Four weeks post-surgery and Mike is doing exceptionally well! He has been going to work a few hours each day since Tuesday. For a guy who works outdoors for a living, being cooped up in the house "recovering" was really getting to him. He probably does more than he should, but if he didn't that just wouldn't be Mike. Yesterday he even attempted to go hunting. Having weather in the mid-40's was enough incentive for him to go out in search of venison. Just being outside for a few hours walking around in nature wore him out, but as sore or tired as he may have been I'm sure he had no regrets.
Life without a colon has been less eventful than we anticipated. We have our "spare bathroom" in the basement, but the kids have only needed to use it twice. Mike is cautious about what he eats and has gradually been adding in vegetables and more fiber. Maybe more information than anyone would want to know, but essentially if he eats a salad it comes out looking like a salad! Because of that, he is going to talk to a dietician. It seems reasonable to think that he is missing out on certain nutrients simply because his body doesn't have time to absorb them. I'm not sure what the long-term effects of living without a colon will be, but it can't possibly be as bad as getting cancer again.
For the time being Mike continues to heal, we juggle the everyday family things like school, homework, Scouts, ballet and what to have for dinner. Sometimes mundane is good.
On June 25, 2010, at age 37, my husband was diagnosed with colon cancer. Following a right-hemicolectomy, genetic testing determined the cause was due to HNPCC/Lynch Syndrome. On December 9, 2011 he had a subtotal colectomy.
It was quite a year, wasn't it? I don't know if I am sad it's over or glad, strange. I am so glad Mike is doing well. I thought he would. I am glad he is going to talk to a nutritionist, he will have to find away to get what he might be missing. Mundane, when it concerns two beautiful little munchkins is definitely a good thing!
ReplyDeleteMy oldest daughter is engaged to a beautiful young man who definitely has lynch syndrome (confirmed) in his family. He, himself, has not yet had the genetic testing for it. They live in a small town in Texas and seem to get the run around when it comes to taking the test to see if he is predisposed. I live in Houston, Texas with a world renowned medical center and it just drives me crazy that his doctors in that small town can't take the initiative to get his testing done so he can know what he's dealing with as for the level of vigilance he is going to need to embrace.
ReplyDeleteYour story is remarkable. We had so many horrible things happen within several years - in my mid thirties, I had two cardio-thoracic surgeries that were very dangerous and other massive health issues and my mom died from breast cancer. She died in between me having the two surgeries one year apart, so it was a very stressful time for all of us. I always say, "Can I have some boredom? Boredom is a good thing."
Anyway, you've got to keep up your sense of humor. Your family is beautiful and you are such a source of strength for each other.
From Texas,
Lana
Lana, Thank you for your post. It must be so frustrating to want the testing done and then get the run around. We are dealing with family members who are dragging their feet about getting tested at all. Due to a death (unrelated to Lynch) in my husband's extended family he was able to speak to some relatives about the possibility of them also having Lynch who had no idea Mike was diagnosed with it.
ReplyDeleteIt's a slow process, but little by little I am hopeful more people will become aware of Lynch and take steps to educate themselves.
Heather