Rolling To Recovery, A story of a 23 year old colon cancer survivor Molly Mc Master, who is now raising awareness for the disease among young people.  
Guest Book (Year 2003)

Click on the year to read comments: 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000.

From: moxin
Email: qzli@sse.org.cn
Date: Wednesday, December 24, 2003
Time: 10:42:34 PM -0500

Comments

Hi, Molly,I have a friend who has been diagnosed some half year ago with colon cancer, he just had a operation in Beijing,the People's Republic of China, but the operation was not so successful. He asked me to get some information in the Internet about the famous hospitals to cure colon cancer in the U.S. If possible, he will go to the U.S. to get treatment. Could you please give me some advice? My friend is very earnest to know the best hospital in the treatment of colon cancer. Sorry to disturb you!

From: Nicole
Email: cancerstuff@lovelymachine.com
Date: Sunday, December 21, 2003
Time: 02:01:23 PM -0500

Comments

Good to see I'm not the only one who doesn't fit the demographic. I was diagnosed two months ago with colon cancer, just shy of my 30th birthday. They removed a tennis ball sized tumor from my ascending colon in late October, and I'm doing adjuvant chemo now. I'd been having abdominal pain since July but they had trouble figuring out what the issue was until I had a colonoscopy in October. Various doctors suspected ovarian cysts, appendicitis, IBS, Krohn's, diverticulitis, etc. Thank goodness I had that followup colonoscopy, as the cancer had spread to one lymph node. I have insisted that all my family get colonoscopies, even though there is no family history of colon cancer (well, except me). Anyone who's going through chemo and wants to commiserate on 5-FU/Leucovorin's side effects, please email me.

From: lynn
Email: racebs27@hotmail.com
Date: Monday, December 15, 2003
Time: 12:12:13 PM -0500

Comments

Hi molly.. i just one wanted to tell you how great it was to meet at the cross check for colon cancer that you put on... it was great to play such a great game .. you are an awsome player..and two to tell you that you are a very brave stong woman... i have been having problems and after reading your story and seeing my doctor i am going to test for possible colon cancer. Well needless to say i have had to take some time off from hockey till i feel better and know what is going on.. Not easy with 2 kids very active in sports. i know most people only leave something if they have had or no some one that has this but i figured what the heck. keep up the good work molly.. most people dont know how much family history can affect them when it comes to this.

Lynn

From: Dirk Walls
Email: dirkwalls@yahoo.com
Date: Monday, December 15, 2003
Time: 07:25:53 AM -0500

Comments

Howdy. I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer about a year and a half ago, when I was 37. I had been having symptons for years, mainly blood in my stool and pain in my guts. I had been putting off going to the doctor. I thought it was an ulcer or some hemorrhoids. I think this is a problem with many males, not going to a doctor when they should. Too many John Wayne movies when I was younger :). I had read a bunch on the net and experimented with different foods and was pretty sure that I had developed a gluten intolerance, which was causing my problems. Luckily, I told a good friend about my symptoms and she (after calling me an idiot) convinced me to go see a doctor. Thanks M! I forget what stage it was, but I got one of those PIC lines and 4 weeks of constant chemo along with daily radiation shot up my butt for 4 weeks, then some recovery time and surgery. Cut out a the bad part of my colon, along with my gall bladder (turns out it was full of stones) and my appendix. Used an ice cream scoop on the lymph nodes and got some of those too. They found no cancer in the nodes but I got another 4 months of weekly chemo to make sure. I'm feeling pretty good now and urge any of you (especially you macho male types) to get checked if you have any symptoms. If you can get this stopped while still a polyp, that's much better than getting your gut cut upen. Thanks also to my two doctors, Dr Matthews and Dr Keech. They are awesome.

From:
Email:
Date: Monday, December 08, 2003
Time: 05:09:07 PM -0500

Comments

Hi Molly Hope things are still going good for you. My mother was diagnosed with colon cancer when she was in her late twenties. She is now 69 and is doing quite well. The doctors didn't expect her to survive the last time she went in a few years after her first surgery, but she has always been a tough, determined woman and proved them wrong-- luckily for my brother and I! Wanda

From: lynn
Email: clean2th32@aol.com
Date: Monday, December 01, 2003
Time: 08:00:06 PM -0500

Comments

Hi molly, I read your story, and first want to congratulate you on 4 yrs cancer free. I can really relate to your story, as my mother battled colon cancer for 21/2 yrs. She went through alot of what you did, but due to it being stage 4 when they found it, she died in feb. I would love to participate in a walk of some kind to raise money for colon cancer in the massachusetts or NH area. Do you know of anything? If you do I would appreciate any info you have.

From: Dave Bratz
Email: dbratz@qwics.com
Date: Monday, December 01, 2003
Time: 11:44:52 AM -0500

Comments

Hi Molly, my story is alot like yours, the only difference was that I had no symptoms. (I am 51) My colon cancer was discovered just by luck. I changed doctors and my new doctor asked where last colonoscopy report was. I told him I never had one, he insisted I have one the following week. I had the colonoscopy done on November 12th. 2003 and I was scheduled for surgery November 21st. I am still in recovery but am hoping for the best. God bless you and I hope you have a long and healthy life. DB. Kohler Wisconsin.

From: Sherry
Email: jmckee@sunflower.com
Date: Saturday, November 29, 2003
Time: 04:41:53 PM -0500

Comments

Your website is great! My husband is 39 years old and was diagnosed with Stage II colon cancer at the end of October. We have 4 young children ages 2 to 8! He had surgery the second week of November 2003, the cancer had grown through the large intestine, into the fatty tissue surrounding the colon. The good news is they took 60 lymph nodes and none of them were positive for cancer!! Basically his whole colon was removed (due to ulcerative cholitis and cancer), they hooked his small intestine to the rectum. The dilemma is wether to have chemo (FOLFOX) or not. We want him to be sure it doesn't come back, because the surgeon thinks he got it all. The first oncologist said he didn't know how he would tolerate the chemo without having a colon, that it could possibly cause severe diarrhea and GI distress. But he's leaving it up to us to decide. Has anyone been through this situation? Thanks

From: Shari
Email: sislonski@shaw.ca
Date: Friday, November 28, 2003
Time: 02:33:54 PM -0500

Comments

I was hoping that you would be willing to share my website link with others. I am a breast cancer survivor and make cancer awareness gifts that give and support.

Thank you for your time and consideration. shari http://www.BeadsForACure.com

From: Floyd Rider
Email: frider381@aol.com
Date: Thursday, November 27, 2003
Time: 09:24:35 PM -0500

Comments

Hello Molly, I saw the colossus colon the California PBS "California Gold" several months ago. I thought what a neat idea to let people know about colon cancer. Little did I know at the time that I would be one of the people diagnosed with the disease. I had surgery 12 days ago to remove stage 3 tumor, lymph nodes, and associated fat tissue after passing a large amount of blood one occasion. I now have the task of chemo starting in about 3 weeks to take care of the cancer cells in the lymph system that could not be detected during surgery. I know that the battle is still before me but am optimistic that I will beat this thing. With about 14 inches less large intestine to worry about, 35 less pounds, and tons of family support I am also going to be a survivor. Thanks for your hard work and the time you spend letting people know about colon cancer. Floyd Rider Exeter, CA

From: mark mcgrath
Email: markemark12887@yahoo.com
Date: Wednesday, November 26, 2003
Time: 12:30:26 AM -0500

Comments

HI MOLLY, I SPOTTED YOU IN THE PARADE IN GLENSFALLS. DIDNT WANT TO SCREAM AT YOU AND LOOK LIKE A FOOL! I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT ON AUG.IST I TOOK MY HARLEY ON A TRIP ACROSS THE UNITED STATES TO THE WEST COAST AND BACK. ON THE WAY BACK TO N.Y. I WAS BLEEDING A LOT. ON THE 15TH I GOT HOME AND TWO DAYS LATER MY STOMACHE WAS AS BIG AS A BASKETBALL. I WENT TO THE DR. OFFICE IN BOLTON AND WAS TOLD TO GO TO GET X-RAYS. I DID AND WAS TOLD THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG AND TO GO ON A LITE DIET. TWO DAYS LATER I PASSED OUT UNDER A CAR,WHEN I CAME TOO I WAS SOAKED IN SWEAT. MY WIFE RUSHED ME TO THE HOSPITAL AND THEY THOUGHT MY APENDIX HAD BURST. IT DID!MY COLEN HAD RUPTURED (DIVERTICULITIS)cant spell AND WAS EATING ME UP INSIDE. WAS OPERATED ON AND HAD TO HAVE 16INCHES OF MY COLEN REMOVED, MY APENDIX,AND SOME SMALL INTESTIN. THANK GOD IT WAS ON THE RIGHT SIDE, OR I WOULD BE WAERING A BAG. IM STILL HEALING AND NO MORE CANCER HAS BEEN FOUND. KIND OF A SHITTY WAY TO SAY HI, BUT HI MOLLY HOPE YOUR DOING WELL, AND LET ME KNOW WHEN YOUR GOING TO BE AT THE RAIDO STATION AND I WILL STOP BY. THANX MARK MCGRATH

From: Theresa Nelson
Email: dtsenelson@yahoo.com
Date: Tuesday, November 25, 2003
Time: 09:14:06 AM -0500

Comments

Molly, It is great to hear that you were able to come so far! I hope you or someone reading this, can help me help my friend. She is 32 and 21/2 yrs ago was diagnoised with colon cancer. It didn't know her then, but have gotten to know her very well over the past 11/2yrs. She had radiation, then surgery to remove the cancer, and was put on a colostomi. After a few months they removed the colostomi and a few weeks later a fistula opened, allowing her to have diahriea pass through her virgina. They operated again, placing a "fat pack" to close the fistula, and put her back on a colostomi for 3 - 6 months. This past month they took the colostomi off and after only 2 weeks the fistula has re-opened again! I have never really heard or seen her cry before, but last night she was ready to just give up! She lost her mom at 13 to colon cancer and now she feels it is her turn. She has 2 young children, and has come so far, I refuse to let her give up now!! Is there anything else out thier we have missed that can help her? I will take any and all advice as well as prayer that we can get! Thank you, and good luck to the rest of you fighting, you are all in my prayers!

From: Jen
Email: jen_m_p@yahoo.com
Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2003
Time: 02:03:02 PM -0500

Comments

Last October, at age 58, my mom was diagnosed with colon cancer, had her surgery, where they found cancer in one of twelve lymph nodes removed. She started 5FU in November. When she finished that in May, they found that her cancer had spread to her liver. So then it was off to CPT11, which worked great on her liver tumors. Today was to be the day they resected her liver to remove any remaining tumors. But no such luck because they found a mass on her small intestine, so, because of that, they didn't operate on her liver. I'm not really sure what's going to happen next. Please wish my mom luck.

From: Mary Botz
Email: jmbotz@hotmail.com
Date: Tuesday, November 18, 2003
Time: 11:23:40 AM -0500

Comments

Hey Molly!

I have told our story in the guestbook a few times since this nightmare began in March. My dad is the one with colon cancer and had radiation and chemo prior to surgery #1 to remove the tumor and surgery #2 to do a "take-down." All has went pretty well, except that now he is in his follow up chemo and is having a very tough time with it. He has diarreah which is very inconsisent, but worrisome enough that when it does come, it is tough to get rid of. I don't know the name of any of the drugs he has taken to try to counter it, but he has gone from over the OTC stuff, to pills, to shots, and is now receiving a "long lasting shot" which was done yesterday. He had chills all day yesterday and now has a low grade fever...while he insists that he has a cold and that is the problem, I am wondering if it could be from the shots or from the chemo. Any ideas or suggestions from ANYONE would be appreciated. Thanks!!

Sincerely, Mary Botz

From: Angela
Email: oakhaven1@earthlink.net
Date: Tuesday, November 11, 2003
Time: 08:10:08 AM -0500

Comments

There is a family history of colon cancer in my family. I finally decided to have a colonoscopy after being told by my father's doctor that children can get it 10 years prior to the age when their parent gets their first polyp. They found a flat adenomous polyp that is over 3 centimeters wide, which is pretty big for a "polyp". The doctor was not able to get the polpy out during the colonoscopy because it is flat along the wall of my colon and because of it's size. They have suggested surgery. I'm 35 years old and had always thought I was too young to have to worry about colon cancer. I've seen many friends and family die from different types of cancer and so I am terrified, but your story gives me much hope and courage. Now, I have to convince my 18 year old daughter that she needs to be tested in by the time she's 25 or sooner. Please let me know if you know of any events in North Carolina to raise awareness or money for colon cancer. I would love to take part in the events, help others and be around survivors that will help me to remember that I can be a survivor too. Thank you for sharing your story. I wish you the best always.

From: Ceu pimentel
Email: vieirapimentel@microsoft.com
Date: Monday, November 10, 2003
Time: 09:45:02 AM -0500

Comments

Hi, firstly I would like to congratulate you on your courage and succes story. I am a very worried Portuguese lady,living in Portugal, because my father who is sixty has just been operated on friday to his colon to remove a tumar. He had the same sort of symptoms as you had. I have family members that have polyps and others that have had breast, spinal and lung cancer. They are all still living and fighting cancer.I feel like I'm lossing every one that I love,I have lost my mother and now I have three close family members and my father with this terable sickness.I would apriciate more info. of what you go through after the removal of the tumar, what you can eat and if you did any changes in your diet. Also did other family members change there eating habits to avoid getting this type of cancer. Your testamonial has given me hope, thankyou.

From: Kim
Email: emersokc@jmu.edu
Date: Thursday, November 06, 2003
Time: 12:55:57 PM -0500

Comments

Dear Molly Thanks for your story which helps to inspire me. I also had emerg surgery to repair perforated bowel from what I learned later was stage 2 cancer. I was 42 years old. My case too was rare because of my age and had no background - but later learned that my grandmother died in 1979 of what must have been colan cancer. My dad only remembers that she used supposotories all the time and finaly went ill and into the hospital and so they did exploratory surgery and sewed her right back up cus her insides were all 'eaten up with cancer'. Horrible. But I need your inspiration to get healthy. You were stricken when your were young and physically fit - I am old and fat. I did smoke - just dont exercise anymore like I used to before the 2 kid. Am under tremendous stress in taking care of my 73 yr old Dad in a nursing home from strokes as well as work fulltime. I underwent 6 mos chemo, during which I had another major operation to reverse the colostomy. I weight more now then when I came out of the hospital the first time June 2002. The chemo really stopped my metabolism and I have been done with it for 10 mos. I am considered to be in remission or cancer free - whatever that means - but want to loose 100 pounds. I feel so worthless. Thanks for jsut listening.

Kim.

From: Cybil Bointy
Email: ckbointy@hotmail.com
Date: Monday, November 03, 2003
Time: 10:31:44 PM -0500

Comments

Hello I am so glad that you made it through your scary ordeal. I was just wondering if you know all the symptoms to this dreadful disease? I am worried about my insides and like I read about your story we all know when something is up and not right? so please let me know or send me some information about this?

cybil bointy p.o. box 341 carnegie, OK 73015

waiting patiently...

From: tina therrien
Email: ttherrien@mssnycph
Date: Thursday, October 30, 2003
Time: 10:24:10 AM -0500

Comments

Hi Molly, I'm ann dunbar's partner and we met once or twice while visiting Lisa. Ann and I are members of Lisa' Angels and will be attending the hockey tournament. I work for the Medical Society of NY which represents all NY physicians. This morning I sent out an announcement about the tournament and have already received inquiries as to where donations can be sent. Thanks for all that you do! Tina

From: Janelle Ahlvers, Lindsborg, Kansas
Email: ahlvers@bethanylb.edu
Date: Wednesday, October 29, 2003
Time: 09:36:04 PM -0500

Comments

Molly I met you at the hotel exercise room in St. Louis when your tour was there. I had a lot of fun talking to you and learned that you were with the Colon tour. Little did I know till I went the next day that you were the creater and survivor. I was truely amazed. I wish I would have been able to talk with you but you had to leave that day. I just wanted to let you know I wish you the best. Your an inspiration. Janelle

From: Ruby Laune
Email: rblaune@hotmail.com
Date: Wednesday, October 29, 2003
Time: 05:53:39 PM -0500

Comments

I just recently had colon surgery and not doing so well

From: Bonni Garvey, So. Glens Falls, NY
Email:
Date: Wednesday, October 29, 2003
Time: 05:09:28 AM -0500

Comments

Good Golly Miss Molly!!! Happy to have you back home after your long journey across the country w/ the Colossal Colon!!! You do such fantastic work to raise awareness of this preventable disease, can't wait to see what you'll cook up in the future! Thank you, Sergei, for the configuration of this easy-to-navigate website! This message is for all of you out there, who will be having colonoscopies. Some people mention the worst part of it is "DRINKING THE YUKKY STUFF". That is what I was told also, and I dreaded it! BUT, my doctor gave me a prescription for 2 small viles of STUFF, I took it home, the directions say to mix it w/ ginger-ale (can't remember the other choices--but they will be there on the directions the pharmacist will give you along w/ the stuff you have to drink). It did not taste YUKKY and the liquid (mostly the ginger ale) was fine. I had to drink about 32 oz. of my choice w/ each little bottle of "stuff" mixed in it, so that is a lot of drinking BUT IT IS NOT THAT CHALKY-TASTING STUFF OFTEN ASSOCIATED W/ GETTING X-RAYS OF YOUR UPPER OR LOWER GI TRACT!!! I know that "YUKKY STUFF" makes you gag, and you wonder if you will ever get it down, if it is worth all the agrevation, etc etc etc BUT YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DRINK THAT "YUKKY STUFF", THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE--TELL YOUR DOCTOR YOU WANT THE 2 LITTLE BOTTLES OF STUFF YOU MIX W/ GINGER ALE THAT DO NOT TASTE BAD AT ALL!!! Another thing to know is that once the "STUFF" you drank kicks in, you will spend alot of time in the bathroom, I ran in and out of the bathroom so many times for several hours, I can't even count them, but I sat on my bed, w/ a warm blanket over me and a heating pad (cause w/just a nightgown on (didn't want to get "other clothes soiled" and didn't want to "not get my pants down in time") I got cold everytime I would get up to "GO"). Also, be sure to put vasoline on your bottom, around your rectum, so that you don't get sore from "going so many times" and from "wiping yourself". I mentioned that my bottom was sore when I went the next day for my colon-oscopy and the nurse said, "Oh you should have put vasoline on your bottom" and I said, "Now you tell me!!! Why not include that in your Pre-surgery notes that you give to all patients?" I made sure to watch a funny movie or something that was upbeat to pass the time away. I sincerely hope this helps those of you who will be having a colonoscopy in the near future. By the way, that was my first one, I was 57 and in good health but STRONGLY BELIEVE IN PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND TAKING GOOD CARE OF YOURSELF. I also had one because Molly is my friend and after learning of her experience, IT WAS THE RIGHT THING TO DO at my age. Thank you GOD that mine was fine, no problems!

From: Larry
Email: jonathonlallo@excite.com
Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2003
Time: 03:11:40 PM -0500

Comments

This is quite the encouraging site. Would like to give encouragement to those diagnosed or survivors of rectal cancer. Be encouraged that the Lord if you know Him, can be your strngth and your peace in the storm. I resisted for even months having surgery, fearing death, but also maybe even more so, fearing having to have a bag. I was 49 years old. the tumor was about 10 centimeteres up the rectum. I did all the alternatives in advance begining with Prayer wherever and whenever I could have people pray to Jesus for me. I juiced organic carrots and broccoli - 3- 10 pounds per day - mostly carrots and apples. Must be organic. I utilized Cesium and Coral Calcium and vitamin D theraphy, and Coralagic vrom V4 Life. It was a difficult time. The surgery and recovery time took about 14 days inf the hopsital and a few months and then back to work and ministry I went with all Glory and Praises to God. They took out about 14 lymph nodes an no evidence of cancer was found in them. It was decided that I should not even have chemotheraphy. I do have to live with several bowel movements on some days, and sometimes it is difficult to control, and my stools remain shaped in funny humorous looking ways, yet I feel very good, and look to the next phase of my life. I still will need to endure blood tests every quarter and an annula colonoscopy of which the worst part is that crappy tasting liquid! So be encouraged my friends. God is Good, though we all have trouble seeing his goodness, especially in times like these. The eternal outcome is what he is after regardless of when or how long we live or die.

From: Kristine Zechman
Email: Kristine.Zechman@EDS.com
Date: Monday, October 27, 2003
Time: 05:27:05 PM -0500

Comments

I am 33 years old and have just had surgery for what the doctors assumed was a benign tumor. Unfortunately, they were wrong. I was lucky, in that in my story my doctors took my very first symptom seriously. I had blood in my stool one time and by the time I went to see my doctor two days later it was gone. Thank God the doctor took me seriously and decided to be sure it was hemoroids! I do not think I have a family history, am not overweight and do not fit any of the other risk factors so it is a bit of a surprise he did... They caught my cancer at stage I. Thank you for your website. It was a helpful site to visit.

From: Joan R. ONeil
Email: ncjoan2@alltel.net
Date: Monday, October 27, 2003
Time: 02:57:15 PM -0500

Comments

Dear Molly: I have been having some trouble with diahreha and I am scheduled to see a Dr. Colvin in Matthews, N.C. I have had this for 3 weeks and I would love to hear from you and about your story.

Thank you Joan R. O'Neil

From: Gex
Email: Gex@www.cancercarenetwork.com
Date: Sunday, October 26, 2003
Time: 07:30:34 PM -0500

Comments

This is a very Beautiful Site, Thank You for creating it. I also found it very informative and I am glad I have had the chance to view it.

If you have a moment please take a peek at our Cancer related website, we offer 24/7 Cancer support and information.

Please join us at http://www.cancercarenetwork.com.

We have several hundred chatters dealing with all types of cancer. All are welcome. Patients, loved ones and care givers. sometimes it helps to talk with others live and one on one. We have 2 seperate chat rooms, the first is open around the clock for cancer information or support and the second has cancer related scheduled topics the entire site is 100% free. Thank You and God Bless

From: Margaret McRorey
Email: Star_McRorey@hotmail.com
Date: Thursday, October 23, 2003
Time: 04:13:58 PM -0400

Comments

I to thought I know everything about disease's cause I was a (certifed nurses aide)and worked around alot of disease's;But I was wrong to thank I knew it all!Until I came face to face with it.I was 40yrs old before I thought about merrying anyone until I and my husband found each other over the Internet'in a chatroom and after a year/half of getting to know each other over the Internet and then we Finally met in person in April-2000 and many times we would hear other people (Talk) about how I would have my handsful knowing my husband has Epilepsy and what kind of life would that be for me to live around with knowing he has a (Disability). he didn't ask for;But He was born with it.We desided and surprised everyone when we got married in October-2000,without hearing their comments of:people with(Disability)should live a life without others around or if someone comes down with a(Disability)of some kind,should find another place to live.But my Husband is dealing great with his (Disability).But To me,Disability is in us all and even in the people who thank it will never happen to them cause their healthyer then others until its to late for them.But it was remarkable I found a good christain person and know our faith well be strong through lifes Journey and no matter if (he or she) has a Disability's of some kind.By the time January-2001,My husband Mother at the age 86yrs old passed away cause of a car accident,That could of been prevented if a Drunk Driver never got behind a weel of a car.Then By June-2002 we was all faced once again;That my Dad came down with Colon cancer and something new to us all.But my Dad had surgery in July and was doing great and the Doctor told the family members 'that Dad did good in surgery,but he still had one spot of cancer (Knocking at the Door)and not to worry and also Dad took the chemo and so we all thought it was over for a while Until May-2003 when My Dads wife Kellie (Our Step Mother)came down with Colon Cancer as well and now it has hit my Dad once again with the caner spot that was Knocking at the Door.Will,As My Dad told us once (This must be a Test from God!and to find the fear of faith in us all'that would of come someday,to us all.)My Dad-age 71 & his Wife-age 61 is now staying with my little now in slick,oklahoma and is still trying to fight back at the cancer so they can continue living their lives out....Star-(Star is my Internet nick name)..

From: claudia
Email: paolo12@earthlink.net
Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2003
Time: 03:55:02 PM -0400

Comments

Please tell what you did to get rid of your cancer. Thank you so much you have geiven me hope.

From: Erika Brown
Email: theAdvisory@msn.com
Date: Monday, October 20, 2003
Time: 10:16:00 PM -0400

Comments

Molly--Went to see the Colossal Colon in Denver this past summer--and you had already left the area. It was a great "show", and I was so glad that I'd trekked across town to see it. Just sorry that I missed you! You and I talked about a year ago...on the phone. Since that time I have had many months of chemo, been divorced, and moved. My life is so much better! (Being done with chemo helps!) I read in one of the earlier comments something that I really do believe in too---if I talk and am open about my colon disease (now gone!), the so doing seems to keep it (the disease) 'out' of my system. And I want to keep it out!! (So I'll talk to just about anyone who'll listen about colon cancer--and the need for everyone to take early detection seriously!! This is a wonderful, wonderful project, Molly. What's next on your creative agenda?? Best wishes, Erika Brown Denver, CO

From: GB
Email: gbyron1946@aol.com
Date: Monday, October 20, 2003
Time: 12:21:26 PM -0400

Comments

First, I'm glad I found your web site. Thanks for providing some really good information. The most important, though, is PERSISTANCE! I had a colonoscopy as part of a routine check up and everything 'looked fine' according to my gastroenterologist. I kept insisting 'something was wrong' and he kept (pardon the pun) pooh-poohing me. The bottom line is that after months of misery, pain, discomfort, blood, etc, 2 years later I had a complete bowel blockage. I had emergency surgery to remove a malignent tumer (baseball size) and 12" of colon. I have Stage II metastatic carcinoma and take chemtherapy once a week for 6 weeks and 2 weeks off. This will continue for another 6 - 8 months, but the good news: I have a great chance of complete remission. Had I not kept 'pestering' the doctor, who knows how long I would have gone before it was too late. YOUR BODY KNOWS BEST...and you are not a hypochondriac for insisting! Best wishes to all of you. God Bless!!

From: Joanne
Email: jrt002@jefferson.edu
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2003
Time: 07:49:15 PM -0400

Comments

Molly, I just finished reading through your story and all that you have done. I wanted to say congratulations and thank you. Thank you for sharing your story with the world--colorectal cancer is important for everyone to know about and your work has helped bridge the gap. Furthermore, all of your fundraising is so important to research for future therapies and prevention. So, thank you.

I am a 25 year old, 4th year medical student. I am planning a career as a gastroenterologist, so clearly I will be dealing with issues of colorectal cancer everyday for the rest of my life. Your story will serve as a reminder to me that bad diseases do happen in young people and complete histories and physicals are pertinent.

I have not had a chance to see the Colossal Colon, but I am hoping to make it up to NYC next week. Congratulations again on being a survivor and an inspiration to all of us.

-Joanne

From: Joanne
Email: jrt002@jefferson.edu
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2003
Time: 07:49:02 PM -0400

Comments

Molly, I just finished reading through your story and all that you have done. I wanted to say congratulations and thank you. Thank you for sharing your story with the world--colorectal cancer is important for everyone to know about and your work has helped bridge the gap. Furthermore, all of your fundraising is so important to research for future therapies and prevention. So, thank you.

