Postby MikeManess » Wed Jun 07, 2017 10:22 pm
Good evening colon cancer campers!
After colon resection surgery, 14 rounds of Folfox and Folfiri plus Avastin, liver surgery, and 10 more rounds of Folfiri + Avastin, I had my very last chemo (for forever?) today and got to ring the last chemo bell as I left. It's a great feeling to have made it this far!
My bosses at FFE Transportation (Frozen Food Express) have gone above and beyond in supporting me during my cancer journey. They supported me for recovery from two surgeries, no complaints for me missing work for chemo, scans, appointments, etc. During days when I feel like crap, they let me work from home. Couldn't ask for better people to work for. I literally owe them my life.
My family and wife have supported me 100% and put up with my chemo mood swings. If I need something, they're always there for me. I've had prayers from all around the world (family and friends) and I totally believe in the power of prayer. My church prays for me, my mother's church, several friends and coworkers. It makes a big difference. And the constant love of my wife has kept me going, kept me going with my treatment, and is always there for me in every way she can.
Attitude. Never let this crap get you down. Don't think about 'what if' but only deal with 'what is'. When you start out, don't think about all the chemo treatments ahead, but the chemo treatment you're having today. Literally live one day at a time and enjoy living! And don't let 'stinking thinking' get to you.
So now I go on to the next phase - no chemo and a life of scans every 2-3 months. I'm wondering what life will be like without the support blanket of chemo to keep me going. Yes, keep me going. Guess it's like being in prison for so long - you get used to the cold gray walls. I was comforted by knowing that cancer wouldn't spread when having chemo. Now? The great unknown. But I get to also live again without side-effects, daring to look beyond my next chemo treatment, and hopefully live a long life, yet.
The great unknown without chemo - I'm ready for it!
3/11/16 Colonoscopy - 9 benign polyps, 1 large cancerous tumor in right ascending colon
4/19/16 Right colectomy
6/3/16 Two liver spots detected, added Avastin to Folfox
12/20/16 Liver surgery. Pathology shows no active cancer cells
6/7/17 Final chemo
12/5/17 Port removed
05/23/18 Liver tumor discovered in scans
04/04/19 Radiation treatment
08/15/19 Additional radiation treatment
08/21/19 NED again