HEALTH|EXPERIENCE|CANCER

Colon Cancer

Where I’m at now — an update

Selfie by the author, edited in MS Photo

This is the second story in what is becoming a series about my experience with colon cancer. Links to the previous stories will be posted below.

When I wrote the first story about Kirstie Alley and my mom, I really didn’t expect that I would end up in the same boat. I was already past the age when Mom was first diagnosed, and I was having regular colonoscopies every five years since I was about 35.

I also had a bit of “magical thinking” going on. My life has not been horrible in comparison to many folks, but I have had my share of terrible times. I’ve written about some of them, and probably will continue to do so. However, when I’ve written about them, I have always thought two things: those times are in the past AND I’ve struggled enough. Surely the “Powers that Be” wouldn’t thrust MORE on me, right?

Certainly not colon cancer. Magical thinking, indeed.

Still, I’m not wallowing in my difficulties.

Genetics

When I met with the genetic counselor prior to my testing, he asked me how I was doing with my diagnosis. I told him the truth. I was fine. I was not emotional about it. After all, it’s been caught early, and so far the prognosis is good.