I am a 25 year old, 4th year medical student. I am planning a career as a gastroenterologist, so clearly I will be dealing with issues of colorectal cancer everyday for the rest of my life. Your story will serve as a reminder to me that bad diseases do happen in young people and complete histories and physicals are pertinent.

I have not had a chance to see the Colossal Colon, but I am hoping to make it up to NYC next week. Congratulations again on being a survivor and an inspiration to all of us.

-Joanne

From: Mackenzie
Email:
Date: Thursday, October 16, 2003
Time: 04:49:52 PM -0400

Comments

Hi Molly! I just read your story and wanted to say that I hope to meet you at the Tour. My mother and I are volunteering at the Boston Tour this week and would like to meet you. My mother has Stage IV colon cancer. She was diagnosed in December 2001 at the age of 52 and has battling it ever since. She has gone through many chemo treatments trying to find the right mix. She had her tumor in her colon taken out in April 2003 (I wish it had been sooner but she is doing fine) and is now on a pump that is in her stomach giving her chemo.

I am 25 years old and have often looked online to find support and educate myself on colon cancer. That's why we volunteered for the Tour. I feel that we need to educate people about colon cancer especially since it's a disease that no one wants to talk about. We are also walking in the breast cancer walk this Sunday and think that a walk needs to be organized locally/nationally for colon cancer to get the awareness out there.

I know that with my mother and other family history of colon cancer I need to be checked earlier than 50. However so many other people don’t know that they should be checked because family members don’t disclose the history of health issues (such in our case). That’s why I think you are doing a great service by having this website and promoting education about colon cancer.

Thank you, Mackenzie New Hampshire

I didn’t want my email address shown but I would love to hear from you. Hope to meet you at the Tour!

From: MH Boston, MA
Email:
Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2003
Time: 04:39:53 PM -0400

Comments

I saw a picture of the Colossal COlon on the Boston Globe - that lead me to your website. What a great source of support you provide! Kudos to you!!

I think you are fantastic for ONE: spreading the awareness, TWO: being a SURVIVOR! and THREE: Building a wonderful tool for the nation to see hands-on. Having 2 close (female) neighbors suffer from this...and possibly a third...it's an awful thing to see loved ones deteriorate before you.

Wishing you Health and Luck in your future endeavors! MH

From: Dawn
Email: mylittlechickens@juno.com
Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2003
Time: 03:38:18 PM -0400

Comments

i saw this on pbs (huell howser) last night. i was very impressed with the details that were covered with the model. what a wonderful way to get people to talk about it. my mother passed away with colon and pancretic cancer when she was 55. we are not sure if she was ever screened. i will be getting my screening done in 1 1/2 weeks at the age of 40. i am nervous but i am more nervous not to have it. keep up the great work! very proud of YOU!

From: Herbert Hoover
Email: hhoover1@cox.net
Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2003
Time: 01:45:10 PM -0400

Comments

Dear Molly; I saw Hugh Howser's program last night. I hope millions of people hear about your presentation. I have been having Colonoscopies every three years. In my regular test in April '03, a cancer about the size of a plum was found. I was operated on in May. Two weeks later I went to an Onocologist and was told that about 5 inches of my Colon was removed together with some tissue and ten Lymph Nodes. He then said "you are a very fortunate man, there is no sign of any cancer remaining and that no further treatments are necessary at this time". I am to have a Colonoscopy in a year which I will welcome. I feel truly Blessed.

From: Linda
Email: lindahyatt51@cox.net
Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2003
Time: 12:37:40 PM -0400

Comments

Hi Molly, Like several others, I also saw you on Huell Howser's show last night. I have missed work all week because of abdominal pain. After seeing your colossal colon, and listening to you describe the symptoms, I have made an appointment with my doctor this Friday. I plan to ask for my first ever colonoscopy. I am 50 years old, and have had some symptoms for about 18 months. Thanks for getting the word out. Linda

From: donna powell
Email: snezie1@aol.com
Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2003
Time: 09:26:57 AM -0400

Comments

If you dr.gives you a rectual exam and there is no evidence of blood, even though you have had blood in your bowel movement is that a good sign.

From: K Ha
Email: cafelame@yahoo.com
Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2003
Time: 01:12:01 AM -0400

Comments

I just saw "colossal colon" aired in LA. This bring great awareness to many people, thank you so much, the work you doing now will save thousand of people. Watching your show educate me alot thanks

From: Steven Ryan
Email: stevenryn@yahoo.com
Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2003
Time: 12:54:16 AM -0400

Comments

Molly,

Like several comments before mine I too had just seen Huell Houser’s show on PBS. My father had passed away from Colon Cancer two years ago, he was 72. He too went through the same experience as you did when we discovered he had Colon Cancer. Unfortunately it had metastasis to his lungs which inevitably took his life after a three year battle. My family never had a history of cancer till my father. Several of my older siblings, mother and relatives all had a Colonoscopy performed which 70% of them did have cancerous polyps.

I’m 32 now and I was told that I wouldn’t need to be concerned about a colonoscopy till my 40th birthday. After reading your story my wife and I are making appointments to get a Colonoscopy. I’m a firm believer that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Keep up the great work of Colon Cancer awareness which you are saving lives.

Sincerely,

Steven Ryan

From: Oskar
Email: bluemarlin_nsa@hotmail.com
Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2003
Time: 12:54:10 AM -0400

Comments

Great site. I am certainly happy that I saw the television program featuring the "Colossal Colon" that aired in Los Angeles.

First I would like to start of by telling you that your story is very inspirational. I am 25 years young and like you, I LOVE Hockey! I actually started skating before I took my first steps (go figure, I'm from Southern California) and kept on playing until I was about 17 but forced out because of a knee injury. It was my life and I was having soooo much fun. I got to play for the Junior Kings traveling team and almost worked my way up to Junior hockey. I can understand how and why you fell in love with the sport.

My story starts in Las Vegas where I have been living for the past 6 years. I had been having a great life there working a great job and going out all the time having fun. About 3 1/2 years ago I decided to start my own small business and started looking forward to all the "Riches" that lay ahead. At such a young age to start my own business I felt that I was prepared for anything and that I was invincible. I felt healthy and was in my prime. Oh how I was wrong!! I was very ignorant and was very unprepared by the "STRESSES" of the day to day life of maintaining a business. Soon after things were going downhill. I started to lose not only money but also my focus. I started letting people down that relied heavily on my commitments that I was NOT following through with. I started flaking out on people not following through with what i said I was going to do. I lost alot because of that. The Stress was literally killing me only I did not know it.

I started to feel sick. I had abdominal pains and was going to the bathroom alot. I was vomiting bile in the mornings. The diarreha was more frequent and the abdominal cramping was off and on daily. Like most people my age, at the time I did not have insurance and felt that this would go away soon so I felt that there was no need to go to the doctor. "Besides, what if there is something wrong with me? I might have to pay alot of money! I have better things to spend my money on, like those new Oakley's!" Those where my thoughts at the time. Hey, I was young and stupid

I started to lose weight pretty fast and was eating less because of the cramping. I had mild diarreah and had a little blood in my stool but put that off for some reason, probably because I figured it would go away soon. The cramping would be relieved by having a bowel movement but would soon come back. I was hungry but the cramping would dampen my spirits to eat. Now I really started to worry, but not much!

My aunt (whom I was living with at the time) started telling my Mom and the rest of my family (who live in the Long Beach,CA area) that I was not eating well and she noticed that I had been losing weight significantly. At that time I had all but given up on my business because of bad money management and bad personal character at the time. I was very "Stressed Out" and depressed. My family suggested that it might be a good idea that I move back home to Long Beach,CA and start something new. I agreed, although I love Las Vegas!

I moved back with my Mom and was not feeling well and was going to the bathroom at least 15 times a day if even just to feel safe. I was staying in bed all day because I felt weak and my heart rate was very fast. I could not sleep at night because I was getting up what seemed to be every 30 minutes but still resisted the doctor even though my family was telling me every day, "You seriously need to go see a doctor". I said "I am an adult and can make my own decisions. I will decide when the right time is for me to go".

It was not until October 2002 that me and my uncle where going for breakfast. On our way I told him that I wanted to go back home because the cramping was hurting really bad. He said to me "I don't care what you say, I am going to tell your mom to take you to the emergency room NOW!"

By this time I had agreed and said "F@#K It" I'm going face my fears and go to the doctor. I went to the emergency room and did all the regular blood and urine tests. They tested my Lymph nodes, my thyroid,etc.. etc.. They thought I was dehydrated (which I was) and gave me the IV of life!! Ahhhh!!

Beacause of my lack of insurance I could not get properly diagnosed right away. I was going to see doctor after doctor at the county hospital and clinics.

One night in Feburary 2003 I was feeling dehydrated and had a high heart rate sitting still. I insisted that I go to the emergency room. They ran more tests and I insisted that I get a CT scan. They agreed and soon found that I had Inflammation in the Large Intestine. They said I had Gastroneteritis (not a very specific diagnosis) and gave me antibiotics which did not help.

I went on the internet and started searching for diseases that had my symptoms. I learned about Colon Cancer, Colitis and Crohn's. By this point I was persistent to get a referral for a Colonoscopy but because of my lack of insurance had to go the County Hospital route. Not an easy task. The doctor giving the referral said that it may take up to 6 months to get the exam. "6 Months!! I could be dying here" I said. His reply "I'll put in a request for a faster process, probably only 3 months" I had been down to 125 pounds from 165 (I'm about 5'10"). Anyways, 7 1/2 months later and about $1,200.00 later I finally got the Colonoscopy and the doctor has determined that I have Ulceritive Colitis,and an Iron deficiency which leads to Anemia. He had told me that he did not go all the way through the colon because it was inflammed so much that he was afraid to damage it even more. It has been a little over 1 month since the exam and I am still currently awaiting the biopsy results and my Iron blood work. I am on an inflammatory drug called "Sulfasalazine" and have been feeling much better. I eat like a horse, have far less if not any more cramping, go to the bathroom far less than before, and have almost eliminated the diarreah although it does come back occasionally. Still at 125 but that is Ok for now. I feel much better.

I am looking at life from a different perspective now. I appreciate the smaller things in life. I am currently fulfilling my dream of becoming a Chef and am looking forward to a great life.

I cannot express the gratitude I have for all those that care for me enough to get me to the doctor.

I have great respect for what you are doing. thanks for explaining to people about the importance of getting checked out. I tell evryone I know young and old, healthy and not so healthy to get checked out NOW! Yes, there are alot of things things to spend you hard earned money on but nothing is more important than YOUR LIFE. You can make the money back but cannot get your life back once you lose it. Life is a precious gift and we should treat it as such.

To everyone out there reading this, Remember to have fun and do something for a worthy cause (It'll make you feel better). Smile and "Don't sweat the small stuff".

Oh yeah, one more thing for all of you to do for yourselves and to tell others: GET INSURANCE!! Get coverage before that Cell phone, before that new car,before that new big screen TV, GET COVERED!!

Thanks, Oskar

From: Nicole W
Email: Winwintpc@juno.com
Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2003
Time: 12:14:25 AM -0400

Comments

Hi Molly, I just caught the last part of a show with Huel Howser (sp?) and the Colossal Colon. I wished I had seen the whole episode because I would love to see this thing. I had a pre-cancerous polyp removed last August and I am wanting more information regarding Colon Cancer. I'm 44 years young and I was shocked to hear that if I had not had this proceedure, I would have developed cancer. If you travel to the Los Angeles area again, I would like you to notify my so that I can go crawl through the Colossal Colon. I was asleep when I had the proceedure done and I didn't get to see what it looked like. Thanks Molly, keep up the great work! Nicole

From: Bob Gardner
Email: rendrag4@earthlink.net
Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2003
Time: 11:22:44 PM -0400

Comments

Just finished seeing you on PBS with Huel Houser. Keep it up!! I was diagnosed at 42 and went through Chemo and had my yearly screenings. I re-diagnosed my self 10 years later when I tried to lose some extra weight but had a trouble area on my ab area. Apparently some seeds of cancer were missed and I now had three large tumors. One was on my diaphram the size of a golf ball, outside the bladder one the size of a tennis ball and outside the origional incision, a large softball. Missed by the colon exams. I had a pill form of chemo this time after having a tumor scan and then was again diagnosed and operated on for more in the peratenial (sp) areas. I went through eavy duty Chemo last Sept. Now I have a tumor on the liver, some in the spleen and two spots on the lung. I am waiting to be part of a clinical study on vaccination with more surgery and Chemo. I want you to tell as many people as you can that the even though there is hope with the screening it isn't the only way to find it. I had a CT that was better at getting the image than the 4 full body scans and CEA scans. Having blood work done, if you are a survivor is also a must. We can't let cancer win. Take care and thank you for helping get the message out. Support Relay!

From: frank
Email: frini1 @as.net
Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2003
Time: 11:20:00 PM -0400

Comments

hello molly

i watched your show with huell houser and what a very interesting episode, my concern was just elevated due to the fact i am now 48 and i have a family history of colon cancer on my mothers side. i just wanted to thank you for all your work because i do not think alot of people are aware of how serious this can be, after watching the program i will talk to my doctor a.s.a.p.to get screened. thanks again and keep up the good work. sincerely

frank rini (:

From: Tom
Email:
Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2003
Time: 11:19:10 PM -0400

Comments

Saw you and the Colossal Colon PBS with Huel Howser's California Gold. Excellent! At age 45 during simple routine exam my doctor found I had some polyps which were removed. No more have been found and the early detection may well have prevented my developing the same cancer which has taken members of my Father's family in the past few years. Best of luck and thanks. Tom B.

From: TONY UNDERWOOD
Email: HUNTER5070@YAHOO.COM
Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2003
Time: 02:48:22 PM -0400

Comments

BEATING COLON CANCER!!!!KICKIN ITS A#$!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

From: Laura
Email: MissNipper@aol.com
Date: Monday, October 13, 2003
Time: 08:48:11 PM -0400

Comments

Hello again... everyone. I wrote recently about my 58 year old dad... and he did have the CT scan which gave excellent results. The cancer is nowhere else and he will not need radiation or chemotherapy thank god! They will remove it this week. Part of me feels like it is too good to be true but the statistics say if caught early enough the chance for full recovery is 90% I am greatful and thankful and appreciate all of the letters I have read here at this site. Some made me cry and some really made me smile....but this is reality and there are too many people suffering from this awful disease. I will keep you posted on my dad... and my life has been forever changed. I will always keep all of you in my prayers....Be strong and never give up! In love and peace! Laura

From: Laura
Email: MissNipper@aol.com
Date: Saturday, October 11, 2003
Time: 03:49:30 PM -0400

Comments

Hi... I came across this site and think its wonderful. My father is 58 years old and goes regulary to the Dr. for blood work and so on. He complained of a slight difference in his bowel movements to the dr at his last visit and the doctor gave him a rectal exam that did reveal hemmoroids...the dr also found slight traces of blood in his stool and suggested a colonoscopy...which he had the very next day and they discoved a legion the size of a lemon and said it was cancer. The doctor feels very optomisitc and feels it is localized and in its 1st stage and says it is treatable. He will go on monday for a ct scan... but I am absolutely terrified. I haven't slept since hearing this news and just feel like I will wake up from this nightmare. I have a whole new perspective of cancer and feel like I need to do something about it. I know everything will be fine.... but when you love someone...its so hard not to be scared. I am praying for all cancer patients for a speedy recovery and pray a cure is created. Thank You for letting me share. Stay Strong everyone!!!! In love... Laura

From: sara
Email: sjkmtg@hotmail.com
Date: Friday, October 10, 2003
Time: 05:53:59 PM -0400

Comments

MY 85 YEAR OLD DAD WAS JUST DIAGNOSED WITH EARLY STAGES OF CANCER CELLS FOUND IN A LARGE POLYP. THEY ARE GIVING US TWO ALTERNATIVES-DO MAJOR SURGURY WHICH WE HAVE HEARD IS HORRIBLE OR JUST TAKE A SCOPE AND GET AS MUCH AND POSSIBLY ALL WITH A LASER. WE ARE COMPLETELY CONFUSED AS WHAT METHOD TO TAKE. AT HIS AGE WE ARE AFRAID THE SURGURY MIGHT DISABLE HIM TO BED CARE. ANY SUGGESTIONS FROM THOSE OF YOU THAT HAVE GONE THROUGH IT?

From: wendy brown
Email: wendybrown1@worldnet.att.net
Date: Wednesday, October 08, 2003
Time: 09:02:40 AM -0400

Comments

I have had a lot of problems with my bowels it started it was very hard for me to use the bathroom it would take me hours sometimes 4to6 hours everyday i have had bleeding from my bowels and a lot of blood I don't have enough white blood cells and know I have a very serious infection going through my body somewhere the doctors don't know where the infection is coming from I have lymp notes on my neck and my chess is starting to bother me I have lost a lot of weight like 35 pounds it feel like sometimes the infection goes to my head and I can feel it in my neck and trought.it looks like snoot like a mucus but they stuck a needle in my neck and drawed fluid from the lymp notes and they said it just showed that I had a high amount of infection I have had two colonoscopy's because i was exzamined by a doctor and he said I had polopys the size of grapes but when they did the colonoscopy they said I didn't have them nor did they see himmorriods and I know I have enter and outer hemmorrods. I am going to the emergency room this morning because by blood pressure lately has been very high like 185 over 124 but it really goes up right before I have to use the bathroom when I use the bathroom sometimes I have a bowel movement and then sometimes just the muscus looking stuff comes out but It feel like I have to have a bowel movement It feels like it is going into my chest because my chest is very tight and when I eat I can only eat a little bit or my chest starts to fell tight and all my food settles on my right side my right side is where all the mucus comes from and it feels like my bowels comes from my right side and right leg my right side of my body is so much bigger than the left side.

From: Rachel
Email: ralexis@earthlink.net
Date: Tuesday, October 07, 2003
Time: 10:28:52 PM -0400

Comments

Molly, You are inspiring! I am 24 and have Crohn's disease. Due to being high risk for colon cancer, I used to have a colonoscopy every year. I was able to catch pre-cancerous cells and had my colon and rectum removed and on July 30, 2001. I am so lucky and want you to know how wonderful and inspirational this website is. Thank you and others for telling your stories. Life is so precious. :) Rachel

From: Michele K
Email: mkasten@mngastro.com
Date: Monday, October 06, 2003
Time: 09:34:19 AM -0400

Comments

Just wanted to let you know what a great thing you are doing! I had the chance to be a volunteer when you were here in MN and it was alot of fun and glad you allowed us to be apart of such an important, educational program. Working for MN Gastroenterology we see colon cancer patients everyday. We are all striving to educate and treat people everyday. It's people like you Molly that make a difference in life!!! Keep doing what you do!

From: Susan
Email: susantmurray@aol.com
Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2003
Time: 04:35:54 PM -0400

Comments

I just want to say thank you for all the support that everyone has given me. I hope I can be there for others too.

From: Danielle
Email: kittyforlove20052003@yahoo.com
Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2003
Time: 11:24:44 AM -0400

Comments

Dear Molly,

My father was diagnosed with colon cancer September 25, 2003. They surgically removed about 80% of his colon on Saturday the 27th. The doctors are watching his liver now. He is only 55 years old. He seems so young to be going through this. What are his chance of recovery? I don't want to lose my father at such a young age.

From: eileen
Email: eileenem100@aol.com
Date: Friday, September 26, 2003
Time: 03:49:57 PM -0400

Comments

January,2003 I have 80% of my colon removed the remained was left so I would not need a bag. Two months after surgery I developed severe attacks of stomache pain vomiting bile and deficating bile making me very sick this has been happening every two months. In july I was in the hospital for three weeks I was put on TPN at home however my liver was not functiong properly so it was removed. I have just had another attack, I get so sick, the surgeon does not know my this is happening. Has any one had this type of experience and what should I do.

From: Barbara Taylor
Email: BATT2@msn.com
Date: Thursday, September 25, 2003
Time: 09:48:08 AM -0400

Comments

Hi Molley

comment and question

My husband has colan cancer that spread to his lung and prostat. We was told that the lung was call colon cancer and at stage 4. I would like to know about stage 4. I do not understand and Iam just at a lost and seeking help.Where can we go for information and support? George is receiveing chemo treatement at our HMO. No one in George's family has had caner. Thank you Molley

From: Mary Lee McCune
Email: mlm@lmi.net
Date: Monday, September 22, 2003
Time: 08:18:48 PM -0400

Comments

I had stage 2(A?) colon cancer 4 years ago. So far I'm OK. At the time, I couldn't find a colon cancer support group, only breast cancer, so I didn't go to any during chemo, when I most needed it. Later, I went to a support group for people with all kinds and stages of cancer and found it very helpful. From the beginning, I have found it irritating and incomprehensible that people don't like to talk about it! I am very glad that you are doing what you can to change that attitude. I wonder if there is anything that I can do to help??

From: Steve Mann
Email: Shaftermann@ev1.net
Date: Sunday, September 21, 2003
Time: 06:11:09 PM -0400

Comments

Molly; A friend recently saw California Gold and suggested that I look up your web site. Thank you for the time and effort you are spending to help educate people about the problems and solutions with Colon Cancer. I am 52 I had my colon removed August 7, 2003 at UCLA. They removed the colon because I had indicators of a genetic mutation in the HNPCC group. This was first determined by my dermatologist who removed two pimple like spots on my skin (sebaceous adenomas). Then we did a check of my family history. He then sent me to UCLA. Genetic testing (the results of which did not come in until after the surgery) proved that the removal of the colon was the right course of action. If they just removed some of the colon there was an 80% chance that I would have cancer in the colon again, as my father did. I beleive that if I had not gone to a major medical center that I may not have received the same treatment path. People with known family history of colon cancer would do well to run a web query on HNPCC and FAP. It could help the doctor, perhap direct a different path, or like in my case, the doctor may send you to major medical center. My cancer was stage I, I give thanks for that. I am returning to full time work soon. My best wishes and prayers go out to you who hear the words, "You have cancer." Look to him who works all things for good to those who love him.

From: Heather
Email: heather_walsh@alum.shu.edu
Date: Sunday, September 21, 2003
Time: 01:56:14 PM -0400

Comments

Molly -- I am forever proud of you!!

Bring the colon to Chile!!

Heather

From: Camille Salha
Email: camillers@camillers.com
Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2003
Time: 05:18:22 PM -0400

Comments

Water Distribution Systems were and many still are using Asbestos Gaskets at flange connections. Water from these systems causes’ Colon Cancer. They should be upgraded or retrofitted. Also; more information should be made available to the public, so that they can check with their water supplier if they are using Asbestos Gaskets. Thank you. Camille Salha

From: Wendy Stigge
Email: wendy.stigge@starwoodhotels.com
Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2003
Time: 03:34:00 PM -0400

Comments

I saw the Huel Houser show and was very impressed with the education you are providing to so many people.

My mother died of colon cancer at the age of 72 on 9/3/2000. My 57 year old brother has ulcertive colitas and my other 50 year old brother has had polps removed and just 2 weeks ago had a black section removed from the outsside his colon (orginally thought it was appendisistus, hernal or diverticulitus (sp)). I am 48 and have had 2 colonoscopys, one prior to my mother's death and one after.

I am forwarding this website to both of my brothers for them to share white others as well.

From: John Proulx
Email: john.proulx@gm.com
Date: Tuesday, September 16, 2003
Time: 04:36:51 PM -0400

Comments

I just saw your interview with Huel Howser last night. What a great effort, God bless you. My brother Don, (46 years old), passed away on September 4, 2003 from Rectal Cancer, (he ignored it too long). For two and 1/2 years he had 5 chemos, rectal op, kidney op, liver op and then some. I'm telling you this in hopes that others read this and get their colons checked. Soon after my brother was diagnosed, he started a website; Blueflamers.com. Bluflamers for all the ostomy bags people have to wear. The site is still up. It's worth checking out.

Thanks for the great work you are doing.

From: Jim Hein
Email: jhein@gte.net
Date: Tuesday, September 16, 2003
Time: 09:52:45 AM -0400

Comments

Hi Molly

Great show last nigth on Hugh Houser Show. My husband had rectual/colon cancer last year. Had two surgeries and then Radiation and Chemo. Likly it did not spread outside the colon we hope. He is 57 years olds. He complain of bleeding a 1 1/2 year before they did the colonscopy. They found it and did surgery found cance the rest is history. As of this day he has talked all of his friends that are his age to have a colonscopy. He loves to tell people about why they should have a check-up at 50. Would like to know when you are going to be back in CA. Hope people will hear your voice and have a screen done. Margaret Hein

From: Lynn
Email: luv2photo@aol.com
Date: Tuesday, September 16, 2003
Time: 01:25:38 AM -0400

Comments

Oh my. I just saw your story on Huell Howser's "California's Gold". My phone rang the whole time, friends and family members asking me to watch. My story is identical to yours. I had been having symptoms of diarhea, abdominal pain and fevers for months. I was diagnosed with Epstien Bar Virus,until July 17 I was rushed to hospital for an apendectomy. Much to my docs surprise I not only had colon cancer but also same cancer on apendix. If apendix cancer had not have flarred up I could have went undiagnosed for years. My HMO will only pay for colon checks after the age of 50 and I had 4 more years to go . I am currently having chemo treatments once a week to continue for 6 months. PLease Molly what type of chemo did you have and for how long? I'm trapped in my HMO and second opinions are from the same standards Im afraid. I am in debt about $8000.00 for going outside my HMO for answers to illness wich was also misdiagnosed.. What a wonderful story and a very pleasant person you are. The Huell Howser program led me to this site. Keep up the wonderfull work and how can I help sponser your efforts? My prayers for you Molly and all of us who are effected by this disease!

From: Marsha McTigue
Email: M1CAL@aol.com
Date: Monday, September 15, 2003
Time: 11:28:52 PM -0400

Comments

This is a wonderful idea. People will feel more comfortable if they can actually see what goes on, and how things look in the colon. I have been putting off having my colonoscopy, but I know it is a worthwhile test to have, and if caught early has a 90% recovery rate. I will make my appointment tomorrow. I saw this on TV with Huell Hauser on 9/15/03.

From:
Email:
Date: Monday, September 15, 2003
Time: 11:23:17 PM -0400

Comments

Your awareness program is fantastic. It is unfortunate that you gave money to the American Cancer Society though. An unsubstantiated amount of the money they receive goes towards non research and non advocacy issues like new picture frames and art for their regional directors offices!!

From: Ken Davis
Email: kendavis01@adelphia.net
Date: Monday, September 15, 2003
Time: 11:19:53 PM -0400

Comments

After viewing your display on thr Huell Howser program I was left a little confused about what symptons you might expect pryor to a doctors visit.It appeared that by the time you felt anything you might have a fatal growthin your colon.I am 75 years old and have had the internal examination twice in the last 10 years and am scheduled for another before the end of 2003. Enjoyed your educational effotrs very much.Good lock in the future.

