Let The Countdown Begin!

I was diagnosed with anal cancer on June 18, 2008 and finished up my chemo/radiation on September 9, 2008.  I have experienced a lot since then, some good, some not so good.  I rejoiced and celebrated when I reached the 5-year mark in 2013.  I remember being so happy to be alive and relatively well, despite a few of those pesky side effects that never seemed to go away. 

Since I reached the 5-year benchmark, a lot has happened.  I have had numerous, very painful intestinal blockages (although none for quite awhile, knock on wood).  My beloved medical oncologist suddenly died in late 2015.  I was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease.  I was told I probably have malabsorption syndrome (which explains my inability to gain weight).  My hips and spine are apparently full of holes, thanks to osteoporosis.  I found out just recently that I have early stage glaucoma, in addition to my nystagmus.  I have had hydrocephalus since birth, causing frequent mind-bending headaches.   I'm sure I've forotten something, but that's quite a list.

Despite all of the above, I have done a lot since my treatment ended.  I gave up volunteering to build houses, as being on a jobsite with unpredictable bowels was just too iffy.  Instead, in addition to Cancer Survivors Network, I joined a couple other cancer support sites and hope that, in some way, I have helped someone who needed to hear from someone who had been through this treatment, a treatment that they were/are facing.  I check CSN and the other 2 sites daily to see if I can provide any support or input that will help someone.  Sadly, there are so many people taking this same journey.  However, I do feel, after connecting with many, that treatment may be improved since I went through chemo/rad.  I hope so, anyway.  There are some different chemo drugs in use now and new types of radiation seem to take in a smaller blast zone, if you will, for some people who have access to the latest technology.  

Of course, the sad part of getting to know people on support sites is seeing them go through treatment that is not successful.  I have lost more virtual friends than I care to count.  Many of them cross my mind now and then and it always begs the question "Why not me?  Why them?"  There are, thankfully, many of my virtual friends who can now call themselves survivors who have successfully beaten the beast.  Some of these people I have met in person, some not, but they are all special people to me.  Knowing people with such strength and courage gives me the same in return--I swear it's contagious.  They have been supportive when I have needed hugs and they have been there to give me virtual high fives when I have had something to celebrate.

Well, today I saw my colorectal surgeon for my yearly checkup, complete with DRE and anoscope.  I don't know why, but I was extra nervous today.  I guess the thought of anything keeping me from reaching the 10-year survivor mark was overwhelming me.  I guess I could have waited to see her after September 9th. had passed and celebrated prior to my appointment, oblivious to what might or might not "be there."  But, I saw her a little early this year, due to some upcoming trips.  I will actually be spending September 9th., my big anniversary day, in the car for a 10-hour drive home from a trip.  That should be fun--breakfast at McDonald's and dinner at Cracker Barrel!  LOL!  So anyway, everything checked out A-OK today, which was a big relief to me.  Of course, the big "C" word came out of her mouth--no, not cancer, "colonoscopy."  I knew it was coming.  I told her that she's just going to have to wait until October to go any further up my butt than she was able to today, as my insurance will be changing on October 1st.  That's my birthday month and I, because of my age, will be switching to a Medicare Advantage healthcare insurance plan, which will pay much better for a colonoscopy than my current coverage.  She was okay with that.  I already have my prep instructions, so it's gonna happen.  

So, I have 33 days, as of today, before I can say I'm a 10-year survivor.  Let the countdown begin!

Of course, I couldn't have done it without all of my CSN friends.  Y'all are the best support.  I cannot thank you enough for hanging in here with me all these years.  I really couldn't imagine having done this alone.  You gals and guys are awesome!  As I head towards taking on the next 10 years, please know that you are all so very special to me.  Big thanks and lots of love to you all.