Survivors?
Comments
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Congratulations on your
Congratulations on your engagement! May you have 60 + years of a very happy marriage!
Your boyfriend would have been considered CURED in 2009 if he hasn't had any recurrence since his Stage II dx in 2004. Does colon cancer run in his family? If so, was he checked for a genetic marker?
Diane
(Married 40 years this Oct)0 -
hi diane,dianetavegia said:Congratulations on your
Congratulations on your engagement! May you have 60 + years of a very happy marriage!
Your boyfriend would have been considered CURED in 2009 if he hasn't had any recurrence since his Stage II dx in 2004. Does colon cancer run in his family? If so, was he checked for a genetic marker?
Diane
(Married 40 years this Oct)
Thank you so much
hi diane,
Thank you so much for your wishes.I really hope they come true.We are not too sure about colon cancer running in his family because the people that we can trace never had it.There is however his grandfather about whom we do not know much but he died at an early age of what the doctor's thought was a bad case of jaundice/hepatitis??i'm not too sure of this since he did not get good medical care at the right time.He has not been checked for a genetic marker.Can you let me know what this is and if anyone has any idea of where we can get it done in india?0 -
Longevity
Re:
"Are there any of you who have managed to hit the 20/30 year mark after being diagnosed?"
Not too many. Most die of old age, die in vehicular accidents,
or are in the wrong place during a crack induced robbery.
Seriously, cancer isn't the only thing that kills. Trying to see
what tomorrow is going to bring, is a good lesson for frustration.
My wife suffered a ruptured cerebral hemorrhage that could have
killed her, and as she was recovering, I underwent an operation to
remove a major cancerous tumor that nearly killed me.... and as I
was recovering, my wife was in a major head-on high-speed collision
as a passenger in her older brother's van, on rt 95... nearly killing her.
So what's new? You want to know if your guy is going to be around
for the next 23-30 years? (haha)...
Will you? Will any of us?
Relax, take a day at a time and enjoy the smell of polluted air
as much as you are able. Life's short, so make the best of it while
you can, and don't ever try to plan for an accident, injury, or
sickness or health. Plan for what you'd like to do, and make the
attempt. Good fortune or fate, at least you made the try and will
always have the memories regardless.
Stay well; things can and often do, get better.
John0 -
Thank you for the positive takeJohn23 said:Longevity
Re:
"Are there any of you who have managed to hit the 20/30 year mark after being diagnosed?"
Not too many. Most die of old age, die in vehicular accidents,
or are in the wrong place during a crack induced robbery.
Seriously, cancer isn't the only thing that kills. Trying to see
what tomorrow is going to bring, is a good lesson for frustration.
My wife suffered a ruptured cerebral hemorrhage that could have
killed her, and as she was recovering, I underwent an operation to
remove a major cancerous tumor that nearly killed me.... and as I
was recovering, my wife was in a major head-on high-speed collision
as a passenger in her older brother's van, on rt 95... nearly killing her.
So what's new? You want to know if your guy is going to be around
for the next 23-30 years? (haha)...
Will you? Will any of us?
Relax, take a day at a time and enjoy the smell of polluted air
as much as you are able. Life's short, so make the best of it while
you can, and don't ever try to plan for an accident, injury, or
sickness or health. Plan for what you'd like to do, and make the
attempt. Good fortune or fate, at least you made the try and will
always have the memories regardless.
Stay well; things can and often do, get better.
John
Hello John,
I know what you are telling me is true.It is like hearing my rational self talk.But when the thought hits me i just cannot help asking questions like these..guess i just need to reassure myself somehow.Thank you for the positive outlook.0 -
Confused!
You said he was Stage II but on another thread, said he has a colostomy. I didn't realize any Stage II would need a colostomy.
Was his cancer 'rectal'?0 -
Colorectal was what the doc told usdianetavegia said:Confused!
You said he was Stage II but on another thread, said he has a colostomy. I didn't realize any Stage II would need a colostomy.
Was his cancer 'rectal'?
He had stage II but the doctor told us it was a colo rectal cancer and he had radiation,chemo plus a surgery.He had a colostomy which we can get reversed but we are not too sure if it would be safe.I shall try to find out more and get back to you.I have been with my boyfriend from the year after the surgery and chemo.I shall try to find out as much as i can about it.0 -
Sweta,
I was
Sweta,
I was diagnosed in 1993, stage 3 colorectal. NED a few years after that, so that makes it about 17 years since diagnosis. No recurrences since then so you could call me a longterm survivor for sure. Does the fear ever leave? In my experience-no. It's been a monkey on my back and probably will be forever. It does get better,though. In the beginning any bad headache made me worry that I had brain cancer, etc. etc. etc. I still have the same thoughts at first, but now I kid myself about it a lot more, and realize that I'm really ok.
