brand new to this....

Hi there ~

I was dianosed last july with colon cancer and had surgery at that time to resection the colon, remove an ovary and the omnectum (sp?)...

This june, they found another mass in my pelvis and on July 14th, I had a TAH.

On top of dealing with cancer and chemo at 35 years old, I now have had a TAH on top of it to deal with.

I've read a bit on it - although these days I'm more iclined to bury my head in the sand to just stay sane - but I've been having hot flashes. My dr's don't want me taking hormones because they are still unsure if my cancer has "estrogen receptors" in it. I looked up black cohosh that they recommended instead but I'm seeing liver damage as a result.

The thing that scares me is, I'm in a 2 year old relationship with my best friend in the whole world, newly engaged, and have all of this going on. My sex drive has always been healthy - really to the point I'm probably a bit more active than the average woman. I'm scared to death this is all gone now.

I bounced back from this surgery soooo much faster than the last one. I can sit right up from a laying position where the last surgery had me maneuvering so I could roll off the bed. I sit up, get right up and walk around, I'm healing well, I have virtually almost no pain, etc. I get a bit tired still... I'm looking forward to going back to work - they told me I'd be off 6 weeks.

We're planning on leaving for Canada friday (dr. gave me the green light) It's a 10 hour drive plus the stops to get out and walk around every 2 hours. Anybody have any suggestions for making a car ride this long comfortable?

I know I'm rambling but I'm just so ignorant right now. I had surgery and it's over, period. Then I start looking around this site and see there's sooooo much more to this.

I'm scared on a lot of levels. I try to act like everything's normal but it's just not. I'm an emotional wreck....

thanks for reading my ramblings...

Flutterbys, you've come to the right place for any support, information or encouragement you need. Just post a question and there's always someone to help. You must be doing well to attempt a ten hour car ride so soon. I just came back from a 2 week trip. I was 5 weeks post-op when we left, and found long days of driving resulted in a swollen belly...so, I'd suggest reclining a bit, changing positions and moving around at those rest stops. I hope you're planning to stay put once you arrive. Have some wonderful R&R.

What an inspiration you are Flutterbys. Having to deal with cancer, chemo, and TAH, you are a very strong person for not letting this get you down. Having such a great attitude, i admire you. You go girl. When treveling take a pillow to place on your tummy and the seatbelt will keep it nice and tight. Good luck.

Thank you for your encouragement!!

Thank goodness I had my sons young - early 20's - and I don't want any more children...

The past couple of years has been very difficult on my family. With my cancer and surgeries and my sister had a stillborn son in her 9th month.

I actually am handling things like chemo so much better than other people I see. My last round of chemo lasted 6 months and every treatment was a 3 day affair. I had to go to work wearing a chemo pump! This time won't be so bad, thank goodness (crossing fingers). I can't wait to go back to work!! I love my job and it's where I thrive. I'll be starting chemo at the end of August so I'll be missing a day of work a week but my company has been just wonderful. Even the owner and one of the vice-presidents have personally told me that the LAST thing I have to worry about is my job and if they hear I'm worrying anymore they'll personally kick my *** LOL!

I'd give anything to be healthy again. I'm only 35... I took so much for granted in the past....

Dear Flutterbys,
Please let me add my , you are ONE amazing woman! To go through all that and still be working and be sane (yes, you are), wow!

I am not a very religios person (I say my prayers in private) but I once saw a sign on a church that said, "don't ask God for a lighter load, ask for a stronger back to carry it." You have a very strong back, my prayers are with you and may your back continue to be very strong!

Much love to you!
Kelly