One year ago...

HowardJ
HowardJ Member Posts: 474
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
One year ago today I was celebrating my 50th birthday in Hawaii unaware that in 3 weeks I'd be diagnosed with colon cancer and spend New Years Eve in the hospital after having a laprascopic right hemicolectomy. Over the past year there were challenges learning to cope with the emotions of cancer, and challenges at work. In July my division at work learned we were being eliminated sometime next year. Through all the difficulties of the past year I looked forward to reading the posts here everyday. I gained strength from the stories of triumph, and from reading the support given when needed.

As I prepare for my 1st annual CT and colonscopy in the next 2 weeks I want to say "thank you" to the semi-colons.

Howard

Comments

  • BusterBrown
    BusterBrown Member Posts: 221 Member
    #2
    Howard,
    Nice post, I agree with you, this website is a terrific resource for cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers. I do frequent this board often, although I don't always post, I find this board to be very inspiring. Good luck with your scans...
    Buster
  • ron50
    ron50 Member Posts: 1,723 Member
    #3
    Good on you mate ,you have done so well ,maintain the rage , I have every confidence that you will sail thru the upcoming tests with no problems. Good luck and stay well Ron.
  • StacyGleaso
    StacyGleaso Member Posts: 1,233 Member
    #4
    Howard,

    Happy Birthday! Isn't it funny that when we were younger, we thought 51 was "old"!?!? Now, I'm sure that is just a drop in the proverbial bucket for you! Each year brings an array of challenges, and you have proven successful in each one of them. All my best for great results with your 1 yr colonoscopy...now THERE'S a party waiting to happen!!

    Stacy
  • nanuk
    nanuk Member Posts: 1,358 Member
    #5
    Happy Birthday and thank you for your thoughtful and detailed support. We benefit from mutual caring and support, and yours has definitely been mutual..best wishes for a clean colon. Nanuk
  • Kanort
    Kanort Member Posts: 1,272 Member
    #6
    Hi Howard,

    This Christmas and New Year will definitely be a time of celebration and reflection for you. We will be thinking of you and sending well wishes your way for an excellent CT and colonoscopy report. Let us know.

    Kay
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #7
    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • kangatoo
    kangatoo Member Posts: 2,105 Member
    #8
    unknown said:

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

    Geez Howard..yah beat me to the 1/2 century by a coupla months! Go out and celebrate mate and throw a beer down for me too.All the best in the next few weeks...keep kickin butt! Congratulations from Ross and Jen.
  • taunya
    taunya Member Posts: 390 Member
    #9
    Good luck with your tests, Howard. I am thinking of you and praying that all is well.
    Hugs to you,
    Taunya
  • HowardJ
    HowardJ Member Posts: 474
    #10
    Thank you Buster, Ron, Stacy, Nanuk, Kay, Babs, Ross & Jen, and Taunya. I appreciate the kind words and thoughts. Stacy, you're not kidding about thinking 51 was old. I remember when my dad turned 50 and tought that was OLD!

    Best to all of you.

    Howard
  • Moesimo
    Moesimo Member Posts: 1,072 Member
    #11
    Happy belated birthday. I also love my BD now and will be celebrating in Jan. I agree that having cancer changes your perspective on life. My new motto is "Don't sweat the small stuff." Good luck with your upcoming tests.

    Moe
  • HowardJ
    HowardJ Member Posts: 474
    #12
    Moesimo said:

    Happy belated birthday. I also love my BD now and will be celebrating in Jan. I agree that having cancer changes your perspective on life. My new motto is "Don't sweat the small stuff." Good luck with your upcoming tests.

    Moe

    Thanks, Moe!

    Howard
  • jsabol
    jsabol Member Posts: 1,145 Member
    #13
    Hi Howard,
    I'm a bit late in keeping up with the board these days, but congratulations on reaching 51 years young. I have you beat by a few years, and I just finished my 2 year follow-up colonsocopy and CT scans; everything turned out good for me, and I wish the same for you.
    Looking back, it's hard to fathom all that has happened in the past 2 years, and how great that we have risen to face those challenges. Wishing you continued strength, Judy

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