Oh my, in reading my post is sounds so negative ... it was meant to be informative and I missed the boat in not including positive info. I am feeling so very well and back at my exercise classes - yoga and pilates - almost daily now, which were so helpful to regaining my strength. I've learned to adapt my life to what I can and can't do as easily now. It's life 'AC' -- After Cancer -- as I call it.

I had been an advocate for my health, having an unusual lung disease. But my experience with cancer and the circumstances of 'finding' it - rather unusual - made me more active in my healthcare. So far, my cancer has not spread outside of my lymph nodes. Yeah!! My fabulous oncologist and his team monitor & review the tests with me, and I'm on meds for the sensory neuropathy which do help somewhat. All in all, life is good!

Musicflowers4u -- The standard protocol for my situation is colonoscopies every 2-3 years; since my cancer, each time the doc has removed 1 or 2 small polyps. I've insisted on a colonoscopy every year, until no polyp is there, so that's what I'm having done. This requires buy-in from the doc, because the doc needs to believe it is needed. And it means a hassle with the insurance company which I understand their concern (there are real life-altering things that can go wrong with the procedure, thankfully somewhat rate).

My surgeon said he sees people like me every day -- people who have no symptoms. That's getting to be so common. So you really do need to advocate for yourself. I'd love to see a blood test developed that can detect something unusual, that indicates an intestinal cancer. And get it taken care of very early.

Peace to all.
Paula

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