Journal entry by Marian Swanson —
FINAL procedure for Derek was last Monday, April 23rd.....PORT taken out. He was so happy to take this step and know more healing can now begin. Derek is still physically dealing with lots of fatigue and experiencing some neuropathy in hands and feet, but he remains hopeful, that in time, this too shall pass. On May 2nd, Derek will also see his awesome surgeon for a look-see and more details re what is ahead following surgery March 18. At least he can physically see his reversal is healing and that body is feeling and returning to "normal".
Hard to believe it was a year ago, April 16 when he had his first colonoscopy and a mass was discovered which led to news that he had colo-rectal cancer. At that time, we did not know of family history for one relative and forgot about history for another....so now we know our family not only has BRACA and a history of breast, pancreas, prostate, but now colon cancer.
Reminder, please get all your important check-ups and those special procedures as they are life-altering if you do not have the tests done. Derek feels confident that he can now safely move forward knowing the cancer is gone, but will be diligent in his future testing, and in the fall, he will have tests to check that there are no other changes or suspect areas to deal with.
He is still not able to work yet, but is hopeful in time, his energy will return and he can get back to life, work and feeling whole again.
THANK YOU to all who followed Derek's journey to wellness and stayed in touch in your own ways. It was uplifting on the down days and a support that was so important when you are a patient, home-bound and having a down day. May you never hear the words, "you have cancer", but if ever you do, know Derek and I will be in touch.
Last year, when I asked Derek to walk Relay Survivor walk, he said, " I have to earn being a "Survivor," well the timing of his final surgeries coincides with upcoming Relay for Life and another Survivor lst lap. He recently posted that this year, he WILL walk the Survivor Walk with Mom. I wish neither of us ever had to deal with cancer, but it happened, and I am blessed to say, we are both are lucky to have had awesome care and good news thereafter.
Proud of you Son, Derek, I am honored to walk Relay Survivor lst lap with you.... on May 18th, 6pm, at Mt. Tahoma, come visit and cheer him on.
Hard to believe it was a year ago, April 16 when he had his first colonoscopy and a mass was discovered which led to news that he had colo-rectal cancer. At that time, we did not know of family history for one relative and forgot about history for another....so now we know our family not only has BRACA and a history of breast, pancreas, prostate, but now colon cancer.
Reminder, please get all your important check-ups and those special procedures as they are life-altering if you do not have the tests done. Derek feels confident that he can now safely move forward knowing the cancer is gone, but will be diligent in his future testing, and in the fall, he will have tests to check that there are no other changes or suspect areas to deal with.
He is still not able to work yet, but is hopeful in time, his energy will return and he can get back to life, work and feeling whole again.
THANK YOU to all who followed Derek's journey to wellness and stayed in touch in your own ways. It was uplifting on the down days and a support that was so important when you are a patient, home-bound and having a down day. May you never hear the words, "you have cancer", but if ever you do, know Derek and I will be in touch.
Last year, when I asked Derek to walk Relay Survivor walk, he said, " I have to earn being a "Survivor," well the timing of his final surgeries coincides with upcoming Relay for Life and another Survivor lst lap. He recently posted that this year, he WILL walk the Survivor Walk with Mom. I wish neither of us ever had to deal with cancer, but it happened, and I am blessed to say, we are both are lucky to have had awesome care and good news thereafter.
Proud of you Son, Derek, I am honored to walk Relay Survivor lst lap with you.... on May 18th, 6pm, at Mt. Tahoma, come visit and cheer him on.
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