New to site
Posted: Thu Aug 09, 2018 12:16 pm
Not new to this cancer journey. I discovered this site a little over a year ago, right after being diagnosed with stage iv colon cancer. The information and emotional support I've received here from just reading the posts has been such a blessing. I've wanted to join numerous times, but for whatever reason never did. I feel now is the time and I hope to be able to help others in the same way I feel I've been helped by members here.
A little background. There's no history of colon cancer in my family. I was diagnosed March 2017 at the ripe old age of 49 with a 5cm tumor in my colon and multiple liver mets in both lobes. Over the following month, I was told by at least 4 doctors (oncologists and a surgeon) to get my affairs in order because I had less than 2 years to live. Obviously, my family was devastated as I have 3 kids (ages 9, 11 and 13 at the time). I've always been told I'm hardheaded (I call it being determined) which I believe helped me tremendously in this situation. On May 1, 2017, I traveled to NYC to get a fourth opinion from MSK with the great Dr. Nancy Kemeny (oncologist) and Dr. Michael D'Angelica (surgeon). This proved to be the best decision I have ever made. At that visit I heard the word "cure" for the first time. Both doctors were incredibly confident in their abilities and fully intended to do their best to rid my body of cancer. My last surgery was July 21, 2017 and chemo finished up on February 28, 2018. After 2 major surgeries (colon and liver resections), 14 rounds of systemic chemo and 5 rounds of liver directed chemo (via the HAI pump MSK implanted), I am cancer free.
It has been a difficult struggle - the hardest thing I've ever had to do. But over the past year, I have met some truly incredible people that I would never have met had I not been diagnosed with this terrible disease.
I hope to be a help to new members who feel overwhelmed by a recent cancer diagnosis or anyone just needing someone to listen.
Hiker
A little background. There's no history of colon cancer in my family. I was diagnosed March 2017 at the ripe old age of 49 with a 5cm tumor in my colon and multiple liver mets in both lobes. Over the following month, I was told by at least 4 doctors (oncologists and a surgeon) to get my affairs in order because I had less than 2 years to live. Obviously, my family was devastated as I have 3 kids (ages 9, 11 and 13 at the time). I've always been told I'm hardheaded (I call it being determined) which I believe helped me tremendously in this situation. On May 1, 2017, I traveled to NYC to get a fourth opinion from MSK with the great Dr. Nancy Kemeny (oncologist) and Dr. Michael D'Angelica (surgeon). This proved to be the best decision I have ever made. At that visit I heard the word "cure" for the first time. Both doctors were incredibly confident in their abilities and fully intended to do their best to rid my body of cancer. My last surgery was July 21, 2017 and chemo finished up on February 28, 2018. After 2 major surgeries (colon and liver resections), 14 rounds of systemic chemo and 5 rounds of liver directed chemo (via the HAI pump MSK implanted), I am cancer free.
It has been a difficult struggle - the hardest thing I've ever had to do. But over the past year, I have met some truly incredible people that I would never have met had I not been diagnosed with this terrible disease.
I hope to be a help to new members who feel overwhelmed by a recent cancer diagnosis or anyone just needing someone to listen.
Hiker