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
Cancer Free for 5 Years Now!!!!
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Miss Mary
Cancer Free for 5 Years Now!!!!
Last edited by Miss Mary on Thu Apr 29, 2004 6:08 am, edited 2 times in total.
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stormraiser
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Mary that is such good news. My grandfather has been free for that long from Prostate Cancer. At his age, he just had the operation. He didn't want Chemo or radiation because he said he had lived his life and any more he gets is a bonus. He is a great example. And 5 years later, he is cancer free
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azskyman
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Happy 5th Birthday Mary! Your are living proof of getting those checkups and following through with care if it is needed!
As you know, my partner at work has been cancer free now, too, and he, like you, considers every new day a blessing and a gift.
You not only have reason to celebrate, but so do we here at Storm2k. There are some of us who would not have come to know each other were it not for your positive spirit and energy...all a product of getting your second breath after your surgery.
Congratulations again to you and your family!
As you know, my partner at work has been cancer free now, too, and he, like you, considers every new day a blessing and a gift.
You not only have reason to celebrate, but so do we here at Storm2k. There are some of us who would not have come to know each other were it not for your positive spirit and energy...all a product of getting your second breath after your surgery.
Congratulations again to you and your family!
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wx247
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These are the kind of inspirational stories that make my day. Congratulations Miss Mary!
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The posts in this forum are NOT official forecast and should not be used as such. They are just the opinion of the poster and may or may not be backed by sound meteorological data. They are NOT endorsed by any professional institution or storm2k.org. For official information, please refer to the NHC and NWS products.
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That is terrific news!! 
My dad about 4 years back had a big scare, quite a few polyps removed but all turned out to be benign, and he has been doing well on every check-up since then, so your story strikes a chord because I've been through the worrying! I hope you have a wonderful celebration! (((hug)))
My dad about 4 years back had a big scare, quite a few polyps removed but all turned out to be benign, and he has been doing well on every check-up since then, so your story strikes a chord because I've been through the worrying! I hope you have a wonderful celebration! (((hug)))
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Miss Mary
Thank you all so much for celebrating with me! I had tears just reading all of your wonderful responses/cheers/hugs.....you're the best internet 'family' anyone could ask for!!! And I'm gonna hold on tight to you guys.....a few weeks back things looked rocky around here, so much so that I almost took a long break. Gasp!!! Just knowing you're surrounding me with congrats today, just proves to me how wonderful you all are!!!!
And Steph, still praying for you dear friend. It will be fine, I feel certain of that!
Mary
And Steph, still praying for you dear friend. It will be fine, I feel certain of that!
Mary
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Mary, congratulations on your 5 years! That is terrific news. I completely agree that getting screened is an absolute must. I hope all the women here go for their annual woman's health exam. For all the men here, I hope you get your exam too, it may be uncomfortable, but it's sooooo worth it. Caught early, many types of cancers can be overcome, such as in the case of Miss Mary. Don't wait, it may be too late. May God bless us all!
...Jennifer...
...Jennifer...
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Stephanie
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Miss Mary wrote:Thank you all so much for celebrating with me! I had tears just reading all of your wonderful responses/cheers/hugs.....you're the best internet 'family' anyone could ask for!!! And I'm gonna hold on tight to you guys.....a few weeks back things looked rocky around here, so much so that I almost took a long break. Gasp!!! Just knowing you're surrounding me with congrats today, just proves to me how wonderful you all are!!!!
And Steph, still praying for you dear friend. It will be fine, I feel certain of that!
Mary
We're better and stronger for it!!! The place wouldn't be the same without you friend!!! I'm glad that you stayed.
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TOOT!!! TOOT!!!! TOOT!!!!!! TOOT!!!!! TOOT THAT HORN!!!!
WONDERFUL NEWS MISS MARY!!!!! {{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}
Prayers of joy and celebration for GODS WONDERFUL GIFTS heading up as I type and special prayers of joy for you and your family!!
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