Living With Stage IV Colon Cancer
by Andy Nagy
(Amarillo, TX)
I am a proud Veteran of the USAF. During the Vietnam era, I served stateside. I have been using the Amarillo VA Hospital since 1994, when I relocated to the Texas area.
In Sept of 2010, I was having some stomach problems, at that time, there were some stomach viruses going around. Both my wife and I thinking that this is what I might have been experiencing. When I tried to see my primary physician, they told me that they could not possibly work me in and that I should go to the ER.
Sept. 21, 2010 am, I checked into the ER ward. The doctor that examined me said that while he was unsure what the problem was, he needed to order up some tests. In the pm, after several tests were completed, the head physician told us that they found a mass on my liver. They were 95% certain that it was cancer.
My wife and I were in total shock.
We weren't prepared for that news. So much of the next several days was a blur. We called our girls from the hospital. Because of my good health, they too, were caught off guard.
I was admitted to the hospital. To confirm the diagnosis, they scheduled a biopsy at a local civilian hospital. Due to scheduling I was able to be released and go to the hospital several days later. Sept. 23, 2010, the diagnosis was confirmed - Colon Cancer, Stage IV. An appointment was scheduled with the Oncologist at the VA center in Amarillo for Oct. 6, 2010. At that time, I was diagnosed with severe dehydration, erratic blood pressure, and unable to walk on my own. I was starting to lose weight. The attending physician had me admitted to the hospital and immediately started intravenous fluids ordered clear liquids, antibiotics, and soft diet as tolerated.
Looking back, I have no clear recollection of this hospital 4 day stay. My weight continued to drop. As ill as I felt, it was necessary to have a port installed for administering chemo. When I started chemo 2 weeks later, my weight had dropped from 138lbs, to 112lbs. When I first saw my reflection in the mirror, I was shocked by my appearance I was a shell of my former self.
I was no longer to walk by myself, I felt totally dependent on my family and wife. I was overwhelmed and depressed. Now, I had to accept everything with a new perspective.
On Oct. 19, 2010, I started the first chemo treatment. This session consisted of 12 individual treatments, every 2 weeks. However, my body did not recoup as we anticipated, the white blood cells were still too low. My white cell count had to be in a certain range and mine did not fall within this pattern.
As a result, I needed additional time between sessions. At first, it was 3 weeks, then 4 before we got on a regular schedule. During this time,I was still losing weight and my immune system was very low. It was necessary to avoid crowds, stay away from shopping centers, etc. Most importantly, I had to stay away from my grandchildren. I had to be very careful of my health, as I was susceptible to colds and viruses.
Finally, my immune system improved. By Thanksgiving, I was able to enjoy the Holiday with my family - this was a real milestone in my recovery. At that point, I began to feel more positive about my recovery. I had gained back the weight that I lost, my immune system was improving each day. For the first time, I thought that I could possibly beat the odds. Accepting the fact that I have Stage IV Colon Cancer, which is incurable, it can be treated.
JAN. 24, 2011, on my way to the lab at 6;45 AM, for chemo lab work, I tripped on the curb and went down face first on the sidewalk. We cannot blame anybody or anything for this accident,the weather was clear, sidewalk cleaned, and my wife was by my side. We were just a few 100 ft from the hospital entrance. As a result of the fall, I damaged my eye glasses and had to get stitches on the right side of my face, just below the eye. Needless to say, the chemo appointment was rescheduled. I had a large shiner.
When I returned home, I called my daughter. She and her husband came over to capture this moment on camera. These are the times, when all you can do is grin and move on. With cancer, sometimes it is like taking 1 step forward and 2 steps back.
Once I was able to start chemo treatments again, I was able to finish the last session in the series of 12 treatments. After having a visit with my Oncologist, I was informed that we were going to take a short break and reassess the continued treatment. This break was probably the longest period of time I have ever experienced. I had plenty of time to worry about the next steps. When I had my return visit with my Oncologist, he gave me reason for hope. The cat scan showed that the mass on my liver was definitely shrinking, my lab work was fine and my weight had leveled out over the past several months.
Sept.12, 2011,I began a more aggressive treatment
Sept. 21, 2010, was the date of my original diagnosis. I have come a long way. None of my progress would have been possible, without the help and support of my family. The support and care I have received from the Amarillo VA Health Center has been extraordinary. My Oncologist has been instrumental in my progress. He is a compassionate and caring Physician.
My family and myself have complete confidence and trust in him, and the role he plays in my care. During the past year, had it not been for my excellent care and family support, I would not be celebrating my treatment and my life, as I know it now.
The point that I am wanting to make is not to give up, have complete trust in your caregivers, and mostly have faith.
