The Colon Club

It was two thousand one hundred and fifty-seven days ago when I was diagnosed with rectal cancer and my journey began. What a journey it would become, it wasn't easy. My life would now be forever changed. I had no idea what my future would hold let alone if I even had a future.

Today, for the last time, I walked out of the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre in Barrie after being discharged by my oncologist. No more bloodwork, scans, exams or appointments. I am now officially done, considered cured. Back on October 31st 2013, the thought of living five years cancer free seemed like a lifetime away.

Going forward, I will now attempt to put cancer in my rear view mirror for good. It won’t be easy since cancer will always be a part of my life. I am so grateful that I made it to this day. I’m still waking up on this side of the grass.

The Colon Talk forum will always be my first ‘go - to’ for all CRC related info. This forum was a huge part of my journey and got me through some of my darkest days. My advice for members just starting their journey, chin up, take a deep breath, stay positive and take it one day at a time. Cancer can be beaten.

My journey journal ‘Kick’n Ass Cancer’s Ass’ is a light hearted account of the challenges I encountered after hearing those three awful words “You have cancer.”

https://kicknasscancersass.blogspot.com/

Awesome update! Congratulations!!!

That is great news! Thank you so much for sharing. It brings hope to the rest of us that there is an end to this roller coaster!

Dave

Congratulations! That's wonderful!

I'm enjoying your blog very much, thanks for sharing the link.
(If you don't mind me asking is the Shanahan group a car dealership or Brendan? )

And congratulations on the big C - Cured!
Cheers,
mob

Congrats Mike !

Keep, keeping on diggin' life ... one day at a time !!!

Cheers and Harmony
CRguy

CONGRULATIONS!!!

May you always reside in NEDville

Lee

Congratulations! I've read your blog a couple of times as I have just started my treatment journey - halfway done with 8 rounds folfox! Your blog entries are really helpful, along with all of the great info here on Colon Talk. It's so good to know that feelings I am experiencing have been experienced and conquered by those who have been through treatments and surgery.
Favorite line from the blog: potato skins! Loved how you described the doctor's demeanor during the conversation!
Also, totally love your shout out to caregivers. My DH has been just awesome, going to treatments with me, shopping for all of my food cravings, tolerating my mood swings, etc. All the while not complaining.

Again - congratulations and enjoy your new normal life!

So encouraging. CONGRATULATIONS

mobrouser wrote:I'm enjoying your blog very much, thanks for sharing the link.
(If you don't mind me asking is the Shanahan group a car dealership or Brendan? )

And congratulations on the big C - Cured!
Cheers,
mob

Nice, someone knows their hockey. Yes it is the Shanahan Group as in Brendan. It has been a group that has been playing for probably over 30 years. Brendan's brothers I believe once played followed by a bunch of uncles, cousins over the years. Some were big lacrosse players also. Brendan never played as he was busy playing in the NHL. The group still plays under the Shanahan Group to this day although I don't think any of the guys are now actually related to Brendan.

annieliz wrote:Congratulations! I've read your blog a couple of times as I have just started my treatment journey - halfway done with 8 rounds folfox! Your blog entries are really helpful, along with all of the great info here on Colon Talk. It's so good to know that feelings I am experiencing have been experienced and conquered by those who have been through treatments and surgery.
Favorite line from the blog: potato skins! Loved how you described the doctor's demeanor during the conversation!
Also, totally love your shout out to caregivers. My DH has been just awesome, going to treatments with me, shopping for all of my food cravings, tolerating my mood swings, etc. All the while not complaining.

Again - congratulations and enjoy your new normal life!

Wow a couple times. I could not imagine fighting cancer alone. Caregivers live the journey also. I am happy you have your husband by your side. Just remember if your food cravings happen to include those mini spuds...it ain't your guts in the bowl.

Congratulations on making 5 years! Now I'm going to be a Debbie Downer and say "you can Never trust cancer to stay gone". I am 15 years since my rectal cancer surgery and thought I had a clear run ahead, but no, not to be. In May of this year, I had a colonoscopy and endoscopy scheduled at the same time because I'd been having difficulty swallowing for some months. A mass was found in the esophagus and biopsy showed stage IV esophageal cancer. This is a very nasty cancer with a survival rate close to pancreatic cancer. I've had chemo and radiation and now waiting for a PET scan to show how well those worked. I don't know how this is going to go, but am expecting the worst. So...Sorry but you just can't trust cancer.

Congo rats!

Awesome! Congratulations.