For a summary:
On Jun 30, I had a colonoscopy that was ordered by my doctor because of blood in the stool. The colonoscopy found a tumor that had malignant tissues. On Jul 7, I went into surgery and about 10 inches of my colon was removed that contained the tumor. The doctor also took out 31 lymph nodes. The results were that the cancer had penetrated the colon wall and one lymph node was infected with cancer.
Today I met with my oncologist (cancer specialist) and we discussed my treatment plan. I officially have Stage 3 colon cancer (due to the one lymph node that is infected) and I start chemotherapy on August 12. The chemo will last for 12 treatments over 6 months. I will have a port inserted in my chest which lies just below the skin and the chemo will be administered through the port. I do not have to go through radiation which is great news. Things look really good and I really liked my doctor. He says that because I am young and healthy, I should do OK with the chemo. When the chemo is done I will still have about a 20% chance that the cancer will return, so that is why there is continued monitoring which will consist of blood tests, CAT scans, and colonoscopies for the next 5-6 years.
I feel really good about all of this and am determined to beat this. Oh yeah and the other good news is that I will keep my hair. It might not grow too fast and it might thin but I most likely won't go bald. My brothers will be glad that they don't have to shave their heads with me. :)
I will continue to update the progress. I have been so blessed through this whole trial by such great family, friends, co-workers and neighbors. Thanks to all...it means a lot to know that so many are thinking of and praying for me.
I had to attach a couple of cute pictures that I took while recuperating at the family cabin.
My cute mom and I painted whirligigs to go in flower pots. They were so fun to do and I was so proud of my mom for painting outside the box (she usually needs a detailed pattern to follow). They are fun to watch when they get spinning.
Here is a picture of cute BriAnn and Amelia. BriAnn's hair was static clinging to the sides of the swing but she squealed with delight when anyone pushed her. The swing set was a new toy at the cabin and a huge hit.