After you've had cancer (or shared the pain and fears as a loved one) and been forced to face mortality it changes you forever, and for the best, I think.
i can't blame you at all for feeling fearful. But life as a whole in this crazy world can be fearful. Cancer helped you to realize that fact, and to realize how precious life is. So it's ok to think about it but try to put that aside and concentrate on the joy that the two of you can experience together. Who knows how much time any of us has on this planet. It could all end any time. Eating healthier helps, if only to help you think that you're doing the best for your body. I read labels a lot more, and try to avoid chemicals. Beyond that I haven't really changed my diet in all these years.
Carl0 -
Thank youneon356 said:Sweta,
I was
Sweta,
I was diagnosed in 1993, stage 3 colorectal. NED a few years after that, so that makes it about 17 years since diagnosis. No recurrences since then so you could call me a longterm survivor for sure. Does the fear ever leave? In my experience-no. It's been a monkey on my back and probably will be forever. It does get better,though. In the beginning any bad headache made me worry that I had brain cancer, etc. etc. etc. I still have the same thoughts at first, but now I kid myself about it a lot more, and realize that I'm really ok.
After you've had cancer (or shared the pain and fears as a loved one) and been forced to face mortality it changes you forever, and for the best, I think.
i can't blame you at all for feeling fearful. But life as a whole in this crazy world can be fearful. Cancer helped you to realize that fact, and to realize how precious life is. So it's ok to think about it but try to put that aside and concentrate on the joy that the two of you can experience together. Who knows how much time any of us has on this planet. It could all end any time. Eating healthier helps, if only to help you think that you're doing the best for your body. I read labels a lot more, and try to avoid chemicals. Beyond that I haven't really changed my diet in all these years.
Carl
Hello Carl,
Thank you so much..you just made my day better..I hope you have a wonderful healthy long life.It's stories like these that make me feel so much better.I know about the fear.Every little thing that he has makes me think of a dozen cancers.I am so glad that we have not had to face it again till date.His scans are due this weekend and hopefully we shall be good for another year.Shall keep you posted.
My sister is a doctor and had questioned me about my decision to go through with the marriage and told me exactly what we might have to face.I had told her about life as a whole being a risk.I just needed to talk to people who understand that i really want to get married and have a wonderful life but i do get scared and just want to talk about it sometimes.It feels so good to meet all of you who know and understand.Hope all of you have wonderful lives.We have made our lives healthier too,watch what we eat and try to exercise whenever we can.Hopefully it'l work out well.0 -
I'm over 5 years...rectal followed by breast....
I just watched the movie 'A Beautiful Mind' last night about the man who went on to win the Nobel Prize for mathematics with raging schizophrenia....he put it well...
When asked if he still saw people that weren't there, he replied "Yes, but I chose to ignore them!"
After 5 years, the risk of cancer returning decreases significantly...more along the lines of what other people's risk is. Now, that is different if there is a genetic involvement...but, even then, we all just need to be vigilant and check things out when they seem wrong...blood in the stool, unexplained sudden weight loss, etc...
You and your beau DESERVE a good life...and, if an illness happens, well, it's easier to cope with when you have support from a loved one. If you both want to take the marriage step...why not? Cancer robs us all of enough during the process, and the lasting effects (I can no longer eat dairy from the chemo). It's not the only thing that can happen, as others have said...my beau almost died from a bad heart...
Live passionately, laugh often, love well....that is MY philosophy.
Hugs, Kathi0 -
Just what i needed...KathiM said:I'm over 5 years...rectal followed by breast....
I just watched the movie 'A Beautiful Mind' last night about the man who went on to win the Nobel Prize for mathematics with raging schizophrenia....he put it well...
When asked if he still saw people that weren't there, he replied "Yes, but I chose to ignore them!"
After 5 years, the risk of cancer returning decreases significantly...more along the lines of what other people's risk is. Now, that is different if there is a genetic involvement...but, even then, we all just need to be vigilant and check things out when they seem wrong...blood in the stool, unexplained sudden weight loss, etc...
You and your beau DESERVE a good life...and, if an illness happens, well, it's easier to cope with when you have support from a loved one. If you both want to take the marriage step...why not? Cancer robs us all of enough during the process, and the lasting effects (I can no longer eat dairy from the chemo). It's not the only thing that can happen, as others have said...my beau almost died from a bad heart...
Live passionately, laugh often, love well....that is MY philosophy.
Hugs, Kathi
Thank you Kathi,I have seen the movie as well..this did not come to me then..now when i think about it..it seems so appropriate.
