As the title says, cancer strikes again. Overall, I feel lucky but my fight is not over yet.

If you have any symptoms of any cancer, do NOT wait. In my case, I had symptoms but did not admit to myself that it could be cancer, with drastic results.

Here's my story...

On Saturday, Nov 17th, I went to the ER in excruciating pain, I had a perforated bowel and was in the early stages of septic shock. They almost immediately operated on me to remove some of my colon that was damaged and to “clean out” the foreign material in my abdomen. This operation most certainly saved my live, and I owe a huge gratitude to SkyRidge Hospital and Medical Center in Lone Tree Colorado and my surgeon. As a result of the pathology for the removed parts, I have been diagnosed with colon cancer.

The cancer metastatic stage 3B, meaning it spread to 5 lymph nodes in the colon (that were removed) but does NOT appear to have spread further, leaving me with (as of now) a really good feeling that I will be able to conquer this challenge.

However, there is more to the story…

With any surgery and especially with my specific illness (perf’d bowel/cancer), complications happen.

First, after my initial surgery, it was hard to wake me up from the anesthesia, I had to be “narcan’d”, and, after being put back in my recovery room, I stopped breathing. I was rushed to ICU to revive me and monitor me, then once “in the clear”, I was moved back to my recovery room. I was released from the hospital on 11/30, and I appeared to be making a pretty decent recovery at home, having full capability to take care of myself.

However, on approx. 12/5 when I began to notice my right leg was growing weaker. I started using a cane and then a walker, but eventually, my right leg gave out with no feeling and no capability to hold weight. I fell a total of 4 times on 12/7, at which time I went to the hospital and was re-admitted to the ER.

It appears that either a blood clot/hematoma or an abscess is causing the mis-function of my right leg. As of right now, I walk with a cane and I have no idea if my leg will fully recover, but I am hopeful.

Based on the ER visit, I was transferred to rehab then released to my house on 1/2.

After my initial hospitalization for the perforated bowel, I was on high dose extremely powerful antibiotics to kill all the infections inside my abdomen, this lasted 2 months. I was finally cleared and, after a small operation for a special “port” for cancer treatments, I was ready for chemotherapy.

Jan 28th, I received my first dose of chemo which consisted of a 3 hour IV followed by a pump device that I take home for the next 48 hours for continual chemo into my bloodstream. The potential side effects are nausea, cold sensitivity and finger/toe numbness.

The doctor said “This should be a non-event hopefully” and he was enthusiastic that I wouldn’t have the side effects too bad.

Well, I have to say that chemo kicked my @$$!!!

I almost immediately felt nauseated, even though I had I.V. anti-nausea meds. I did end up controlling it with 2 different oral anti-nausea pills, but wow, it sure does leave you sick feeling.

Secondly, the cold sensitivity was MUCH stronger than I expected. I am not able to eat anything cold at all, and I must wear gloves to even go into the fridge. I have to wear a scarf over my mouth/nose so I don’t breath cold air when outside. I was hoping that this side effect would not affect me either, but that was not the case as I took my first drink out of a room temp Gatorade and my throat lit up… ouch! So, I have to be extremely careful with anything even slightly cool!

I am scheduled for 12 treatments, which should end early July. This will be followed by a operation to undo my “port” and ostomy late July / early August.

The doctor has initially indicated that I MIGHT be able to return to work in late April / early May, but this will need to be re-evaluated if my reactions to the chemo persist.

My right leg feels numb causing it not to function as well as having nerve pain. I have been referred over to a neurologist to see what is going on and how to correct it… (I hope it’s not permanent) and while it’s getting slightly better day-by-day, the lack of function does hinder my movement outside or in crowded spaces.

James

Wow buddy! I'm sorry you had to go through such a scary event.
I'm very happy that you are being treated and are expecting a good outcome. I will send you some prayers to get well and stay well.

Damn James, I'm sorry to hear that. Keep up the good fight sir! I've heard that the cold sensitivity thing can be horrible. I will certainly pray for you. Keep us posted and God Bless.

James, first of all, prayers for you as you go through this latest battle.

I remember the cold sensitivity from chemo I had last year.

Oh man! Wishing you a speedy recovery!

Good Lord! Very sorry to hear. Keep us posted and keep your spirits up.

Wow. Best Wishes for a full recovery and the strength to deal with everything.

I've seen and/or heard about too much of this to be blase' about it. Have my annual wellness check coming up Friday.

Thank you for sharing your story and your warnings.

Praying for you, for a full recovery! Damn Cancer!! My wife has been dealing with beast cancer for the last 8 months, no fun. Fight on, life is worth it.

That is both scarey and hard to read. Sorry you have to endure this James. I like many hate cancer with a passion. I will pray that you get passed this and to live healthy the rest of your life. Be strong now.

Wow, what a tough go! Prayers for a smooth recovery.

Wishing you strength and a full recovery. One step, one moment, one day at a time. You will get there.

Wishing you a full and speedy recovery.

Wow, you've been busy. I just finished chemo about a month ago. I was blessed not to have any severe side effects. The ones I did have were very predictable. I knew when they were coming, so I could get a head start on treating them with Benadryl, Immodium, etc.

You can do it!

Glad to hear you caught when you did.

And thanks for the motivation. My doc has chided me a few times for not having my prostate checked. I think it’s time to make the appointment.

Sending thoughts and prayers for a speedy and full recovery.

James, I pray that God give you the strength both physically and spiritually to go through this very difficult time. Stay strong. I myself was diagnosed with Thyroid cancer last October. I thank
God for each day I live and not have any symptoms.

That’s rough. God bless you and guide you in your treatment.

Heal well my friend.

James, Sorry to hear this. My best wishes for you.

EasyFire