From: Julie
Email: healthygal7@aol.com
Date: Monday, September 15, 2003
Time: 11:09:33 PM -0400

Comments

HI Molly, just saw you on Huell Howser,and I just want to commend you, and Thank you for increasing my own personal awareness, I am 45 1/2, and that gives me time to know that I will need to get the colonoscopy or the flexible sigmoidoscopy, when I turn 50, and even tho it won't be fun, drinking the yucky drink, and not eating for 12 hours, and the discomfort involved, it will be worth the piece of mind! Thank you so much, I will share your website with all my friends and family! God Bless! Julie ;)

From: Scott  Winn
Email: gastrosupport@aol.com
Date: Monday, September 15, 2003
Time: 11:01:41 PM -0400

Comments

Great work. I am the Pentax Representative for the flexible scopes and really stand behind your efforts here in Southern CA ( Orange County ).

From: STU
Email: SAMPEL@WEBTV.NET
Date: Sunday, September 14, 2003
Time: 10:43:30 PM -0400

Comments

IAM ON MY 2ND CEHMO , THEY FOUND A NODE IN MY LEFT SIDE OF MY NECK , IT WAS CUT OUT , IAM STAGE 4 MY CEA IS 1.8 THAT IS GOOD BUT IAM A 5% CHANCE OF IT NOT COMEING BACK , IN ALL 8 NODES , ANY ONE LIKE THIS? STU

From: Marilyn Sperka
Email: msperka@aol.com
Date: Monday, September 08, 2003
Time: 12:46:17 PM -0400

Comments

I drove 100 miles to see the Colossal Colon in San Francisco. It was awesome! It was well organized, and easily taught anyone all they needed to know about prevention, detection, and what happens if you have colon cancer. The only thing I did not like was how few people were in attendance. Like you, I want to do something to let others - every single person in the whole world - know what to do to prevent colon cancer, or detect it before it spreads. I salute you for your efforts at doing just this! Let me know if I can help you with anything. I was diagnosed with colon cancer on Dec. 27, 2002, and have had surgery and chemo since then. I had a liver met that was surgically removed. I am doing relatively well with the chemo, but it is still awful. I don't want anyone else to go through this. Love and Prayers to all colon cancer patients.

From: Don King
Email: ATrueFriend2All@aol.com
Date: Sunday, September 07, 2003
Time: 06:21:44 PM -0400

Comments

Thank you for sharing this story. I wish that there was some way to get everyong in this nation to read this but I know that untill they are affected in some way this will never happen. My heart and prayers are with you.

From: Mary Botz
Email: jmbotz@hotmail.com
Date: Saturday, September 06, 2003
Time: 10:54:02 PM -0400

Comments

Hey everyone...

I posted on this site awhile ago, when my dad was first diagnosed with colon cancer. Lots has happened since then, and I am looking for people who have had similar experiences. My dad had a biopsy of one lymph node taken while at an appointment for a "second (or was it thrid or fourth???) opinion." He was told that biopsy came back positive. He opted to do chemo and radiation before surgery in hopes of having a temporary bag instead of a permanent one. Well, it worked!! When he went in for surgery on Aug. 12th, they could barely find the tumor anymore...it was just a fraction of the original size. It was into the colon wall, so a chunk of the colon was removed. They took out 7 lymph nodes...including the one they used for the biopsy. They checked the liver and felt that it "felt" healthy. Because of the fact that the tumor shrunk so much, they were able to create a "j-pouch" and a temp. illeostomy. The lymph nodes all came back clear, probably because of the chemo and radiation zapped it outta there. What a surprise that was...we were prepared for it to be in there still! Anyway, he was told they would go in for the reversal, or the "take down" which reroutes waste back out of the body in the "tradiational manner" in 4-6 weeks, depending on healing. That surgery is scheduled for this Monday...Sept. 8th-just one day short of 4 weeks from his orignial surgery. They say this is a simple 45 minute procedure that pales in comparison to the first one. He was told to expect some "trouble" getting things working again, but I wondered if anyone else has any advice or suggestions having experienced this. We are so thankful for how everything has turned out thus far...way better than we could have hoped for, but it all just sounds too simple. I am waiting for some surprise to come along to slap us all back into this new reality that we live in. My dad will also undergo 6 months of chemo after healing from this 2nd surgery to ensure that all of those little cancer cells are killed. Anyway, we would love to hear from anyone who has gone through a similar situation. Thanks and keep up the great work on this site, Molly! You are truly making a difference in the world!

From: Susan
Email: Susantmurray@aol.com
Date: Friday, September 05, 2003
Time: 02:57:56 AM -0400

Comments

I have just been told I have colan cancer in July 2003 I am looking for a good support group to help me though this. I am 40yrs old and my mother died of this. Can anyone help?

From:
Email: karenrgr@yahoo com
Date: Wednesday, September 03, 2003
Time: 10:56:16 PM -0400

Comments

what is an aniversary date regarding breast cancer? Is it when you first get diagnosed or after you completed all your surgeries and treatments? I would quess it to be when you first got diagnosed but I remember my Dr. saying it was after I finish all my treatments?

From: Kristina Alger
Email:
Date: Wednesday, September 03, 2003
Time: 08:25:00 PM -0400

Comments

I'm proud of you Moe....and of all of your accomplishments. If I had half the ambition you do I'd be happy! I love you!

Kristina

From:
Email: sower@me.umn.edu
Date: Tuesday, September 02, 2003
Time: 03:38:11 PM -0400

Comments

My husband was diagnosed with colon cancer [stage 3] a year ago today. After months of chemo he is now in remission. He claims he is cancer free. I worry, I guess that is natural as it was difficult to watch him going through the surgery and treatment. He has a "nodule" on his lung and is scheduled for a CAT scan to rule out any further metastases. (Colon cancer likes lung and brain tissue.) For the present he is doing fine and has a wonderful upbeat attitude. Thank you for your website. It helped me to celebrate this one year milestone.

From: Erick J. Owens Sr.
Email: sparkplug103@charter.net
Date: Tuesday, September 02, 2003
Time: 02:52:14 AM -0400

Comments

I underwent a Sigmoid Resection in May of 2003 for Colon Cancer; I am 38 YOA. I had symptoms (If there is such a thing) for three to four years before I decided it was more than constipation and severe cramping from the medication I was taking for asthma. I had a foot and a half of my intestine removed as well as a tumor about the same size as yours. I have two brothers and a sister who have had polyps removed after my surgery (thank goodness they caught it early) but we are not eligible (according to my insurance company) for Genetic testing for HNPCC. By the way, I saw the write up in the Detroit Free Press concerning your "large" intestine that is on display. I live 40 miles to the south of Detroit, in a town called Monroe. So, good luck and its nice to see that I am not the only person wanting to educate the public concering Colon Cancer, only you have decided to do it on a grander scale.

From: Gretchen
Email:
Date: Thursday, August 28, 2003
Time: 08:38:56 AM -0400

Comments

Hi Molly! I hope all is well with you. I just wanted to let you know the world lost another beautiful person to Colin Cancer Tuesday. Lisa (Derway) Dunbar went to be with the Lord after a courageous 2 1/2 year battle with this awful disease. She was 38 years young. I did not know her personally, but had gone to grade school with her husband, and had heard from others about her wonderful personality and giving spirit. I wish I had known her! My heart goes out to her family and friends who were blessed to have had her in their lives. I'm told she was an avid fighter for the battle on Colin Cancer awareness (as you are), knowing full well that this disease does not discriminate in age. She is survived by her loving husband and two young children and very supportive family & friends.

I just want you to be reminded that you are doing a great job, and want to extend my love and support for your cause. Keep up the good work! It is more than worth it if even one person's awareness is raised and they survive this terrible disease because of the work your doing!

Lisa's wish was for all to go hug your loved ones....TODAY....because you never know if tomorrow will be there!!

God Bless, and keep up the fight! Gretchen So. Glens Falls, NY

From: BILL MC
Email: unit14prez@comcast.net
Date: Tuesday, August 26, 2003
Time: 01:46:52 PM -0400

Comments

GREAT TO READ YOUR STORY, I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH RECTAL CANCER AT 38 YEARS OLD,..... THE DOCTORS WERE SHOCKED! I FOUND MY SELF ALMOST APOLOGIZING FOR BEING SO YOUNG! lol THAT WAS 10 YEARS AGO,MY LIFE HAS NEVER BEEN THE SAME BUT I ADJUSTED.TILL RECENTLY- CAME DOWN WITH RECTAL PROCTITUS,BAD RECTAL BLEEDING......IF ANYBODY OUT THERE HAS ANY INFO.ON WHAT I MIGHT TRY I WOULD LOVE IT.DOCTORS ARE OF LITTLE HELP, FORMALIN IS MY NEXT STEP.ANYBODY OUT THERE GOING THROUGH SAME THING,,I AM 51YEARS OLD

From: courtney hamilton
Email: cmemeow24@cox.net
Date: Tuesday, August 26, 2003
Time: 02:44:26 AM -0400

Comments

molly- hey! i hope this note finds you still doing great! i hope you remember me. i wrote you about a month ago, and we corresponded a bit, then my e-mail got messed up. Last time i wrote i asked you to please have your stage 3 friends e-mail me. Could you please still pass that message on? I would e-mail you personally, but my address book was deleted. I think it was puck gitl @ something. anyhow, please write back and let me know how your doing, i'm doing well and i'd love to talk to you. keep on smiling, courtney in scottsdale, az

From: Peter  K
Email: flagspk@aol.com
Date: Saturday, August 23, 2003
Time: 08:32:41 PM -0400

Comments

I had a colooscopy performed March 2001. Have not had agood day since. I would like to connect with any person that has had post colonoscopy problems.

Will respond.Thanks

From: Doris
Email: dwilliamson9@triad.rr.com
Date: Monday, August 18, 2003
Time: 11:20:31 AM -0400

Comments

Molly,

Hi my mother has stage 4 colon cancer and is truly aliving testmony to anyone who is fighting colon cancer. She has had stage 4 cancer since 10/1/01. She had being seeing blood in her stool and waited a while before she said anything. Finally it had gotten so bad she went to the doctor they did a colon screening. The doctor kept her because she had serveral polyps and one big turmor that had to be remove. Well we thought that the doctor had gotten it all OH but, we was wrong. My mother has being on every chemo since 1/2002 and finally that the doctor said there is nothing else to help. But let me tell you about a man name JESUS he has kept my mother from being sick and she stills drive. My mother is starting to feel pain now and her stomach has sollowen to but she is still going. So for whoever is fighting this battle you can overcome this cancer. TRUST IN THE LORD AND BELIEVE WHEN THE DOCTOR SAYS THAT'S ALL YOU THEY CAN DO LOOK TO THE HILL FOR WHICH COMETH YOUR HELP...

From: RKB
Email: rbeck@mtwhc.com
Date: Sunday, August 17, 2003
Time: 10:59:44 PM -0400

Comments

Molly: I just happened upon this web site. But after reading it, I feel better. My daughter in law was 23 last year when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer. I have gone through all kinds of emotions from anger, to hate, to love and compassion. She has tons of energy and people love her so much. I believe now that she has this cancer for a reason. We can already see amazing things that have happened to our families and friends because of her diagnosis, but now I just want her to survive, have a family, and a future. I can hardly stand thinking about her not surviving. My son would be devastated and I am worried sick about him. (He is my only child and I have a real close relationship with him)

If only she would have been diagnosed sooner..... If only she would have recognized any symptoms she was having...... If only she and my son were married sooner so they could have had a child before her diagnosis..... If only,,, If only,,,, If only,,,,, So many emotions.

I believe you must be a wonderful person to turn your cancer into something so positive by helping others. Good luck to you. I hope my daughter in law will also have the opportunity of educating others about colon cancer. Sincerely, RKB

From: sue
Email: srelja@uochospitals.edu
Date: Friday, August 15, 2003
Time: 01:11:19 PM -0400

Comments

molly-how did you make your decision about your treatment regime?

From: Helen
Email: bluedukem@msn.com
Date: Sunday, August 10, 2003
Time: 10:38:26 PM -0400

Comments

Molly! You are spectacular! I am 52 and trying to get up the courage to have a colonoscopy. After reading your story, I am ready to go for it. Just to show you how utterly stupid I am, Molly, I am a nurse (30 years) and am fully aware that I have the symptoms of colon cancer. I accidently found your site, looking for something - anything - that might tell me I do not have cancer. But after reading your story, I am going for it. And I am going to my doctor tomorrow and get a colonoscopy scheduled. Thank you, Molly, Helen

From: Tom
Email: tomflagler@sympatico.ca
Date: Saturday, August 09, 2003
Time: 08:58:38 PM -0400

Comments

It's comforting to read the experiences of others with regards to Colon Cancer.I too am a survivor of this terrable disease.The location of my cancer was only 6 centimeters from the rectum therefore I ended up with reconstructive Colon surgery.I had what they call a J pouch made with my large colon.I've had a temporary Colostomy which will be reversed in 2 weeks.What I have found out while I was in Hospital is that the age of getting Colon Cancer is dropping.Not uncommon to have it in your thirties especially if there is a family history.Insist on a Colonoscopy if there is a family history even when you don't have symptoms.Better safe than sorry!

From: Manuel
Email: Mirandam3@aol.com
Date: Saturday, August 09, 2003
Time: 06:28:01 PM -0400

Comments

I was found to have lower intestine polops. First we heard that they could be fully treated with antibiotics for full recovery. Later the doctor said they needed to be surgerically removed inorder to prevent cancer. I'm trying to find out some more information. I realize that a lot of conditions would have avarying, however, I would like to be inform if there is a slight possibllity that they could be cured with the antibiotic he prescribed. I am biatectic and have a lot of other commplicatuons. I am also on cummident. I would be for ever gratefull for any comments. May God Bless You.

From: Michele Schromofsky
Email: MSchromofsky@AOL.Com
Date: Saturday, August 09, 2003
Time: 01:19:01 AM -0400

Comments

I am a stage 3 colorectal cancer survivor, 6 years. Hearing the words March 18,1997 at age 47, was the end of my life as I had known and the start of a journey. This journey has taught me many things, and made a focus in my life I could have never dreamed. How can a disease that claims so many people be so unheard of? How can our medical community fail to question, or follow up on risk factors. My Mom had a polyp removed in her 40's, our PCP ( who saw me since 10yrs old ) never mentioned the children being checked. Today I speak to community groups, etc. to get the information out. Our three county area has 60% of the new cases in Ohio. This is a true crime when prevention and early detection gives a 90% cure rate. You see we also have a mortality rate 20% higher then the national average. We have alot of work ahead to correct this wrong! I'm proud to say we now have a support group for colon cancer patients and their families. They are able to receive emotional and educational support from other colorectal survivors. We will look foward to meeting you in September at Cleveland , Ohio. Together, we can make a difference. Thank You! Michele

From: Summer
Email:
Date: Friday, August 08, 2003
Time: 12:05:12 PM -0400

Comments

I do not have an email address to send you at the moment. I just wanted to say I think what you (and all others involved) are doing is amazing. It is just awesome that you have come up with these ideas that will not only alert adults that are over 50 but educates in such a way that even the very young want to get more information. I recently began working for a gastroenterology specialist company, so you are basically infamous here! Take care.

From: Marian Payant
Email: rommar52@hotmail.com
Date: Friday, August 08, 2003
Time: 10:36:57 AM -0400

Comments

Hi Molly! What a great idea the Colossal Colon is. There is no better service to bring to light the importance of colon health. I am a Colon Hydrotherapist and I am alway thinking of new and innovative ideas to get the message across to all my clients about colon health. I will surely be in boston in October seeing this wonder for myself. I will take lots of photos if that is allowed. I think I will hang the pictures of this up in my office for all to see. E-mail me if you want Molly. Maybe you could come here to New Bedford MASSACHUSETTS and I will give a free colonic if you want.

Marian Payant, CCT Body Basics Colon Hydrotherapy 945 Phillips Road New Bedford, MA 02745 508 985-9970

From: Allan Gazza
Email: agazza2@cox.net
Date: Friday, August 08, 2003
Time: 12:49:20 AM -0400

Comments

Molly, First, I want to congradulate you recovering from cancer. I also want to say that you have a wonderful web-site that provides a lot of helpful information and shows that it can happen to anyone. I lost my dad to cancer on May 15, 2003. After much mis-diagnosis in August 2002, he found out in late September he had Colon Cancer. I guess we never really knew how short he really had left. I surprised him and visited him one day before easter 2003. That night he went into the emergency room for rectal bleeding, they gave him blood, and stabalized him. The Wednesday after easter they told my mom he had 2 -3 weeks left to live. It was hard to beleive, I went to San Diego from Phoenix every weekend to be with him. One thing my mom and myself learned during this was that being there just next to his bed for when he wanted to talk or just see a smile was important. He commented that he didn't need to be entertained, just having someone by his side was so nice. I have to thank my mom and brother for being by his side and providing 24 hr care at home for him throughout this, it meant so much to him. My brother had created a room that was one of comfort to him. Your story is so touching, and I really important for everyone to understand to get checked, and ask alot of questions. I came across your site while researching for a nutrition class for the University of Phoenix, in which our group is doing a presentation on Colon Cancer. I have bookmarked this site as I feel you have a site which I would like everyone to visit. Thank you for being an inspiration.

From: Ernestine
Email: EHcrsone@aol.com
Date: Wednesday, August 06, 2003
Time: 08:24:57 AM -0400

Comments

Hi, Molly. How are you doing with road wearout? Hang tough. Should you ever need an ear or just a safe, quite space to retreat to for a bit, remember I have an extra room on the lake front just north of the Drake Hotel. It can be yours anytime. ((-:}

From: Sally West
Email: swest50@hotmail.com
Date: Tuesday, August 05, 2003
Time: 10:26:03 PM -0400

Comments

I am trying to locate where the collasolcolon will be in Mpls later this week. The web site says I should click on the city where the tour will be, but I can't get a location from that. Will you please tell me where in Mpls MN the display will be? Thanks, Sally West

From: Bonni Garvey, South Glens Falls, NY
Email: bpgarvey@earthlink.net
Date: Saturday, August 02, 2003
Time: 08:19:44 AM -0400

Comments

Good Golly Miss Molly!!! Its been a while since I've seen you but that's OK cause you are out there traversing this great country of ours, spreading the word that colon cancer et.al. is not an "Old Man's Disease". It CAN and DOES attack people of ALL AGES. I have been studying Fitness and Nutrition for 28 yrs now - informally - and the only thing I want to add, at this time, is that DIET (what we eat on a daily basis) is SO IMPORTANT!!! What we put in our mouths must be processed by our bodies before it comes out the other end. Sadly, much of the food and drinks we comsume, have been processed and have chemicals in them. Think about it folks, the next time you are out shopping and look at the info. panel for calorie or fat counts, ALSO check out the actual ingredients. You will find a lot of words we cannot even pronouce, much less know what they are. I know many of us live fast-paced lives and rely on packaged (processed) foods for a quick dinner on the table OR are out all day, living our lives and relying on stops at fast-food places to satify our nutritional needs. But just think about it, some of these places we can drive-thru, enhance their product (with chemicals) so they will taste good to us. Perhaps we need to think about that statement we've all heard, YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT!!! Take a giant step backwards and think about this. This could go a long way in understanding why sometimes, we develop health problems, regardless of where they occur in our bodies. It could be related to our DIETS (daily food/drink intake). Oh, and before I sign off on this message, EVERYONE, DID YOU KNOW THAT THE BODY IS MADE UP OF APPROX. 70% WATER??? SO....PLEASE BE SURE TO DRINK AT LEAST 8, 8OZ. GLASSES OF WATER A DAY (MORE ON WARM/HUMID DAYS AND BEFORE/DURING/AFTER EXERCISING). ONCE YOU ARE EXPERIENCING THIRST, YOU ARE ALREADY DEHYDRATED!!! SO DRINK UP FOLKS!!! Miss you Molly, maybe I'll see you Downtown SS. Love, Bonni

From:
Email:
Date: Saturday, August 02, 2003
Time: 01:31:43 AM -0400

Comments

From: Robert Danna Email: res0byz3@verizon.net Date: Friday, November 22, 2002 Time: 01:26:53 AM -0500

Comments Molly,

Amanda's story and yours is very heart warming and a tribute to two wonderful people. My son Matthew has colon/liver cancer; he's 31. After reading your story we are encouraged to continue on with letting eveyone know Cancer in any form has NO BOUNDARY!! Matt was given 3-6 months to live (Stage 4 colon cancer), it has now been 15 months and counting. I wish he could meet you, you would laugh at his approach to such a horrible desease. He jokes and calls himself "Cancer Boy", it's his way of acknowledging what he has. Thanks for your wonderful website and may God Bless you always..

Bob Danna

Molly,

Just this past July 14th at 8:15pm Matthew my son, passed away at age 33. I wanted to thank you again for sending him an e-mail, inviting him to write to you however, even at 15 months it was hard for him to sit and use the computer at all. He died at 23 months 23 days still fighting, never giving up hope. My son once said this about Colon Cancer " The medical community does not believe people under the age of (50) can contact this disease; it's to bad no one has told the diease itself". The medical community still thinks that check-ups shold begin at (45) now; that still is well short of what the disease thinks and does. My wife Marsha and I will miss our son dearly for the rest of our lives. God love you for your website and the work you have done to make young people aware of this dreaded diease.

Bob Danna

From: Trent
Email: gjjones@uiuc.edu
Date: Friday, August 01, 2003
Time: 02:56:38 PM -0400

Comments

I became ill back in September, I had been loosing weight, couldn't sleep eat, go to bathroom, etc. I went to the doctor and for 6 months of doctored for Proctitus of the colen. Then I was referred to University of Indiana medical center for second opinion. The doctor there did only a sigmodostomy and agreed with first doctor. She increase my dosage of medication and gave me more of a different kind. She told me I was improving. I went to Florida with my mom. The second day I was there I became very ill and was taken to the emergency room. My colen had burst, I almost died and was diagnoised with stage 4 hodgkins colen cancer. Iam presently taking Chemo. I was in between jobs so I had no insurance. The hospital in florida was surprised that they had let me get down to 120 pound (6' 4" ) and that they had not even done a CAT scan on me. The two hospitals now are threatening me for payment and I have no money and have written them letter of the situation. Do you think they under treated my medical situation due to no insurance? I have a decending colonostomy and am managing well with it even though I have cancer I actually feel much better than I had during the 6 months of being treated for Proctitus of the colen. WELL I GUESS THIS MESSAGE IS FOR EVERYONE OUT THERE NOT TO LET THE TAKE DOCTORS MAKE ALL THE DECISIONS, ASK A LOT OF QUESTIONS, STAY ON TOP OF THINGS, AND READ A LOT ABOUT YOUR SITUATION AND MAKE THEM DO EXTENSIVE MEDICAL TESTS.

From: Martina
Email: mwolter10878@rogers.com
Date: Tuesday, July 29, 2003
Time: 08:30:39 PM -0400

Comments

My mother has had cancer in the past and there haven't been active support groups either in her community nor the surrounding ones. I find it a relief knowing that there are others out there willing to share their experiences and that in itself is a support group. Thanks for sharing your views. My mother, I'm certain, will be a survivor once again. Her will and intentions are there, too bad medical technology isn't always used to its advantages. Stay strong my friend, and God bless you!

From: Brian Spearman
Email: spbr0203@stcloudstate.edu
Date: Thursday, July 24, 2003
Time: 07:25:51 PM -0400

Comments

My sister was just recently diagnosed with ulcerative colitis so I am extremely excited to see the Colossal Colon when it gets to Minnesota. It should be really interesting for people who don't really understand these kinds of things.

From:
Email: info@ncsdf.org
Date: Thursday, July 24, 2003
Time: 03:13:25 PM -0400

Comments

I would like to send an invitation to Molly McMaster to become a member of the National Cancer Survivor's Day Speaker Bureau Roster. It is free of charge. We send planning guides to over 3,500 cancer related organizations in January along with a Speaker Bureau Roster. The Speakers Bureau Roster is for information purposes only. The cancer related organizations look forward to haveing speakers at their National Cancer Survivors Day Event. I would require a postal address to send this invitation. My Phone 615-794-3006. Thank You....Lauri, Volunteer

From: Jennifer
Email: exedens@aol.com
Date: Thursday, July 24, 2003
Time: 01:58:52 AM -0400

Comments

It's late, and I'm the world's worst typist. I know it's a 'COLONOSCOPY,' and that really clean things are 'SQUEAKY.' I apologize for my sloppy mistakes.

And sorry for being so anal...no pun intended!

From: Jennifer
Email: exedens@aol.com
Date: Thursday, July 24, 2003
Time: 01:54:31 AM -0400

Comments

Just wondering...why did the Midwest leg of your tour bypass Indianapolis? We have the largest Med School in the country, and one of the best oncology programs in the U.S. (Lance Armstrong was treated here..and so was I.) I was diagnosed last summer at age 36 with T3N0M0 adenocarcinoma of my now-long-gone ascending colon. Went through 8 months of optional chemo; it was by far the hardest year of my life, physically as well as mentally. As a youngish mother of two boys (12 and 14)with a sqeaky-clean family history, I thought I was impervious to ANY cancer--let alone one that hardly ever struck before fifty, based on my readings. My symptoms convinced me that something must have been awry, but I would not allow myself to intellectually acknowledge the possibilty of anything serious going on inside me, bombarding myself instead with articles reassuring me that it HAD to be a benign condition of some sort. Fissures, high hemorrhoids, atypical Crohn's...you name it, I had it! A long-overdue coloscopy proved otherwise, unfortunately. I questioned the nature of the universe, pondered the possibility of a punitive god, shared your garage fantasies--mostly, though, I wanted to be heavily sedated every moment leading up to my sure-to-be-imminent death. But I somehow made it through the year intact, permanently terrified on the inside but sporting a 'Hakuna Matata' face for the sake of the kids and all my friends. I think it was pretty convincing--I'm a good actress when forced. I will go in for my first follow-up scope next week, during which I plan to be as drugged as humanly possible.

Anyway, I would have loved the opportunity to demystify this little-mentioned/explained illness to my kids--so very devastated by my experience-- in a uniquely tangible way. I've described everything to them in great detail (even going so far as to write a Halloween play for them starring different types of polyps!), but there's no substitute for a real-life, interactive colossal colon to deliver such powerful messages.

I also work at the Med Center as a bioethical researcher--left teaching for it as a result of my experience, so I know just about all there is to know about Colon CA (You have no idea how happy for you--but admittedly envious!-- I am that you're 'almost there'--four years away from the luxury of reassuring certitude sounds like a hell of a long journey to me right now. I still wake up scared most mornings.)

So back to my original question: why was Indianapolis omitted? I'm not a native Hoosier, but this IS the 'Crossroads of America,' after all, with over a million metro-area inhabitants--and Roche has a huge facility here to boot (have friends who work there.) Any possibility this may pass through next time around, if there is one? I really feel that we get the 'short end of the stick' as a city in so many contexts--and this one is so crucial, it makes me sad that we're not included. I spent months next to many very frightened colon cancer patients in infusion rooms--believe me, they're here, they come from all over the state, and they need a 'lift' badly.

Anyway, thanks for all your hard work. Wish there was something I could do to further contribute. Is there?

Heartfelt congratulations on your now-almost-home-free status...I hope millions of others--including me--will be able to share the same joy someday.

Best regards,

Jennifer S.