Like you and Diane said,i shall try to find out more about genetic markers and if my bf is at any increased risk.I am so cautious about the symptoms that sometimes i see more into things that there is:).I guess fear does that to you.I had a talk with a doctor who seemed bent on scaring me out of the idea of getting married to him.I guess most of the feeling of dread can be attributed to the talk.But this is something I am pretty sure of no matter what,I love my guy too much to not be with him no matter what he faces.Of course I am scared,very scared sometimes.But i guess that is something that hits me at random moments.The love stays.I would rather stay with him and fight it out together than run scared of something that might catch me anyway.There is no guarentee on life,mine or his.I just have to learn to live each moment for what it is and try to make sure that nothing bad ever happens.0 -
Just what i needed...KathiM said:I'm over 5 years...rectal followed by breast....
I just watched the movie 'A Beautiful Mind' last night about the man who went on to win the Nobel Prize for mathematics with raging schizophrenia....he put it well...
When asked if he still saw people that weren't there, he replied "Yes, but I chose to ignore them!"
After 5 years, the risk of cancer returning decreases significantly...more along the lines of what other people's risk is. Now, that is different if there is a genetic involvement...but, even then, we all just need to be vigilant and check things out when they seem wrong...blood in the stool, unexplained sudden weight loss, etc...
You and your beau DESERVE a good life...and, if an illness happens, well, it's easier to cope with when you have support from a loved one. If you both want to take the marriage step...why not? Cancer robs us all of enough during the process, and the lasting effects (I can no longer eat dairy from the chemo). It's not the only thing that can happen, as others have said...my beau almost died from a bad heart...
Live passionately, laugh often, love well....that is MY philosophy.
Hugs, Kathi
Thank you Kathi,I have seen the movie as well..this did not come to me then..now when i think about it..it seems so appropriate.
Like you and Diane said,i shall try to find out more about genetic markers and if my bf is at any increased risk.I am so cautious about the symptoms that sometimes i see more into things that there is:).I guess fear does that to you.I had a talk with a doctor who seemed bent on scaring me out of the idea of getting married to him.I guess most of the feeling of dread can be attributed to the talk.But this is something I am pretty sure of no matter what,I love my guy too much to not be with him no matter what he faces.Of course I am scared,very scared sometimes.But i guess that is something that hits me at random moments.The love stays.I would rather stay with him and fight it out together than run scared of something that might catch me anyway.There is no guarentee on life,mine or his.I just have to learn to live each moment for what it is and try to make sure that nothing bad ever happens.0 -
Just what i needed...KathiM said:I'm over 5 years...rectal followed by breast....
I just watched the movie 'A Beautiful Mind' last night about the man who went on to win the Nobel Prize for mathematics with raging schizophrenia....he put it well...
When asked if he still saw people that weren't there, he replied "Yes, but I chose to ignore them!"
After 5 years, the risk of cancer returning decreases significantly...more along the lines of what other people's risk is. Now, that is different if there is a genetic involvement...but, even then, we all just need to be vigilant and check things out when they seem wrong...blood in the stool, unexplained sudden weight loss, etc...
You and your beau DESERVE a good life...and, if an illness happens, well, it's easier to cope with when you have support from a loved one. If you both want to take the marriage step...why not? Cancer robs us all of enough during the process, and the lasting effects (I can no longer eat dairy from the chemo). It's not the only thing that can happen, as others have said...my beau almost died from a bad heart...
Live passionately, laugh often, love well....that is MY philosophy.
Hugs, Kathi
Thank you Kathi,I have seen the movie as well..this did not come to me then..now when i think about it..it seems so appropriate.
Like you and Diane said,i shall try to find out more about genetic markers and if my bf is at any increased risk.I am so cautious about the symptoms that sometimes i see more into things that there is:).I guess fear does that to you.I had a talk with a doctor who seemed bent on scaring me out of the idea of getting married to him.I guess most of the feeling of dread can be attributed to the talk.But this is something I am pretty sure of no matter what,I love my guy too much to not be with him no matter what he faces.Of course I am scared,very scared sometimes.But i guess that is something that hits me at random moments.The love stays.I would rather stay with him and fight it out together than run scared of something that might catch me anyway.There is no guarentee on life,mine or his.I just have to learn to live each moment for what it is and try to make sure that nothing bad ever happens.0 -
Just what i needed...KathiM said:I'm over 5 years...rectal followed by breast....
I just watched the movie 'A Beautiful Mind' last night about the man who went on to win the Nobel Prize for mathematics with raging schizophrenia....he put it well...
When asked if he still saw people that weren't there, he replied "Yes, but I chose to ignore them!"
