People have a lot of questions when you get diagnosed with cancer. Some people ask them, most questions are fine, some are wild, I answer the ones I want to answer below, I might add to this page as my journey goes on, we’ll see!
Q: What exactly do you have?
A: Stage 4 Colon Cancer.
Q: What exactly does that diagnosis mean?
A: Colon Cancer is cancer that started in my Colon. Stage 4 means it has spread to other organs, in my case, to my lungs.
Q: How long do you have to live?
A: Don’t ask people this. And I’m not terminal, I’m in treatment.
Q: Are you getting treatment?
A: Yup!
Q: What kind of treatment?
A: I’m getting chemotherapy, I am not a candidate for immunotherapy treatment. I’m getting a course called FOLFOX + a drug called bevacizumab. I get chemo every other week, and expect to do so for a minimum of 6 months, though a year is more likely, after chemo there will also be surgery (or multiple surgeries).
Q: Is it working?
A: I’ll be honest, this is also a question you shouldn’t ask – a cancer diagnosis feels like a death sentence, when you ask if treatment is working it’s like asking if your execution has been put off or not. But the answer is yes, so far I’m responding!
Q: How can I / we help?
A: Ben and I have good jobs and insurance, and I’m still working, so right now money isn’t a big issue (though we certainly never hate more money, especially towards ordering dinner on sick days). Funny stories and silly gossip are great distractions for me, as are book and tv/movie recommedations. We also appreciate help aroumd the house and with Mila on occasion.
I’m sure there are more questions, but I think this covers the basics. I’ll add more as I think of them (or get asked).
