Lynch Syndrome update stuff
I have not been back to this site in several months. I share my computer with my family, so my time is limited, but I miss all of the love and support. I always feel "changed" after reading the posts on here.
So, just to update- female, dnx colon cancer age 36 stage IV. Hit my 5 year NED last August except ohh, yeah, no such thing for Lynch syndrome. But the more vocal we are . . . and I have had an opportunity to talk to the doctors, admin and caregivers at Texas Oncology about a patient's perspective on Lynch Syndrome. (put a face with a file). So I have been healthy for 5 years. The scary side of Lynch is that each year makes us statistically closer instead of farther or further, haven't learned the correct usage of that word yet.
Had pre-emptive total hysto in November and if any women wonder, I am SO GRATEFUL!!! Oh, by this time I had just turned 42. Anyway, it's colonoscopies every year from here on out. And mine is coming up. I'm not sick, no anemia, etc. So I'm not worried. Except of course, I am worried or I wouldn't be writing. Anxiety is no fun even when I KNOW I am healthy. Deep Breaths. Can't share the anxiety with the family, so I am writing to you all.
I know most writing are in the throws of the disease right now. It gets better. I only wish that I could have really made the changes that I promised myself when I was really worried about leaving this world. But reality is not cooperative. Reality means that I will continue to try to buy groceries on a public school teacher's salary. And I will work a bajillion hours and 2nd jobs and not spend the time I want to with my kids because I have to pay bills.
I am so frustrated that I have a wonderful husband that is paralyzed with fear at the thought of losing me to cancer, but can not provide for our family financially, emotionally, or otherwise. I think the thought of the tiniest threat (colonoscopy showing something) makes me contemplate the worst case scenario. And then I worry needlessly. But it makes me resent that I have not made those changes that I promised myself when I was sick.
I feel so wrong complaining now, when I am healthy. I think just knowing that statistically I MIGHT or MIGHT NOT have a reason to worry makes me more edgy. But I need to count those blessings. Here we go:
1. Great kids.
2. I can eat and digest food.
3. I can work.
4. I can think again-when I was terribly anemic, I couldn't function like an adult or child, more like a slug.
5. No chemo right now.
6. No worries about my ovaries-they're gone!
Why am I complaining again? Thanks all!
Hugs to everyone!
Cindy Bob
Comments
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We just had the genetic test
We just had the genetic test for Lynch Syndrome done on my dh, he was just dxed with colon cancer about four weeks ago/ Surgery is in 2 weeks after the results come back... we are on pins and needles Congrats that things are going well but we do understand how you feel right now. It is all so overwhelming!0 -
Hi Cindy!
I think that's wonderful that you've been NED for five years! Congratulations! It seems you do have a lot of blessings, and like you, i'm always counting mine as well. Some days i don't know if i can continue, so i sit down and think about how much worse it could be. It helps. I don't understand what Lynch Syndrome is, though. You should be considered "cured", or "in Remission" at this time, yet you said that isn't so with Lynch. I'm assuming it's one of the genetic causes for colorectal cancer? Is this something you have to be tested for specifically, or are all colorectal cancer patients tested for it? Does this mean you're definitely going to get a recurrence, and would a colonectomy prevent that?
I'm sorry about all the questions! I think this is a great topic for this board.
Many hugs!
Krista0 -
Congratulations for five
Congratulations for five year's NED.This is really inspiring.Thank you for your update.0 -
Congratulations
Cindy Bob,
I keep a list in my journal of all the people I come across in life or on the Internet that have been clear of Stage IV diagnosis for years as you have. So I just happily added you to my journal. I can't tell you how important posts like this are to me as it proves to me it CAN be done. So thank you for your posting and the reminder of the blessings we have in life.
All the best,
Amy0 -
Hi Cindymom_2_3 said:Congratulations
Cindy Bob,
I keep a list in my journal of all the people I come across in life or on the Internet that have been clear of Stage IV diagnosis for years as you have. So I just happily added you to my journal. I can't tell you how important posts like this are to me as it proves to me it CAN be done. So thank you for your posting and the reminder of the blessings we have in life.
All the best,
Amy
Congrats on 5 years NED.... How I yearn for that. You'll be in my prayers!
Jennie0 -
congrats
I am very glad you are 5 years NED,I hope you can go for many more years.I am bearly 1 year NED,but I'll just take it 1 year at a time.I have lost several relatives to cancer.So I just go one year at a time.I think if you feel like complaining,and it makes you feel better,stress reliever,then you should go ahead and complain.I pray you stay healthy.0 -
Congratulations!
Hi Cindy. Congratulations on 5 years NED!!! That is so wonderful to hear. My 3-year colonoscopy is coming up and being a fellow Lynch Syndrome person, I am a bit nervous. Like you said, the longer we are NED, the closer we are to another round of illness. BUT! I do count my blessings and try to smell a rose or two along the way now. I was stage II-b 3 years ago and then was diagnosed with endometrial cancer 4 months after finishing chemo. Ah.... the joys of HNPCC! Anyway, I was lucky because it was very early and no chemo was done that time. So I am relishing the NED status, but if something changes, then I'll deal with it then. For now, I'm just grateful!
Hugs,
Kirsten0
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