I'm so new here, with an old story

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Shellbell

I'm so new here, with an old story

Postby Shellbell » Fri Aug 25, 2006 9:34 am

Hi, I am new here. Have been member of osteomates online uoaa webstie since 3 months into my journey. wasn't aware this was here, i wish i had know. .
i was 29 last october when i woke up with an bag and staples. had never heard of an ostomy.
This has been a year of change, last summer i had some rectal bleeding, always was tired, lost weight(on weight watchers thought) thought it was from birth of my son 3-1/2 years prior, i had felt that way all along, and the symptoms weren't adding up.
i was treated all summer for ibs,stress, just "cramps" ect.
in september the pain was unbearable, my parents divorcing and my brothers wedding seemed the culpret.
3 days in october before my brothers wedding, i ended up in the er 3-4 times, they finally did an xray and saw a blockage. .i missed the wedding
(i was maid of honor) and had a 9 day hospital stay...
the tumor completely blocked my colon, they removed 4 inches and put in colostomy.
i went thru 51/2 months of chemo dec. through may. it was the longest 5 months of my life.
my family and church were very supportive, and prayed me throught it all.
my husband has been wonderful through this and i still can't believe what has happened
august 8th they reversed my ostomy (frankie, was his name)
i'm sitting here steri-stripped together, almost healed up, not quite normal. i think in about a month i'll be good.
learning to use the loo again.
what a long strange trip this has been
i wish i knew about this before. the youth discussion group on uoaa. has been wonderful gettting me throught the ostomy part.
the chemo and realizing of cancer i would still like to discuss.
i'm glad i found this.
how can i get the word out you don't have to be "old" to have colon cancer.
been thinking about it since this started.
thanks for letting me rant!!!!

Shell
Posts: 4
Joined: Fri Aug 25, 2006 9:19 am
Contact:

Postby Shell » Fri Aug 25, 2006 9:44 am

Now i'm a member.
also my cancer was stage 3.
contained to colon. the chemo was preventative because of my age.
they said i'd had the tumor 5-10 years.
soooo. crazy
But I'm so blessed!!!!
I'm alive!

Magnolia
Posts: 1514
Joined: Fri Jul 14, 2006 2:38 pm
Location: Virginia

Postby Magnolia » Fri Aug 25, 2006 3:52 pm

Welcome to the board, Shell. I'm stage III too. I'm on chemo and almost done with it. I'll finish up in early October. Nice to hear from you.

Lee
Posts: 6207
Joined: Sun Apr 16, 2006 4:09 pm

Postby Lee » Fri Aug 25, 2006 7:24 pm

Shell,

Welcome to the board. I was diagnosed over 2 yrs ago with stage 3 rectal cancer.
rectal cancer - April 2004
46 yrs old at diagnoses
stage III C - 6/13 lymph positive
radiation - 6 weeks
surgery - August 2004/hernia repair 2014
permanent colostomy
chemo - FOLFOX
NED - 16 years and counting!

NICK THE BRIT
Posts: 161
Joined: Fri Aug 11, 2006 5:45 am
Location: BIRMINGHAM ENGLAND

Postby NICK THE BRIT » Sat Aug 26, 2006 9:07 am

Hi Shell, i'm stage 3 aswell. 31 years old. Likewise it all happened so quick for me to. Just going through my chemo, 3rd cycle next week. Im having the Oxylplatin (infusion) followed by 2 weeks of Xeloda then a week off, and yes the club is fantastic to get young persons views aswell as older persons. Middle aged is a better word. Best of luck.

Magnolia
Posts: 1514
Joined: Fri Jul 14, 2006 2:38 pm
Location: Virginia

Postby Magnolia » Sun Aug 27, 2006 9:40 am

Yes, Nick, Middle aged is better. I'm 52 and VERY young. I've been a bride for four years and a mother for eight. I'm new at all of this. Most people my age are grandparents. I'm way too young for this. Aren't we all?

NICK THE BRIT
Posts: 161
Joined: Fri Aug 11, 2006 5:45 am
Location: BIRMINGHAM ENGLAND

Postby NICK THE BRIT » Mon Aug 28, 2006 3:31 am

We most certainly are, i mean its bloody typical. I became a dad for the first time myself last November after my partner had 4 miscarriges. So a little bundle of joy turns up, then bang! but the good thing is he keeps me busy whilst they pump these chemicals in.

User avatar
Sweet Peg
Posts: 158
Joined: Thu Sep 01, 2005 7:11 am
Location: Iowa
Contact:

Postby Sweet Peg » Mon Aug 28, 2006 8:59 am

Welcome to the Club Shell!!

I am a Stage IIIa myself. 19 months cancer free now! It has been a long road but with the help of friends, family and everyone here, I am doing just great! Hang in there and keep checking back here for support and any help you can get.

Peg

Shell
Posts: 4
Joined: Fri Aug 25, 2006 9:19 am
Contact:

Postby Shell » Mon Aug 28, 2006 2:12 pm

Thanks for the welcome.
Really glad to be here!!! :D
it's just nice to know you're not alone


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