This post is a part of the weeklong #LiveBrave series in celebration of Survivors Week
Before the days of our online group chats, there was My CCA Support—a place where patients and survivors could gather online to ask questions, share stories and get advice. Our community now gathers in Blue Hope Nation and Colontown, but the legacy of My CCA Support lives on with legendary discussions like this “You Might Be A Cancer Survivor If…” post, started by volunteer John Lloyd.
In honor of Survivor Week, we’ve revived this list as a way to celebrate the things that make being a colon cancer survivor unique and showcase the good, the bad and the ugly in a lighthearted way.
You Might Be A Colon Cancer Survivor If:
- You know 5FU is not a bad word.
- You ask for lukewarm tap water when you go to restaurants.
- You celebrate bowel movements!
- You keep a list of medications, treatments and side effects on your smartphone.
- You know all the parts of the digestive system in detail.
- You know how to find a $50 room in New York City, Houston or Baltimore that is near every hospital you visit for tests.
- Your “release to medical professionals” list has more than 10 specialists.
- You know evaluate purses and briefcases for their ability to carry extra continence and/or ostomy supplies.
- You have at least five sizes of clothes in your closet, with a selection of items in the size suitable for pre-cancer, pre-surgery, post-op, after chemo weight gain and after chemo weight loss.
- All your troubles are behind you!
What would you add to this list?
Don’t forget, the Colon Cancer Alliance serves as a source of information about colon health. If you have additional questions about colon cancer screening or are in need of support, please contact our free Helpline at (877) 422-2030. We’re here to help.