March 1, 2024: A 10-year Reflection

 10 years ago today, I woke from my first-ever colonoscopy at the age of 47 with Dr. Chow and Lori standing there, ready to break the news that I had colon cancer.

“Of course, we have to wait for the lab results to confirm, but in my experience, you should start treatment as soon as possible.”

WOW! I was not supposed to have my first colonoscopy until my 50’s. It was a staggering and pivotal moment in my life. Colon cancer at 47. (you can read all the other details by scrolling the blog)

The cancer was not really noticeable except for a few things like dark stools caused by bleeding. I had low energy, which we later found to be the cause of the bleeding colon and anemia. I mentioned those things to my doctor at my annual physical, and he decided to do a blood test. My white blood cell count was high, so he scheduled a colonoscopy ….. 10 years ago today, March 1^st.

My annual reflection back on the past 10 years:

I have to say they may be the best 10 years of my life. My children have become adults, all have graduated from college (Zip graduates in June) with professions, met 2 of my 15 grandchildren, bought the most incredible house with property a man could ever want, 10D Tech is growing, I’m active, I started skiing again a few years ago … well I’ll be back skiing next season (had to take the last 2 seasons off due to the knees being partially replaced), I’ve made a few new lifelong friends and continue to deepen my friendship with the lifelong friends, I’m celebrating my 35^th wedding anniversary next month to the women who I so deeply adore and admire, she’s the difference maker in the world and significantly my faith grows daily.  

I can say my faith grows because the process of beating cancer has left me with lifelong daily issues that remind me every day is a gift. It sounds cliché to say that, but it’s true, and I am living proof. I wouldn’t say cancer made my life better, but it forced me to account for the beautiful things and people in my life. There are far too many human beings to count, but I hope they all know how their care and prayers gave me these additional 10 years.

I’m not going anywhere!

Last April, something clicked in my head… that it was my “Why.” with that purpose, I have made drastic health changes. I engaged a health coach who, with encouragement and push, helped me. I have lost 30 pounds over the past 8 months and gained muscle from the renewed activity and time in the gym (thankful for the new knees). I have never, on purpose, lost that much weight, but I’m not done yet.

My why? I want to meet ALL of my grandchildren. Everything else falls into place with that “Why”

So, I can’t close out my annual reflection without saying my experience and results would have been much different had I not been paying attention. Nobody likes to talk about colon cancer, but there are some things everybody should be aware of. March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month. March is National Colon Cancer Awareness Month.

Colon Cancer: It’s crucial to be vigilant about any changes in your health and to discuss these with your doctor. It is critical to consult a doctor if you experience any of the following issues. These symptoms are not exclusively indicative of cancer, but discussing them with your doctor is crucial for diagnosing and treating the underlying cause. I had NEVER EVER given colon cancer a passing thought. Had I chosen just to ignore a couple of these symptoms and not mention them in my yearly physical ….. well, you know that part already.

Symptoms common to both women and men include:

• Persistent changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea, constipation, or a noticeable stool narrowing, extend beyond several days.

• Unintentional weight loss.

• Unusual weakness and fatigue.

• Experiencing cramping or pain in the abdomen.

• The presence of blood in the stool may alter its color to dark brown or black.

• Rectal bleeding displaying bright red blood.

• A persistent urge to have a bowel movement that isn’t improved by doing so.

Frequently, symptoms of colorectal cancer do not become apparent until the disease has advanced or spread, underscoring the importance of undergoing screening for colorectal cancer before symptoms develop. Early detection of colorectal cancer via screening can significantly enhance treatment outcomes. Furthermore, screening can potentially prevent certain colorectal cancers by identifying and removing precancerous polyps.

Signs and Symptoms of Colon Cancer | American Cancer Society