@choosingkind I read your comment earlier today and it is very much on my mind. It can’t be easy to share your personal battle with cancer. This is a caring community and your words are helpful to many of us. I will be thinking of you and hoping for the best recovery, also hoping that you have a strong support group but If you ever need someone to talk to, I’m here.
@ g_w_t_w thank you so much for your kind words. I’ve met some wonderful people on this site in just the short time I’ve been here. I feel lucky to have their support. I also have a lot of friends and family to lean on. As the other warriors have stated, this is not an easy road, but we are all fighters looking to beat this thing. Laughter, love and cuddles makes it all easier to bear.
I had my one year post chemo ct scan a week ago. I usually get the results back within a day or two. It took a full week this time which had me freaking out. I finally got them this morning and I’m extremely relieved that the results show no sign of cancer. I still have blood work to do and I see my oncologist on the 26th but if my ct scan shows no signs of cancer, I don’t expect any negative news from my blood work. I have heard mixed things, I’ve heard that if cancer returns, it will likely be in the first year after treatment but then I’ve also heard that it’s years 2-3. I’ll ask my oncologist when I see her and see what she says. Otherwise, Merry Christmas to me 🥰
That’s great news @Morpheus ! Thanks for the update. Wishing you continued good health and checkups, same with @CuddleDuncan
I saw my oncologist today for my one year post chemo checkup. As I said above, my CT scan was clean. I see my test results before I see my doctor and I tend to over analyze them. My blood work all looked good but my cancer market test looked bad to me. I freaked out for a couple days til I saw my doctor today. I mentioned the cancer market test to her which I thought was bad and she was like no that’s good, it’s lowest number measurable lmao So per my doctor, I am officially still in remission one year post chemo. Merry Christmas ya’ll.
@Morpheus that's excellent news. I really, really hope it continues.
I have had my own quarterly scan and the good news is that the 'things that needed to be kept an eye on' are going down. Thought to be inflammation from the operation and nothing to be concerned about. In other words I remain nominally cancer-free. I'll have another scan in three months.
However, the bad news is that I remain utterly exhausted at all times. I haven't left the house since about Hallowe'en except to go to hospital. My inability to do anything at all has not unsurprisingly led to the practical aspects of life collapsing about my ears. I've never been this unwell in my life for more than a week or two. It's much worse than the chemo.
We have ramped up my SSRI to the maximum faster than you really should, since it wasn't giving me side-effects, and that is what is keeping me afloat. The GP is starting the process of referring me to the chronic fatigue clinic.
Much love and strength to you!
@CuddleDuncan I’m glad to hear about the positive things but I’m sorry to hear that you’re as exhausted as you are. I can relate, I’ve finished chemo in December 2024 and I still find myself easily exhausted. Hang in there buddy.
@CuddleDuncan hope you are doing well 🫶 🙏 💖
@CuddleDuncan 🙏
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I had my 2 year post chemo tests done last week. My cancer marker test was the lowest result possible, my ct scan showed no recurrence or new cancer, 1 polyp was found and removed during my colonoscopy for which results came back today and it was benign. I am officially 2 year in remission. My Dr says I’m at around a 90% 5 year survival rate at this point which is an amazing number. I’m extremely grateful for this great news. Please remember, screening and treatment have come a long ways. Get yourself checked and stay healthy all.
@CuddleDuncan sending nothing but the best vibes your way!
@CuddleDuncan sending you lots of love and healing energy 🫂💖🫂💛💛💛
@Morpheus Congrats 👏🫂💖
Congratulations Morpheus. Good to see you back and I wish you continued success on your health journey
Thank you for all the kind words.
Congratulations @Morpheus. I don't know what my five year survival rate is now .... for the bowel cancer I would guess somewhere around 2/3 but with all the other stuff - I'm at risk of heart attack now, which I never was before - it can't be more than 50-50.
I remain extremely unwell. Still awaiting referrals.
There is still no sign of any recurrence of the bowel cancer. I have a routine scan next week, not for that but the different pre-cancerous polyps they found during all the original testing. Not expecting anything other than "come again in a year or two or five."
My dad died peacefully at home on Thursday "in the eighty seventh year of his age" as they used to say. Very much expected. Bowel and liver cancer, coincidentally the same places as me although technically different diagnosis. Big funeral in Edinburgh next week. How I'm going to manage I don't know. My mum is in good health and coping, and my sisters are being brilliant.