From: RM
Email: bq408@yahoo.com
Date: Wednesday, July 23, 2003
Time: 11:54:50 PM -0400

Comments

Hi Molly, Your story almost sounds like mine. Like you I have survived it, and am on my 3rd year cancer free. Thank G-d. I can't answer why some of us make it, and why some of us don't - only G-d really knows. We shouldn't blame anyone when it does happen. All we can do is be vigilant about it, and do the best we can every single day. To me, the objective is to bring as much light in this world, and dispel the darkness inside people. We can do that by being a shining example. At least that will have made our lives worth it - regardless how long we live. Congratulations on your acheivements, good luck, and always see the best in everything ...RM

From: katherine
Email: flowers_buddy@hotmail.com
Date: Friday, July 18, 2003
Time: 07:13:27 PM -0400

Comments

Dear Molly, I went to the Dr. today (July 18 2003)to get a pap smear....havent had one in several years to which the dr. was not pleased........my own fault I know but there has been several difficult events that have caused me to be so busy that I really havent given it another though. Well the dr. found some polups and was told that it could be cancer so she wants me to have an ultrasound on my pelvic and vagina area on July 21st. My sister had colon cancer which they found in time. I have never had anything like this done before and I am very nervous and I wondered if you could maybe find time and email me back so I can understand a little bout all of this....................... thank you so much katherine

From: Joy Carmichael
Email: LilyPBJ@aol.com
Date: Thursday, July 17, 2003
Time: 05:42:41 PM -0400

Comments

Hi Molly, Congratulations on being cancer free for over 4 years now! The attention you are bringing to colon cancer is absolutely terrific. A mutual friend from our former Flame's Hockey Team brought my attention to your website, and Pete, the girls and I hope to see you when you visit CO next week. You are awesome girl! Love, Joy & Pete Carmichael

From: Barb Hill
Email: hillb@summacare.com
Date: Thursday, July 17, 2003
Time: 09:15:35 AM -0400

Comments

Molly, I am new at this and scared, I am 50 years old and on July 14,2003 was diagnosed with colon cancer. Going to the surgeon today july 17th. Your story is an inspiration and hopfully I will be on here soon with an update.

From:
Email: daniella.rullo@verizon.net
Date: Wednesday, July 16, 2003
Time: 07:51:15 PM -0400

Comments

Dear molly, I am very happyto hear you are doing well. My name is Daniella and I live in New York. A year ago my mom was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer, which has spread to the liver and bones. She now is so weak she is unable to walk. She is still taking chemo (the 3rd type she has tried). We aren't sure if this treatment is working. Although she is going through a horrible ordeal, she is still fighting and trying to be strong. I, on the other hand am not as strong and I am losing faith. If it is possible I would greatly appreciate any information you could offer me, such as the treatments you were on and how I can dealwith this ordeal.

Thank you for your time Sincverely, Daniella Rullo

From: Paula
Email: rkangel_2001@yahoo.com
Date: Tuesday, July 15, 2003
Time: 10:14:12 PM -0400

Comments

In April I had my second colonoscopy. This time they found adenamatous polops. I am concerned, cancer runs in my family. My sister (age 54) died from it ... I am now 54.

My grandmother had vaginal cancer.....

From: Chris
Email: braves19822002@yahoo.com
Date: Sunday, July 13, 2003
Time: 12:00:08 PM -0400

Comments

Molly I think what you are doing with the Cancer awarenees is wonderful. Just wished it had came closer to my home so I could have seen it. I have a family histoty of FAP in my family. It all started with my grandfather on my mothers side. He died at the age of 45 with cancer. My mother has had a Ileostomy for 20 plus years. I just had my colon removed this year and have a J-Pouch. Just found out that my 14 year old has polpys in her stomach and colon. Keep up the work you doing. May God bless you with continued good health.

From: Brent Snider
Email: lbsnider@sbcglobal.net
Date: Friday, July 11, 2003
Time: 02:46:00 AM -0400

Comments

Molly:

Your story is extremely uplifting to me. I was called back to Army Active Duty shortly after the 9-11-01 tragedy. I was on Active Duty for a year, serving at Ft. Benning, GA as a Drill Sgt.

In late July of 2002, I began having lower left abdominal pain. After seeing the Army Dr's. a number of times, being diagnosed with kidney stones, a GI virus, a UT infection, and finally hospitalized in August of the same year for a week with what at the time was thought to be diverticulitis, I finished my tour and returned home to my wife and son.

I sought a second opinion from a civilian Dr., who immediately scheduled me for a colonoscopy on November 4, 2002, and told me I could not be diagnosed until then. I went in for the colonoscopy, only to have them stop 3 inches in because there was immense infection in my colon. The next morning I woke up with fecal matter in my urine. I went immediately to the ER, and was admitted with a colovesical fissula.

After 10 days of bickering between the Urologist, the Surgeon, the Infectious Disease Specialist, and the GI Dr., they finally decided to perform surgery because the infection was not improving. Immediately after the surgery, the surgeon came to my family and told them he was "99% sure" the problem was not cancer, colitis, Chrone's Disease, or Diverticulitis....it was just a "one-time" infection probably caused by stress.

Much to my dismay, a total stranger (a surgeon I'd never met) came to my room 3 days later and said, "Gee Mr. Snider, we were really shocked to see that your pathology showed you have colon cancer". My heart almost stopped. At that time I had Stage B2 colon cancer (9 of 9 lymph nodes clear) following removal of 9 inches of lg. intestine, 5 inches of small intestine, and 4 inches of my bladder.

I am now Stage D colon cancer, following metastases to my liver and bladder. I survived urosepsis in December, 2002; a biopsy removal of a tangerine-sized tumor from my bladder that grew in two weeks in April, 2003; and most recently a pulmonary embolism over the Memorial Day weekend. I am on chemotherapy every other week (Oxyplatin and 5 FU w/Lukovorin) for 72 hours at a shot (take a pump home). On my off weeks I feel pretty normal, but the chemo days plus 2 after make me pretty ill. I've maintained my weight, and recent CT results show the liver lesion (only 2 mm x 1 mm x 1mm to begin with) in the lower left lobe is shrinking! I'm going to survive this thing, but I know without a doubt that Jesus Christ has seen me through the worst of my battle. What lies ahead, I do not know, but He does, and I won't take a step without Him.

Keep doing what you are doing. My life has changed forever FOR THE BETTER as a result of my diagnosis. I have new purpose and continue to look forward to the day I become cancer-free and able to help others who face this horrible disease.

God Bless You!

Brent Snider

From: Lesley
Email: lesley_casey@hotmail.com
Date: Thursday, July 10, 2003
Time: 08:15:19 AM -0400

Comments

Is bowel cancer the same thing as colon cancer? My brother has just has a tumour removed from his bowel and my mum has just had a cancerous polyp removed. The rest of the family are about to be checked out because of the increased risk. How often should you be checked for polyps, there should be more publicity about it. Glad to hear you have been clear for so long.

From: Kari Bayse
Email: bayse@stolaf.edu
Date: Wednesday, July 09, 2003
Time: 12:32:53 PM -0400

Comments

Hi! My friend and I are 22 and both have ulcerative colitis and are incredibly excited about the colossal colon tour! We will both be there when it makes its visit to Minneapolis, MN!! Thanks for your fabulous idea and hard work.

From: Kathie Hilgenberg
Email: khil4u@bytehead.com
Date: Sunday, July 06, 2003
Time: 06:30:03 PM -0400

Comments

I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease in 1982. In 1997 They found cancerous polyps in my colon and I had my rectrum, colon, and 17 inches of my small intestines removed leaving me with a ileostomy. i would do it all over again if I had to because I have gotten my lfe back. I total enjoy this sight and find it "MORE" than interesting. Maybe someday I will be able to walk through the Colossal Colon.

Thanks for all the information..............Kathie

From: robert Leary
Email: Queencrow2
Date: Friday, July 04, 2003
Time: 03:04:57 PM -0400

Comments

My wife has been fighting colon cancer for 2 years it now has metastasized in both lungs the outlook is bleek she is receving intense chemo theropy if anyone has any alternate advice could they please contact me at the following e mail adress i am desperate an i feel like there is nothing i can do thak you! Queencrow2@aol.com

From: Zdzislawa (Trish) Bullock
Email: pegasus715.1@juno.com
Date: Tuesday, July 01, 2003
Time: 12:15:38 AM -0400

Comments

I'm glad to see a site like yours. My sister went through colo-rectal cancer surgery in 2000. She was diagnosed with it 2 years before-hand, but wished to try alternative theraphies. She waited till she found she really wasn't living a life anymore. Her goal for every day was to be as close to a bathroom as possible, but even then found herself constantly cleaning up. Gone were the days when she could be care-free and play with her grandchildren, take a walk, see a movie, anything that we all take for granted. She went through the operation well, they were able to get all of it, she now uses a colostomy bag. She's gone through Chemotheraphy, Radiation. She now has her energy back, and barely remembers the exhaustion, and pain both before and after surgery. The only lingering effect is that after many complaints to the doctors about her lack of lung capacity, she was finally diagnosed with a frozen frenic nerve. They say they don't know when it happened, or if it well recover. All they can suggest is an oxygen tank. Which is quite a hindrance to her busy life-style. Molly, do you know anything about this nerve (diaphragm or lung). I am so sorry that your first attempts with the doctors, were such a mistake and disappointment. Bless you, for not giving up, and finding the right combination of medical help. And thank you for speaking out about it, not only to let others become aware of the danger of colon cancer, but also to let other survivors know it is ok to talk about this, and not have shame about what they've gone through. I believe that everything happens for a reason. Our lives are a series of lessons not only for us but for others around us. We might never know what effect our problems, and the way we handle them, might have on those around us. It might be just what is needed to open wide the door of understanding, reflection, forgiveness, love, that someone has been struggling with. Thank you so much, and God bless.

From: georgia petty
Email: pettysells@aol.com
Date: Friday, June 27, 2003
Time: 06:32:24 AM -0400

Comments

my sister has colitits and suffers unbelievably.

From: michelle
Email: micki112173@hotmail.com
Date: Thursday, June 26, 2003
Time: 10:51:06 AM -0400

Comments

i have had bits of food in my bm and alot of gas. could i have polyups.

From: Kevin Shaw
Email: coach_k@alltel.net
Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2003
Time: 11:26:47 PM -0400

Comments

I just wanted to say hello to Amanda, because I know she is surfing the internet in heaven and seeing what great things are happening with the research on colon cancer...........

Luv you and Hope and I miss you BUNCHES!!!!!!!!!!!

From: angie
Email: woodsracinfan@aol.com
Date: Monday, June 23, 2003
Time: 03:05:53 PM -0400

Comments

i jus lost my mother in law on may9th 2003 of colon cancer she faught so hard but she went to the doctor to late to have some test ran .. her doctor told her to go have it done an she waited 1 year before she did an it was to late ..she faught it for 2 years before she past away..with chemo an all kinds of drugs..

From: Sherri
Email: sherri_renee@hotmail.com
Date: Sunday, June 22, 2003
Time: 06:07:15 PM -0400

Comments

Hi. I just stumbled onto this website in hopes to get some sound information and options for my mother. I am very concerned because it has been suggested to her that she have her colon removed entirely in order to prevent colon cancer. A little background...her father died at 62 from colon cancer (he never had gotten screened). My mother has had ulcerated colotis since she was in her early 40's and has been "maintaining" on steriods and other medicine when symptoms arise. Seems stress in her life causes more flare-ups. Over the past 2 or so years, she has gone in for regular colonoscopies. It used to be annually, but my mother feels that every 6 months is better for her. She has experienced quite a bit of polyups but does have them removed once detected. Recently, her regular colon doctor and also a specialist with this disease recommended that she remove her colon entirely. Wear a "bag" for 3 months or so until she heals, then get an operation where they take part of your intenstines and created a "J" like sac to replace her colon. Needlesstosay, my mother and I are horrified at the prospect. The attitude of the doctor is one of "to take the colon out is to relieve the patient of worrifying of getting the cancer". I feel this attitude is quite harsh. I want to help my mother but I don't know how to advise her as to where else or what other options she may have before getting this surgery done. At this point, she does not have cancer. Also, my brother who is 37 now has had ulcerated colotis since he was 32. Please help us. I'm so confused. Are there any alternatives to this surgery?

From: Marilyn Taylor
Email: marilyn_taylor186@hotmail.com
Date: Sunday, June 22, 2003
Time: 07:55:45 AM -0400

Comments

Thank you Molly for your inspiring story. I have just been in a whirlwird over the last six weeks having been diagnosed with cancer and had an anterior resection only last week. I am now out of hospital and looking forward to getting my life back and learning how to live with an illeostomy. I am still awaiting the path results to let me know of my further treatment programme. Like you nobody particularly asked about family history when I developed IBS about two years ago, even though a cousin had died of bowel cancer, they werent particularly interested.

Well done you for bringing this disease to the fore and getting people to realise that any of us are at risk!

From: Chaer Robert
Email: chaerrobert@hotmail.com
Date: Friday, June 20, 2003
Time: 01:39:50 AM -0400

Comments

I look forward to meeting you when you are out here in Colorado with the tour (??!!) I have just signed up to volunteer a shift.

I am also a 4 1/2 year colon cancer survivor (stage II B-- with two feet of intestine removed and 6 months of chemotherapy). Diagnosed at age 45, (with no risk factors or family history), it was the first time in many years I heard people say "you're so young"...because most people are diagnosed after 50. My younger brother died of Hodgkin's (cancer of the lymphatic system) when he was 26. Not until I was diagnosed did I feel how much more difficult it must have been for him to face cancer with fewer years of life experience.

I do think survivors uniquely are able to speak bluntly and use humor in ways others cannot, because the experience trumps the taboo. Thanks for your creative work.

From: Laura Sherwood
Email: Sherwood1021@hotmail.com
Date: Thursday, June 19, 2003
Time: 10:31:01 PM -0400

Comments

Hello, my name is Laura Sherwood, I am 16 years old, I live in Little Rock Arkansas. I am Amanda's first cousin. I just finished reading your story, it's amazing. I just wanted to say that I admire you and what you are doing so much. You are a true inspiration!! Unfortunately, I was not as close to my cousin as I wish I could have been. My sister was closer to her, and recently she has been telling me that there are things about me that remind her of Amanda, so I am trying to learn more about what she went through and her battle. I thank you for being there for her. My Uncle Bernie was telling me about the Colossal Colon being here in Arkansas recently, my sister went but I wasn't able to go, I do hope to be able to. If you are in the area anytime in the future I would love to meet you. Anyway if this ever reaches you please do E-mail me back. Thank you for your time Laura Sherwood

From: Bruce
Email: Bsenkow@apea-aft.org
Date: Tuesday, June 17, 2003
Time: 08:12:13 PM -0400

Comments

Hi Molly, CONGRATULATIONS you are doing great work. When I first saw you on Jimmy Kimmel last night I assumed you were "just" another attractive blond model paid to stand there and look pretty. I was stunned to hear you say you are a colon cancer survivor. Your energy, wit, and enthusiasm are astounding and your "off the wall" ideas really do bring attention and awareness to this issue. Way to go, maybe we can get you to work for MADD -Mothers Against Drunk Driving when you feel like you have accomplished your mission. THANKS!

From: Karen
Email: KBusch34@hotmail.com
Date: Tuesday, June 17, 2003
Time: 09:02:16 AM -0400

Comments

This is such a great idea!! I missed it when you were in Chicago. Please come back!! Never heard of this til i seen you on Jimmy Kimmel's Live talk show (monday 16, 2003 late night)..I'm very interested in seeing this model....I (34yrs old) once had a colonoscopy done about a year ago. Everything was good, Thank god. Please, come back!!!!

Thanks!

From: annette
Email: pmurray@sprint.ca
Date: Sunday, June 15, 2003
Time: 06:07:43 PM -0400

Comments

MY HUSBAND IS DYING NEEDLESSLY. FOR SOME MONTHS HE COMPLAINED TO PHYSICIANS OF MALAISE INABILITY TO EAT AND WIGHT LOSS.. THE CANCER HAS METASTISED TO LIVER PANCREAS LYMPH NODES AND PRIMARY WAS NOT FOUND. HE GETS LOW DOSES OF CHEMO SINCE THERE IS KIDNEY INVOLVEMET HE ONLY HAS ONE. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS MADE 4 WEEKS AGO WHEN HE PASSED OUT AND WAS TAKEN TO HOSPITAL AND I AM DEVASTETED. BY THE WAY THEY SUSPECT THAT I MAY HAVE COLON CANCER AND I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR COLONOSCOPY 5 MONTHS. OUR HEALTH SYSTEM IS TOTALY SCREWED UP BY GOVERNAMENT WHO SAVES MONEY ON HEALTH AND EDUCATION WE ARE IN VANCOOUVER CANADA I WILL DO ANYTHING TO PROLONG HIS LIFE BUT HOW

From: courtney
Email: cmemeow24@cox.net
Date: Sunday, June 15, 2003
Time: 03:59:34 AM -0400

Comments

molly, my name is courtney, i'm 24 years old and i have been diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. I've had surgery and i just started my chemotherapy. your story is truly inspirational. i didn't even know i could get colon cancer until several months ago. i commend you on raising awareness. please e-mail me and let me know how you are doing.god bless!!!

From: TIM
Email: ShakyDaze2002@aol.com
Date: Wednesday, June 11, 2003
Time: 08:17:33 PM -0400

Comments

You go sweetie!!!!!!!!!! I lost my Father last month too Colon Cancer and it hurts bad! The Doctor first told him that he probably had it for 5 years before he found himself in the Emergency room...His Faith kept him going and fighting for 2 years and he was never depressed. But his cancer had already got to his liver. I'm 39 and got my first Colonoscopy (Thank You Dad) so far all is good......Keep fighting the good fight Sweetie!!!!!! TIM

From: Margaret Munoff
Email: starsnmnz@adelphia.net
Date: Tuesday, June 10, 2003
Time: 03:23:12 PM -0400

Comments

Hello, I heard about the Colossal Colon project and your story through the Post-Star newspaper (In Glens Falls) and also through the hospital. You have a very amazing story, unfortunately I could not get to see the big colon, but hope to some other time! Nice work on the site, very cool! =)

From: Mary Botz
Email: jmbotz@hotmail.com
Date: Friday, June 06, 2003
Time: 09:20:02 PM -0400

Comments

Hi Molly,

I just wanted to thank you for sharing your story and for getting out there and educating people about this horrible disease. My dad, 64, was recently diagnosed with stage III colon cancer. The actual tumor is so low, that they are trying to shrink it before surgery in hopes of providing him an opportunity to not have to wear a bag. My dad was screened for colon cancer when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer only a year prior...he was "cancer free" in the colon. He beat the prostate cancer and had gone in for a routine physical, in which he brought up his concern about minor rectal bleeding. Because he had recently been screened for colon cancer, we weren't too concerned about the possibility of cancer showing up in the colonoscopy...WRONG!!! As I said, it is stage III and while the lymph nodes appeared clear at the beginning, a biopsy was taken a few weeks ago, and found that one(s) close to the primary tumor ARE affected. My dad had a PET SCAN done, too, as there were a few spots on his liver and one on his lung that were of concern...the scan proved that his lungs and liver were clear, too. My dad is at the end of his 4th week (of 6) of radiation and is about 1/2 way through his chemo treatment (Xeloda...2 weeks on and 2 off). He has been feeling very well, except everything seems to be catching up with him all at once. He is tired (obviously) and is starting to have problems with diarreah (which, if you ask me, is one horrible side effect when you are dealing with colorectal cancer to begin with...talk about kicking you when you are down!). When all of this is done, he will get a 3-4 week rest period to build up strength for surgery. He will probably have to have a temp bag and then they will go back in to rebuild...that is if the tumor shrinks enough to allow that...he really feels that wearing a bag would be the end of the world. While I am sympathetic to his concerns, I find it frustrating that he is seeing the bag as more of an inconvenience than death. I know that sounds horrible, but we have lost a few people to this tough disease, and I just don't want to mess around with it. JUST GET RID OF THE TUMOR!!! Anyway, the surgery will be followed by 6 more months of chemo. Does all chemo cause the same side effects (hair loss, fatigue, nausea...) or does it all depend on the person? I am very proud of my dad for his attitude, his faith, and his life as an example for all of us. He has never once complained or questioned why this is happening to him...of course, my mom and I have probably done enough of that to cover everyone! I am having a hard time supporting him, because I don't know what to do or say to help. I don't know if it is better to NOT bring up the cancer or his treatment (afterall, HE is not cancer...he is still the same wonderful man he was before his diagnosis) or should we talk about it so he knows we care and are thinking about him constantly? Also, what can you tell me about reoccurance? I am afraid of him going through all of this only to be slapped across the face with a reoccurance. Congratulations on your wonderful site and your battle with cancer. You are a strong, courageous, and amazing woman. Continue what you are doing, knowing that your work is helping countless patients and their families and friends. Cancer never touches just the life of the victim, it reaches out and effects countless people. Your site reaches out further than the cancer is....thank you and congratualations! God Bless you and your work!

From: Millie
Email: milliemcconnell@hotmail.com
Date: Friday, June 06, 2003
Time: 11:34:09 AM -0400

Comments

I'm a stomach cancer survivor. My stomach was removed Dec 5/03 and then went through 25 sessions of chemo/radiation together. Now, I'm trying desperatly to gain weight and get my immune system up.

I hope all continues well for you. God Bless

Millie

From: Rick & Lia Stevens
Email: richardstevens01@comcast.net
Date: Wednesday, June 04, 2003
Time: 09:38:59 PM -0400

Comments

Hi Molly -

Greetings from Rick & Lia (Wendell's parents); we used to live over on Fort Amherst and knew your mother.

Quite a website ! We've both had our obligatory colonoscopies (and I've had the sigmoid and then some) so we're up to date.

Now in Ann Arbor, MI (since 1998). Hope to visit Wendell in September for his sister's wedding.

RICK

From: georgia rumage
Email: georgirumage@hotmail.com
Date: Wednesday, June 04, 2003
Time: 07:20:25 PM -0400

Comments

hi molly i am having pain blood in stool. i am going to doctor right now.he is running all the test.i am 54 years old there is cancer in my family. so yes i am scared.but loved your story.

From: Barbara Seifert
Email: bs5150@yahoo,com
Date: Monday, June 02, 2003
Time: 03:53:12 PM -0400

Comments

Molly, My sister was diagnoised with stage 4 colon cancer in Nov of 2000. She has had several surgeries and is having infusion chemo now. She and I were just saying that there seems to be so much out there for other cancers and so little for colon cancer. If you can help guide us I would be very grateful. Thank you so much Barbara

From: cassie  marcum(marcus)
Email: cmarcum@tls.net
Date: Sunday, June 01, 2003
Time: 11:44:58 PM -0400

Comments

my husband has been dignoised with mucinous adenocacinoma in stage high b to low c stage it is so very scarey dont know which way to turn gona start treatments on the 10 of june

From: Steve
Email: svandill@charter.net
Date: Saturday, May 31, 2003
Time: 08:51:24 PM -0400

Comments

Incredible site. Great job. I am approaching my 5 year "anniversary" of my colon cancer surgery. Can't wait for the "colossal colon"to hit Saint Louis.

From: Ernie Raaz
Email: e.raaz@comaupico.com
Date: Saturday, May 31, 2003
Time: 07:50:20 PM -0400

Comments

A clean colon is a good colon

From: Kerry
Email: kerrymonzingo@sbcglobal.net
Date: Friday, May 30, 2003
Time: 11:14:57 AM -0400

Comments

Hi Molly, A friend told me about your website. I too am in remission from Colon Cancer ... 12 years now !! I checked into the hospital for surgery on my 19th birthday. I am actually going for a consultation today for my next colonoscopy (how fun !!). Congratulations on your accomplishment. I hope you remain well for many, many moons.

Kerry

From: Kathleen Lewis
Email: glatkat@aol.com
Date: Tuesday, May 27, 2003
Time: 06:51:10 PM -0400

Comments

Molly, Your sight is very interesting. I was looking for something about adhesions in the bowels. Today I had a colonoscopy done, and they couldn't finish it because of adhesions is what the doctor told my daughter. They have me scheduled for next Tuesday to have the baruim enema and contrast. I have had polyp's in the past. Also have IBS. But they have never had any problems with the procedure. I am a little bit worried because my abdomen has been swelling for about a year off and on now, when I eat anything. Also have constipation and diarea. Just thought maybe someone else has went through this and could tell me something to help.

You are doing a great job with this sight, keep up the good work.

Kathleen

From: Colonlover03
Email: bigcolon36@hotmale.com
Date: Tuesday, May 27, 2003
Time: 11:48:11 AM -0400

Comments

i love colons!!!!!!....love the site....

From: jennifer
Email: jlpclowns@aol.com
Date: Tuesday, May 27, 2003
Time: 10:57:31 AM -0400

Comments

Very interesting site my son kyle was diagnosed with chrohns disease last fall at the age of 11 after a very bad summer of vomiting every day for 3 and a half months, severe abdominal cramping and diarrhea. It was not until they did the colonoscopy (after many many other test) that they found the problem. It lies in the transverse portion of the colon. I was very excited to see an article in our local paper about the colossal colon which I will be taking him, his brother and sister to see when it is in Detroit or Cleveland. What better way for them to understand what it really is about then to walk through a colon and have that hands on experience can't wait! Just a little story we found humorous when Kyle was having his colonoscopy he had to miss 2 days of school and I had told his brother what the procedure actually was. Well, he was telling his sister (who was 7 at the time) on the school bus what they were doing to Kyle that day in terms that she would understand. He told her that they where going to put a small camera up Kyle's butt to take pictures to see if they could find what was making him so sick. Well when I got home later Katie was sure to tell me this thinking her older brother was telling her a story to see if she would fall for it. So imagine her shock when I told her that basically, yes that is what they did to Kyle that day. She thought about it for a moment and then asked me with all sincerity who pushed the button to take the picture. I then explained to her that it was not that kind of camera and proceded to explain the rest to her. Keep up the good work informing the public. Kyle talks openly about his problems not only to us but his friends what better way for people to be informed then to talk about it.

From: henry
Email: terasearch@yahoo.com
Date: Saturday, May 24, 2003
Time: 03:53:53 AM -0400

Comments

great job -henry (ex-stage II colorectal cancer patient and ostomate)

From: Teresa
Email: heytres2001@yahoo.com
Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2003
Time: 01:24:50 PM -0400

Comments

This is the most fabulous idea in the world. I have Crohn's disease and have had ostomy surgery for it, finally. I would LOVE to see the Colossal Colon make a trip to the UOA's Annual Conference as there are many people who would still very much benefit from that experience!! I love this idea, I can't say enough about it. Something about seeing it at the next UOA Annual Conference in Las Vegas in August, really makes me happy. I can dream!

