[JustinD]

Originally Posted by pawpawdiv9

Thanks for sharing
The cancer ride has been rough but I keep going
Hope you doing alright - which kind is yours?
I visit my next month and very nervous after my treatments

I have had more surgeries than I can count, but doing very well right now. 2010 was stage 3 colon cancer and was a removal of 80% of my large intestines. In 2020, it returned full force and was colorectal cancer. I was given an illeostomy and had basically the remainder of my colon, rectum, and all other parts to be polite removed. I have a rear like a gi Joe figure now, lol.

It was a hell of an experience and I had to relearn to walk due to the depth of the surgery. That said, I just have to use a cane occasionally now. And things are looking good that I will keep puttering along.

My survival has been a bit of luck and being stubborn as shit that I will attend my son’s wedding someday and see my future grandchildren. They have told me to get my affairs together and arrangements made about four times now. But I am still here and not giving up. Now I just have to go in every six months for a cat-scan and full testing, I actually just did that Wednesday. I also get MRIs at least yearly or if the specialists feel necessary. As long as they keep giving me the thumbs up, I put those worries to the back burner. You can be a sad sack and fear something that may or may not happen which I have fallen prey to at times. But now I do my best to hope for best instead of constantly thinking about the worst and my life is a ton better.

I would also recommend joining a local group of survivors and patients. I found one on the net and attend monthly. It really fights the woe is me depression when you are in a room of people that genuinely understand and can help you with your questions. My support group has been the best move I have made in the past few years and has given me some great friends.