A LESSON IN PATIENCE AND PERSEVERANCE: I completed my final chemo treatment last week, and I’m in the homestretch of this little journey that began last March.
I have one more step — another surgery — and then I’ll be done. That surgery should happen in February after all the chemo drugs are out of my system.
My long-term prognosis is very encouraging. When I was first diagnosed, testing showed that I was Stage 3 with multiple lymph nodes involved; therefore, I had chemo and radiation prior to surgery, which was incredibly successful. Post-surgical pathology reduced my staging to Stage 1!
I’m so grateful for my doctors, Dr. Tenczynski (oncologist), Dr. Newton (surgeon), and Dr. Hamberger (radiation oncologist), and their terrific staffs. Most of my treatment has been at Memorial Hermann Northwest’s Cancer Center, and the folks there are just wonderful.
I’d also like to note that colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable and curable cancers, so pay attention to your body, and if you’re due for a colonoscopy, don’t put it off. The procedure really isn’t that bad, especially compared to the alternative.
Thank you for all the well-wishes and prayers. I’m so appreciative, and God’s grace has truly enveloped me during this time. Merry Christmas to all of you, and here’s to a fabulous 2011!
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