From: Andrew Brunskill
Email: abru107@hca.wa.gov
Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2003
Time: 05:57:16 PM -0400

Comments

molly, this is great work, I am so impressed, thank you. I am a medical director of a non profit state employees health plan here in Seattle. About 30,000 or so over 50. We do pay for our members to get colonoscopy screening at age 50 but unfortunately we haven't seemed to be very sucessful at getting them to do it. So we would love to use the opportunity of the Colossal Colon visiting Seattle to send out postcards/letters/leaflets to our members encouraging them to do the katie couric thing and get to their doctors for crc screening. Do you have any recommended sources for these sorts of informational mailings (we can find money to pay for them and mailing I think)? Has anyone done mailings actually linked to the Colossal Colon visit? It would be nice to see if some mailings work better than others so that we could use the most effective ones in the future. I am going back to school (at the University of Washington) to learn about health promotion but am only just learning about mass media. I am trained as a pediatrician and public health doctor. In fact I developed colorectal cancer myself at age 52 (yep, I waited two years more than I should which was not smart) and after the same sorts of disagreeable treatment you have had am now two years out. Many thanks for any reply you can make. Andrew J Brunskill.

From: Sally Fletcher
Email: Sally@fletch.com
Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2003
Time: 12:52:40 PM -0400

Comments

thanks

From: cousin
Email: mac.mcmaster1@us.army.mil
Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2003
Time: 12:01:21 PM -0400

Comments

is anyone out there. CUZ MOLLY, DO you know where your colon has been?

I am in the 2/11 INFANTRY REGIMENT

INTERESTING web site

From: Ruby
Email: vdrdbd7@aol.com
Date: Monday, May 19, 2003
Time: 07:33:54 PM -0400

Comments

Thank you for continuing to share Amanda's story.

From: Sandy
Email:
Date: Monday, May 19, 2003
Time: 03:18:50 PM -0400

Comments

Molly, A good friend shared Dave Barry's article with me. I went to the website and was really pleased to see all you have done. I went in to the hospital with a burst appendix. Which it actually had but the cause was a tumor which had grown and choked my appendix. I was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer and am undergoing chemo now. I will actually be done with the chemo the week that the Colossal Colon comes to Denver. I guess the scary thing for me was talking with my doctor that even with my history (grandmother also had colon cancer) I probably would have only been given a sigmoid and the tumor would have been missed completely as it was much further in. I've been so lucky and have had in my opinion wonderful care overall. Thank you for your hard work! I can't wait to take my children to see "The Colon" up close and personal.

Sandy

From: Meg Schmidt
Email: schmidtmeg@aol.com
Date: Monday, May 19, 2003
Time: 12:54:03 AM -0400

Comments

Last October I had two emergency surgeries and spent a month in the hospital. During the first surgery, my large intestine was removed because it had been strangled by adhesions from a 1978 hysterectomy. The second surgery only 16 days later was to remove adhesions from my small intestine--they had been caused by adhesions from the first surgery! I had ignored three episodes of severe abdominal pains and cramping for a period of nine months. It wasn't until a friend of mine was diagnosed with colon cancer that I finally decided it was time for a colonoscopy. Considering my age (55) I was overdue for the test. I never had the opportunity to follow through with it because of the emergency situation that occurred less than a week later. According to my surgeons, I'm a very lucky woman. Good luck to you Molly--you're a very courageous young woman and your concern and dedication is providing a lifesaver for many to follow.

From: Alicia
Email: juze2@aol.com
Date: Thursday, May 15, 2003
Time: 12:56:39 PM -0400

Comments

Hi Molly-

My name is Alicia and parts of your story remind me of mine. I developed rectal bleeding, weight loss, and cramping pain at age 24 when I was a junior in medical school. I was also told that this is "just stress"- irritable bowel syndrome, although I never had alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea. I think IBS may be common but feel I was stereotyped pretty quickly and written off. Ends up I wasn't "nervous" after all- I really did have ulcerative colitis, and less than 1 year after my diagnosis, I had my entire colon removed. I've lived a great life since- I graduated from medical school on time on May 10th, 2003. I will bring my experience with me as I begin my career as a physician and I will try never to quickly write a young person off who is complaining about constipation, pain, or bleeding without a complete physical exam.

I really enjoyed your site- I think it is inspiring and educational. Thanks!

From: nikki nichols
Email: dnichols1951@yahoo.com
Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2003
Time: 08:55:40 AM -0400

Comments

We have colon cancer in my family.My Mother had surgery in 1960 and nothing but pain and grief since.I was bleeding like a pig one day and my local DR.sent me to the Medical College of Georgia.They checked me out and told me I had many polyps and needed to come out right away!!! When asked what kind of insurence I have,I told them this great economy made me lose everything.All of a sudden it wasn't so important to get them out.Everyone mumbled and wandered out and that was it,2 years ago.Well, it started up again.My Dr is pushing them to do me and set up an appt. for Aug.28. I'm very afraid.I've had 11 surgeries.I have Hep C ,spots on my lungs,fibrosis disease,a tumor between my big toe and the second(starts with an n)I can't wear a shoe on that foot.(another thing that had to come out right away,but changed with the no insurence thing)I'm afraid, depressed. How much pain is envolved with polyp removeal,recovery time?Should I be on a certain diet?My Mother was in pain every day after her surgery.I know they've come a long way but..... I think the Colossal Colon is fabulous!! People really can "see" problems and it makes it real.Congrates on your recovery and on how you became an activist!! Go girl!!Open their eyes!!! Thank you Nikki

From: Jackie
Email: jojajeja44@aol.com
Date: Monday, May 12, 2003
Time: 12:23:29 AM -0400

Comments

Hi Molly, I'm glad I found your website Rolling to Recovery. I've been reading all the comments and glad to know I am not alone. I'm 39 years old and had my 7th colonoscopy last Friday. I get it done yearly due to family history. It's not so bad; drinking the soda stuff is the worst part of it. I've had over 100 polups removed over the past 6 years and was told on Friday I should consider having the surgery to remove the colon due to having about 100 small polups. I'm scared and will find out the biopsy results 5/13. My grandmother died at 40 from colon cancer; my father had over 500 polups and had his colon removed. He doesn't wear a bag but had some reconstruction done. He is doing great. I was told by a doctor that colon and stomach polups could be a sign of FAP (familial adenomatous polyposis). I had a couple of genetic (blood) tests done at a medical university and both came back negative. They also had me do a retina test and did find the 'freckles' which are supposed to be a symton of FAP. Does anybody have information on FAP? I always wonder if the polups are caused by diet or is it just mostly genetic? Doctors never suggest what kind of diet or anything, just high fiber. They never say what to stay away from. Any suggestions? Has anyone else heard of FAP?

From: Merrie Hackett
Email: mehdph@earthlink.net
Date: Wednesday, May 07, 2003
Time: 11:17:47 PM -0400

Comments

For the tour listed of the Colossal Colon for Los Angeles (6/18-6/21/03) would you be able to let me know 'where' in the area it will be showing, also the hours it would be open? Much appreciation, such a worthy cause! I am in the Pasadena area. Thank you very much.

From: Kenneth Kraft
Email: cancerinfo@cancermail.org
Date: Wednesday, May 07, 2003
Time: 08:39:25 PM -0400

Comments

Be tested exp. if you are over 50.

From:
Email: flagspk@aol.com
Date: Wednesday, May 07, 2003
Time: 05:34:49 PM -0400

Comments

Remarkable life story. I offr the following experience,having had a colonoscopy perfored 3/9/01.

I am going to quote President Kennedy from his auto biography.

So with all due respect. and it is not my attempt to embarrass the reader.

QUOTE ' I HAVE NOT HAD A GOOD DAY SINCE THEY STUCK THE PIPE IN MY ASS'.

I HAD IT DONE 3/9/01 AND I WILL SAY I HAVE NOT HAD A GOOD DAY SINCE IT WAS DONE.

I RUN FROM ACHE TO MILD PAIN SOME DAY'S. MY BOWEL MOVEMENTS HAVE BEEN DISTURBED.THEY TAKE ON THE FORM OF FRAGMENTS. I HAVE NOT HAD WHAT IS A NORMAL BOWEL MOVEMENT FOR ME.

a FIRST FOR ME, AT AGE 81 I ACTUALLY DIRTIED MY PANTS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A MARKET. HAD TO GO TO MENS ROOM DISCARD MY SCIVVIES, AND WASH MY LEGS ALSO RINSING MY PANTS. LEFT THE CART AND SPEEDED UP GETTING OUT OF THE MARKET.

THIS COLONOSCOPY HAS TAKEN THE GOOD LIFE I HAD PRIOR TO THIS PROCEDURE.

WILL YOU PLEASE SEEK SOME BODY OUT THAT IS WILLING TO GET INTERESTED IN THIS SITUATION.

aNY QUESTIONS I WILL RESPOND. THANK YOU AND WISH YOU WELL. FLAGS

From: Roland
Email: rbachman@methanex.com
Date: Wednesday, May 07, 2003
Time: 03:07:06 AM -0400

Comments

Moly

Just a brief progress report to follow up on the comments I made March 29/03.

Recently returned from the cancer clinc. C.T. scan showed no visible cancer anywhere.CEA @ 1.9......It just doesn't get any better than that!

Keeping the faith......Roland

From:
Email: jgiustina13@wmconnect.com
Date: Tuesday, May 06, 2003
Time: 06:42:21 PM -0400

Comments

My sister at age 58 requested a colonoscopy, her doctor ordered one, but when she called to book it the girl at the desk asked her what her symptoms were and she said none, so the girl said then you can't have one. They did a sigmoidoscopy instead. Unfortunately my sister did not insist and a year later when symtoms surfaced she was diagnosed with colon cancer(no family history) that had metastasized to her liver. She had colon surgery in Oct 2002 and just had cryo surgery on her liver in March 2003. Along with IV Chemo since Sept she will now have chemo going right into her liver 2 weeks on 2 weeks off. She is very optomistic and the doctor feels good about her recovery, I have my doubts, but keep them to my self. What a great Idea you Colossal Colon - wish it was going to be closer to Springfield, MA

From: Kristina Conaway
Email:
Date: Tuesday, May 06, 2003
Time: 03:09:28 PM -0400

Comments

Hi Molly! I am a Registered Dietitian who read about the colossal colon in the Boston Globe magazine. A humor writer wrote a piece on it and included the web address. I am looking foward to it coming to Boston and am going to organize a field trip made up of employees and friends and family to make a day of it! Kristina Conaway, MS,RD

From: Errin Deibel-Coffelt
Email: errinjade@hotmail.com
Date: Tuesday, May 06, 2003
Time: 11:28:24 AM -0400

Comments

Molly,

I read about the Collossal Colon in the Daily Oklahoman. In November of 2002, I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis and have been obsessed with colon disease/cancer awareness ever since. I am an English teacher at Edmond North High School in Edmond, Oklahoma and my school's newspaper, which accompanies the town's newspaper wrote an article on my experiences with symptoms and treatment. At 26 years of age, I did not know how to feel or what to think....my risk for cancer has risen significantly, but I have learned that I can't control what may or may not happen!

Thank you for all of your hard work!

Errin Deibel-Coffelt

From: Julie Brusen
Email: julie@brusen.com
Date: Monday, May 05, 2003
Time: 10:42:02 PM -0400

Comments

I had colon cancer at age 31, inherited from both sides of my family. At the time I had 2 little boys age 6 & 3 yrs old. When I took them to the indoor playgrounds, I couldn't help but think that the crawl-tube type apparatuses looked a whole lot like a colon! That was 13 years ago. Your Colossal Colon is great! I hope it comes to my city (Minneapolis) so I can take my (now teenage) kids - and make them aware of their own potential risk.

From: Jo Ann Moore
Email: jmoore54@dol.net
Date: Monday, May 05, 2003
Time: 11:20:10 AM -0400

Comments

Dear Molly,

Thanks for sharing your story with me. I was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer on February 28, 2002 (the size of a lemon). I was having painful gas pains and constipation prior to finding the cancer. On March 4, 2003, OB-GYN performed a hysterectomy, and immediately after, my surgeon re-sectioned my colon. One lymph node was exposed and fortunately it didn't spread to my liver. In April I started chemotherapy for 6 mos. (completed treatment September 2002). I had my 3-month check up in April of 2003. So far, so good. Your story gives me much inspiration and hope. Good Luck to you!! Jo Ann

From: ANDREA
Email: punkcow41@netscape.net
Date: Sunday, May 04, 2003
Time: 08:59:24 PM -0400

Comments

I find it utterly fascinating that i have the opportunity to walk through a massive colon and I most definitely will be coming when you travel to Boston this summer. WOuldnt miss an oppurtunity like this for the world!

From: Jordine Voss
Email: j_voss65@yahoo.com
Date: Sunday, May 04, 2003
Time: 04:54:05 PM -0400

Comments

Hi Molly, I find this fasinating. My Mother was diagnosed with colon cancer about 5 years ago. She had an operation and recovered with flying colors. She had the best Dr. and her family was there all the way. She has since been cancer free. My Husband also went in for a colonoscopy and it was fine. What your doing is wonderfull and I hope I get a chance to see this in person. Jordine

From: Shari Moore
Email:
Date: Sunday, May 04, 2003
Time: 12:02:04 PM -0400

Comments

I am an Endoscopy nurse so I assist the physician in colonoscopies every day. So much suffering can be avoided by having a colonoscopy and finding pre-cancerous polyps and cancer before it grows and spreads. Hurrah to the people who built the colossal colon and spread the word.

From: Rudy
Email: rudyrod1@excite.com
Date: Sunday, May 04, 2003
Time: 07:30:12 AM -0400

Comments

I was reading Dave Barry on the net and went to your page. what a great idea! I think I'm a little too young at 41 to get tested for colon cancer,but it's in my mind and I'll always look out for any warning signs. But just the idea of a giant colon and touring it will get people to think about the dangers! Good Luck!

From: Jay
Email: john77702bellsouth.com
Date: Saturday, May 03, 2003
Time: 06:08:35 PM -0400

Comments

i'd like to become a certified colon hydrotherapy can you give advise

, i live in atlanta Ga

From: JCS
Email:
Date: Saturday, May 03, 2003
Time: 12:02:59 AM -0400

Comments

Hi Molly. I'm very impressed with your site and your work. Thankfully I have no personal experience with colorectal cancer or other colon problems, but I do worry sometimes about my husband, who smokes, has several skin tags (which I am told can be a warning sign of a predisposition to polyps) and whose diet is not very good. I'll have to crank up my pestering to get him in for a thorough check-up now that he's got some insurance.

Keep up the good work!

From: Meg
Email:
Date: Friday, May 02, 2003
Time: 05:10:34 PM -0400

Comments

Molly, thank you so much for doing this. I read an article about the Col Colon by Dave Barry. I've had two polyps removed (not cancerous) at this point, but I'm so scared to have the test. After my baby is born (in Sept.) and I recover I will have the exam. Thanks for sharing your story. I'm only 30, I thought it only happened to older people.

Meg

From: Bob Coli, MD
Email: rcoli@lifespan.org
Date: Friday, May 02, 2003
Time: 02:03:19 PM -0400

Comments

Dear Molly,

As a gastroenterologist in Warwick, R.I., I am involved in diagnosing and treating colon polyps cancer every day. I recently saw your story in a medical newsmagazine on the same day I read Dave Barry's Sunday, April 27th column entitled: "Crawling to enlightenment, through a giant 40-foot colon."

One way to further expand public knowledge about colon cancer and its prevention would be to harness the Internet communications channel, especially to reach those under age 50. One new way to do this is to use online, high resolution virtual tours and distribute offline, companion mini-CDs. Both can be created quickly and inexpensively by a small, private Rhode Island company I am working with in the medical marketing communications field.

You can see what an full screen, interactive "Immersion Panorama(SM)" version of the Colossal Colon would look like online by visiting: http://www.quickpix.com/healthsouthdemo (using a local rehabilitation facility room) and http://www.slideshow/blackstone (using food items before they reach the colon).

Because it would attract attention by using the interactive medium in a new and memorable way, I believe I could convince the pharmaceutical and diagnostic testing companies involved in colon cancer and polyps, like Roche and Pfizer, to work with you and the CPRF to fund and implement this complementary, awareness-raising effort. After you visit these sites, you can reach me anytime with my medical pager (401-460-1443) or private office line (401-738-5012) to discuss if this approach might be worth exploring further.

Sincerely, Bob Coli, MD

From: Louis R. Moran      Austin , Texas
Email: GoatDaddy@gbronline.com
Date: Friday, May 02, 2003
Time: 01:23:09 PM -0400

Comments

I found out I had colon cancer last week in April 2003 and had surgery April 1, 2003 !! of all days. My entire colon was removed except for a few inches so I don't need a bag. Found out I just had one cancer polyp but a whole bunch of polyps through the entire colon. Best thing to do was to remove the colon . I also found out my nodes were clear and removes with the colon and my blood test and CT scan showed all clear. So far I am back to work this April 28, 2003 and feeling fine. Just having to adjust to a different diet till my system get back on track. Feel free to email me if you would like some support . I am glad to be alive !!!.

From: Bridget Keast
Email: havetono@aol.com
Date: Friday, May 02, 2003
Time: 12:49:04 PM -0400

Comments

I am a physician assistant and a cancer surviver. My family history is significant for cancer on both sides of my "tree". My mother died at 46 of breast cancer and my father died of stomach cancer at 61. We have not yet been visited by colon cancer but we stay vigulent for any cancer. This is a great way to educate folks and hope to see it in our area soon. Bridget Keast

From: Daniel Reid
Email: daniel.reid@rbc.com
Date: Thursday, May 01, 2003
Time: 11:19:10 PM -0400

Comments

Found your webite via Dave Barry's column. Very cool site. Congratulations on your recovery.

Oh, by the way, you are stunningly beautiful....best of luck.

From: Jim Horn
Email: jlhorn310@aol.com
Date: Thursday, May 01, 2003
Time: 10:49:43 PM -0400

Comments

In September of 1999 I started showing blood in my stool.I tried self medication for over a month before I consulted my Doctor. It turned out to be cancer. Afetr chemo and radiation I was given a clean bill of health. Long story short. Don't wait! The colossal colon is a fantastic idea and will probably save more lives than you will know. Thanks for caring. Jim

From: Marian Schoper
Email: schoper.marian@mayo.edu
Date: Thursday, May 01, 2003
Time: 01:03:27 PM -0400

Comments

I am the Administrative Secretary for a rural hospital/clinic in southwest MN. We have a Health Fair for our community every other year. Our next event would be 2005. Our physicians and Administration is very interested in finding out the cost of having the Colossal Colon at our Health Fair. Would you please e-mail the cost and the possibility of even booking the colon by a smaller facility? Thanks so much....a great idea!!! Marian

From:
Email: kmerrick@ipninet.com
Date: Thursday, May 01, 2003
Time: 12:48:33 PM -0400

Comments

OOPS! Previous typo on my e-mail address

From: kmerrick
Email: kmerrick@ipnet.com
Date: Thursday, May 01, 2003
Time: 12:46:58 PM -0400

Comments

Enjoyed your site, especially the colorectal surgeon song. How do we get the colossal colon to visit our community of 6000 people in San Diego county?

From: Spencer Woods
Email: spencerw@connectedtechnologies.net
Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2003
Time: 07:15:44 PM -0400

Comments

Hello- This site has helped me out greatly. I have enjoyed the opportunity to read this. My 56 year-old mother was recently told she had stage 4 colan cancer that has spread to her liver. Just recenlty started to have symptoms. She has never been sick before so the initial shock and emotion was bad. She just started Chemo 2 weeks ago and at this point she is only getting a crampy stomach here and there. I am ignoring the statistics of Stage 4 Colan Cancer and trying to be very positive!!! I read all of your success and hope and pray my mom will be a fighter and a survivor as well. Mind over matter!!! Do you have any insight for my family and I?

From: George Farah
Email: gfarah@law.harvard.edu
Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2003
Time: 06:51:31 PM -0400

Comments

Molly, you are a hero. Because of you, I'm going to get my colon tested. Thank you for all your courage and work.

You have a new friend in Boston.

Best, George

From: Victor
Email: trense@bellsouth.net
Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2003
Time: 06:10:09 PM -0400

Comments

I read about you and the Colossal Colon in Dave Barry's column and I'm going to stop putting off going to my colon rectal doctor. I'll set up an appointment in next couple of weeks. Thanks for getting the awareness out there about colon cancer, sorry I missed your tour to Miami.

God Bless,

Victor

From: Steve Pazan
Email: spazan@pacbell.net
Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2003
Time: 05:02:01 PM -0400

Comments

My primary tumor was in the ileum but it's neuro-endocrine carcinoid, metastatic to the liver. It's a rare cancer, but not that rare - Wendy's Dave Thomas died from it last year. We're trying to educate people about it and it would be great if there were one little carcinoid in the colossal colon. for more about carcinoid: http://www.sccfighters.org my own story: http://homepage.mac.com/spazan/home/carcinoid01.html God bless, Steve

From: Anita Sheline Gaytan
Email: agaytan@pih.net
Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2003
Time: 02:53:07 PM -0400

Comments

I, too, am a colon cancer survivor. I was misdiagnosed at 45 with internal hemmorhoids. Thanks to my "gut feelings" I went to a GI doctor and had a colonoscopy. The first physician missed my diagnosis. I am approaching 8 years cancer free and work actively with ACS and our local Relay for Life event. I am a firm believer that talking about my cancer keeps the disease on the outside of my body and not inside. I do all I can to encourage people to test, treat and talk. I honor all that you have done and say "Keep up the good work"!

From:
Email: jldias281@msn.com
Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2003
Time: 12:51:45 PM -0400

Comments

When are you scheduled for Boise, ID? Discovery Center would be good or Saint Alphonsus Cancer Center or St. Luke's Cancer Center.

From:
Email: xtoob@comcast.net
Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2003
Time: 12:26:30 PM -0400

Comments

No stops in Portland, OR?

From: Katie May
Email: mjandkm@prodigy.net
Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2003
Time: 11:30:29 AM -0400

Comments

Molly, I just read your story and was glued to every word. I was diagnosed with colon/rectal cancer in 1995 and have been clean since. I was also an athelete, in fact, I figure skated for close to 30 years and coached as well, and was in excellent health (or so I thought). Since my diagose and annual colonoscopys, sygmoidoscopys, etc., I try to share my success story with whomever will listen. Sometimes, I find people not willing to talk about it, but the good news is a lot will. Thank you for your bravery and "will" and God bless people such as yourself who are willing to set courages examples. Regards, Katie May PS: Perhaps someday I will visit your exhibit.

From: chris
Email: jcmic62003yahoo.com
Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2003
Time: 08:17:17 AM -0400

Comments

my wife is 26 yrs old she had a ruptured bowel were the intestent had went in her ab.the doctor did not know what was the problem so i proseeded in the operation on her the doctor said she has a infection from this thang. she has stayed very stable praise god .

From: Dolly
Email: hellow_dolly@hotmail.com
Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2003
Time: 01:04:00 AM -0400

Comments

This website is great and informative. My best friend has Crohn's and I have ulcerative colitis, so I know how devistating colon disease is. I plan on going to see the colossal colon in Los Angeles. Can you please tell me where in Los Angeles the colossal colon will be? I would appreciate it.

Thank you, Dolly

From: Lorena Angus
Email: renangus@telus.net
Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2003
Time: 11:44:45 PM -0400

Comments

Wow. Thank You for not only sharing your amazing journey but also for being such a positive awareness coach for the rest of us. I lost my mother to colon cancer 3 years agao. She was 57 and she too was mis-diagnosed by her doctor. By the time other doctors figured out what was wrong, her tumor blew out of her colon and into her lymph nodes. From diagnosis to when she passed away was only 8 months. I've been checked and cleared. I'm 36 years old and have what they call a lazy colon. So I'm very careful. My next check-up is when I'm 40. Keep up the good work. I tell everyone I meet about my Mum and her story of Colon Cancer.

Lorena Angus Vancouver, B.C. Canada

From: Susan
Email: sunur_1@yahoo.com
Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2003
Time: 11:41:21 PM -0400

Comments

Bravo Molly, What a wonderful, refreshing, proactive approach. I wish that my own doctors had seen your giant colon BEFORE misdiagnosing me, calling me "hysterical nurse who thinks she knows better". Happy ending (no pun). Is there a chance that a project such as yours could make it up north to Canada? Keep up your terrific & inspirational work.

From: Kary Wild
Email: WCMedia@mindspring.com
Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2003
Time: 03:22:03 PM -0400

Comments

Hi Molly,

We are a small community magazine distributed to homes in 7 cities in Southern California. June is Cancer Survivors month and we were looking for an inspirational story from a surviror. We found your story and just know our readers would love it. Do we have your permission to publish it in our June issue? We would, of course, give it whatever tag line you like and send you a copy.

Thank you, Kary Wild

From: Barbara Cassella
Email: barbaracassella@yahoo.com
Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2003
Time: 07:39:19 AM -0400

Comments

I'm having my 1st colonoscopy TOMORROW.I read about your project in Dave Barry's column ...it's a great idea to get people's attention.

From: Gigi Berol
Email: gberol@yahoo.com
Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2003
Time: 01:30:54 AM -0400

Comments

I am really impressed with your story. The Colossal Colon is a great idea. I'm an active member in CCFA and I believe that people need to talk about things like the colon. I was diagnosed with UC in '98 and had my colon removed in '00 mainly due to the enhanced risk of colon cancer. Having never heard of Crohn's or Colitis before my whole ordeal was quite an eye opener. I am not afraid to talk about my battle and hope it helps others to open up and talk with their doctors about what's going on with their bodies. I am now an advocate about listening to your body and awareness. These diseases just don't go away (as I had tried to make myself believe.) You are truly an inspiration and I thank you for helping people feel comfortable talking about their bodies and helping them become more involved in their health. Knowledge and support are essential to getting through whatever life deals you. Keep up the wonderful job you do and let's keep America aware and informed!!

From: Ronnica Thomson
Email: mrthomson@3lefties.com
Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2003
Time: 12:22:02 AM -0400

Comments

Thank you for your website and encouraging words! I was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer on 11-12-02. I turned 32 on 11-13-02 so I know what you mean about a birthday you'll never forget. They removed 45% of my colon, my ovaries, part of my small bowel, and some tumors. I've been on chemo since 12-26-02. The doctors say my chances for survival are slim. However, I beleive in the Lord and healing. I've been feeling great. I have some down days, but for the most part, I feel better than before I was diagnosed. I used to have stomach cramps alot, but I thought it must be stress. I have a wonderful husband and 2 kids, ages 7 and 4. I pray everyday that God will allow me to watch them grow up. I never knew someone my age could get colon cancer. It was a total shock. I just keep a positive attitude and stay involved in church. Send me an email and maybe we can get to know one another. Thanks for listening. It's nice to know I'm not alone in this fight.

Ronnica Thomson

From: Missy
Email: melissa@kurtandmelissa.com
Date: Monday, April 28, 2003
Time: 10:50:46 PM -0400

Comments

I saw your "colon" in Dave Barry's article too. I think you are just incredible. Will you drop a line to my dad and tell him to get his colon screening? I can't get him to go, and he's way overdue. His name is Don, donroen@aol.com. Way to go for making this "indelicate" subject something people can talk about, and keep up the great work. :) Best wishes, Melissa

From: Al Duncan
Email: alfredjduncan@wmconnect.com
Date: Monday, April 28, 2003
Time: 10:37:30 PM -0400

Comments

I am a colon cancer survivor - 3 years ago. Thank you for doing such a good work in raising awareness. Had I been "aware" I would probably have avoided the cancer completely.