After 5 years, the risk of cancer returning decreases significantly...more along the lines of what other people's risk is. Now, that is different if there is a genetic involvement...but, even then, we all just need to be vigilant and check things out when they seem wrong...blood in the stool, unexplained sudden weight loss, etc...
You and your beau DESERVE a good life...and, if an illness happens, well, it's easier to cope with when you have support from a loved one. If you both want to take the marriage step...why not? Cancer robs us all of enough during the process, and the lasting effects (I can no longer eat dairy from the chemo). It's not the only thing that can happen, as others have said...my beau almost died from a bad heart...
Live passionately, laugh often, love well....that is MY philosophy.
Hugs, Kathi
Thank you Kathi,I have seen the movie as well..this did not come to me then..now when i think about it..it seems so appropriate.
Like you and Diane said,i shall try to find out more about genetic markers and if my bf is at any increased risk.I am so cautious about the symptoms that sometimes i see more into things that there is:).I guess fear does that to you.I had a talk with a doctor who seemed bent on scaring me out of the idea of getting married to him.I guess most of the feeling of dread can be attributed to the talk.But this is something I am pretty sure of no matter what,I love my guy too much to not be with him no matter what he faces.Of course I am scared,very scared sometimes.But i guess that is something that hits me at random moments.The love stays.I would rather stay with him and fight it out together than run scared of something that might catch me anyway.There is no guarentee on life,mine or his.I just have to learn to live each moment for what it is and try to make sure that nothing bad ever happens.0 -
Just what i needed...KathiM said:I'm over 5 years...rectal followed by breast....
I just watched the movie 'A Beautiful Mind' last night about the man who went on to win the Nobel Prize for mathematics with raging schizophrenia....he put it well...
When asked if he still saw people that weren't there, he replied "Yes, but I chose to ignore them!"
After 5 years, the risk of cancer returning decreases significantly...more along the lines of what other people's risk is. Now, that is different if there is a genetic involvement...but, even then, we all just need to be vigilant and check things out when they seem wrong...blood in the stool, unexplained sudden weight loss, etc...
You and your beau DESERVE a good life...and, if an illness happens, well, it's easier to cope with when you have support from a loved one. If you both want to take the marriage step...why not? Cancer robs us all of enough during the process, and the lasting effects (I can no longer eat dairy from the chemo). It's not the only thing that can happen, as others have said...my beau almost died from a bad heart...
Live passionately, laugh often, love well....that is MY philosophy.
Hugs, Kathi
Thank you Kathi,I have seen the movie as well..this did not come to me then..now when i think about it..it seems so appropriate.
Like you and Diane said,i shall try to find out more about genetic markers and if my bf is at any increased risk.I am so cautious about the symptoms that sometimes i see more into things that there is:).I guess fear does that to you.I had a talk with a doctor who seemed bent on scaring me out of the idea of getting married to him.I guess most of the feeling of dread can be attributed to the talk.But this is something I am pretty sure of no matter what,I love my guy too much to not be with him no matter what he faces.Of course I am scared,very scared sometimes.But i guess that is something that hits me at random moments.The love stays.I would rather stay with him and fight it out together than run scared of something that might catch me anyway.There is no guarentee on life,mine or his.I just have to learn to live each moment for what it is and try to make sure that nothing bad ever happens.0 -
Thank youclaud1951 said:I am a 3 year survivor.
I am a 3 year survivor. Keeping a postive attitude and moving forward helps alot!
I have no doubt that you will have many years of marraige.
My best to you and your boyfriend.
Claudia
Hello Claudia,
That is great to hear..i feel wonderful meeting all of you and getting such a lot of positive vibes.Thank you so much for your wishes.May you have a wonderful long life.0 -
Sorry about the repeat posts everyonesweta said:Just what i needed...
Thank you Kathi,I have seen the movie as well..this did not come to me then..now when i think about it..it seems so appropriate.
Like you and Diane said,i shall try to find out more about genetic markers and if my bf is at any increased risk.I am so cautious about the symptoms that sometimes i see more into things that there is:).I guess fear does that to you.I had a talk with a doctor who seemed bent on scaring me out of the idea of getting married to him.I guess most of the feeling of dread can be attributed to the talk.But this is something I am pretty sure of no matter what,I love my guy too much to not be with him no matter what he faces.Of course I am scared,very scared sometimes.But i guess that is something that hits me at random moments.The love stays.I would rather stay with him and fight it out together than run scared of something that might catch me anyway.There is no guarentee on life,mine or his.I just have to learn to live each moment for what it is and try to make sure that nothing bad ever happens.
Hey...something seems wrong with my comp or the network..sorry about the post being repeated.Do not know how to delete the extra's so please bear with me:(.0
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