My new normal here to stay: 3 years out colon re-section surgery

Posted by virgo1952 @virgo1952, Sep 5, 2023

Hi Colon Supporters! . You may have seen my comments/ stories along the way. This last year I have concluded that my new normal is here to stay.

I am going to see a GI Specialist, who will oversee my ongoing care. My next colonoscopy will be in October/November 2023 and I am nervous since at the 3-5 year mark, you can find cancer again. I try to take very good care of myself (including stress management!). so I will see.

Thank you to those who have run across my writing and sent an acknowledgement.
I will be for ever grateful to the group for holding my hand through the scary times. I hope you all are feeling the support and caring that is evident from this group. Take care. virgo52

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Colorectal Cancer Support Group.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Sep 19, 2023

Hello @virgo1952!
Your message sounds positively positive. I'm so happy for you.

The discussion you started when you first joined Mayo Clinic Connect continues to help many many new members who are starting their journy with colorectal cancer.
- Sigmoid colon resection: What to expect for recovery? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/sigmoid-colon-resection-10282019/

I'm confident that fellow members like @lisag03 @sundance6 @corn50 @paul28 @mercator @joey1987 @texasdeb that you've mentored or been supported by will join this celebratory discussion.

I think it's pretty normal to be nervous about the upcoming colonoscopy. But you know it's the best thing to do.

Congrats on taking good care of yourself, including stress management. What coping tools do you use for stress management? What favorite activities bring you joy?

lisag03 | @lisag03 | Sep 19, 2023

@virgo1952 is this your first colonoscopy since your NED diagnosis ? I was absolutely nervous. I’m hearing my five year mark, and already have my remaining appts scheduled with oncology before they let me go. I’ll continue being treated by my GI, and will have colonoscopy every 7 month or year, but that’s because I have ulcerative colitis which requires monitoring and surveillance

I hope your new care team is a great fit. It’s probably our new normal to be worried by every thing we interpret as a symptom. This group is such a girt

joey1987 | @joey1987 | Sep 19, 2023

In reply to @colleenyoung "Hello @virgo1952! Your message sounds positively positive. I'm so happy for you. The discussion you started..." + (show)

Hey virgo this is joey i have mine coming up and my ct scan too its been a year since operation im scared as heck but i feel great and i will send every positive vibe i have to your successful mission!!!

paul28 | @paul28 | Sep 19, 2023

In reply to @lisag03 "@virgo1952 is this your first colonoscopy since your NED diagnosis ? I was absolutely nervous. I’m..." + (show)

I just figured out what NED means!
This site is such a medical educational bonanza!!
Paul

joey1987 | @joey1987 | Sep 19, 2023

Hey virgo this is joey1987 i am coming up on my one year colonoscopy and ct scan too i am scared bigtime but i have faith and will be sending you all positive vibes my friend!!!!

virgo1952 | @virgo1952 | Sep 19, 2023

In reply to @colleenyoung "Hello @virgo1952! Your message sounds positively positive. I'm so happy for you. The discussion you started..." + (show)

Hi Fearless Leader! It all started with you that day. Answering my inquiry and from there it grew 😁
My favorite go to for stress management is mother nature. A walk around our beautiful lake, digging in my flower garden and a long bike ride on a country road.
As you mentioned, this upcoming colonoscopy is a hurdle for me emotionally, but my motto “ be brave” leaves no room for not showing up. Besides, I have an upcoming trip in 2024 and I plan on going. Thanks for your comment. It is always a pleasure to hear from you. Take care.
virgo 52

virgo1952 | @virgo1952 | Sep 19, 2023

In reply to @paul28 "I just figured out what NED means! This site is such a medical educational bonanza!! Paul" + (show)

Oh yeah. Must be a newbie 😘

virgo1952 | @virgo1952 | Sep 19, 2023

In reply to @joey1987 "Hey virgo this is joey1987 i am coming up on my one year colonoscopy and ct..." + (show)

Thanks Paul. I appreciate your well wishes. I will send positive energy your way for your one year mark. You got this 👍

virgo1952 | @virgo1952 | Sep 19, 2023

In reply to @joey1987 "Hey virgo this is joey1987 i am coming up on my one year colonoscopy and ct..." + (show)

Oops! Sorry Joey for calling you Paul. At least it was the right gender 🤪

corn50 | @corn50 | Sep 19, 2023

Hi, all.
Positive thought, attitude and action is a huge key to dealing with our health and maintaining good health. Human beings are strong animals! Tell yourself “I will get through this” and remind yourself this is one speed bump and many folks are going down a road littered with bigger and more frequent speed bumps! Be always thankful for what you have and know you can do it, but if you falter - Mother Mayo is here to assist!

Carry on!