From: Billie Rothauser
Email: thebillie@yahoo.com
Date: Monday, April 28, 2003
Time: 07:17:44 PM -0400

Comments

I do hope you will soon add the Tampa Florida area to your tour. Dave Barry's column (and my own colon problems) has peaked my interest. I would very much like to see the Colossal Colon.

Thank you, Billie Rothauser

From: Gene Giancamilli
Email: ggian13@enter.net
Date: Monday, April 28, 2003
Time: 11:07:26 AM -0400

Comments

Where in Philadelphia will the Colon be exhibited? I would like to take my family to see it.

From: Harriet Gifford
Email: GCGIFF@COX.NET
Date: Monday, April 28, 2003
Time: 10:42:54 AM -0400

Comments

Dear Molly, Thanks so much for all you are doing! I have Crohn's Disease, and am the facilitator of our local support group: Fort Walton Beach, Fl, Crohn's and Colitis. I am a member of the CCFA also. I read about your Colossal Colon in the Dave Barry column yesterday, April 27th. I had not heard about it before. I hope to tour the Colon when it is near my home in northwest Florida. I am thrilled that you are doing well, and thank-you again! Sincerely, Harriet

From: Mal Bertsch
Email: mbertsch@wi.rr.com
Date: Monday, April 28, 2003
Time: 09:33:51 AM -0400

Comments

Heard about this via Dave Barry's column yesterday. I'm afflicted with UC myself; I have forwarded your website to my G-I guy.

Best wishes

From: jay gaither
Email: jayracer1@yahoo.com
Date: Monday, April 28, 2003
Time: 12:05:35 AM -0400

Comments

hi molly, so glad to see someone at a young age as your self take the steps that you have . very unselfesh..i also had colon cancer when i was 36 3 years ago. and it sucked every thing out of ,me. the chemo was the worst of it all . you seem to be 1 heck of a young lady. jay

From: Julie Lin-Nichols
Email: julieeric2@aol.com
Date: Sunday, April 27, 2003
Time: 09:38:24 PM -0400

Comments

Dear Molly,

My brother and I formed the Lori Shelton Alliance for Colon Cancer Awareness after the death of our mother in March, 2002. You can view our website at www.LSACCA.org. We are very active in educating the public about colon cancer prevention, and have had a good amount of publicity locally (in St. Louis). We would be thrilled to work with you in any way to speed up the process of affecting change. Besides awareness for the general public, we are also interested in educating health insurance companies on the benefits of paying for colonoscopies over the other screening methods, and over surgery, chemo, radiation, hospice care... We also wish to express to life insurnace companies the benefit of offering savings on policies to those who have CR screenings. Please contact me, either by e-mail, or you can reach me at home at 314-469-0866. Take care, Julie Lin-Nichols

From: Brian R. Swenson
Email: bswenson@psu.edu
Date: Sunday, April 27, 2003
Time: 09:08:06 PM -0400

Comments

Excellent Idea. I am a medical student and future colorectal surgeon. I lost my colon about a year ago to ulcerative colitis, I do my best to educate my family about colon cancer screening. Please keep up the good work.

From: mike foley
Email: satman5@aol.com
Date: Sunday, April 27, 2003
Time: 07:59:43 PM -0400

Comments

I love your project. I'm a firm believer, and I think that your approach will get a lot more people to take a closer look (so to speak) into a very serious matter. Question: I live in the mid-Hudson Valley (Poughkeepsie, NY)--a fairly concentrated population area that could really benefit from a visit. Any chance that, perhaps after the NYC date that currently ends your tour, the installation could make a stop in Poughkeepsie? I, personally, would do all I could to make sure that it was well publicized. By the way, I first found out about your installation (right word?) from Dave Barry's syndicated column--one of his best.

From: Robert Forest
Email: rforest@vcccd.net
Date: Sunday, April 27, 2003
Time: 04:19:02 PM -0400

Comments

Thanks for your inspiration, Molly. My father died from colon cancer two days before thanksgiving, 2002, at age 81. He had beaten prostate cancer, and was constantly urged by my sister (an RN) to back up to the camera; he never got screened, thought he had constipation.. Since then, most of his sons, myself included, "backed up to the camera'. One brother has had precancerous polyps removed. I was fine. What you are doing is really important. Most men do not want to even talk about the screening, not knowing the statistics or the consequences.

From: Liz Lorello
Email: Lorello@ptd.net
Date: Sunday, April 27, 2003
Time: 03:32:54 PM -0400

Comments

Great job with the Colossal Colon .... education is one of the best defenses against cancer and other diseases. My brother died 37 years ago in May from ulcerative colitis at age 23. I'm sure that a little education may have helped prolong his life. Congratulations on being a cancer survivor, as a fellow survivor (2 yrs. non hodgkins lymphoma stage IV), I know first hand what it feels like to be told you have cancer. I also know that by volunteering and educating people and "doing something" there is a feeling of being in control. I emailed you separately about questions on how to get the "Colon" for a Relay for Life. Thank you for having such a wonderful idea. Liz

From: Sondra Cirisan
Email: slc745@comcast.net
Date: Sunday, April 27, 2003
Time: 02:42:10 PM -0400

Comments

What a terrific thing you're doing! I'm an Endo nurse and also promote screening to save lives....thank you! Wish you were visiting the Ft Myers Florida area...

From: Clark E LaPointe
Email: lsailored@knology.net
Date: Sunday, April 27, 2003
Time: 02:10:39 PM -0400

Comments

Hi Molly,Was taken by your story and your age!Dose't seem possible that young lady would be in the realm of that type of cancer.You would think that goes with a older person.It certainly opened my eyes.Thee other item is Glens Falls,my home town as young man.We now live in the South. With kind regaurds,ED

From: Linda Gaines
Email: gaineslinda1_@hotmail.com
Date: Sunday, April 27, 2003
Time: 12:22:41 PM -0400

Comments

Congratulations on a very educational tool! I have had colorectal exams, and the last one turned up some polyps, which were removed. People don't recognize the importance of early detection. Keep up the good work!

From: Karen Meharg
Email: kmeharg@peacehealth.org
Date: Sunday, April 27, 2003
Time: 11:26:55 AM -0400

Comments

This is just excellent! We have a colorectal team of folks working at our hospital in Longview, Washington who would be very interested in knowing about this and I will be passing this on to them. One physician in particular dressed as polyp man (American Cancer Society) and toured the hospital this year promoting screening. Thank you for your efforts in promoting screening for this cancer and other colon health issues.

From: Rick Calavisna
Email: Miata9blue@aol.com
Date: Sunday, April 27, 2003
Time: 11:00:26 AM -0400

Comments

I really enjoyed the view of the giant colon, brings back many memories. I would really love to have the colon visit my home town of Endicott, NY. Please let me know if this is possible.

From: Lucy M. Donais
Email: spottyld@aol.com
Date: Sunday, April 27, 2003
Time: 09:57:06 AM -0400

Comments

Hi Molly: You have really created a great Website. It will be beneficial to many people. I am 76 yrs. old and was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease in April 1998, but before that I had problems for years since my thirties and forties with diverticulitis and diahrrea, so I think my problem of U.C. & Crohn's goes back further than 1998. I have many other problems also, which at my age are to be expected. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 08/2002, stage 1, had a biopsy and lumpectomy, and 30 sessions of radiation, so as you can see, cancer is very much on my mind. Any comments you can give me will be very much appreciated. God Bless you and I hope your cheery nature will be an inspiration to all. Sincerely, Lucy

From: evelyn jones
Email: jamgen43@yahoo.com
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2003
Time: 10:03:56 PM -0400

Comments

I was reading about you in the Dallas Morning News. May God continue to bless you.

From: Paul in San Rafael, Californnia
Email: pcossaboon@attbi.com
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2003
Time: 12:48:38 PM -0400

Comments

Great site, Molly! I'm a prostate cancer survivor (6 years) and, like you, remember the moment when I first heard the c-word. Your fantastic work will save many lives. God Bless You!

From: Dave Hicks
Email: dlhicks3@ix.netcom.com
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2003
Time: 12:18:11 PM -0400

Comments

Great site. Super job at getting the attention of the world.

Croahn's is actually spelled Chrohn's. See the website, second paragraph, third sentence.

Keep up the great work.

Hope you are feeling great.

Dave Hicks Mission Viejo, CA

From: jack rader
Email: fir1912§aol.com
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2003
Time: 11:46:47 AM -0400

Comments

No appearance in florida. Shame on you. Florida is obviously not on your map of the usa.

j. rader

From: Richard Eric Wall
Email: azmusic@asu.edu
Date: Friday, April 25, 2003
Time: 02:23:30 PM -0400

Comments

Going for my yearly on 6/2 (my son's 33rd bd!) for the last 5-6 years the yearly has fell on my birthdaty 5/14, which of course has provided much humor banter at my workplace, and w/friends, etc. Congrates on your Web site, indeed your "rolling to recovery" journey & path. Enjoy yourself, and the gift to all that you are! I hope to get to your 6/11 thing in Phx, if you would like to see/hear some good music while you are in the valley of the sun, just let me know. God bless, and carry on young lady...:-) Rick Wall

From: warren jones
Email: warren.jones@alltel.com
Date: Friday, April 25, 2003
Time: 11:05:06 AM -0400

Comments

My daughter , Priscilla, is a friend of Hannah's and has been hounding everyone she knows to get a colonoscopy. I had one and it was clean before all of this started. She MADE my wife get one. No cancer, but some diverticulitis was discovered and is being treated. I am involved in a group to have smoking in restaurants and bars in Fayetteville, Ar prohibited. We met last night at the American Cancer Society and used their phones to make calls to registered voters for their support. While there, someone mentioned the fact that the Colon was in Little Rock last weekend and they were disappointed because they couldn't see it. We talked for some time about it. Great job on your and Hannah's part. Priscilla would sure like to be involved in the project. Just can't right now. Keep up the good work.

From: Vicki Barrilleaux
Email: rick_vick@hotmail.com
Date: Friday, April 25, 2003
Time: 10:37:17 AM -0400

Comments

I'm 48 years old and was diagnoised with rectal cancer last July. The only cancer I can trace in my family, is my maternal grandmother. She was a heavy smoker and died of lung cancer, which is understandable. I have always eaten a healthy diet. I'm not a smoker and drank rarely. It is still a mystery to me why I developed this disease. I had stage 3 cancer and recently completed my six months of follow up Chemo. My greatest desire is to be a cancer survivor. With cancer being found in my Lymph Nodes, I fear I will have a reoccurance. Any information you can send me on preventive measures would be greatly appreciate. I'm pleased to have an advocate such as yourself. Getting the word out about early detection is so important. I've already told both of my sons they must have a colonscopy by the age of 35. Keep up the good work. Vicki

From: Lisa Blake
Email: lisa4blake@yahoo.com
Date: Monday, April 21, 2003
Time: 07:01:58 PM -0400

Comments

I am absolutely stunned and amazed at you incredible story. I am 26 years old and both of my grandmother's have died within the last five years of colon cancer. One with whom I was best friends. I am truly interested in anything that I might be able to do in order to further aid in the educating (myself included) of people about this deadly disease. The statistic that I find so incredible is the cure rate if detected early. I have just signed up to walk a half- marathon in June in support of colon cancer research, but would love to do much more. If you have any ideas please write back. Sincerely, Lisa

From: Tony Caruana
Email: caruanatony@aol.com
Date: Monday, April 21, 2003
Time: 04:31:44 PM -0400

Comments

I understand the feelings of those who are fighting this disease. I too was diagnosed with colon cancer stage II 0n october 29th 2002 and underwent a right semicolectomy two weeks later. I am now leading a normal life again. Although I was not religious I fould great comfort in rediscovering my faith in Jesus Christ. God bless you all

From: Vince Guerrieri
Email: idorawildcat@yahoo.com
Date: Monday, April 21, 2003
Time: 03:46:54 PM -0400

Comments

Congratulations on fighting the good fight and winning. I'm 25, and I've lived with colitis for fully half my life. I know the havoc intestinal problems can wreak on someone, particularly someone in high school, but I managed to keep a sense of humor about it (and get a lot of recreational reading done). I admire you for your resolve, and I feel a little better in knowing that I'm not the only person my age who has to deal with intestinal problems.

From: judy beauvais
Email: Judith Beauvais/EMPL/NY/Verizon@VZNotes
Date: Monday, April 21, 2003
Time: 12:51:04 PM -0400

Comments

I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO SEE THE COLOSSAL COLON IN GLENS FALLS LAST YEAR....I THOUGHT YOU'D LIKE TO KNOW THE COLOSSAL COLON APPEARS IN THE 'WEIRD BUT TRUE' COLUMN OF THE NEW YORK POST,TODAY,APRIL 21,2003.....I LOVE WHAT YOU'RE DOING..YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION TO US ALL.

From: John Zutz
Email: john@zutz.org
Date: Monday, April 21, 2003
Time: 12:41:19 AM -0400

Comments

No response necessary. Just wanted everyone to know this cancer can be beat. In Nov. 1981 I had adenocarcenoma (back then they called it Dukes B - now stage 2) and a right hemicolectomy. It was the day after my 31st birthday. I was told that if I was still alive in 5 years I probably beat it. I've done 5 years 4times.

I hope you can all do it too!

From: Brandie Sims
Email: Italian_mist2@aol.com
Date: Sunday, April 20, 2003
Time: 05:28:05 PM -0400

Comments

I was saddened and shocked to hear about Amanda's death. I was one of her classmates at St. Edwards School. We were in the same class together. She was a funloving person with so much life in her in the years we shared together in school. I moved back to Arkansas from Michigan in January of 2001. I worked in a little store for about a year and was asked to work in a dealership as the service cashier at Cook-Jeep in Little Rock. When I went work there on January 7, 2002 I meet a girl that had gone to school with alot of the same people I did in the pass. My second day we were talking about the people we knew and Amanda and Nicholas were among the first ones' I asked about. She gave me a funny looked and proceeded to tell about her struggles with cancer. She concluded the story in telling me that she had passed away just 7 days ago. I was in shock I could not believe that we were talking about the same person. My heart goes out those family and friends that she left behind. She was a great friend to talk to and to be around. She knew how to light up the days with her actions and humor. She was a good person to know. I am sorry to hear the bad news and I hope through out the years that people read about her story and learn from it I know that is what she would of wanted. Remeber she was loving, carring, funny, sweet, nice, and strong. I will always remember her that way. It is like we are still together in school. I miss her dearly and I was sorry we did not keep in touch after graduation. Please do not let her memory die. And please tell her family I was sorry to hear about what happened. Please tell her brother that I miss him too and wish all of them well. I wish they would write me so we could keep in touch. I leave you my address and my email address. Brandie Sims, 12109 Stagecoach Rd. #272, Little Rock , Ar 72210. My cell number is (501)551-3685 my work number is (501)374-4848 my email address is italianmist2@aol.com. God Bless You All!

From: michelle manaugh
Email: Mmanaugh@aol.com
Date: Saturday, April 19, 2003
Time: 10:02:19 PM -0400

Comments

HELLO MOLLY, ON APRIL 30TH 2002 MY BROTHER FOUD OUT HE HAD COLEN CANCER HE WAS 24. I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE WHEN I WAS IN THE HOSPITAL AND FOUND OUT, I DID NOT WANT TO BELIVE IT. IT FELT SO UNREAL. STAGE 3 HE HAD LOTS OF TROUBLES FOR THE NEXT MONTH THEN HE STARTED CHEMO AND HE JUST WENT DOWN HILL FROM THERE. AT THE END OF JULY ME AND MY GRANMOTHER WENT TO SHE HIM HE WEIGHED ABOUT 90LB HE LOOKED BAD THREE DAYS LATER HE WAS IN THE HOSPITAL, HE HAD A MINNY HEARTATACK HIS SMALL INTESTENT WAS LEAKING PARATINITES. HE WAS ON LIFE SUPPORT THE DOCTORS THEN TOLD US THAT THE CANCER HAD SPREED THOUGH HIS WHOLE BODY. ON ON THURSDAY AUG 1ST HE STOP TALKING AND RESPONDING WE TOOK HIM OFF LIFE SUPPORT THAT NIGHT AT 8:30 WE HALD HIS HAND TILL 12:45 AM THEN HE TOOK HIS LAST BREATH. HE PASSEDAWAY ON AUGUST 2ND 2002. IT WAS THE HARDEST THING I HAVE HAD TO FACE IN MY LIFE. HE WOULD OF BEEN 25 ON SEPT 1ST. THERE IS NOT A DAY THAT GOES BY THAT I DONT THINK ABOUT HOW THE DOCTORS COULD HAVE DONE MORE FOR HIM. I FELT LIKE THEY JUST GAVE UP ON HIM. IT IS GREAT TO HEAR YOU STORY I AM GLAD ALL IS WELL. I JUST HAD A COLEN SOPE ON MARCH 18TH 2003. EVERYTHING WAS FINE, I AM 23 YEARS OLD I HAVE A YOUNGER BROTHER WHO IS 21, AND I ASK MYSELF WHY CASEY? HE WAS THE BEST HE COULD MAKE YOU SMILE ON YOUR WORST DAY. I MISS HIM MORE THAN EVER, I JUST WANTED TO TELL YOU MY STORY PLEASE WRITE BACK IF YOU HAVE THE CHANCE.

MICHELLE MANAUGH Mmanaugh@aol>com

From:
Email:
Date: Friday, April 18, 2003
Time: 02:18:35 AM -0400

Comments

Hello again, I visit this site every so often to see what's new. I feel compeled to write in the guest book again. I wrote a small memo about a month ago about my dear 41 year old brother who was still with us. My brother at age 42 (had birthday one week before he passed) died from stage iv colon cancer that had metastisized to his liver and lungs. just by the biopsy from the colonoscopy, he was given six months to a year. little did we know he only had 17 days left of his life with us. the cancer yes caused his death but I thank God that he didn't have to suffer long and hard. complications of the cancer began to set in and what had eventually got him was a pulmonary embolism that had developed because of his liver and lungs were so bad off. no proper circulation from him being at bed rest every day didn't help. his breathing was difficult so walking from point a to point b was like running a marathon. his liver was covered by 8 or more spots (cancerous lesions) surgery wasn't an option. he had been diagnosed two months prior to all this with pneumonia. that didn't clear up for reasons now known. back in Nov '02 he had been feeling not himself, tired, run down. and most of all, couldn't bench press as he had before. by Dec still same symptoms. admited later, after diagnosis, he now thought gee my stools did look alittle off color. his cancer began in the cecum, the very place that is very difficult to detect. the cecum as some may know is the very beginning of the large intestine coming from the small intestine. waste begins there as a liquid to slowly form stools by the time it reaches the end. no real bright color of blood coming so far back. anyway, the cancer cells eventually can contribute to developing these embolisms. something the doctor didn't warn us about. they knew he had a tough time with breathing and with the stomach edema, possibly from the liver (cancer lesions secrete unwanted fluids in the body), so when my brother went back to his GI doctor to hopefully relieve some pressure they turned him down and said they couldn't do a thing, the vitals were too risky. well, my whole point in writing this is to hopefully make others aware of my brother's situation in detail so that it may educate someone else and help them recognize same symptoms. just one more note then i will close...if anyone has any inclination or just heard of this disease and is curious about themselves...by all means go to your doctor, lie and tell them colon cancer and/or polyps are in your family history and they will take your word for it so that if you are with a HMO then approval won't be a problem. i worry about others who get this in the cecum like my brother. the evidence is not so cut and dry until maybe too late. i don't mean to tell you to lie...because that is a sin. however, if one fib can save your life in an innocent way, so be it. colonoscopy is not the most comfortable proceedure to go through but it may SAVE your life or save a loved one. please go and get one today, go as young as you can! once again thank you molly for such a great site and a great opportunity to write to others about this disease. God bless all of you, signed.. a sister who misses her one and only sibling

From:
Email: tjigoe@msn.com
Date: Thursday, April 17, 2003
Time: 07:55:10 PM -0400

Comments

my dad was just diagnosed and had surery for colon cancer that spread to his liver - i would love to get tips on what might be going through his mind and how we might best help him right now - he is still in hospital thank you!

From: Lori
Email: lmatthew@pacificsource.com
Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2003
Time: 06:54:11 PM -0400

Comments

Your story brings tears to my eyes... from the sadness you went through, but mostly from the joy and aliveness you now project. I learned of ythe "Colossal Colon tour" from reading my boss's JAMA - what inspiration! I think I'll quiz my Mom a bit more about the polyps she had removed, but thinks that "nice ladies don't talk about those things." Thank you so much for your joie de vivre!!!

From: Adrienne
Email: lulu_cad@yahoo.com
Date: Tuesday, April 15, 2003
Time: 01:54:42 PM -0400

Comments

I want to share with all of you how important it is to be screened for this cancer. My daughter 2 yrs-old has just lost her father to Colossal Colon Cancer, he just turned 39 yrs-old before his death. And I have come to find out everyone on his fathers side of the family has died of some kind of cancer. You may say I have some unanswered questions. All people no matter income or statics of the community we all need to be screened for this totaly treatable and preventable desease. I cant tell you why this cancer doesnt have more media on it, because it could be your love one the dyes from it. I would like to see every person that reads this to make a change in there life. And that would be to tell everyone they know how important this screening is because preventions is the key word. My daughter has lost her father forever, he can never be replaced and nor can your love ones.

Adrienne of Indianapolis, IN

From: Will
Email: Willsize34@aol.com
Date: Tuesday, April 15, 2003
Time: 04:27:13 AM -0400

Comments

hey molly, My sister is 37 and just got the news shes got colon cancer. she is having surger next friday. She went to the doctor for and had some test.. was told that she would get a second appointment in 2 weeks when the results came back.. she got a call the next day telling her to come right away. its been almost 2 weeks and my family is really scared. i shes been told she will have to wear a caliptiphy bag cause her cancer is at the lower of the rectal and they will have to remove quite abit of the colon. they plan to remove her lymph nodes already... is this looking too bad for my sister.. she has recently passed some slithery substances in her bowel.. is this past a stage 2 ?? its nice to here that yours turned out as good as it did.. maybe we will be lucky.. thanks , WILL

From: gailmiller
Email: miltenkids@aol.com
Date: Saturday, April 12, 2003
Time: 07:09:20 PM -0400

Comments

my husband has colon cancer with metastasis to the liver and hs stomac is so bloated. He has trouble with constipation

From: stu
Email:
Date: Saturday, April 12, 2003
Time: 06:04:28 AM -0400

Comments

i had my 2 chemo,i think the dir med for me makes it worse like sitting on a hard ball,,

From: Diane Garver
Email: mendowood@yahoo.com
Date: Thursday, April 10, 2003
Time: 06:01:28 PM -0400

Comments

I was diagonosed with colon cancer September, 2001 after losing weight and feeling exhausted. A blood test revealed that I was very anemic (never before) and my platelets were off. A CT scan was ordered and revealed a mass in the cecum, a colonoscopy was ordered and biopsies revealed cancer. I had surgery the following week and they removed about 8 inches of colon and my appendix. I stopped smoking the day of the surgery, demerol is a great way to deal with the cravings. I began chemo with 5FU and was vomiting within 24 hours. I complained every week when I went in, none of the anti nausea drugs worked or the anti diarrheals. After 4 weeks (4 treatments) I was hospitalized, spent over 3 weeks in the hospital, had major abdominal surgery for inflammation pockets and adhesions caused by my severe reaction to the chemo. The nurses just poo pooed my complaints and never had me see the Dr. I feel I should have been taken seriously and had I been monitored better these complications could have been avoided. I also needed 2 blood transfusions to help me get strong enough to be released, I had lost 30 pounds and hadn't eaten in 5 weeks. Although I did not lose my hair from the chemo I lost my hair 5 months later from the trauma to my system from my stay in the hospital and being so critical. I never went back on chemo and I had a colonoscopy in Dec. 2002, no new cancer but I am still showing signs of inflammation. My blood test taken last week was the best in 3 years, my CEA fell from 3.2 in Nov. to 2.0 in March. I have just found this site and was reading other's comments. I noticed that two people mentioned lymph nodes in their necks. Before my diagnosis I had several tooth abcesses and my one lymph node did swell on that side with lots of pain. I went to several Dr. and finally a head/neck Dr. sent me to have a needle biopsy of the node, it came back that there was just infection there, the pathologist said that they take a long time to clear up (year) and that he did not think that it should be removed. He said either way there will be scar tissue that will remain and it has. I now have new concerns about this after reading some of these comments and will once again check it out. I hope it is nothing since my other tests have been so good. I thought the liver and lungs were the problem areas to watch. I'd appreciate any news on this. Good luck to us all- Diane

From: stu
Email: sampel@webtv.net
Date: Thursday, April 10, 2003
Time: 04:16:09 AM -0400

Comments

thank's i am back on chemo , all my love Stu

From: Sara Hatcher
Email: bsrmhatch@aol.com
Date: Tuesday, April 08, 2003
Time: 09:49:08 AM -0400

Comments

Hi Molly, I was just diagnosed with colon cancer in Feb 2003. I am only 26 years old. I have no family history of colon cancer, except for my grandmother who had it at the end of her life at age 82. I was being treated for "irritable bowel syndrome" when my only symptom was abdominal pain. My pain was masked for about 6 months because I was pregnant with my second child and thought it was just my pregnancy. They removed my right colon and my cancer had gone to one out of ten of the lymph nodes they removed from that area, but no where else. I am going through chemo- 24 treatments and then I will have my life back. My doctor sank down on my bed and gave me and my husband the news. They don't do a very good job of that, do they? When the doctor left my husband broke down. I just had a strange feeling of calm and peace and I was comforting him, telling him I was going to be ok and I really knew it. I became obsessed with wanting to tell everyone, to warn them but I didn't know what kind of an outlet I could use to do that and if anyone would be interested. If people knew how common it is and how preventable- and how easy it is to prevent, more people would be looking for it. I had a wonderful surgeon who did my surgery the next day...cleared his schedule to do so and he saved my life. Thank you for doing what you are doing, because I had no idea about the symptoms and I don't believe most people know what to look for. My parents have now had their colonoscopys and all of my 4 siblings, who are younger than me, will have them too. So far everyone is clear. I hope for your continued health. Thanks again. Sara

From: Rhonda Riddle
Email: rhonriddle@aol.com
Date: Monday, April 07, 2003
Time: 07:20:41 AM -0400

Comments

You're an inspiration. Colon cancer took a wonderful person away from our family in 2001. She was misdiagnosed with stomach cancer and only during the last months of her life was it determined she was in the final stages of colon cancer. We, the family, feel if she'd been diagnosed properly in the beginning she would still be here with us today, sharing her remarkable loving smile with all who knew her.

I am so sorry you had to go through the pain of this but I am also thankful. For if you had not then all the people with whom you share your ideas for awareness would never know the symptoms, treatments, or cures. And they would never know what it is to have hope or belief in knowing they can be cured and once again live their life to the fullest.

Thank you and may God continue to bless you and your family.

