May
- Sept. 2005
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May 2005:
My best friend Kelly, who lives in Jacksonville, FL and I had not seen each other in about 4 years--since we were transferred from Jacksonville to Hawaii and then to Southern Maryland where I currently lived--so we met up in NYC for a few days of girl time. She commented on the bruises and dark patches that were noticeable on my lower legs and thighs. As we always do, we started analyzing possible causes, such as circulation problems or maybe a connection with my borderline anemia. Then we talked about the worst possibility: cancer. I remember saying that if I had cancer, I'd rather not know. Nonetheless, Kelly suggested I see my doctor when I get back from NY.
I started feeling exhausted just walking up and down stairs at home. I'd take a few steps and have to stop to catch my breath. I thought I just needed to workout more at the gym, and that's exactly what I tried to do. But I was so low on energy that I couldn't even finish 30 minutes of cardio. That's when I decided to make an appointment with my general physician. Besides, I wanted him to take a look at the bruises and dark spots on my legs.
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June 2005:
The doctor couldn't explain the bruises or dark patches on my legs,
but he did order a blood test. I knew there was something seriously wrong
when he called me later that day. Blood test revealed severe anemia. He
was shocked that I was even walking! He told me to pack an overnight bag
and drive up to the National Naval Medical Center (NNMC) in Bethesda,
MD that same evening (a 2 hour drive). He ordered a blood transfusion
which consisted of two pints of blood. I ended up getting a painful infection
during the transfusion. And the next day, I went through an endoscopy
to find a possible cause for my anemia. Nothing. Next step: colonscopy
to find the culprit of my blood loss. Perhaps I might have a stomach ulcer.
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July to mid-Aug. 2005:
Scheduled a colonoscopy soon after I got back from our summer vacation
in Jacksonville, FL--my home town (Atlantic Beach) where my family lives--my
parents, siblings, nieces, nephews and my best friend and her family.
I have a very close-knit family, so it was really tough for me to move
to Hawaii in 2001. At least we're all on the same coast now that we live
in Maryland. David's a pilot in the Navy, so we go wherever we're ordered
to transfer.
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August 23, 2005:
Colonoscopy revealed a tumor. Put your thumb and index finger together
to make an "O". That's the size of the tumor. Biopsies were
taken. Doctors couldn't complete the colonoscopy, as the tumor blocked
its path. CT scan revealed nothing unusual on the exterior of the large
intestine (colon).
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August 29, 2005:
I got a phone call from one of the many doctors I saw at NNMC. The
call was so matter-of fact. Biopsy results -- malignant. Diagnosis: Colon
Cancer. Next week: Barium
enema x-ray in search for more unusual growth(s) beyond the known tumor
followed by a hemicolectomy (removal of partial colon) the following week.
Odd, I didn't feel a thing after I hung up with the doctor. Now I know what "numb" means. Kelly took the news worse than I did, and I ended up having to console her over the phone.
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Sept. 19, 2005:
Left hemicolectomy performed to remove cancerous tumor and lymph nodes
in colon. This involves resectioning the colon, removing the tumor and
extra sections of colon from both sides of the tumor and reconnecting
the sections. More than a foot of colon was removed. Spent almost a week
at NNMC. Most of my time there was a blur, but I was told that I almost
stopped breathing at one point. I remember having to walk around the nurse's
station almost immediately after surgery and do breathing exercises daily.
I remember being very tired from constantly being awakened for "vitals"
and poked and prodded with needles. And the pain I felt in my abdomen.
Thankful for the pain medication I received at the push of a button. Grateful
for the wonderful nurses who took such wonderful care of me and offered
supportive, motivating words of encouragement.
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Sept. 23, 2005:
Pathology reports reveal Stage III cancer with 7 of 17 lymph nodes infected.
Chemotherapy treatments to be discussed with oncologist on Oct. 3.
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Sept. 25, 2005:
Home at last. Do you realize how much you use your abdominal muscles?
I didn't, until now. Getting in and out of bed, going from a sitting to
a standing position, and walking -- caused so much pain. Tremendously.
I did everything at a turtle's pace, especially during the first three
weeks post-surgery.