On February 11, 2005, I was diagnosed with Stage IV Colon Cancer that had spread to my liver. The doctor said it was as bad as it gets. I spent nearly a year on chemo and my tumors shrunk enough to have surgery in February, 2006. The surgery was successful (for more detail see my story in An Unexpected Journey: Traveling Through a Valley Called Cancer). However, five months later the cancer returned on my liver. Once again, more chemo - this time for nine months. The treatments were followed by surgery to remove the right side of my liver (I called it being de-livered) in May, 2007. So far . . . no signs of cancer.
On October 18, 2007 a scan revealed one tumor back in my liver. A week later I had a new procedure done where they went in through a vein in my leg and deposited chemo soaked beads in my liver. Seven days later 50% of the tumor was dead or dying. I will soon begin some oral chemo and we will watch what happens. I hate this stuff! Fighting on!
My CEA count (tumor marker blood test) is continuing to rise so the doctor is putting me back on IV chemo starting December 10, 2007. We will keep knocking this stuff down. I am still working (love those college students) and still out speaking (call if you need me).
January 8, 2008 - CEA numbers dropping big time! The chemo is working again!
June 9, 2008 - Still taking chemo every other week. CEA numbers still dropping. Still looking good! I am excited about the release of my new booklet ATTITUDE MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE: How to Really Live with Cancer (info below) and a new email newsletter called A Patient's Perspective (sign up below).
July 2, 2008 - Another abscess on the liver which means another drain (lots of fun--right through a couple of ribs) and daily IV antibiotics. I should get some kind of medical certificate for doing these things myself. Six weeks of this and I should be back on the old chemo (can't wait).
NEW - December 1, 2008 - Started back on chemo--still kicking cancer with an attitude!
Here is my family at Christmas '05 wearing the famous "Cancer Sucks" t-shirts that my daughter Ashley gave as surprise Christmas presents.
Some of the students from the University of Mobile wearing the shirts they made to encourage me when I was first diagnosed.
Holding my new grandson - Benjamin Walker Jackson - 11/12/07 - 7lbs 3oz 21 inches long
I wasn't supposed to be here for this. Thanks to all the doctors, nurses, drugs, drug dealers, drug makers and all those who have prayed. You rock! This was a great day!
If you have been diagnosed with cancer here are a few words of advice I would share with you:
Make sure you have a doctor who is willing to fight as hard as you in this process
Stay positive
Surround yourself with people who will encourage you
Don’t give up! In fact, don't even think about it!
