Last post

Yes, it's been a while.

I had my follow-up CT scan and colonoscopy on 8/8. CT scan was fine. And according to my oncologist, the colonoscopy was too. However, I was concerned. The result?

The polyp removed from your ascending colon (a site of prior polyp removal) was a sessile serrated adenoma. Sessile serrated adenoma is benign, but may have the potential to become cancerous over time. For this reason, we recommend more frequent colonoscopies than would be recommended if you did not have this polyp. In your case I would like to reinspect this site in 6 months to make sure the polyp is gone.

The polyp was in the same location as one that was removed with my first colonoscopy (where I have a tattoo!). The oncologist said that sometimes they keep reappearing in the same area and after a number of times, they remove that section of the colon. So.... kind of a sword of Damocles hanging over my head. I don't think about it all of the time, but you never really get over the idea that the cancer is waiting to return. People ask how I'm doing and what they want to hear is that I am free of cancer and well. Technically, that won't happen until the five year mark. But then, what?

Until then, I'll enjoy life and revel in the beauty of every day-ness. 

Thanks for listening.

 

Remembering Misa

I first met Misa at an American Cancer Society fundraiser where Amgen sponsored a table. At one point in the evening, they ask any one who is currently being treated for cancer to stand up. David and Misa stood and looked at each other, a look of recognition and understanding. I knew their cancers bonded them in a way that I wouldn't fully comprehend until I was later diagnosed with cancer.

Misa lost her battle to breast cancer on Saturday, June 7th. She was the epitome of grace, kindness, joy and gentleness. She would always find happiness in things, even when undergoing difficult and painful treatments. The treatments I underwent were nothing like she endured. I've learned to find joy in every day moments from Misa.

The earth has lost a beautiful spirit.

Are you ever free from cancer?

From the time she got her initial diagnosis in 2001 until her death in 2006, the same year her book was published, Ms. Engelberg resisted pressure to become “someone nobler and more courageous than I was.”

It is a big deal!

“Colorectal screening is an important public health intervention that has prevented half a million people from the trauma of cancer,” said Dr. Yu. “I think that’s a big deal.”

View from the other side of the examinating table

Interesting article in the NYTimes on an oncologists experience of patient's cancer.

Obituary

David had me read this obituary for Robert Douglas Peth. He sounds like a great person, someone I'd enjoy knowing. It's a long, but worth while read. But in case you're short of time, here's how it ends, "In lieu of flowers, Bob is shouting at you: GET A COLONOSCOPY."

Well said, Bob. Thank you.

Wow, haven't blogged since March!

Yes, I have been busy!

I've been back to work for three weeks now. Playing tennis. And experiencing the kind of energy I must have had before I started treatment. It's true what they say, you never know what you've had until you've lost it. I don't think that I let myself acknowledge just how tired I was when going through treatment. Now that it's done, I feel like a new person!

Taking care to keep up good habits was really important, eating healthy foods, keeping up with exercise even if it was just walking, and having incredible support from David, family and friends!

I found this article in the NYTimes very inspiring! Battling cancer takes all of the strength you have, but in the end, you come out stronger.