From: lee sheldon
Email: lsheldo!@nycap.rr.com
Date: Saturday, April 05, 2003
Time: 12:42:12 AM -0500

Comments

to my hero,love the craziness I am so proud of you! I think you have inspired me to do something for my survival ( DV, does it sound like a disease?) and to help others. good luck talk to you soon. Love ya! lee

From: Jackie Kirkpatrick
Email: jackiekirk@cox.net
Date: Friday, April 04, 2003
Time: 01:28:08 AM -0500

Comments

Molly, I was just browsing your website and reading your story. One thing I couldn't find is a list of the symptoms of colon cancer. Do you have it posted anywhere? I am curious what they are even though I have had a sigmoidoscopy. Thanks Jackie Kirkpatrick

From: Amanda
Email: rheagin@msn.com
Date: Friday, April 04, 2003
Time: 12:31:24 AM -0500

Comments

Molly! Hey Lady! You have a fabulous story and even greater outlook on life! I really admire all that you are doing to raise awareness of diseases of the colon. I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease in October of 1997, at the age of 25. (How coincidental! My Birthday is February 18th and my son was born February 16th, 1999!) I was totally blown away and devestated, because all you ever hear about is the bad stories....people who died, people with their colon removed and colostomy bags, and people disabled for the rest of their lives. Then, the doctors throw all these meds at you and the future promise of more illness and colonoscopies. You know what I mean. Nobody wants to talk about stuff like this. Thank you for having so much courage to raise awareness for others. When I was diagnosed, I had similar symptoms as you, and was so dehydrated when I drove myself to the doctor, I could have died just from that. I thought I had the flu, except all I was passing was pure red blood. (Funny how you run your kids to the dr. for the least little thing and wait until you are on death's doorstep to go.) The thing that really bothers me is that I want to know why?. What caused this? Is there something I could have done? Are all the other health problems I have just manifestations of this mysterious illness? There are so many unanswered questions. Thank you so much for helping to lead the fight for answers and hopefully a cure for all this. I hope and pray that you continue to enjoy life - disease free. Thanks once again for sharing your story. Amanda

From: Anna Giangregorio
Email: annagjafra@aol.com
Date: Sunday, March 30, 2003
Time: 11:38:07 PM -0500

Comments

Hi molly Thanks for your courage in sharing your story. I was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer 5/16/2002, had a resection 6/15/2002, 1 lymph node tested positive and it had penetrated the wall. I had chemo July-Dec. was only able to tolerate about 14 treatments. I am doing well. I joined a gym, trying to improve diet, etc. Will be having all the follow-up tests in June. Just celebrated my 57 birthday last week, it was a great day! Am finding that after the chemo, I have had a lot of anxiety. I am more worried and concerned now than during all of my treatment. I guess that is normal. Thanks for letting me share. Anna Giangregorio So. Calif

From: ann
Email: anncrowe@eircom.net
Date: Saturday, March 29, 2003
Time: 04:30:01 PM -0500

Comments

hello molly My father underwent surgery to remove a tumour from his colon and then he had six months of chemo. He coped very well with the chemo but since he finished his treatment he has gone downhill a lot. He is suffering with his stomach now,has diarrhoe and is very tired. He was an extremely active and fit man up to this. I just wondered did you ever hear of anyone suffering side-effects after the treatment has finished ? Thank you for taking the time to read this email and hope you are feeling well. Ann feamtreaheaMyeexttiesu

From: LORI
Email: CUTEKITTY32@AOL.COM
Date: Saturday, March 29, 2003
Time: 12:27:05 PM -0500

Comments

I HAVE BEEN BATTLING WITH COLON POLUPS SICE I WAS 27,BUT FORTUNETLY ALL THEY HAVE REMOVED HAVE BEEN BANIEN. I SUFFER WITH A LOT OF DIFFERENT PROBLEMS DUE TO THE POLUPS!! ANY ADVICE YOU COULD SEND WOULD BE VERY HELPUL, AND SO NUCH APPRECIATED!!! THANK YOU FOR YOU TIME! LORI

From: Roland
Email: rbachman@methanex.com
Date: Saturday, March 29, 2003
Time: 05:10:17 AM -0500

Comments

Molly

A heart felt thank-you for creating a forum that not only inspires us but educates,motivates and provides some hope for those of us living with cancer.This story isn't about myself but my spouse who was diagnosed with coleteral cancer in Feb 2001. The classic signs/symptoms started showing in October of 2000.It began with constipation followed by rectal bleeding.Our family doctor chalked it up to a lazy bowel and told her to take some citro-mag to get it going again.This obviously didn't solve the problem so we went back to see him in December.At this point he scheduled a colonoscopy for her in January.Three polyps were discovered during the procedure.Two were quite small and removed and a sample was taken from the third for testing.Unfortunately it came back as cancerous.A week later 18 inches of lower colon were removed(the affected area was only about 6 inches from her rectum)and resected.The procedure went well .The surgeons visual inspection of the effected area and organs looked good.The removed section of colon and ten lymph nodes were sent to a cancer clinc some 1200km from our home town(the closest centre to our location).All lymph nodes tested negative and the main tumor had not penatrated the wall of the colon.Everything looked great.So good in fact that the oncologist we were in contact with suggested no follow up chemo.Not satisfied with this I requested a second opinion.Her case was reviewed by 7 other oncologists all of which supported the first recommmendation.Satisfied with this we went back to our normal happy lives thinking we had dodged a bomb.Some two months later we were sent to the cancer clinic for more in depth testing as her CEA levels weren't coming down and the constipation was back again.A CT scan was done and we finally got to meet her oncologist.Three words that I had never heard before could probably sum up the worst day of our lives

Recurance......Metastisis.......Palliative

A chemo regime of irrinotican,F5U and leucovorin were started.A colorectal stent(stainless wire mesh tube) was placed in her colon to keep it open.After arriving back home she couldn't stop going to the bathroom.Sometimes 25x a day.This was supposed to be normal according to one of the doctors we talked to.Five months later we went back down to the cancer clinc.Xrays showed that the stent had slipped(something we were told was impossible)and it was lodged in her rectum causing her sphinkters to spasum.When she was asked to describe the sensation she said "try crapping out a cheese grater"(she hasn't lost her sense of humor).Anyways the good news was that the liver mets had dissappeared and she would recieve a colostomy instead of restenting.Now that the mets had cleared up we were hoping the lower tumor could be removed during the colostomy.No such luck as it was too complex and close to main arteries to be removed.It was low enough in the pelvis however to recieve radiation which she did for 5 weeks along with a continuous infusion of F5U. She's back on the old chemo combination right now.She looks good and feels good.Next month we go back to the cancer clinic for a progress report(or hopefully a lack thereof). Be strong,live long and well my friends.Today is known and what yesterday brought......Tommorow is unknown and anyway you like it!

Regards Roland

From: Angela Dawson
Email: sadawson@comcast.net
Date: Thursday, March 27, 2003
Time: 10:09:27 PM -0500

Comments

I grew up here in Little Rock with Amanda. We used to spend the night at each others homes. I'm so excited about everything Molly is doing to raise colon cancer awareness. I'm a nurse and people often think that I'm just being a silly nurse when I talk about things like cancer screening. I have been telling Amanda and Molly's stories to anyone who will listen and I am excited about the colossal colon coming to Little Rock. I was leaving work today and saw the sign posted for volunteers. A man made a blow off statement about it and that was my cue. I got to see Amanda 2 weeks before she passed and I had just lost someone else close. I was very scared of getting upset being with her, but I shouldn't have been. Just being with her was so nice and she helped me find my own courage in that time of pain. I found out in November how much I would need that courage when my husband was diagnosed with testicular cancer. After some very difficult months he is now cancer free (as of today). Now I not only spread the word about colon cancer but also about testicular cancer. My best advice to everyone is to know your body, and when you know something is not right be persistent, very persistent. A few months before my husband was diagnosed we saw symptoms and I sent him to the doctor and said I would send him back every week until they satisfied me. I was calmed but not satisfied and gave up with a different diagnoses. I should have listened to my gut feeling and kept on. It probably would have been caught before it spread and saved him from major surgery, chemo, and of course many complications. Thank you Molly for your hard work. I'll always remember Amanda for being a friend and am thankful for her helping me to find my courage in times of pain.

From: Stephanie
Email:
Date: Thursday, March 27, 2003
Time: 05:38:37 PM -0500

Comments

Wow. You are a true inspiration. I am scheduled to be a volunteer at this year's Miami Colossal Colon Tour. I thought it would be interesting to find out more about the inspiration for this educational event and I am so impressed. Both you and Amanda are something to aspire to. You both showed such courage at such a young age. I am only 25 and your story really hit home. I am also a medical student and I spent 4 weeks in Colorectal surgery. But to hear the point of view from such a young patient is incredible. Thank you for what you're providing to the entire nation... not only education about such a deadly cancer, but also for your commitment and strength. You should be so very proud of yourself!!! Best of luck to you in all that you do.

From: Kayla**
Email: lilqutiekaykay@hotmail.com
Date: Thursday, March 27, 2003
Time: 04:42:45 PM -0500

Comments

HEY MOLLY!!!!

My name is kayla im 13 years old and I have A huge story to tell.. When I was 8 my cousen jason Kirk died of cancer he was only 17 I loved him dearley and I missed him so much and the worst was to come... one year later I had found out my mother Jodi Shelp had cancer she was only 34 I was destroyed I didnt want to loose her too. I had a great time with her while she was still alive but she had gotten weeker every month I could hardly stand it I have 1 sister her name is Kim and my dads name is Scott my mother and my father was not going to gether at the time my mom had a fieancea ( not sure how to spell it) his name is john I love all of them dearley! on December 22 1999 my mother had died So close to christmas I hated christmas and I was fearious with everyting now my christmases are horrable but I will remember that she is watching over me allways. although I thought my troubles were over for a while They hadnt my aunt daina had just died in january she was only 35 it was also a bad time for me well im sooo sorry I have to go now hope to hear from you :-)

Love kayla

From: Lynda
Email: lvranek@ceee.gwu.edu
Date: Thursday, March 27, 2003
Time: 10:39:19 AM -0500

Comments

Congratulations on your health and your efforts to educate people about colorectal cancer. My sister Kristin is a great survivor too; I remember so well my shock at her diagnosis. She was 28 and thin and careful about her diet. I have always been so proud of her strength in dealing with the disease and treatment. And yes, because of her treatment, my husband and I have undergone colonoscopies (with positive results); he is actually part of an large experiment comparing the regular colonoscopy with the virtual test. And we will continue to encourage all our friends and family to be tested. Molly,live long and well.

From: Kristin
Email: hensonwk@cavtel.net
Date: Thursday, March 27, 2003
Time: 10:12:58 AM -0500

Comments

Hi Molly, Just read your story on ABCnews.com. I can relate because I was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer when I was 28 years old. I had gone to the doctor two years previously with bloody stool, but he thought it was likley hemorrhoids and, as the symptoms would come and go, I didn't pursue it. Finally, when the blood became alarming, I went to an internist who did a colonoscopy and found the tumor. Following surgery and a year of chemotherapy (5-FU and levamisole), I am 7 years disease free. As a veterinarian, I really don't have an excuse for not pursuing the symptoms earlier because I realized deep down that it was a serious problem. But like many people, I put it off because I was too busy, or it's probably nothing, or the idea of having a colonoscopy seemed unpleasant. And, no, I don't have a family history of colon cancer, but since my diagnosis my brother has had polyps removed. I admire your efforts to bring awareness to the disease; I would like to do more along those lines myself, but don't seem to know where to start. Best of luck in all your endeavors.

From: Lori
Email: ljschindler@yahoo.com
Date: Thursday, March 27, 2003
Time: 09:23:41 AM -0500

Comments

Molly, I'm SO happy that you have recovered and are healthy!! Your story is similar to my sister's, having been diagnosed (after months of doctor visits) with stage IV colon cancer the day after her 25th birthday (11/99). At the time, it seemed so unheard of that someone so young could be so sick, but after reading these other comments in the guest book, it's clear that people are getting cancer at alarmingly young ages. Good wishes and prayers to everyone else reading this going through treatment or supporting someone who is.

From: Jenny
Email: jennyocaldwell@yahoo.com
Date: Wednesday, March 26, 2003
Time: 09:48:37 AM -0500

Comments

Your story is so inspiring! I didn't know that this support existed! Though I haven't had colon cancer, I have been extremely anxious about the diagnosis of hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer syndrome. Thanks, Jenny

From: Laurel from Memphis
Email: laurel_bailey@hilton.com
Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2003
Time: 05:08:59 PM -0500

Comments

My colon cancer was discovered when my gynecologist (aware that I had a family history) did a rectal exam and asked me to provide stool samples. When blood was found in the samples, he had me schedule a colonoscopy.

On December 26th, 2001, my gastroenterologist called me at work to tell me I had colon cancer and would require surgery.

Fortunately (sort of), I already had surgery scheduled for January 8th, for a hysterectomy. My gynecologist arranged for a colleague who is a vascular surgeon to work with him to do the colon work during the same surgery as the hysterectomy. My doctors were wonderful, and my recovery swift.

At the end of January, I had minor surgery to have a catheter installed in my chest. A day later, I started my chemotherapy. My cancer had not broken through the colon wall, but a trace had been found in one lymph node removed during my surgery. I had weekly chemo - 3 weeks on and 1 week off - for 6 months. It was a test of stamina to get through all the nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and fatigue. However, I was able to continue working through it all - which helped me maintain a feeling of normalcy. I am forever grateful to my husband Ron for helping me get through it successfully, and to my oncologist for being good at what she does.

I recently had my first follow-up colonoscopy, and so far so good.

In retrospect...a few thoughts: As early as two years before my diagnosis, I complained to my doctor about fatigue. His recommendation was exercise and weight loss. (Not a bad idea, but not all I needed.) A year later, my new doctor prescribed an iron supplement, and a follow-up visit that never got scheduled. I had some blood in my stools, but rationalized it away as hemorroids. I think I was afraid that something was wrong - but too afraid to do anything about it! That's the part I still don't completely understand about how I reacted.

If you have a family history - YOU NEED TO ACT. I thought I could wait until I was 50, which is a few years away. If my doctor hadn't pushed me, I might be dying by now.

Happy Ending - I feel great, am revitalized, and trying to spread the word to anyone who will listen. Don't be afraid of being tested, don't panic if you have been diagnosed, don't give up if you are being treated. Life is good.

If the walk-thru colon comes to Memphis, I'll be there.

From: Josh Pelletier
Email: jpellet@clemson.edu
Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2003
Time: 08:57:50 AM -0500

Comments

Molly, Thank you so much for your encouraging letter to my mother, Betty Pelletier. My younger brother, Jonathan, is the one who has been diagnosed. This is a very tough time for all of us as I know you are far too aware. All of your thoughts and prayers are much appreciated and do not go unnoticed. Jonny goes back for some final test results today and may even start some sort of chemo close to home before we find the right place for him to go. Thank you again for your kind concern and God bless. Josh Pelletier

From: Regina
Email: ginasings@jeffcity.com
Date: Monday, March 24, 2003
Time: 05:23:35 PM -0500

Comments

I read about your story on the WebMD website. Very inspirational story. It just goes to show that we must be persistent and demanding sometimes when it comes to our bodies and the medical profession. Doctors will say "if you notice something unusual, let me know". Then when you call them, they often (not all the time) brush you off. I am not a cancer survivor, but I have asthma, another disease that is often misunderstood and not properly diagnosed. I commend you for not giving up and I pray you will continue to spread the word about colon cancer and even other types of cancer.

From: Perley J. Roberts
Email: proberts@oig.hhs.gov
Date: Monday, March 24, 2003
Time: 08:19:58 AM -0500

Comments

I too was diagnoised with Stage II colon cancer Dec.23, 1999. I was also several weeks away from Stage III. The only symtom I had was a stomach ach and feeling very very tired all the time. Only when I had another problem did I go to my family doctor. He had no clue as to what was wrong with me. Fortunatly, the other problem required out patient surgery. When I didn't recover in the recovery room like I should my new doctor checked my blood count. He then notified us and I went in for a colon check and they found the tumor on thursday. That monday I had my surgery. Then 6 months of chemo treastments. I am now feeling great.

From:
Email: nancy.a.williams@yale.edu
Date: Sunday, March 23, 2003
Time: 09:27:02 PM -0500

Comments

Molly, Hi!

I know young people who have had cancer and then just want to forget about it when they are cured. You are very courageous to want to do something to help others. It is especially wonderful that you are publicizing the diseasse because you are so young. My hairdresser's husband died of colon cancer in his 20's. I thought that it was only a disease of old people. My husband's aunt diedo of colon cancer at 93 last week. Her sister had died of the disease in her 40's. It is in my husband's family so am very aware of this horrible disease. Thank you so much for publicizing your story and coming up with the colossal colon display. I hope the display and you will come to New Haven! Keep up the good work and thank you again. Nancy

From: Betty Pelletier
Email: Betty_Pelletier@hotmail.com
Date: Sunday, March 23, 2003
Time: 07:45:44 AM -0500

Comments

Molly, Jonathan is my 19 year old son who was just diagnosed this week with colon cancer we are awaiting the biopsy report for final typing. He has metastasis to the bone marrow and lymph nodes in the abdomen. When you were first diagnosed, did you have metastasis? What treatments did you receive...where do you believe are the best treament centers? Thank you Betty Pelletier

From:
Email: Sk8JenSk8@yahoo.com
Date: Saturday, March 22, 2003
Time: 05:01:16 PM -0500

Comments

You go girl! I read you story and it sounded so much like mine! I was diagnosed with breast cancer three weeks shy of my 34 birthday. Everyone thought my lump was "nothing" and for two years it sat in my breast. A biopsy showed that it was cancer and I had a mastectomy. I was lucky as it was not agressive and was not in my lymph nodes. I am so proud of you and your efforts to promote awareness! You are a true angel on earth!

Jen

From: Beverly
Email: beverly.connelly@abnamro.com
Date: Friday, March 21, 2003
Time: 01:49:59 PM -0500

Comments

What an inspiration you are! I wasn't diagnosed with cancer but had horrible bouts with diverticulitis. At the age of 34, my doctor was amazed that I had this condition, it mainly shows up in older people, 60-70! I have since undergone a colon resection and have had no other problems.

Keep up the good work!

Beverly Clinton Twp., Michigan

From: STU
Email: SAMPEL@WEBTV.NET
Date: Thursday, March 20, 2003
Time: 02:00:58 PM -0500

Comments

HI MOLLY , THEY TOOK THE NECK LYMPHNODE OUT IT HAD COLON CANCER IN IT, BACK ON 6 MONTHS CHEMO AGAIN, LOVE YOU STU YOUR THE BEST,!!!

From: Peggy Dominey
Email: pegdominey@attbi.com
Date: Thursday, March 20, 2003
Time: 12:51:49 PM -0500

Comments

Molly - I have just learned about you, your experience with colon cancer & your traveling exhibit. I live in Atlanta and hope to get downtown to "inspect" the colossal colon for myself - what a wonderful idea you had! I was diagnosed with colon cancer after my lst colonoscopy - it was supposed to be part of a routine physical for my 60th birthday. Like you, I was "blind-sided" by the news! There is no history of cancer in my family, I had no symptoms, I follow a vegetarian diet, don't drink or smoke and exercise regularly. I was one of the fortunate ones to have Stage One cancer and successfully completed 6 months of chemo. Thank you for raising awareness!

From: Peggy Dominey
Email: pegdominey@attbi.com
Date: Thursday, March 20, 2003
Time: 12:48:39 PM -0500

Comments

Molly - I have just learned about you, your experience with colon cancer & your traveling exhibit. I live in Atlanta and hope to get downtown to "inspect" the colossal colon for myself - what a wonderful idea you had! I was diagnosed with colon cancer after my lst colonoscopy - it was supposed to be part of a routine physical for my 60th birthday. Like you, I was "blind-sided" by the news! There is no history of cancer in my family, I had no symptoms, I follow a vegetarian diet, don't drink or smoke and exercise regularly. I was one of the fortunate ones to have Stage One cancer and successfully completed 6 months of chemo. Thank you for raising awareness!

From: Melissa Koslosky
Email: Kosmelissa@aol.com
Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2003
Time: 08:53:03 AM -0500

Comments

Molly, It's so good to hear you're doing good. Here's to surviving colon cancer! I was diagnosed in 1987 with stage 3, (Duke C), colon cancer. Like you, I was living life to it's fullest in Houston, when I started having abdominal pain in March, 1986. The doctor told me it was colon spasms, (I.B.S.), and gave me some medicine, which seemed to work. By November of that year, I had chronic diarrhea and was very weak, which I thought to be a virus. I went to work in downtown Houston everyday through Dec. of that year, barely able to breathe. I went home for Christmas and was dropped off at the airport on the way back, when they closed the plane because I had to keep stopping, because of weakness, and was late. They let me on and I remember putting my head back and sighing, with relief. By January I started passing out and vomitting and finally passing out every 15 minutes or so, when my co-workers took me to the E.R. at St. Luke's Episc. Hosp., where they found I was down to 2 pints of blood, 1/4 of my blood supply. My doctor didn't know how I had been walking. I was put through many tests before they found my cancer and removed it by surgery. I did not have chemo., personal choice at 23, which luckily worked out. I am a 40-year-old woman w/ 3 beautiful kids ,a wonderful husband,and a flourishing art career! Thanks for letting me share my story with you, continued good health. I go in for my colonoscopy,( I'm at every 3 years now), next week. Wish me luck! Sincerely, Melissa Koslosky

From: Adrianne Oettle
Email: saltline@bellsouth.net
Date: Monday, March 17, 2003
Time: 06:33:54 AM -0500

Comments

Dear molly,

My husband was with stage 2 colon cancer. He now has metastases to his right lung and to his pelvis. Some of the stuff I see on the internet so far concerning his cancer has me terrified for my husband.I don't think he really understands what the real picture is. I feel so helpless. As I sit here and type I can barely see my keyboard. Somebody please tell me you are a survivor of this particular metastases. Thankyou Adrianne

From: Sue
Email: mrsmousehouse@aol.com
Date: Sunday, March 16, 2003
Time: 12:30:11 PM -0500

Comments

Thank you for sharing your heartfelt story of your successful battle against colon cancer. I too pray for a cure and more public awareness about colon cancer. My 54 yr old husband Richard passed away May 28, 2001 from this horrible disease. I will continue to educate the public and encourage our 20 yr. old daughter to get her colon cancer screening done regularly. God Bless You...

From: Amy
Email:
Date: Saturday, March 15, 2003
Time: 02:48:42 PM -0500

Comments

I just wanted to let you know that I appreciate what you are doing to spread awareness of this terrible disease that can be prevented if the polyps are seen and removed. My grandmother died of colon cancer. Her tumor went undetected for probably twenty years despite her regular sigmoidoscopies and hemoccult cards because it was in her transverse colon (too high up for the sigmoidoscope to see). Please continue your efforts to push for colonoscopies...the only way to see the entire colon and remove any pre-cancerous or cancerous polyps.

Best wishes

From: Jennifer Domse
Email: Jennfer_domse@yahoo.de
Date: Saturday, March 15, 2003
Time: 06:24:31 AM -0500

Comments

I found your website because I was looking for information of oxalyplatin. I will have to do a seminar paper about it and its success in my biology class in a German school in lower saxony, Germany. I know about oxalyplatin because a close friend of mine has cancer. She lives in Florida and because oxalyplatin is legal in Germany we found a research program for her in which she now is. She has no more metastases although the doctors told her she will have about 3 more months to go. That was over half a year ago. She's doing great at the time and builds houses for "Habitat for Humanity". You can do it as well. Think positive. You'll make it. All the best wishes for you from Germany

From: stu
Email: sampel@webtv.net
Date: Friday, March 14, 2003
Time: 12:08:46 PM -0500

Comments

looks like the dr/s mised my cancer 2 times, the node in my neck was removed and i don;t know what's next,if any one has news on lymph nodes in neck from colon cancer email me,,stu ps molly did you get my pic? u can use it

From: D. Smith
Email: smithda@telusplanet.net
Date: Friday, March 14, 2003
Time: 03:41:25 AM -0500

Comments

What an amazing story. In 1996 my 20 year old son who was attending Colorado School of Mines called me early in the school year and said "mom, I've lost a lot of weight and I just don't feel right". He had been to several dr.'s in the last 3 years who said he was under stress from school, drinking too much coffee, etc. as an explaination for his constant diarreah, bloody stools and abdominal pain. I made an appointment in Denver the next day with a gastroenterologist who scoped him and found 49 polyps and 2 tumours. The tumours were malignant. We took him to Houston where he had his colon and rectum removed and intensive rounds of radiation and chemotherapy. Nearly stage 3, the Dr.'s told us, however there was NO lymph node involvement even though the wall of the colon had been breached. He went on to attempt school during treatment, but had to give it up til the next fall. He graduated from Colorado School of Mines in May 1998 and all checkups so far have been great. I (his Mom) had a colonoscopy done as a precaution after my son was diagnosed and had a polyp removed. My oldest son (29) had 3 polyps removed last year and he and our youngest son now have the unfortunate legacy of a 40% chance of developing colon cancer by the age of 40. Early detection, as you well know, is the key, and hopefully with stories like these, dr.'s will realize the importance of paying attention to the "non-traditional" colon cancer risks in young adults. Great, inspirational story. Thanks!

From: Terry
Email: phipper@nyc.rr.com
Date: Friday, March 14, 2003
Time: 02:19:02 AM -0500

Comments

I am telling you my story. I was 29, same EXACT sympoms and dumb doctors "pooh poohing" our pain. We are the survivors. I am still in chemo, but that has not stopped me LIVING. Terry's story I was young and very paranoid about my colon. I ALWAYS took my fiber, went to the gym 3 times a week, eat relatively healthy, salad for lunch etc, no sweets. For a year or so before I had the exact same symptoms as the subject of the news story, but I put it off to work related stress, plus I hate doctors. In September the pain in my chest intesified. I thought I hade GERD (Gastric reflux). My doctor kept prescribing nexium to me. Then my menustration hit. I was in hell. Every contraction caused me the most intense pain i would fall on the ground crying. I went to a gynocologist because I thought I had a ruptured ovary. I was gaining weight for no reason, swollen as heck and my stool was thin. I thought I was constipated. I was admitted to the hospital where my regular doctor was the admitting physician. She was shocked. What are u doing here she said in pretend suprise. An xray and a sonogram later I was told " Your liver is enlarged, so is you colon, we have to do tests." A biopsy later, and a colonoscopy and millions of freaking test I was told "Umm, you have a blockage in your colon which has to be moved." Then the next thing they tell me sheepishly "Umm, there are spots on your liver." Alas I had malignant cancer which had "metasized" from my colon tomy liver. I had ascites from my liver, and I was swollen to 30-40 pounds of water. Needless to say the 10 days I was in hospital was a trial. I was 29 when this happened. I struggled through nausea, staples in my stomach, the lovely GALLON of "Go litely." that i had to do 3 times. The fear of interns and doctors coming with misinformation etc, but I survived through my mother and her being there for me through the crying at night, sleepness nights, the nausea, the fear. I have been undergoing chemo since Oct 24. I am still in therapy. 3 weeks on 2 weeks off. As at Jan 16 or so 28% of my tumors have gone. I have another cat scan in 2 weeks. My doctor seems happy with my progress. I have began to regain weight , not much , but now I have to watch what I eat. When I came to the doctor, I said, tell me what to eat. He said what ever you want. This is my story. I didn't lose my hair, just a little, but it is growing long.I have pains, but you know what it a reminder that LIFE IS SHORT, enjoy it if and when you can I AM 30, survivor of cancer, and trying to Carpe Deium. From my readings I have see, we all have cancer tendencies in us. It is stress and hard time that elevate those free radicals and causes the cancer tocome. Believe me. I THOUGHT I was healthy before. If you wantto share, sharing your pain helps. When I was in the hospital with a hose in my nose pumpingbloody fluid out, and 2 ivs in each arm, and the morphine dripping in me, I saw my darkest momments in my mind. I thought what was the point. But for some reason after all of that, My theme song became "Die Another Day." Listen to the song from Madonna. " I guess I will die another day... It is not my time to go." Survivors, we did it. Talk to me, IM me if you are whatever stage. We have to support each other. The spirit of life is inside us all. Never surrender to the dark. Do NOT go gently into the good life.Love yourself, or change what you do not LOVE! Emanate an energy from within that will amaze you T

From: Angi Littlejohn
Email: Littlejohn@wpcs.net
Date: Thursday, March 13, 2003
Time: 05:37:53 PM -0500

Comments

I knew Amanda and she truly is an angel. I think this website is a great idea to spread awareness and I will pass it along.

