Carolyn’s Story

Site created on January 8, 2020

Welcome to our CaringBridge website for Carolyn Nabakowski  who was diagnosed with Colon Cancer in December, 2019.   Since Carolyn's family members and friends are in many different places across the world we will post all important updates  on this site. 

We are asking for prayers for Carolyn during her journey that we feel isn't insurmountable given her incredible strength and resolve.  

A little background on Carolyn's Diagnosis:
Carolyn was experiencing Right Upper Quadrant pain in her abdomen and a few other non-descriptive symptoms but enough that it sent her to the ER in early December. A CT scan revealed a mass in her Ascending Colon.  A Subsequent colonoscopy determined that Carolyn has a cancerous tumor that is partially obstructing the Cecum and Ascending Colon.  The diagnosis came completely out of the blue.

After the diagnosis, scared, numb and frankly mad as hell we spoke with the doctor about the upcoming plan for care.  He referred us to a highly regarded Oncologist and Surgeon.   We were highly impressed by the Surgeon, Dr. Charles.   Built like a starting running back but with an incredible bed side manner that made us both feel like Carolyn was literally in good hands.  He wanted to schedule  surgery as soon as possible due to the fact that the tumor was partially blocking Carolyn's colon.  So, her surgery is  scheduled for Monday, January 13th, 2020.  Exactly one month to  the day of the diagnosis.  Carolyn plans on kicking cancer's ass on this day as well, with the help of Dr. Charles.  
The stage of the cancer and the prognosis will be determined after the Surgery but a recent PET scan revealed that Carolyn will need chemo after the surgery.  

We are asking for prayers for Carolyn for a successful surgery as well as strength for the family as she goes through the potentially long healing process.   Our girls are doing as good as to be expected during this hard time.  We created this page to mainly provide updates on the surgery and her journey to recovery.  I married an incredibly strong women 24 years ago and no challenge has been able to beat Carolyn.  This one won't either.  She has gotten stronger as we have grown together and I continue to be in awe of how amazing of a woman, Carolyn is and will continue to be.  She is one of a kind and will continue to be the greatest wife I ever could have hoped for.   Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts during this trying time.  Please keep on sending them and know that Carolyn will beat the hell out of this latest challenge to her life.  Carolyn has pledged to "Battle Like a Biatch!"

Thanks for your support,

Rob

Newest Update

3 Year Follow-up Colonoscopy

Journal entry by Carolyn Nabakowski —

It's hard to believe it's been 3 years since Carolyn was diagnosed with Colon Cancer.  She recently underwent scans and a colonoscopy. 

The Colonoscopy results showed the polyps were the Adenomatous type which means if the Doctor would have left them in tact, they would have turned into cancer.  The recommendation is to have a follow-up colonoscopy in 3 years due to the size of the polyp and Carolyn's history of colon cancer.  Colon cancer is a preventable disease- routine screenings are very important.  Colon cancer screenings for persons with normal risk of Colon Cancer (ie, no Family History) start at age 45.  

If you are experiencing any symptoms that are not normal to you or your body, fight to get a screening, it is what saved Carolyn's life.
Read More of the journal titled "3 Year Follow-up Colonoscopy"
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