I am 54 years old, have been a widow since 2000, a mother to a wonderful son who lives in another state and a grandmother to a 3 year old boy and 8 month old girl.  I was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer in Feb 2004, on March 3, 2004 I had surgery and they removed a 6 inch tumor and 18 inches of my large intestine.  Had chemo treatment till July 2004.

 

 In August 2004 after a cat scan I was diagnosed that the cancer had come back as there were 4 enlarged lymph nodes that popped up. The doctor at that time said I needed more treatment, had to get a port put in my chest and told me I only had 2 to 4 years to live.  I would not accept that so I went to another doctors who is the director of Colon Cancer at HUMC and he told me no one can really tell how long a person has to live. 

 

 I started another round of treatment and also a type of chemo that the other doctor didn't use.  I did treatment for 2 years some as long as 12 hours.  In November 2008 I was off chemo for 2 years and passed the statistic mark.  My doctor said I am a miracle and to keep doing what I am doing.  I go to my oncologist every 3 months and get a new cat scan every 4 to 6 months. From August 2004 till February 2009 those 4 enlarged lymph nodes have not moved nor got bigger.  I live each day the best I can and I don't think about the past and by keeping busy with my paper crafts I don't think about the cancer unless it gets close to the cat scan date or the doctor visit.

 I do scrapbooking and paper crafts.  I love my dog who is a blonde cocker spaniel as he always makes me smile.  I love warm colors, browns, burgundys, rust, those type.  My favorite scents are Hyacinths (wish the smell could last longer), carnations and apple cinnamon