Living with Colorectal Cancer

My name is Brent, I am 45 years old and I live in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada and on May 3, 2006 I was diagnosed with colon cancer. I had a second colonoscopy after experiencing some real bad bowel problems. A polyp was found, a biopsy was taken and the waiting began for the results of the biopsy. The waiting was the hardest thing I had ever had to experience. Or so I thought. Little did I know the result of that biopsy would change my life forever.

I was called back to my doctor when the results were available. I will never forget the words he spoke to me, “It came back cancer.” The shock of being told I was now a cancer patient rather than a “normal” person was indescribable. My first reaction was to immediately ask my gastroenterologist, “am I going to die”?

I was immediately sent to the local hospital where I was met by a surgeon I was told I would undergo a colectomy, a procedure whereby a section of my colon containing the cancer would be removed. My surgery was scheduled for June 2, 2006.

The surgery was performed, and thus, the recovery began. While in the hospital, I experienced pain, depression fear of the doctors possibly not getting all the cancer and other emotions. I also remember crying alot.

Being a cancer patient made me realize that even with all the love and support I received, I still felt very much alone. I think all cancer patients experience this. Suddenly, all the problems I ever had were meaningless. Now, all I could think about was living. Surviving. Hoping to stay alive just one more day.

Now, one year later, I am proud to say I am a one year cancer survivor. I also participated in my very first Relay For Life Cancer event, and walked in the Survivors first lap. To be among other cancer survivors gave me hope and support and the feeling that others understand what I had been through and the emotions I still deal with.

I learned that when you are struck down with cancer, you indeed have a life changing experience. You go from a normal human being to a cancer patient, then a survivor. I also realize I will be a cancer survivor for the rest of my life. And so too, a cancer patient.

Even though I am in remission, I know and fear that my cancer may or could return. But the real challenge now, is living one day at a time, and hoping for a better future, one free of cancer and a long life. But that is up to God.

I am a member of a very elite group now, cancer survivors. With hope, I will remain one. Even though I still cry sometimes, with the memory of my pain, loneliness, fear and helplessness, I know that with the love of friends and family, I am not alone. They are all there on the sidelines, cheering me on in the race for life or more fittingly, the ultimate relay for life.