Postby roadrunner » Tue Sep 06, 2022 4:34 pm
Markdale:
An interesting topic. I’m a little over 3 years out from diagnosis and am in an uncertain but hopeful state on the issue you mention. I am by no means certain, or even optimistic, that I’m out of the woods, but am for now NED and feel as good as I ever have. I wouldn’t say that cancer ever leaves my consciousness completely for long, but I think that’s ok. It has sharpened my enjoyment of, and urgency for, life. I have said in the past that if it doesn’t get me, it will have been a great gift (despite a few scars and dings to QOL along the way). That said, I’m grateful when I do forget it for a while, also. I’m never going back to that person I was before, but I try to do everything I can to enjoy the person I am now (some days I succeed better than others). I am beyond grateful that I’m here and healthy enough to make that effort. I do think everyone is different, and so I hope you find your peace with this, whether it’s acceptance or forgetfulness. Not sure if that was helpful, but I hope so.
7/19: RC: Staged IIIA, T2N1M0
approx 4.25 cm, low/mid rectum, mod. well diff.; lung micronodule
8/19-10/19 4 rds.FOLFOX neoadjuvant, 3 w/Oxiplatin (reduced 70-75%)
neoadjuvant chemorad 11/19
4 rounds FOLFOX July-August 2020
ncCR 10/20; biopsies neg
TAE 11/20, tumor cells removed
Chest CT 3/30/21 growth in 2 nodules (3 and 5mm)
VATS 12/8/21 sub-pleural met 7mm.
SBRT nodule 1/22
6/20/22 TAE rectal polyp benign)
NED from 3/22 - 3/23
4 cycles FOLFIRI
LUL VATS lobectomy for radio resistant met 7/7/23