My colon cancer journey
Donation protected
6/13
I had a colonoscopy. Things were normal until the Dr said “we found something the size of a pea that we are concerned about”
My heart sank into my stomach.
7/1 Went in for a scan and was told “that tumor is now the size of a quarter, most likely it’s cancer and we need to get you into surgery ASAP” I remember just going into my car and crying my eyes out.
7/26 I get to the hospital for surgery day. Everything is going well. I get wheeled into OR and get put to sleep. Woke up and was told the following. 5 minutes in I stopped breathing while my blood pressure spiked to 180. Full breathing tube and other tubes. Started bleeding through my nose tube and they were deciding if we continue or abandon the surgery. The Dr decided to continue, either I die on the table or the aggressive cancer is gonna kill me anyways. They found infections all around the cancer that is now the size of a golf ball. But it was successfully removed. Recovery has been rough. Lots of bleeding and liquid diet for a couple days. So much puss. That ended up being over two weeks. I have open wounds down there since they wanted it to heal from the inside out. I change out my dressings quite a bit. Lots of gauze is needed. Pretty sure the Safeway down the street thinks I have a problem.
Eventually insurance denied covering my surgery and left me with a 6-figure bill. As of now I’m gonna do my best to pay it. But I need help. My friends told me to try fundraising and asking for help. I’ve always figured things out and suffered in silence alone. Unfortunately I need support from my friends and family. Especially emotional support because I feel so defeated.
8/22 Had my PET scan, CT scan, bloodwork and ultrasound and waiting on results to see if it has spread anywhere else. Ultimately if nothing shows up I am in remission. If they find something…. I start chemo immediately. If we waited 6 months longer I probably would not be here. Everyone please go get checked.
I know it says 45 for a colonoscopy but I did it at 39 and it probably saved my life or has given me a fighting chance. I’m not ready to give up. I have so much more life to live. So much more things I need to do. I’m gonna fight this til the end with every breath I take.
For those who donate I thank you. Idk what else to say. Thank you for helping. I’m indebted to you all. Thank you to all the people who helped me through this. For being at the hospital with me. For visiting and bringing me food and soups. For checking in on me constantly. I love you all.
7/1 Went in for a scan and was told “that tumor is now the size of a quarter, most likely it’s cancer and we need to get you into surgery ASAP” I remember just going into my car and crying my eyes out.
7/26 I get to the hospital for surgery day. Everything is going well. I get wheeled into OR and get put to sleep. Woke up and was told the following. 5 minutes in I stopped breathing while my blood pressure spiked to 180. Full breathing tube and other tubes. Started bleeding through my nose tube and they were deciding if we continue or abandon the surgery. The Dr decided to continue, either I die on the table or the aggressive cancer is gonna kill me anyways. They found infections all around the cancer that is now the size of a golf ball. But it was successfully removed. Recovery has been rough. Lots of bleeding and liquid diet for a couple days. So much puss. That ended up being over two weeks. I have open wounds down there since they wanted it to heal from the inside out. I change out my dressings quite a bit. Lots of gauze is needed. Pretty sure the Safeway down the street thinks I have a problem.
Eventually insurance denied covering my surgery and left me with a 6-figure bill. As of now I’m gonna do my best to pay it. But I need help. My friends told me to try fundraising and asking for help. I’ve always figured things out and suffered in silence alone. Unfortunately I need support from my friends and family. Especially emotional support because I feel so defeated.
8/22 Had my PET scan, CT scan, bloodwork and ultrasound and waiting on results to see if it has spread anywhere else. Ultimately if nothing shows up I am in remission. If they find something…. I start chemo immediately. If we waited 6 months longer I probably would not be here. Everyone please go get checked.
I know it says 45 for a colonoscopy but I did it at 39 and it probably saved my life or has given me a fighting chance. I’m not ready to give up. I have so much more life to live. So much more things I need to do. I’m gonna fight this til the end with every breath I take.
For those who donate I thank you. Idk what else to say. Thank you for helping. I’m indebted to you all. Thank you to all the people who helped me through this. For being at the hospital with me. For visiting and bringing me food and soups. For checking in on me constantly. I love you all.
Organizer
David Doan
Organizer
Lynnwood, WA