The Cancer Survivors Network (CSN) is a peer support community for cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, families, and friends! CSN is a safe place to connect with others who share your interests and experiences.

Thank you for being a part of the Cancer Survivor Network community. Survivors and caregivers like you have played a unique role in fostering an online environment that encourages connection among those needing support, community, and education. On May 28, the Network will be discontinued. More details are available here . If you have any questions, contact CSNSupportTeam@cancer.org. Thanks again for the support you’ve provided each other over the years. We remain committed to supporting you in other ways throughout your cancer journey.

"down under"

kangatoo
kangatoo CSN Member Posts: 2,105 Member
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Hullo to you all.I guess I qualify for a "lurker" too.I have been looking for ages for a great site to chat with others-as you call us-"semicolons" and hope you will accept me into your group.
As you will see from my nickname I come from AUSSIE.
I am male/ 47 years "young" -have a loving wife of 30 years and 3 adult children-2 boys-1 girl.
I was diag. with cancer of the ascending colon(just above the sigmoid) in july 2003.I had a "high anterior resection" to remove approx. 1/3 of my bowel.3 growths were found prior to the op. after going through the usual tests, one of which was malignant--the other 2 benign.
I have been on 5fu/leu. for the past 5 months.--;5 days a week with 3 weeks inbetween for recovery.I start my final session on monday(thankfully)
I have been lucky not to lose ny hair although it did thin considerably.My main side-effects have been--the metallic taste/ nausea/ mouth ulcers/tiredness and fatigue.
My last oncologist report was good--only a 20% chance of secondaries, so I guess it is the waiting game-hopefully the further tests will result in no more cancers.
Mentally I am not too bad as I keep telling myself that others are in worse shape but it still doesn't make things any easier.
I confess to lurking and what I have seen here has truly inspired me to join you all--love/comfort and support is greatly showing in your wonderfull group!
ps---to prove my sincerity--I am male--I DO cry---AND--I AM very scared!
my blessings and best wishes to you all!
.kangatoo