Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Five Years


Today is exactly five years since my diagnosis with colon cancer. The statistics I faced then were a 50% chance of surviving two years and a 5% chance of surviving five.

Some mechanical highlights: surgical tumor removal and colostomy, chemotherapy, exploratory surgery, peritonectomy and continuously heated intra-abdominal chemotherapy, colostomy reversal and temporary loop ileostomy, ileostomy reversal, chemotherapy, radiation, more chemotherapy, more different chemotherapy, tumor reduction and continuously heated intra-abdominal chemotherapy, colostomy, and radiation (ongoing).

Some emotional highlights: time with friends and family, travel, productive work, creativity, games, movies, good food, live music, and new experiences.

The amount of support it took to get me through these five years (and maintain most of my sanity) is illustrated by this collage of just some of the get well cards my girlfriend gave me for nearly every doctor's office visit and treatment session during these years.

6 comments:

Mary Moore said...

It is good to hear from you today. I check your blog almost every day and appreciate that you are sharing your life as you battle this disease. Your attitude and determination are amazing! Five years! Wow!!

Matthew Zachary said...

Happy Cancerversary!

Matthew Zachary
Founder/CEO
I'm Too Young For This! Cancer Foundation

alena said...

Hi -

I wrote to you a few months ago regarding my brother-in-law, Gregg. He has since passed away from colorectal cancer. I just wanted to let you know that your blog continues to inspire me. Anything is possible! I'll continue to read.

Congratulations on your anniversary. You've fought so hard to be well.

alena said...

Just checking in to see how you're doing because you haven't updated in a while. I hope you're well.

Salvo Di Grazia said...

I think i'll write about you and your history on my blog.
Thanks and good luck.
:)

W.

ConvaTec said...

Thanks for sharing . People who find it really difficult to live life normally after Ostomy may also take help from the Ostomy bag that you can wear inside your cloths so that you can wear the dresses of your own choice without any tension.
colostomy surgery
ostomy appliance
colostomy bag care
ostomy
colostomy bag price in india