On Monday, Holly had her 7th treatment. The day started like the other 6. Wake up, get dressed, get kids dressed, then the question.
“Do you have any questions for Dr. Uyei?”
I couldn’t think of anything. Neither could Holly, really. We had a friend that recently had a pretty significant relapse. So we asked about that. Even if it is distant, it is still a concern.
So here was what we learned about relapses. They happen, but there really doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason behind them. Just like cancer itself. Colon cancer relapse can hit the colon again. It can hit the liver, the lungs or really any where else. While they don’t come out and say it, it is kind of like when you take your car to get fixed and 2 weeks later there is something completely different wrong with it. I wonder why they don’t call that a relapse, too? Probably marketing. There also isn’t a stage number associated with a relapse. Odd. I wonder why they would rank a first bout but not subsequent bouts?
Is this what happens? It seems like we’ve lumped going to the oncologist in the same bucket as going to the grocery store. “Anything you want from the store, honey?” I guess, sadly, after 7 chemo treatments and over 100 different doctors visits that we have become the experts. We’ve become the old pro. That’s a bummer.
Photo from the Old Pro in Palo Alto by ifindkarma.
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Tags: old_pro, palo_alto, chemo, cancer, experience
I recently went back to the B.C. Cancer Agency colon cancer support group for the first time since May (I’d missed the intervening months out of tiredness, pain, hospitalization, and, more positively, having other more fun things to do). I said that back in the spring I felt like a newbie, but now I feel like an old hand — I’ve had four surgeries, one major, chemo-plus-radiation, more needles and blood tests and scans and probes than I can count, metastases, scars galore, canes and wheelchairs, huge weight loss and regain, and now I’m riding out more chemo too. Funny what six months can do.
Yeah, becoming old pros especially when it comes to cancer bites the big one! Tell Holly that because of her I’m going through with a colonoscopy that I had scheduled awhile back. We’re not looking for cancer but anytime I’ve thought about cancelling the appointment I’ve thought of you guys and kept it.
So tell Holly, that for her I’m taking one in the…. tell her I said “hi”. ;)
Relapses suck. I just got news that my cancer is rearing it’s head and being ugly again already. If it was a person I’d punch it in the mouth! LOL.
Holly,
I am so amazed by your attitude and I am pleased to hear you are supported by friends and family. You sound like a wonderful person with enormous strength. Your children are very blessed to have you as a mother and Scott as a father. You will be in my thoughts.
My mother had brain cancer when I was a child and it impacted us but her attitude was the most valuable lesson I learned from her. She is with us today… She had brain cancer and it impact her life greatly but her can do, not going to give up and take it like a champ attitude is what sticks with me. As a child of a mother who had cancer and changed my mother forever, I do appreciate you and your fight.
I have two children of my own. I know being a mother and is the most important job on the planet. Bless you. I will keep good thoughts and positive energy flowing your way.
Your story really touches me.
Warmest Regards,
tess
Hey guys, Hope all is well, or as much as it can be. Haven’t gotten a chance to talk to Holly or the family about this but I am on the committee for Relay4Life and definately want Holly to join our survivor group, cuz that’s what she is and a damn good one!!!. Also I heard that some of your friends want to start a team and would love to help them. They can contact me if they need help or have questions, and definately want Holly to talk to me. Here is my e-mail or I’m a preschool 24-7.
love
alecia
aleciab@sbcglobal.net