Hello to my fellow warriors out there.
Today, I saw my oncologist for my 4.5 year post surgical follow up. I was diagnosed with signet ring cell adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid colon in January, 2016. I had 18 inches of colon removed on 2/8/2016. After 5 weeks of post surgical healing, I received 12 treatments of Folfox every other week which lasted 6 months. I was 48 at the time and my children were 10 and 12 years old.
I found this website years ago when I was having insomnia and terror of having such a very rare diagnosis. I found hope through many members on this board, but specifically Dori. You may not know that sharing your stories and your hopes help someone battling out there but they do.
My CT scan showed no evidence of disease. My blood work was great. My CEA was a 2.0 but for me the CEA is not a reliable indicator because it was never elevated by very much. I will have another scan in 6 months and that will bring me to the 5 year point. After that I will have annual scans/check ups. I am not to the point where my doctor will declare me "cancer free" but with every passing day/week/month I am getting closer. I am a work in progress. The mental piece of this battle is difficult but so important. I hope that anyone who reads this will take advantage of support groups, counseling, or other professional help. I am starting to think it won't be colon cancer that ends my life. Meanwhile, please please please wear your masks and be careful with this pandemic. I spoke with my very skilled and brilliant oncologist regarding this today and she strongly encourages distancing and mask use until a vaccine is available. It would suck for my desire to attend a concert or BBQ without a mask to be the end of me after all I have battled and fought for.
Much love and strength to all my warriors out there. Stay strong.
Stage 3C n2a, t4b 35/56 lymph nodes positive for Signet Ring Cell Adenocarcinoma, Sigmoid Colon