Cancer Free for 5 Years Now!!!!
Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2004 5:53 am
Yes, I'm tooting my own horn today and want to share my very good news with my wx board 'family'!!!
On April 29, 1999 I had colorectal surgery to remove a malignant tumor. 15 inches of my colon was removed and I had a very painful time of it back then. I have been watched very carefully for these past 5 years, have had numerous annual tests, but I am here today, still cancer-free and grateful to be alive!
And now I would be very remiss if I didn't gently urge anyone here with a cancer risk in their family to be screened - today! Don't put it off, a visit to the doctor could literally save your life. My only symptom was mild rectal bleeding. My Internist shrugged it off as something as minor as hemorrhoids (sorry for that detail, but my story is very important to tell!). Without an exam mind you! I went home that day, content with this 'diagnosis'. Guess is more like it. In time a voice inside began nagging me, that this wasn't normal. Since I had 2 benign polyps removed during a colonoscopy in 1997, and also since my father died from Colon Cancer, I just decided to bypass my Internist's advice and call my Gastro doc. Long story short, listening to that voice was the best thing I ever did! Who knows where I'd be today had I not called him and requested an appointment. Possibly not even here to type this post! My cancer was caught very early and I was Stage I, no treatment necessary. Thank God I listened to that little voice in my head! I should add I was only 43 when I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, too young all my doctors said. But I indeed had it and I have since discovered this disease is striking younger patients more and more. So if you think you're in the clear b/c you're too young for it, think again. It's rare but I've read stories of people as young as 28 having CC!
So with that said, here are two links from WebMD if anyone is interested in learning more about colorectal cancer:
Symptoms:
http://my.webmd.com/content/article/9/1 ... 6509_00_04
Facts on Screening:
http://my.webmd.com/content/article/83/97815.htm
Please celebrate with me!!! My family and I will celebrate this weekend. Tonight we have my daughter's Confirmation at our Cathedral downtown. I can't think of a better place to be for my 5 Year Mark!
Mary
On April 29, 1999 I had colorectal surgery to remove a malignant tumor. 15 inches of my colon was removed and I had a very painful time of it back then. I have been watched very carefully for these past 5 years, have had numerous annual tests, but I am here today, still cancer-free and grateful to be alive!
And now I would be very remiss if I didn't gently urge anyone here with a cancer risk in their family to be screened - today! Don't put it off, a visit to the doctor could literally save your life. My only symptom was mild rectal bleeding. My Internist shrugged it off as something as minor as hemorrhoids (sorry for that detail, but my story is very important to tell!). Without an exam mind you! I went home that day, content with this 'diagnosis'. Guess is more like it. In time a voice inside began nagging me, that this wasn't normal. Since I had 2 benign polyps removed during a colonoscopy in 1997, and also since my father died from Colon Cancer, I just decided to bypass my Internist's advice and call my Gastro doc. Long story short, listening to that voice was the best thing I ever did! Who knows where I'd be today had I not called him and requested an appointment. Possibly not even here to type this post! My cancer was caught very early and I was Stage I, no treatment necessary. Thank God I listened to that little voice in my head! I should add I was only 43 when I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, too young all my doctors said. But I indeed had it and I have since discovered this disease is striking younger patients more and more. So if you think you're in the clear b/c you're too young for it, think again. It's rare but I've read stories of people as young as 28 having CC!
So with that said, here are two links from WebMD if anyone is interested in learning more about colorectal cancer:
Symptoms:
http://my.webmd.com/content/article/9/1 ... 6509_00_04
Facts on Screening:
http://my.webmd.com/content/article/83/97815.htm
Please celebrate with me!!! My family and I will celebrate this weekend. Tonight we have my daughter's Confirmation at our Cathedral downtown. I can't think of a better place to be for my 5 Year Mark!
Mary
Glad to hear that you are a cancer free lady! I have no clue what cancer does to you, because I personally have never had it but I have had many family members pass because of it so I will celebrate them through you. Congradulations!