing has to change.  I'm 44!  I can't tell you the countless people I have talked to who have colon cancer and are in their early 40s.  I think it was Chris who was a member on here who was only 34!  My polyp was found at 28.  We need to urge insurance carriers to allow people to be tested at 40, it'll save thousands of lives.

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