The Colon Club

Just realised the 3 year anniversary of my surgery for Stage 3 t4b n1 transverse colon cancer was on the 25th of November.

I have my 3 year scan coming in January, and I'm a couple of weeks overdue for my cea test.

Current state of affairs:

-Work is going well; I've been promoted twice since finishing chemo.

-Relationships are still a nightmare. I was diagnosed with PTSD and the manifestations of this (anxiety, inability to process stresses, emotional distance, mood swings, self destructive behaviour) make it difficult to get far beyond a few months of dating before I scare people off.

-Family life is good; particularly with my daughter, who I am now a solo father to.

-Physical health is good aside from ongoing hernia mesh pains. I strongly recommend to anyone to do your research before agreeing to having abdominal mesh inserted. I am constantly having to balance and adjust my exercise regime and even daily activities to manage chronic pains. I've made great progress but I fear eventually I'll lobbying to have it removed.

-Mental health aside from the PTSD is good. I'm confident of a good result from my January CT, which should be my final one! Watch this space.

I rarely post but read this site nearly every day. My heart is with all of you brave and kind people, and I wish for the absolute best for all of you.

Jay

I hope that you get good results on your January Ct scans!*hugs* Sorry you are dealing with chronic pain!*hugs*

Hi NZ Jay. Congrats on your fast approaching 3 yr cancerversary. You have given me alot of inspiration in the almost 2 years Ive been here and Ive been thinking of you a lot as my DH 2 year scan approaches. I hope you have continued good health and that your luck with the ladies improves! Keep us posted as you never know who you inspire!

Hi fellow kiwi. Good to hear from you again. As mentioned before, we are at a similar place time wise, my surgery was 13 Nov three years ago. I'm told that is a good milestone to reach. I didn't realise you had a mesh hernia repair! So did I, two years ago, but no problems with it. Cancer news is all good - CEA every six months and a good CT scan and colonoscopy during the 3 years. No CT scan scheduled but another colonoscopy in a year. Consultant appts every 9 months so she must be happy with me.
Hope your problems improve as time passes. I think we get quite good care in this country. All the best and hope you are coping with the aftershocks ok! We were very close to going to higher ground in the early hours when there was a tsunami warning, but it was lifted just before we drove off. Keep posting...

Hi Jay

We were both dx around the same time. I have always read your post and happy that you are doing well. I guess in NZ they only scan for three years after surgery. I have been told I will have a minimum of 5 yearly scans. Interesting how NZ and Ontario Canada are different in protocol for monitoring CRC.

Congratulations, and good luck on the next scan. Is the PTSD cancer related?

Congratulations and prayers for the future.

Hi Jay: You and I got here about the same time. My three-year scan will be late February. I don't post much either as there seems to be so much knowledge on here that my response is usually redundant. PM me from time to time and let me know how you're doing.....or I'll PM you...LOL Andre

Really happy for you, Jay! Big congrats.

Hey buddy
3 years is a good place to be !
and sounds like most things are evening out for you

We are ALL works in progress so just keep puttin' one foot ahead of the other
and live life !

Cheers and Harmony
CRguy

Nice to see you again. Hugs and best wishes

Hi Jay, good to hear your update & cool that you
have another NED milestone ticked off
I hope 2017 brings you less pain & maybe even love. But glad to hear thing going well with the most important girl in your life! I find myself still drawn to this place & love reading updates like this.

Congrats Jay. Keep on keeping on

That's really good news NZ! Congratulations on 3yrs out & your promotions! If you're reading, you might as well get on & let us help you w/your love life Give us something different to talk about
Has dialing down some on your weight lifting been less aggravating to the mesh? Or are you one of those go broke or go home kind of guys?

Best Wishes
BS

Jay!! So nice to see you. Hope that pain gets better managed, hope you find help with that. I'm positive the troubles with relationships will be easy with time. Family life being good and having a nice relationship with your daughter shows that you're a loving and loved person... I'm positive you'll find the way around for other meaningful bonds of love in your life. Big hug.