Living with Colorectal Cancer

I was diagnosed Feburary 5th, 2007 after my first colonoscopy at age 57. It was an apple-core tumor in my sigmoid section. The tumor was removed along with 24 lymph nodes, two days later and followed a month after that with six months of chemotherapy

My oncologist put me on the group of drugs known as Folfox. The longer I was on the treatment, the more my body reacted against it. But, I was determined to make the best of it, even going to work hooked up to the 48-hour infusion bags. I was lucky. I only stayed home all day three times during treatment because I was too sick to go to work.

About halfway through the treatment, my liver numbers were really failing so I was put on the Folfiri regimen. My body reacted better to this treatment, and I noticed a shift in the days I was most tired.

What I had not prepared for was the blood clots in my legs as soon as chemotherapy ended. I was put back in the hospital on lovenox shots to break up the clots and then on blood thinners. This fight has lasted longer than the original fight to free myself from cancer.

I continue to wear the port-a-cath and darken the door of the cancer clinic once a week to monitor my blood.

After my diagnosis, I began to notice others who were affected by cancer. We monitor each others progress and joy in each others milestones. I continue to be amazed that I can grow so much compassion for others in such a short amount of time. I also continue to remember the group I had treatments with and try to channel all the positive thoughts and white light I can muster in their general direction. They are my soulmates.

Although I wish I had never had cancer, It taught me to love unconditionally, rely on my family, and receive blessings from my friends. I don’t think my soul would have been complete without this total experience in submitting myself.

I find pleasure in things that I merely glanced over in the past. Like the smell of new mown grass or the tart taste of orange juice. My senses have taken on a new life.

My advice for those who are faced with this challenge is to submit yourself to the treatments. Be grateful for each day and treat everyone with the benefit of the doubt. Watch uplifting movies and read positive books. Smile! You can face this as others have done before you. No matter what happens, you will be fine. You will be better than the cancer.