STORM2K

my entire world fell apart. On April 6, 1999, at age 43, a malignant colon tumor was found but since it was very small, doctors thought I only needed a 20 minute surgery to remove it. Surgery was scheduled for April 29, 1999. But on this day, April 28, 1999 I was informed that an ultrasound revealed the tumor was possibly imbedded deeper and I now needed a 3-5 hour operation. I had literally 24 hours to prepare for major surgery and a 7 day hospital stay. Long story short, the surgery was brutal but vital. My surgeon got all the cancer and since I was Stage 1, no further treatment was necessary. In other words, no chemo or radiation was needed. I won't go into details, but I was in intense pain for a while there. Nearly 4 weeks. I will never forget those days.....but I survived. And I'm now 4 years into my 5 year cancer plan. Only 1 year to go until I'm considered "cured". Since 90% of colon cancer returns in the first year, I honestly believe I won't have it again. And if I ever have any symptoms return, you better believe I will run, not walk, to the doctor!

So I'm here to strongly suggest:

- anyone with colon cancer in their family history, please go get a colonoscopy. Don't bother with the other tests, just push for a colonoscopy. It's the best tool docs have to detect polyps.

- anyone over the age of 50, without colon cancer family history, should have a colonoscopy. Period. Don't settle for anything less.

Don't fool around folks, get checked! I'm living proof it can be caught early with a positive outcome!

Don't usually like to sound preachy, but CC is a very important topic with me! I'm done. Thanks for reading everyone!

Not preachy, Miss Mary, but a good common sense approach to a very serious ailment.

We're not only SO happy you have begun that final year of your recovery program, but we are SO happy you are among friends who understand and appreciate the wisdom you have gained from your experience.

I'm personally appreciative of you for had you not been here this past year, I would not be at Storm2k...nor met many good people at Weather.com before this.

May this year be your best one yet!

Steve

Praise the Lord Mary, thanks for sharing this with us! There's no doubt in my mind that the Lord has something GREAT in store for you, your work here is not over by ANY MEANS! Congrats Mary, it's wonderful to hear news like this!

Dennis

Thank you very much, Mary, for sharing this with us, Wxbuddy!

Wonderful to hear that you haven't had any more symptoms since that day, my Friend, and I certainly feel truly Blessed talking with you about various topics!

Eric

Dennis/Steve - well, thanks you two!!! I mainly just want to spread the word - so many people fear going to the doctor in the first place and then hear horror stories about colonoscopies (I've had 7 now, a Vet here!). It's not so bad (the prep's the worst part), not as bad as having surgery, that's for sure!!! I've personally encouraged about 5 friends/family members to get checked. I'm always doing that. Just thought I'd extend that friendly courtesy here, LOL!!! Afterall, Storm2K is my newfound family too!

This thread should be roughly named after our Secretary of State...that is, a "colon poll".

Bill - leave it to YOU to cause me to LOL - literally. You're quite the witty guy.....thanks for that response. Wish I could come up with my own witty response but I can't. Give me more time.....he he

Wait, "I'm glad it's all behind me now" - no, that's pretty lame. I'll work on it, promise!!!!

Mary, I'm very thankful you are doing so well.

My great aunt has beaten cancer twice (in her 40's, and again at age 70), so I know the impact cancer surgery and the recovery (chemo) has on your life; and why I respect cancer survivors so much.

I'll remember you in my prayers Mary..

God bless you,
Perry

So glad to hear you have had such a great outcome. Thanks for sharing this very personal part of your life w/us.
But after all, we are storm2k "family".

Thank you for sharing that personal experience with us Mary. This is a sensetive subject for me and hits quite close to home. My mother had a colonoscopy about 2 weeks ago and they found she had nemourous polyps. The test showed that they were not cancerous. She has been approved for an experimental drug, that removes the polyps without surgery. This is such fantastic news for my family as she does not have any medical insurance. I just pray she has a full recovery and does not need the surgery. She has had 2 surgeries to remove polyps in the past, so I can sympathise with you totally as to the seriousness of the surgery.

What wonderful news that you have had no relapses and are in the last year of your plan.

Cancer is very prevelant in my family (on my Dad's side) I too urge people to have full physicals and encourage men to have there prostates checked, I have lost 3 members of my family to prostate cancer because none of them would have it seen too early enough.

I'm not certain that I want a proctologist poking around my prostitute...one has to wonder about what would drive an MD to specialize in @$$holes, anyway. :o

Nice story, Mary. I wish you luck in your last year of your plan.

I will be going to the doctor soon enough. I am healthy, besides being underweight; which I have mentioned from time to time. Overall I feel fine, despite obvious reasons not too, but they are at all serious really.

I echo, this is the wonderful Storm2K Family.

Hi Mary,

I'm glad you're cancer free and doing well after
4 years, you're a great friend and a nice person as
well. My Dad died from Colon cancer so we take
it seriously in my family. My Dad wasn't tested
for cancer until it was too late so we have learned
from his mistakes of 20 some years ago.

Have a great week Mary, only 2 weeks until our
visit to TWC ,

CSUN

Great story Marry Thank you for sharing it. I will believe in FAITH that you will not get another attack AS AZSNOW put it God does have a great plan for your life! For us to be able to see that plan more clearly we need to diligently seek Him and read His Word.. I have learned this the HARD way But I learned.
God Bless you Marry

Too Blessed to Be Depressed!
Aaron

What a story mary...for the time being i haven't had to deal with the effects of cancer in my family, but it seems like sooner or later smthg will happen. You showed such courage and i hope your last year is just as promising