Journal entry by Brian Ledig —
Today is one week since my life changing / saving surgery. I thought I would recap my journey so far.
I was told I had colon cancer on 12/18. the treatment plan was 5 days of intense radiation then 19 weeks of chemo, then surgery to remove the tumor then surgery to put me back together again.
The problem with the plan is that I was having horrible wracking spasms and cramping from my colon. I told the Drs. to disconnect the colon and let it rest. Nope they had a plan and they were going to stick to it. I lost 26#s and was living in Dante's hell. Finally, on 3/8 I wrote to my surgeon, my GI, and my oncologist saying that I could no longer live with this. The next day my surgeon called and said that I would be having the surgery on Friday to disconnect my colon as I had asked for but the opinion was that they didn't know where the pain was coming from. One week ago I awoke from surgery pain free, weak but ready to get on with life. The next day was beautiful out and I sat in the sun, with tears streaming down my face pain free. I remain pain free eating everything in sight and getting my strength back.
The lesson, fight like hell for the treatment, the right Dr., or whatever you feel you need. If you can't do it, find someone who can.
In a few weeks I will restart chemo, then the surgery to remove the tumor (which has shrunk!) then surgery to put me back together. I'm one happy guy.
I can't end this without acknowledging the absolute love and support (not to mention the great food) from my wife, who stood by me, held me and loved me through this journey.
Thanks to all of you also for the love and support, it means the world.
Brian
I was told I had colon cancer on 12/18. the treatment plan was 5 days of intense radiation then 19 weeks of chemo, then surgery to remove the tumor then surgery to put me back together again.
The problem with the plan is that I was having horrible wracking spasms and cramping from my colon. I told the Drs. to disconnect the colon and let it rest. Nope they had a plan and they were going to stick to it. I lost 26#s and was living in Dante's hell. Finally, on 3/8 I wrote to my surgeon, my GI, and my oncologist saying that I could no longer live with this. The next day my surgeon called and said that I would be having the surgery on Friday to disconnect my colon as I had asked for but the opinion was that they didn't know where the pain was coming from. One week ago I awoke from surgery pain free, weak but ready to get on with life. The next day was beautiful out and I sat in the sun, with tears streaming down my face pain free. I remain pain free eating everything in sight and getting my strength back.
The lesson, fight like hell for the treatment, the right Dr., or whatever you feel you need. If you can't do it, find someone who can.
In a few weeks I will restart chemo, then the surgery to remove the tumor (which has shrunk!) then surgery to put me back together. I'm one happy guy.
I can't end this without acknowledging the absolute love and support (not to mention the great food) from my wife, who stood by me, held me and loved me through this journey.
Thanks to all of you also for the love and support, it means the world.
Brian
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