Lizzy's Story

In August 2003 I went to my doctor thinking I had a hemorrhoid. He then did the barium enema test which came back clear.

September 2003, I had some bleeding from my vagina and went to have a biopsy which came back clear. I kept having small bleeds but nothing too much. I went back to the specialist who then by chance felt in the rectum and within ten minutes had me in the surgeons office next door to him. She, after a quick exam, told me I had colorectal cancer and would have to have my "bum" removed and a colostomy. I remember the numbing shock at her words... and the drive to pick my hubby up from work We were both devastated.

This was followed by a sigmoidoscopy and a colonoscopy both which came back negative. I owe my life to that lady surgeon who insisted on treating the tumour as cancer.

I had 20 radiation treatments which left my bum burnt and blistered. It was agony to go to the loo and pass minute stools. I used to sit in a bath of cold water after each movement.

In April 2004, I had surgery to remove the tumour with a 50/50 chance of survival. I was stage three cancer of the rectum and they found it had spread thru the vagina into the uterus but all of the biopsies came back clear. Very scary!

I had a colostomy performed plus removal of 1/3rd of the vagina and a hysterectomy at the same time. It was the biggest fight of my life that surgery and the healing afterwards. I went into a deep depression for which I had to have counselling and medications for a year and I prayed to die and begged people to help me die. I had radiation damage to the bladder. It would not stop spasming so now have to take Detrol pills for the rest of my life to keep it stable.

I finally came out of the depression but it was a battle for a long time.

I had 6 months of chemotherapy to kill some cancer cells that they could not get in surgery.

I have check ups every three months for CEA tests.. so far so good!

Now I am happy again and living life the best I can. I began to work again and was given the opportunity to manage the apartment block we live in which is a 55 plus building so a lot of seniors here. I have found my niche as they say. My health is good. We have an old sailboat we love to go puttering around the islands here in.

I have been given a third chance at life and I am grateful. I had breast cancer 10 years ago in 1996 and had a mastectomy but life is good and we must live each day as it comes with quality.

No matter what is thrown at us in life we can overcome anything and become good and caring people who enjoy life no matter what. My husband said I am no different now than I was when he met me 12 years ago. True love sees no obstacles.

This is my story... and I am happy I am to be here to share it with you.

...Lizzy

Previous

Stories

Next