The Lewis County Herald - 12/20/22
At my last writing, things were in a holding pattern as we awaited results of an experimental blood test recommended by the oncologist to see if there are any traces of the adenocarcinoma mass remaining in my body.
That test compares cells in my bloodstream with cells from the mass in my colon, which was surgically removed on September 27.
Wednesday (12/14) marked five weeks since blood was drawn for that test and was also when results were expected back at the oncologist’s office.
I had been scheduled a visit with the oncologist on that day to discuss the results and develop a plan for treatment. The office visit went well, but without test results to give us some sort of starting point.
The doctor will call me with the information once he receives it and we’ll go from there.
So, we’re still waiting.
We are also waiting for some healing following the colectomy which will allow for my temporary ileostomy to be reversed. That has been tentatively planned for mid-January.
Kirstie Alley
Have you noticed that after you purchase a vehicle, it seems like every third vehicle you pass on the roadway is that same make?
It seems to be the same way when you’ve been diagnosed with an ailment.
When I hear or see that someone else has cancer, more specifically colon cancer, my attention goes in that direction.
Kirstie Alley, the actress who played Rebecca Howe in Cheers, died from colon cancer on December 5 at a cancer treatment center in Tampa, Florida.
According to a statement released by her children, the cancer had only been recently discovered. It is not known what stage her cancer had progressed to.
Colon cancer is often known as a silent killer due to many not knowing that they have the disease until it is too late for effective treatment.
Only a third of patients are diagnosed in stage I when the cancer is 90 percent curable.
By all accounts, my cancer was discovered early. Not because I had any symptoms, and there was no family history. It was a regular screening and routine colonoscopy when the mass in my colon was discovered (stage II adenocarcinoma).
Colorectal cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide (and in the US)*.
Noninvasive screenings are readily available and are a reliable early indicator.
Since I started writing about my diagnosis, I have received numerous comments from those who have been following the journey.
Some had earlier been diagnosed with colorectal cancer and been successfully treated, or had/have a colostomy or ileostomy. Our journeys are very similar.
Some had never been tested and made the decision to have a colonoscopy or other screening.
Some have encouraged me to continue to chronicle my experiences to help shed light on this deadly disease that can be cured if discovered early.
Some have told me they’ve included me in their prayers and others have said they’ve rekindled their relationship with God.
I’m thankful for the positive reinforcement of my decision to publicly document this journey.
I’m also thankful to have Tammy on this journey with me.
She has traveled with me to countless appointments and camped out in the hospital. She was my chauffeur when I wasn’t allowed to drive myself (a task she’ll have the pleasure to repeat following the next surgery). She’s learned all about stoma care and makes sure I follow doctors’ recommendations.
She is my support, my sounding board, and my proofreader.
She also tolerates me falling asleep in the recliner in the only sleeping position I presently find comfortable.
As always, I am thankful to God for his many blessings.
We want to wish a very Merry Christmas to everyone as we prepare to gather to celebrate the Birth of Christ.
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The featured photo is of Jailer Jeff Lykins (right) and Chief Deputy Jailer Gary Sparks. The photo was taken on the day of my surgery. Most of those working District Court that day were wearing this "uniform."
Jeff is retiring at the end of the year after more than 30 years of service to the county. I'll miss working with him.
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* Follow link to read more about Colorectal Cancer Screening from the National Library of Medicine.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4780449/
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