I was diagnosed in November 2008 so I'm just 10 months from the 5 year mark now. My oncologist will have me do one last (hopefully) scan in November. I've shared lots on information on the board about my takedown experience (search "takedown info" and you should find the detailed mini-blog...

Four plus years ago when I started therapy my oncologist had a long talk with me about how vitamins and antioxidant supplements would inhibit the benefits of chemotherapy and he specifically forbid them except as approved by him. I took vitamin D3 (and still do) and I receive B-12 injections (mainly...

Just slightly over 4 years now. Over the last year I've come to the sight much less often and have hardly posted at all in the last few months. For me, it isn't that I don't care or feel like I can't help others, it is that I really miss many of the people we have lost and it is harder for me to mov...

Feel free to check out many of my posts - there are thousands..... Bottomline - it is tougher on cancer patients to come to grips with emotionally but it is not a difficult thing. In fact, I found it easier to deal with in many respects than the urgency and frequency during radiation treatment. Swim...

Here is the link to my detailed miniblog/thread following several months of my post-takedown experience with periodic updates at the year and thereafter points. All in all, I'm very glad I had the takedown surgery. http://coloncancersupport.colonclub.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=10327&p=75111&...

Fantastic news!!!!!!

And a caution - just because a state says it is legal (like california) does not mean that is legal under federal laws. Recently there was major news here of the feds arresting people under the federal laws - for marijuana possession and trafficking.

When I had my oopherectomy (at the time of my rectal cancer resection), they told me it would minimize my risk of ovarian cancer but it would not be absolute - still a risk.

Here is a link to the extensive "mini-blog" I did following my takedown experience.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=10327&p=75111&hilit=takedown+info#p75111

My deep condolences to you Mindy. Rick was a big support to so many on this forum and he will be missed. Rest in peace Rick, rest in peace.

SBL

I simply want to echo the discussion of talking with the onc - and not just the RN. Vitamins are important but can also interfere with chemo. Some can be dangerous for certain people, some can be helpful, some are good but not to be taken until after chemo is done. My onc specifically wanted me NOT ...

Autoimmune complications can come up for some people after chemo. Often in autoimmune conditions there is joint pain.

My doctors talk about chemo simply "aging" someone - and arthritis being commonly developed early. I've often wondered if that is my situation with joint pain.

Oh Bev - I'm sending you many, many prayers and virtual hugs.

Thinking of you.

SBL

I found that if I got copies of every report as I went along it was SO much easier when I was on this website and I'd read things - I could go back to my own reports and I would understand more and more each time. Subsequently, I've had other health issues come up and believe it or not, many of thos...

Congratulations! Enjoy that scotch.