Survivor Stories
Patients, survivors, friends and family say it best. The following testimonials were submitted by people whose lives have been touched by colon cancer. These stories are from real people’s actual experiences.
I was diagnosed with cancer over 23 years ago.
First I was too scared to see a doctor: If I only I knew how to recognize signs of irregularity like bright red spots or dark “tarry” stools was a sign of blood in the stool. I didn’t notice the problem until I was literally bleeding with each bowel movement. This went on for quite some time, but I was too embarrassed and too scared to go to a doctor.
Then I was too scared NOT to see a doctor: The pain was so severe like a piercing knife through my spine I knew something was wrong. My gynecologist said to me the blood was too excessive and was going on for far too long and was certain it was not related to my nerves. He gave me the name of a proctologist to make an appointment for a colonoscopy and that’s how they found the polyp. As a result, my surgery warranted an irreversible colostomy. After enduring 22 radiation treatments only lasting 22 seconds each session, this surgery lead to an ileostomy, due to post-radiation burn and other post-surgery complications. My doctor told me if I would have only come to him when the symptoms first occurred he could have removed the polyp and we would have avoided all the rest. If only there was a recall button.
I know my drive and perseverance to fight was what helped me, thank the Lord. You must make an active choice to fight for your life as I did. I often cry out to the Lord and especially when we are going through a very tough time it’s difficult to pray or think of scriptures, but I would urge you to remember that the Lord refuses to quit on us. When we are too weak to pray the Holy Spirit intercedes with God’s will on our behalf (Rom. 8:26-27). That comforts me immensely and I hope that it will comfort you too.
Living with an ileostomy was quite different for me it limits the amount of food (selection and quantity) that I can intake. Remember I’m working with my small intestines only. Some of the most nutritional foods that are good for most people (vegetables, fruit, fiber…) cannot be easily digested by many people with ileostomy though all cases are different. It is important to eat small meals frequently throughout the day as the ileostomy never stops working so you can easily become dehydrated and have an electrolyte imbalance. I know this from experience. The waste out-put with an ileostomy is more liquid then the paste out-put that a colostomy produces. I had to be very careful ensuring I have enough fluids and in order to get the necessary nutrients I would lack from not being able to eat vegetables and fruit etc I learned to take 1-3 Ensure Plus a day. I also drink Gatorade to replenish electrolytes lost from having an ileostomy. Electrolyte imbalance can include loss of appetite, drowsiness, abdominal cramps and faint feelings. Seek medical help immediately! While most people should avoid salt I need to take an extra serving of salt to put back all that is lost from the fluid out-put of an ileostomy. For quite a while in addition to table salt I had to take salt tablets. Consult your physician about the proper amount your body requires.
Ten years post-radiation treatment I was diagnosed with lymphedema in one leg due to radiation burn. I learned to manage this being a fighter and a survivor, and I was determined to live life to it's fullest by using a combination of leg wrapping, compression stockings, elevating my legs, and specialized lymphatic massage therapy. But only four years ago when being treated for UTI given Leviquin by IV drip I ended up with Neuropathy in the same limb that I have lymphedema (my weakest limb). I woke up paralyzed in one leg the next day. I only recently discovered and started my treatment using the ReBuilder Treatment System, also used by Cancer Treatment Center's of America, which since I've been using it I've regained movement in my toes which were previously numb and lifeless. I now feel temperatures and can even walk without my cane (though I still use it since it's only been eight days).
I am so grateful to God for this miracle and for finally gaining some relief. I highly recommend investigating if this treatment is right for you if you have neuropathy. It is covered up to 80% by Medicare.
I know life isn’t always easy, but it sure is good to be alive! Live in the present moment and be grateful and seek joy and find ways to bring joy and help to others in need.
It's my desire come alongside other cancer survivors and family members as an outreach to be there for those going through cancer treatment and after care. That's why I'm using my survivor story to advocate for Early Testing and to help others. Please visit (http://chatwithdeedee.wordpress.com/about/) and share my blog with others who may have colorectal cancer or similar. If you are feeling or experiencing something similar, I’d love to hear from you. Email me littledeet@yahoo.com
First I was too scared to see a doctor: If I only I knew how to recognize signs of irregularity like bright red spots or dark “tarry” stools was a sign of blood in the stool. I didn’t notice the problem until I was literally bleeding with each bowel movement. This went on for quite some time, but I was too embarrassed and too scared to go to a doctor.
Then I was too scared NOT to see a doctor: The pain was so severe like a piercing knife through my spine I knew something was wrong. My gynecologist said to me the blood was too excessive and was going on for far too long and was certain it was not related to my nerves. He gave me the name of a proctologist to make an appointment for a colonoscopy and that’s how they found the polyp. As a result, my surgery warranted an irreversible colostomy. After enduring 22 radiation treatments only lasting 22 seconds each session, this surgery lead to an ileostomy, due to post-radiation burn and other post-surgery complications. My doctor told me if I would have only come to him when the symptoms first occurred he could have removed the polyp and we would have avoided all the rest. If only there was a recall button.
I know my drive and perseverance to fight was what helped me, thank the Lord. You must make an active choice to fight for your life as I did. I often cry out to the Lord and especially when we are going through a very tough time it’s difficult to pray or think of scriptures, but I would urge you to remember that the Lord refuses to quit on us. When we are too weak to pray the Holy Spirit intercedes with God’s will on our behalf (Rom. 8:26-27). That comforts me immensely and I hope that it will comfort you too.
