julieb
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,845 
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Post by julieb on Aug 21, 2014 13:47:13 GMT
We recently found out that my dd's bf's brother has been diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. DD's bf is devastated, as his brother is in his 30's. A complete shock.
Please share your survival stories! |
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Post by eebud on Aug 21, 2014 14:03:18 GMT
My thoughts go out to the brother and his friends and family. He has a tough road ahead but it can definitely be beat.
My cousin was diagnosed with Stage 1 colon cancer. She went through chemo and was told that she had a 95% chance of no recurrence. She completed her chemo and moved on with life. Six months later, she started having issues. I don't remember all of the specific issues. It turned out she was now in Stage 4 colon cancer. At one point, they thought it was inoperable. She was able to get back with her original doctor who said that it was operable and it was curable, although the chances were much slimer than before. She had surgery and then started chemo again. She actually tolerated the chemo much easier the 2nd time around. Not sure if it was a different type of chemo or what. She has been doing great!! She is tested at regular intervals and is cancer free. She feels good and has been traveling and enjoying life.
She told me that one thing that was a HUGE help to her was that she found a wonderful therapist that she really clicked with and her sessions have really helped her deal with everything. Also, with her recurrence, she took control of her medical care and her life and this reduced her stress level greatly. The first time around, so many in her family were trying to help but ultimately, it just made things more stressful for her because she didn't feel like she had any sayso in her life.
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Post by Darcy Collins on Aug 21, 2014 14:14:49 GMT
I have a family member who is 7 years cancer free after stage 4 colon cancer. With stage 4, they were pretty darn aggressive with treatment, and it was very hard on his body - but he was in his 60s. It definitely took some time to rebuild his strength, but I just saw him a few months ago, and I was amazed at just how strong and healthy he looks approaching his 70s - you wouldn't guess he'd had such a bad patch. Hopefully as a healthy 30 year old, your friend will tolerate the treatment well and will have many more years of good health.
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Post by mikklynn on Aug 21, 2014 15:24:59 GMT
My dear friend and neighbor is approaching her 5 year clear anniversary. She had surgery and a colostomy. About a year later had the colostomy reversed and is doing great!
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craftykitten
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,304
Jun 26, 2014 7:39:32 GMT
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Post by craftykitten on Aug 21, 2014 15:48:30 GMT
Mine wasn't discovered as stage 3 until after my surgery (it had spread to my lymph nodes).
I was 25 when I was diagnosed, and had some pretty brutal chemo and radiotherapy, plus an ileostomy for two years. My 5-year anniversary is coming up in a couple of months. I am cancer-free and most of the time you wouldn't even know I'd ever had a problem. My ileostomy was reversed a couple of years ago, and apart from taking Immodium every day (to slow things down because I have a bit less bowel now) I'm fine.
Bowel cancer in young people is on the increase, and it's really tough. I always thought of it as an older person's illness, and the reaction of people when I told them was always "But you're so young!" I actually found that quite difficult to deal with - people looking for a reason - but that's my issue. Like eebud's cousin, I found a great therapist who really helped me.
For me, the hardest long-term issue has been the loss of fertility due to the radiotherapy. I guess it's different for men, and I don't know his situation, but I would encourage him to talk to someone about it. BUT - I kept a diary during my treatment and I often turn back to the page where I wrote: 'I will give anything to get healthy and be able to live the rest of my life.' I am very lucky, and happy with my life now.
Good luck, and I'm here if you have any other questions.
Kate x
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calgal08
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,519
Jun 27, 2014 15:43:46 GMT
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Post by calgal08 on Aug 21, 2014 15:55:27 GMT
2 close friends were both diagnosed @ stage 3, one was in her 20's and the other in her 40's - both of them kicked cancer's ass :-)
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inkedup
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,837
Jun 26, 2014 5:00:26 GMT
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Post by inkedup on Aug 21, 2014 16:05:29 GMT
One of our dear friends was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 colorectal cancer. He is 36.
These positive stories are wonderful.
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