It was ten years ago today

[Ron50]

Hi all,
Today is the 22nd of Jan 2008 (in Australia). On the 22nd Jan 1998 My surgeon removed an aggressive colon tumour and six cancerous nodes(stage3c). My surgeon did not think I would survive ,His exact words to me. My oncologist thought he could probably get me three years.
I ,on the other hand , knew i would survive. I had 48 sesssion of 5fu/levamisole over a year. It made me very ill and it is not a time I remember fondly.. But despite all predictions here I am ten years later still cancer free.
May you all have the same good fortune.
Ron.

[weisssoccermom]

Ron,

Congratulations! You are an inspiration to so many people who are going through this now and don't feel like they have a lot of hope! Thanks for the update. Also, I found it VERY interesting that the time honored standard - good 'ole 5FU-without oxi or anything else got you through all of this! Goes to show you that drug does a good job!

Congrats again. By the way-do they tell you you are CURED yet? Docs don't seem to like that word, but maybe 10 years out-they might start saying it???
Take care.
Jaynee

[nodo]

Thanks for the uplifting post. It is always so comforting to hear and I'm so happy for you.

[Mary316]

Congratulations Ron. And I have to say "thank you" for staying on this board and sharing your experiences and reminding all of us that this is a beatable disease!

[margo b]

Thanks for your post, it is like a sign from God that my husband can be cured too ( colon cancer stage III B dx. July 07) Jan.22 is my Birthday.

[GO BLUE Girl]

Ron,
That's an awesome anniversary, I'm IIIC too and coming up on 4year anniversary and look forward to my 10th! . It is nice to hear about survivors that far out....thanks.
Jaynee, I asked my onc just last month if I would be considered 'cured' at 5 years and he said no but that the risk of getting a reocurrance would be very low. Stay strong...live long....Beth

[Ron50]

Hi Jaynee,
I too am wary of the word cured but yes both my surgeon and oncologist have declared me cured. For many years 5 yrs was considered the cure time but most now consider six years more sure. To reinforce the "cured", red Cross once again allow me to donate blood which i do as often as I can.
Cheers Ron.

[KalisaO]

Thank you! Thank you! It is wonderful when people take the time to share their good news...Congrats on winning the battle with cancer. You are an inspiration to us all. I hope that in 8 years I too can share some hope...

[AugustWest]

That is great news Ron!
You give all of us hope.
Way to Go!

[helen098]

Wow 10 years that must feel great
It gives us all something to look foreword to.

But your still thinking about it 10 years later so I guess
you never really forget.

[sue]

WONDERFUL!!

[Magnolia]

Great news, Ron. I'm another IIIc-er. I'm holding you up as my shining example.

[vancouver eve]

It must be all the great weather in Australia? Congrats and thanks for contributing to all of us on this forum.
Eve

[margotmagoo]

Ron,
News like yours is what we all need to hear! Congratulations to you...a true survivor against the odds the oncs give. I strive to follow in your footsteps!
Margot