The Lewis County Herald - 8/1/23
I guess it has.
Much has happened since I went in for my 100,000 mile/60 year checkup with Dr. Barcelona a year ago.
An indeterminate result from a Cologuard test (an at-home colon cancer screening) led me to a colonoscopy for a more thorough exam of my colon.
It was on my birthday, August 15, that Dr. Weller (who performed that colonoscopy) shared with us the results of a sample taken during that procedure: Adenocarcinoma.
We were put on a fast track for surgery in Lexington where Dr. Belin removed my entire colon on September 27.
The skilled surgeon fashioned an ileostomy as a temporary bypass to give me time to heal. He reversed that and connected things back up on Valentines Day of this year.
During that procedure, he discovered and removed another mass (“The size of a mango”) that was later determined to be only scar tissue.
Since then, I have been back to see all of those doctors, as well as Dr. Pierce, an oncologist.
Tests since that initial surgery – where it was determined the cancer was at stage 2A – have not shown any trace of residual cancer cells in my body.
I had a baseline CT scan with those results to be compared with future CT scan results to see if the cancer has remanifested elsewhere in my body. My next scan is scheduled in September.
An experimental blood test indicated no cells matching a sample of the mass that removed along with my colon are floating around in my body.
It all sounds promising.
The healing from both procedures has gone well and I am physically able to do all the things I could prior to my diagnosis. It seems like I tire a little more quickly but that is still improving.
My diet and the amounts I consume with each meal have changed, not because of any prescribed restrictions but to match the way my body now processes what I eat.
It’s been nearly six months since the second procedure on Valentines Day.
I hadn’t thought much about it until a nurse from Dr. Belin’s office called on Friday to confirm the appointment for my six-month post-surgery colonoscopy.
I had already gotten the prescription for the prep kit filled and put it aside. As I recall, the prep was the worst part of a colonoscopy.
When this follow-up was scheduled, I wondered how a colonoscopy could be performed when there is no colon. Perhaps a semi-colonoscopy (Thanks Tim Thornsberry).
I’ll update again with the results of this procedure and will continue with installments when there is something to report. Looking back to my first article in this series, which appeared in The Herald on the day of my colectomy, I vowed to share about our journey through the course.
Tammy and I appreciate the comments from those who have followed along, and especially from those who have told us they have decided to be tested. In many cases, such as mine, there are no symptoms.
Catching it early is paramount for successful treatment.
I have no doubt prayers have been answered and we have truly been blessed.
Having Tammy by my side for this journey has made it much less bumpy. Her unwavering support and words of encouragement have been some of the best medicine.
Family, church family, friends, and coworkers (and those who know me through these writings) have all provided the support that has been an important part of my healing (mental and physical).
If you haven’t already (and you’re in the category), get tested. If you have colon cancer, catch it early, eradicate it, and be a survivor.
If you missed any previous installments, and would like to catch up, you can find them all at www.denniskbrown.com.
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