Living with an ileostomy was quite different for me it limits the amount of food (selection and quantity) that I can intake. Remember I’m working with my small intestines only. Some of the most nutritional foods that are good for most people (vegetables, fruit, fiber…) cannot be easily digested by many people with ileostomy though all cases are different. It is important to eat small meals frequently throughout the day as the ileostomy never stops working so you can easily become dehydrated and have an electrolyte imbalance. I know this from experience. The waste out-put with an ileostomy is more liquid then the paste out-put that a colostomy produces. I had to be very careful ensuring I have enough fluids and in order to get the necessary nutrients I would lack from not being able to eat vegetables and fruit etc I learned to take 1-3 Ensure Plus a day. I also drink Gatorade to replenish electrolytes lost from having an ileostomy. Electrolyte imbalance can include loss of appetite, drowsiness, abdominal cramps and faint feelings. Seek medical help immediately! While most people should avoid salt I need to take an extra serving of salt to put back all that is lost from the fluid out-put of an ileostomy. For quite a while in addition to table salt I had to take salt tablets. Consult your physician about the proper amount your body requires.
Ten years post-radiation treatment I was diagnosed with lymphedema in one leg due to radiation burn. I learned to manage this being a fighter and a survivor, and I was determined to live life to it's fullest by using a combination of leg wrapping, compression stockings, elevating my legs, and specialized lymphatic massage therapy. But only four years ago when being treated for UTI given Leviquin by IV drip I ended up with Neuropathy in the same limb that I have lymphedema (my weakest limb). I woke up paralyzed in one leg the next day. I only recently discovered and started my treatment using the ReBuilder Treatment System, also used by Cancer Treatment Center's of America, which since I've been using it I've regained movement in my toes which were previously numb and lifeless. I now feel temperatures and can even walk without my cane (though I still use it since it's only been eight days).
I am so grateful to God for this miracle and for finally gaining some relief. I highly recommend investigating if this treatment is right for you if you have neuropathy. It is covered up to 80% by Medicare.
I know life isn’t always easy, but it sure is good to be alive! Live in the present moment and be grateful and seek joy and find ways to bring joy and help to others in need.
It's my desire come alongside other cancer survivors and family members as an outreach to be there for those going through cancer treatment and after care. That's why I'm using my survivor story to advocate for Early Testing and to help others. Please visit (http://chatwithdeedee.wordpress.com/about/) and share my blog with others who may have colorectal cancer or similar. If you are feeling or experiencing something similar, I’d love to hear from you. Email me littledeet@yahoo.com
When I went in for my routine screening colonoscopy at the Endoscopy Center of Topeka, it was discovered that I had a fairly large cancerous tumor in my colon. What was really surprising was despite the size of my tumor, I had no symptoms. Dr. Challa, the gastroenterologist who performed the colonoscopy, was even a little surprised. Which just proves that no one should say, “I don’t have any symptoms; therefore, I don’t need a colonoscopy.”
My wife tells me when they came and got her and explained to her my situation, she said, “Something is wrong. You’ve got the wrong person. My husband is healthy; there is nothing wrong with him. This was just a test.”
My test turned into being diagnosed with colon cancer. I had surgery to have a section of my colon removed followed by 12 months of chemotherapy. I followed up with my oncologist every three months for three years then every six months for the next two years. I just reached my five year anniversary and I am now cancer free!
After dealing with my situation, I would recommend anyone reaching the age of 50 to get a colonoscopy. Actually, I would recommend anyone reaching the age of 45 to get a colonoscopy.
Also, when dealing with the news of a colon cancer, the support of your doctor and their staff is very important. My doctor, Dr. Challa, and his staff at the Endoscopy Center of Topeka made themselves readily available to me. Any questions, concerns or comment were quickly addressed. My wife is the type that asks a lot of questions, and they were equally accommodating to her. When getting a colonoscopy or worse dealing with colon cancer, many times the patient has a friend or family member right by their side and the Endoscopy Center of Topeka is not just sensitive to their patient, they are equally sensitive to those friends and family members.
My wife tells me when they came and got her and explained to her my situation, she said, “Something is wrong. You’ve got the wrong person. My husband is healthy; there is nothing wrong with him. This was just a test.”
My test turned into being diagnosed with colon cancer. I had surgery to have a section of my colon removed followed by 12 months of chemotherapy. I followed up with my oncologist every three months for three years then every six months for the next two years. I just reached my five year anniversary and I am now cancer free!
After dealing with my situation, I would recommend anyone reaching the age of 50 to get a colonoscopy. Actually, I would recommend anyone reaching the age of 45 to get a colonoscopy.
Also, when dealing with the news of a colon cancer, the support of your doctor and their staff is very important. My doctor, Dr. Challa, and his staff at the Endoscopy Center of Topeka made themselves readily available to me. Any questions, concerns or comment were quickly addressed. My wife is the type that asks a lot of questions, and they were equally accommodating to her. When getting a colonoscopy or worse dealing with colon cancer, many times the patient has a friend or family member right by their side and the Endoscopy Center of Topeka is not just sensitive to their patient, they are equally sensitive to those friends and family members.
The people who submitted these testimonials may not be representative of the entire population. The statements made here reflect the opinions of the speaker and are not endorsed by Stop Colon Cancer Now. Please see your health care provider if you have questions about your individual colon cancer prevention or treatment.