Some good news

abrub
abrub Member Posts: 2,174 Member
in Colorectal Cancer #1

9 years ago today, my brother and sister traveled 125 miles to visit me, their sister, who during a routine hysterectomy was diagnosed with metastatic (Stage 4) appendix cancer (mucinous adenocarcinoma.)  We sat in my hospital room and cried, not knowing what to say.   Fortunately, my subsequent 170 mile travels to a specialist turned my diagnosis from an imminent death sentence to a much more favorable prognosis.  Here I am, 9 years later, doing great. 

Yes, I went through my hellish treatments - several more surgeries, intraperitoneal chemo, systemic chemo (Folfox plus Avastin.)  The year post-diagnosis was miserable, as only those here can understand.  But I now am doing fine.

Although not everyone will have the same outcome, many will, and as treatments improve the odds of having a successful outcome increase.  Hang in there, friends!  It's a hard road!  Do the best you can.  (The best I could included dropping systemic chemo after 7 rounds; I couldn't face any more.  Fortunately, it doesn't appear to have harmed me.)

Alice

Comments

  • JanJan63
    JanJan63 Member Posts: 2,478 Member
    #2
    Thank you so much for sharing

    Thank you so much for sharing your story and reminding us we have hope. And congratulations! Hooray! Keep going and make it many more years!

    Jan

  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,804 Member
    #3
    Congratulation and Exaulations!

    What a wonderful, wonderful post. 

    And next year, i Hope you have a HUGE celebration planned. 

    So happy for you. 

    Sue 

  • Kazenmax
    Kazenmax Member Posts: 463 Member
    #4
    Thank you for this, Alice

    Today I really needed to read this. I'm having a very hard time gathering the strength I will need in the coming year. I started in mid February this year and I feel like giving up already. 

    Thank you. It's almost as if you read my mind.

    Kazenmax

  • abrub
    abrub Member Posts: 2,174 Member
    #5
    Kazenmax said:

    Thank you for this, Alice

    Today I really needed to read this. I'm having a very hard time gathering the strength I will need in the coming year. I started in mid February this year and I feel like giving up already. 

    Thank you. It's almost as if you read my mind.

    Kazenmax

    You'll discover strengths you never knew you had

    I know that I could never have imagined going through what I went through.  3 major surgeries.  Chemo into the belly through a belly port (IP chemo).  Systemic chemo.  Lots of fun and games.   Frown  Recovery was arduous, but here I am!  Hang in there!

    Alice

  • JanJan63
    JanJan63 Member Posts: 2,478 Member
    #6
    Kazenmax said:

    Thank you for this, Alice

    Today I really needed to read this. I'm having a very hard time gathering the strength I will need in the coming year. I started in mid February this year and I feel like giving up already. 

    Thank you. It's almost as if you read my mind.

    Kazenmax

    I think it's like being

    I think it's like being pregnant. You forget how bad it was after a while. Looking back it was all worth it but I did have some very dark times. Now they're just a memory and it was so worth it to go through it. Honestly, I think it was easier going through it than being a caregiver of someone who is.

    Jan

  • beaumontdave
    beaumontdave Member Posts: 1,289 Member
    #7
    Nine years past that descent

    Nine years past that descent into misery is an awesome milestone Alice, my nine comes Sep. 25th, and two years NED on Sep. 1. To feel like I'm working my way out of this pit is something. I'm happy for you and hopeful for those fighting to get to this point. Now, on to ten with you......................................Dave

  • mykidsmommy
    mykidsmommy Member Posts: 76
    #8
    YES! Thanks for sharing!

    WOW! What a great reminder to all - it can be down and dirty but it can be done!!! So happy for you. This stuff aint for wussies!!

     

  • NewHere
    NewHere Member Posts: 1,428 Member
    #9
    Rock It Alice

    You and I went to the same place.  I had no signs or symptoms.  Found by accident.  If I went with the general surgeon as compared to MSK, well.... I would be in real bad shape now at best.

    To all out there - fight for yourself and get the best.  Not a local place, not a local surgeon, the best you can find.  I lost someone the other week who would have still been here in addition to me.

  • abrub
    abrub Member Posts: 2,174 Member
    #10
    NewHere said:

    Rock It Alice

    You and I went to the same place.  I had no signs or symptoms.  Found by accident.  If I went with the general surgeon as compared to MSK, well.... I would be in real bad shape now at best.

    To all out there - fight for yourself and get the best.  Not a local place, not a local surgeon, the best you can find.  I lost someone the other week who would have still been here in addition to me.

    Totally agree

    Considering my colon was resected in several places (sigmoid; rt hemicolectomy, part of ileum) any other surgeon would have left me with an ostomy.  My perfectionist MSK surgeon put me back together better than new.  

    It is important to get the best expert you can.  It has made all the difference for me.

    Alice

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