From: stu
Email: sampel@webtv.net
Date: Thursday, March 13, 2003
Time: 01:35:22 PM -0500

Comments

hi molly, you have been a great help for me stu

From: Joel
Email: joelbrown88@yahoo.com
Date: Thursday, March 13, 2003
Time: 12:22:04 PM -0500

Comments

Molly:

It was very nice to meet you in Washington DC about a week ago. It's very inspiring to see what you're up to; it reminds me of my friend Brittany, who's raised a lot of money for lymphoma/leukemia, using bike rides as a vehicle for raising money and awareness. She's committed to creating a foundation similar to make-a-wish, but for adults, and for increasing a sense of community. And she's just turned 18.

It's nice to see such youth, such energy, such awareness, such inspiration from people like you and her. Best of luck spreading the good word all over the country!

By the way, please let me know if you're interested in a my sending a couple digital pictures that I took last week; you could use/post any of them if you like.

Joel B.

From: Christina
Email: bicer@comcast.net
Date: Thursday, March 13, 2003
Time: 07:12:53 AM -0500

Comments

Dear molly, You are an inspiration, and I check your site everyday to see the people's stories and battles with colon cancer. My husband is 31 years old and has just been diagnosed with Colon cancer stage iv. The metastasis is not in his organs yet but there is a mass behind the pancreas and a lymphnode in his neck which has been removed. We have two young daughters and we will fight so hard for this. He was misdiagnosed last August, the doctor told him he had IBS and send him home twice. Today he is having surgery to remove the primary cancer from the colon and then we start chemotherapy straight after he gets strong from surgery. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers, if anybody wants to email me please do so!!! We will win and my husband will be well again one day no matter what the doctors say!!!! Christina Rasmussen

From: Jenice Anderson
Email: 4andies@earthlink.net
Date: Wednesday, March 12, 2003
Time: 11:57:00 PM -0500

Comments

Dear Molly, thanks so much for sharing your story. A week ago I found out that my brother, age 41, has colon cancer. It has spread to the liver and the lung. Tomorrow is his appointment with the oncologist. Even though it sounds very bad and his CAT scans confirms that the cancer has spread, I am hopeful for some treatment. He is very afraid to spend his 'last days' in pain from treatment. Anyway, please wish us the best and do keep up the awareness of this horrible disease. May God bless you.

From: The Buckleys
Email:
Date: Wednesday, March 12, 2003
Time: 08:17:27 PM -0500

Comments

Molly, you are an inspiration to all of us and you are doing a great job of getting the word out. We miss you here in Glens Falls and hope your travels are rewarding.

Mike, Mary & Ellen

From: sharon tolbert
Email: smt922@zoominternet.net
Date: Wednesday, March 12, 2003
Time: 06:16:56 PM -0500

Comments

As an RN who cares for patients having colonoscopy exams every day, I'd like to applaud your efforts to increase colon cancer awareness and prevention. I have seen first hand the benefits of early diagnosis and treatment, as well as the results of ignoring warning signs. The Colossal Colon is an amazing idea and I hope to have an opportunity to witness it myself (and maybe even volunteer) when it is nearest to my home. Keep up the great work - your an inspiration to all!

From: Coach Dave
Email: dbl24@adelphia.net
Date: Wednesday, March 12, 2003
Time: 10:17:31 AM -0500

Comments

Dear Molly,

Great site!! Your doing such a great job in bring public awareness to this illness. It's so important to catch it as early as possible. The only way to do that is to be aware of the symptoms and have regular check-ups. You've done this for millions and millions of us who were not informed. For this I, and others, thank you. Keep up the great work.

Lauren and all the AYHA girls say "Hi and we miss you." We'll have our time together when you've done all you can do!! No hurry.

Coach Dave

From: Betsy Shea
Email: betsyoshea226@yahoo.com
Date: Tuesday, March 11, 2003
Time: 10:09:44 AM -0500

Comments

Hey Molly, Great job with the colon. We miss you here in good old Glens Falls. I can't listen to that radio station any more...it's just not the same. Hope all is going well for you. Keep up the good work Sincerely, Betsy (Lisa Spoerl's friend)

From:
Email: bonnbartlet@aol.com
Date: Monday, March 10, 2003
Time: 02:12:33 PM -0500

Comments

What an inspirational young lady. I am a 40 year old wife/mother who lives daily with Chron's disease. I was diagnosed 12 years ago with the birth of my daughter. Every day is a challenge but nothing compared to what you have been through. Awareness is the key. A second opinion is important. Too many times symptoms are pasted off as nothing! I wish you much success in the future with this campaign.

From: Grant's mom
Email: patra@capital.net
Date: Monday, March 10, 2003
Time: 01:36:05 PM -0500

Comments

I love that this guest book remains for all to share their thoughts! Looking back, I think about your remarkable journey and where it has taken you. I am thrilled that Grant was able to share some miles with you. As you know, we are all so proud of you and love you for all you are doing to raise awareness for colon cancer. We miss you, Barbie

From: STU
Email: SAMPEL@WEBTV.NET
Date: Monday, March 10, 2003
Time: 12:13:17 PM -0500

Comments

YOU ARE ALL SO NICE,

From: Peter Dooley
Email: Peter Dooley@ul.ie
Date: Monday, March 10, 2003
Time: 10:54:51 AM -0500

Comments

Hello all..I came across your website by accident,now I think it was fate.I am a 32 year old man from Limerick in Ireland,my story is uncannily like Molly's.I was big into outdoor sports for year when in the summer of 1999 I started to feel unwell,tired and generally apathetic towards the people and activities I loved so much.My doctor told me I just had a bad infection of the lining of my stomach,thats why I was feeling so ill.I was sent for a blood test and from that that found that my hemaglobin level was 3,a healthy man of my age should have had 15.I was rushed into hospital and given an 8pint blood transfusion.I came out of hospital before Christmas of 99.In the new year of 2000 I went for a colonoscopy and they found a tumour in my lower colon that had already spread to one of my lymph glands.I went straight in surgery.With the surgery and recovery came 6 months of chemotherapy (5FU)..It has been nearly 18months since I finished chemo and to this day the cancer touches every part of my life.I am ok physicaly but my psyche is still just fighting back,some days I am winning,some days I am in retreat.Please anyone who looks at this website,have a colonoscopy every 2 years,it does not show its face sometimes until it is too late.Thank you for this chance to get some thoughts off my chest.

From: Vic Bilodeau
Email: bilodeauvl@bowater.com
Date: Monday, March 10, 2003
Time: 09:26:12 AM -0500

Comments

Hi Molly,

Thank you for responding to Jan's email recently. We are both so proud of you. Few people actually touch and affect so many lives as you are.

I read your story and I have a comment that you may wish to accept or not, but I believe you should live for the future as well as the moment. You are doing this by building a personal legacy. This will outlive you and make the world a better place.

I read an article this weekend about a woman who contracted polio at age 7 and has spent her entire life in an iron lung just to be able to breath. She is now an accomplished author.

Congratulations on all you have accomplished. Please give my regards to your Mom and Dad.

Vic

From: Karen
Email: karenhablack@yahoo.com
Date: Monday, March 10, 2003
Time: 09:11:37 AM -0500

Comments

Hi Molly,

Your sight is great and the things you've done to raise awareness are just inspiring. I am 33 years old and was diagnosed in 2001 with colon cancer that had spread to my liver. Had surgery and chemo. It came back this past summer in my lungs and liver and I'm now on chemo again in hopes of curing or at least prolonging my life. Have been told I have a 3 - 5 % chance for a complete cure. Keep up the great work!

Karen

From: Bazhe
Email: bazhe@hotmail.com
Date: Monday, March 10, 2003
Time: 08:58:44 AM -0500

Comments

Dear Molly:

My name is Bazhe, and after learning about your involvement in the fight against colon cancer, I decided to write you. I want to let you know that I highly respect all you do on educating the public how serious and devastating the ravages of colon cancer can be.

I have experienced the colon cancer closely. I took care of my mother for three years. I had to write my book in order to continue my life. I called it "Damages." The story starts and ends with my mother’s struggle with this harsh illness. My books also portrays my struggle to find my identity and freedom. I am certain that people have sympathy with my devotion to fight against my mother's cancer and enjoy my story.

My dream also is to help and educate people. I became en expert how to deal with it while taking care of my mother. That would make my cause worth while.

You can see more info about my work at my web site: http://www.bazhe.com

Thank you, and I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.

Peace and Love,

Bazhe The author of Damages

From: Karla
Email: kmagruder@yahoo.com
Date: Monday, March 10, 2003
Time: 08:40:59 AM -0500

Comments

Fabulous idea, moving story. My life too has been affected by colon cancer. Both my greatgrandfather and my grandmother died of colon cancer. My mother was diagnosed last summer (early detection) and after surgical removal of the tumor, is a healthy survivor.

I am a certified Colon Hydrotherapist. Improving transit time of debris through the colon is imperative to colon health. This gentle procedure, using only purified water, helps rid the colon of toxic buildup. I am seeing incredible results with my clients. I am spreading the word about the importance of colon health and I will certainly refer folks to your site. Thank you for your commitment to raising awareness of this disease. Until we are willing to talk about it, we will not be able to change anything. So keep talking!

From: John Blotz
Email: jblotz@chorus.net
Date: Sunday, March 09, 2003
Time: 02:09:02 PM -0500

Comments

What a wonderful site! It made me cry. I am not a cancer survivor, but I do have a colostomy bag and have been getting biannual colonoscopy and / or barium enemas since I was 26. I am 32 now. It's really hard to talk to people about bowel problems, even those who love you. I kept this from my own parents until I finally needed surgery at age 30. I wish I had the courage to promote colon health like you have. I'm going to see if any help is needed at the Colossal Colon exhibit in Chicago. This may be a good place to start talking.

Thanks. I wish you the best of health. John

From: Mary Gismondi
Email: Mflower66@aol.com
Date: Saturday, March 08, 2003
Time: 12:54:20 PM -0500

Comments

I had colon Rectal surgery June 18,2002, I was stage B-C.I am seeing blood at least once a week and this is very scary.I had 26 weeks of chemo after surgery.I have so much trouble with my bowels.Are there foods that I should not be eating?I would just love to talk to someone that had the same surgery as me. Take care God bless you, Mary

From: Jean Stutler
Email: jeanstutler@charter.net
Date: Friday, March 07, 2003
Time: 07:17:47 PM -0500

Comments

Dear Molly, I am a colon cancer survivor who would very much like to help educate the public about this cancer. With this being Colon Cancer Awareness month I sought out to join in any awareness movements in my community and found there were none. I called our Cancer Inititives Diector and she told me she was going to have the newspaper call me for some facts and figures but this has not happened. I did announce in my church about the pledge to contact your doctor and several folks did sign the pledge I printed out. I am going to continue to hand out the fact sheet and get more pledges signed. I will send them in as I get them. Do have any other idea on how I can help get the awareness out in my town. My father and granfather died of this disease . I was 45 years old when I was diagnosed. I have 2 sons 27 and 21 who will be tested at age 29. (That is the youngest I can get my doctor to do it.) I wish there were services for my sons like there would be for my daughters if I had had breast cancer. The word has to get out that this disease is preventable and curable Thank you for your committment to getting rid of this horrible cancer. Jean Stutler

From: STU
Email: SAMPEL@WEBTV.NET
Date: Friday, March 07, 2003
Time: 05:33:39 PM -0500

Comments

2 YEARS AND 4 MONTHS AGO I HAD MY COLEN 3FT REMOVED 7 OUT OF 10 LYMPH NODES HAD CANCER I WENT ON CHMO 9 MONTHS FOR A YEAR I WAS GREAT,, THEN MY CSA WENT TO 3 THEN 6 I HAD A PET SCAIN THAY FOUND A LARGE NODE IN MY NECK, IT WAS REMOVED 4 DAYS AGO,,I NO NOTHING ??? STU

From: bruce roseman
Email: bruce@roseman.com
Date: Friday, March 07, 2003
Time: 09:39:27 AM -0500

Comments

i loved your story and am putting it on my website for my patients to read. thank you bruce roseman md

From: Ron Staley
Email: rmstaley@erols.com
Date: Wednesday, March 05, 2003
Time: 08:42:22 PM -0500

Comments

Hi Molly, I was so pleased to meet you at the Colossal Colon Tour in Washington D.C. I was a volunteer as a survivor on the first day of the Washington stop of the tour. You are such an inspiration and this wonderful thing you have created as a memorial to Amanda is so touching and important. I will always remember you and the impact you are having on so many. Have a wonderful tour and a long life.

With love from someone who has also been there,

Ron Staley

From: Rebecca Jones
Email: rjlserv@pacbell.net
Date: Wednesday, March 05, 2003
Time: 05:12:40 PM -0500

Comments

I am 43 yr old stage 3 colon cancer survivor who was diagnosed in Aug of 1998 after being misdiagnosed for well over 5 yrs. I am looking for other women who have been misdiagnosed and would like to hear your stories.

I am a entertainer who lives in the Los Angeles area and am looking for others that would like to be involved in a benefit to raise awareness.

Please email me or call.

Have a beautiful day!!!

Rebecca Jones rjlserv@pacbell.net 818-623-7794

From: Jan Bilodeau
Email: vjbilodeau@carolina.rr.com
Date: Wednesday, March 05, 2003
Time: 05:08:42 PM -0500

Comments

Hi Molly!

Vic and I were so surprised and so very proud of you when we opened the Charlotte Observer on Feb. 17th, and found an article about The Colossal Colon visiting Chapel Hill! What a wonderful mission you have accomplished, growing and developing this idea, and spreading the word! When I checked out the web page, I was amazed at the length of the tour it's on.

Many congratulations, and best wishes for your continued health.

We miss so much the 'old days' in Glens Falls! Please say 'Hi' to your parents for us...

Jan Bilodeau

From: Craig Bagley
Email: cbagley@localnet.com.au
Date: Tuesday, March 04, 2003
Time: 06:34:23 PM -0500

Comments

Dear Molly, I am a 40 year old health practitioner. I was diagnosed with colon cancer in september 2002. underwent an anterior resection, ileiostomy and reversal. The Tumour is gone, with no cross over. However,,,,I feel, six months later that my mind is not operating at a normal level, I feel tired all the time, I am about to take three months off work on the advice of my surgeon. Did you feel out of yourself after the surgery? is it normal? none of my colleagues can tell me (or dont know)

Looking forward to your comments

Take care

Craig Bagley

From: AB
Email: Afrykandol@aol
Date: Tuesday, March 04, 2003
Time: 05:49:37 PM -0500

Comments

Hello Molly,

I am a 29 year old African American female who is vey intereted in learning more about this Colossal Colon. I live in NC, but your tour will not be in my city. The thing that really got me interested in your story was when I saw the article in the paper. I am not sold on the idea that I may have cancer, although several of the symptoms are present, but no bleeding. I have had about 4 years of trouble with my system, only to be told its constipation or probably the food I am eating may make my bowel irritable. i just know that none of this is normal and the stool softeners, suppositories, and cleansing tea is just not working. I guess the first step is to schedule a colonoscopy. I feel like a bloated pig after a simple meal with very foul gas at times. I have changed my eating habits but nothing seems to be working. Thanks for your bravery on this subject.

AB

From: Candace J. Fulcher
Email: cfulcher2@ec.rr.com
Date: Sunday, March 02, 2003
Time: 11:32:52 PM -0500

Comments

3/2/03

Thank God for people like you. My father and grandmother both had Colon Cancer. At age 43, I have already had two colonoscopies. I have had one polyp removed. I wish I could have made the Colossal Colon Tour at UNC Chapel Hill. I know that the precentage of me developing colon cancer is exteremly high.

Thank You!

Sincerely,

Candace J. Fulcher

From: Linda T.
Email:
Date: Sunday, March 02, 2003
Time: 10:04:39 PM -0500

Comments

Thank you for your story. I just happened to be "surfing" the web. I am 47 years old and was diagnosed with Stage IV rectal cancer (which has spread to the liver and lungs) in May of 2002.

I felt with you when you described the doctor telling you about your cancer. Had I taken to heart everything the doctors told me, I know I would have died last summer. But a good friend (who has been in Stage IV breast cancer for the past 7 years) told me "Don't let the doctors scare you to death!" Those are the words I took to heart, and I feel like I should have a sign printed with those words to hang around my neck.

My family doctors, too, misdiagnosed my diarrhea, thinking it was "stress." Then, after they put me on Paxil for that, I started with constipation. Then, thinking I had hemorrhoids, they gave me cream for that. After a month of that, I went back and said, "Listen, something isn't right here..." So, the doctor sent me for a colonoscopy (finally) "just to make sure."

And the odyssey of the cancer battle began. The surgeon I consulted felt that the liver was the worst problem, and he was very pessimistic about the success of surgery. I told him I had no problem with an ostomy, as I know several people who are living with them. So, his intent was to simply do an ostomy above the tumor and leave the tumor in place. That was unacceptable. I said, then, let me give chemo a try first and we'll think about the surgery when I actually really need it.

I will start oxalyplatin treatments this week. CPT11 has kept the cancer at bay, but we're not winning the war, and I hope and pray that the oxalyplatin will shrink the tumors. I am continuing to feel fine with a great deal of "fight" left in me.

Thanks again for your uplifting story! We will continue to defy the doctors' predictions!!!!

From: Robert F. Hollenbush
Email: eholenbush@losch.net
Date: Saturday, March 01, 2003
Time: 05:35:51 AM -0500

Comments

I had my TATA done by Drs. Gerald and John Marks. The operations, including the reversal were done at Lankenau Hospital in Wynnewood, Pa. I am from Pottsville, Pa., 100 miles north of Phila. My question is about diet. I have been told to stay away from dairy products. Can you tell me any foods that you can recommend. I have a tendency to eat something and then wait for the results. It is really taxing on my eating habits.

Thank you and keep your back to the wind.

Bob Hollenbush

From: Heidi H. Dengrove
Email: SitAmun@aol.com
Date: Friday, February 28, 2003
Time: 01:20:50 PM -0500

Comments

I thought you might be interested in my story. It appears on the Inova.org website, in the "Colorectal Cancer Partnership" section. As a person with an ostomy due to CRC, I was asked if I would discuss life with an ostomy...and put my name to it. Apparently other people had been asked to do so and refused because they had to "go public" with the fact that they had an ostomy. This has been heavily edited but I want to make the point that there is no cause for shame or embarassment bec. one has an ostomy. There is nothing we can't do. I just reached my 38th month, CRC-free, thank God and my surgeon, Dr. Donald Colvin. Life with an ostomy? A very good one, thank you. I'm deeply committed to UOA, and as VP of the Northern VA Chapter, I try to focus on CRC awareness by providing speakers and programs such as a genetics counselor (March 2, 2003)or a colorectal surgeon (Dr. Colvin, in June 02). I also instigated a CRC support group within Inova's great "Life With Cancer" program. CRC awareness is making great strides but there is still squeamishness associated with "those words": colon, anus, rectum. I've heard people say that they'd rather die than have a colonoscope "up there". This attitude has got to be changed with intensive awareness efforts not only in March but all year long, a la the breast cancer folks. Colonoscopies are no big deal to have (I've had 3); they are the Gold Standard of screening. IMO there is colonoscopy & nothing else.

Sorry to take so much time & space but this is important to me; it's part of my life, after all. God bless you for truly raising awareness of CRC.... HEIDI Dengrove

Inova Health System

Colorectal Cancer Partnership Personal Testimonials

Heidi H. Dengrove: My Life, New and Improved After Ostomy Surgery

Colorectal cancer. I'd never heard the words, until they were applied to me. Ostomy. I had some ideas of what it was, none of them good.

I began treatment for colorectal cancer in September 1999. I had two months of radiation therapy with continuous IV chemotherapy followed by an abdominal perineal resection. As a result of the surgery I have a permanent colostomy.

After I was released from the hospital, a Home Health Nurse came once a week to check on my perineal wound and to teach me how to manage my ostomy. After all, as she said, "This is for life. It's forever." Most importantly she corrected me when I referred to myself as an "ostomate". "No!" she said. "You are not an an ostomate. You are a person who just happens to have an ostomy!" Wise words.

I'd joined the United Ostomy Association (UOA) before my surgery but it was many months before I could attend a meeting. Late in 2000 I attended my first UOA meeting, wanting to meet "my kind". What I found was acceptance, love, information, and some of the best people in the world. I was not alone! I was elected Vice President in 2001. In April of the same year I trained and became a Certified Ostomy Visitor.

While in the hospital, I'd been told that many people with ostomies name their stomas, so I asked others in UOA if they named theirs. Yep, some of them did. Thus, I named my stoma in honor of my surgeon.

During treatment and after surgery, I began to examine my life. I identified and eliminated people and situations that I considered "toxic". Those who thought that an ostomy was "horrible, terrible, disgusting"; those who laughed and made crude jokes; anyone who was non-supportive or who "couldn't handle it".

My life is so much better now. It wasn't "bad" before but now...my soul has expanded, I think. As Vice President of the United Ostomy Association and as a Certified Ostomy Visitor, I'm able to do things for others more than before. I believe that by losing one's self in doing things for others, one discovers one's self. I've been called "an angel" several times now by patients and others I've tried to help. It's the best thing I've ever been called. Being called "Sunshine" is great too!

Recently a 12-year colorectal cancer survivor, who also has an ostomy, asked me "Would you go back to the way you were before the ostomy?"

No, I wouldn't. No.

"Even with all the little health worries we have?"

Well, I could do without those. Life, certainly, without health worries would be a lot nicer. But, no, I love my ostomy because it represents my new life: new and improved.

Life is what you make it. I determined that I could be angry, depressed, unpleasant, hate the ostomy, and make all those around me miserable. Or, I could learn to manage the ostomy, move ahead, be happy, and have a good life. Easy choice.

It isn't easy; it's not fun living with an ostomy. I have "bad days" when I look in the mirror, wondering, "Is this really me...? When will that pouch be taken away?" I sigh, I cry, give myself five minutes of self-pity and move on.

Live one day at a time; that is all we ever get anyhow. I appreciate every day more; nothing is too dull. We only have one life; be good to each other.

Love is very underrated in cancer recovery. In my opinion humor is necessary when living with an ostomy.

It's now 28 months since my ostomy surgery, so far colorectal cancer-free.

Cancer stinks. It's horrible. But the blessings that come from dealing with it on many levels can be great.

From: Sasha Carr
Email: sasha@sarcoma.com
Date: Friday, February 28, 2003
Time: 01:10:51 PM -0500

Comments

Just surfed over here from a link on the Planet Cancer website -- A World of Information and Support for Young Adults with Cancer. Your story is great and your idea is very original. We'll check out the tour when it comes to NYC. You really should think about linking the Planet Cancer website to this one, by the way. www.planetcancer.org

From: Trish Tougher
Email: corec@fvhb.scot.nhs.uk
Date: Friday, February 28, 2003
Time: 08:39:17 AM -0500

Comments

Hi Molly, I am one of two Project Managers(job-share) for the Bowel Cancer Awareness Project which covers two areas in Scotland known as Lanarkshire and Forth Valley. We are funded by charity monies via the National Lottery Fund. The project started in may 2002 and will finish in june 2005. I believe one of our team have already contacted you, Fidelma Guest, providing you with more details of the work of the project, so I won't duplicate.

Your story and work is truly inspiring and helps to motivate health educators like ourselves. Your site is extremely educational and provides us with useful information and ideas for our work too.

I am sure we will be in touch soon.

Kind Regards Trish Tougher PROJECT MANAGER. BOWEL CANCER AWARENESS PROJECT SCOTLAND.

From: corky marinkovich
Email: corkman7@aol.com
Date: Thursday, February 27, 2003
Time: 12:03:20 PM -0500

Comments

good friend just had surgery and has uphill climb with radiation and chemo. Thanks for any information.

From: John Persen
Email: adkclipp@capital.net
Date: Monday, February 24, 2003
Time: 05:38:11 PM -0500

Comments

A very informative, & inspiring web site. More power to you in your educational crusade against colon cancer. Unfortunatly, many health insurers will not cover colonoscopy, I am presently waiting for Medicare eligibility to have it done. The very best to you in your endeavors. John Persen I know your brother Rob, at Warren Co. Airport.

From: kelly dominguez
Email: hersheykiss846@AOL.com
Date: Friday, February 21, 2003
Time: 03:41:09 PM -0500

Comments

hey remember me? i met u at the colon tube thing. i was just sending this cause i wanted u to have my email address (the real one) uh............bye

From: Kyle York
Email: York44@nycap.rr.com
Date: Thursday, February 20, 2003
Time: 10:50:02 PM -0500

Comments

You are an inspiration, phenominally dynamic, and mysteriously enigmatic. I moved to Saratoga from Post 9-11 NYC...and I thought I'd gotten to know all of this wonderful town. Yet it seems I've never seen you...not at a Victorian Streetwalk, any Black Tie affair at the Casino, not at First Night, not at the Chamber. Nada.

I get to do a lot of the good stuff, and I try to Do Good in a World of Evil. I'm a copywriter at PALIO advertising where I'm working with all of our Oncology products...advertising only to the Docs. But enough about me.

Your passion for Colorado and Winter Sports makes me smile...even after the recent storms.

If your busy schedule has a moment of free time, I'd love to enjoy your company at any of these magnificent restaurants or a Flick or some skiing at Bob's Trees. But you are something else. And your smile shows it.

Please keep doing well and please write or call at your leisure, 518-376-2107. That's my cell and I'll ALWAYS take it.

-Stay Healthy, Kyle

From: Barbara Spitz
Email:
Date: Thursday, February 20, 2003
Time: 02:44:30 PM -0500

Comments

I love you darlin, I hope that you recover from diabetes, and that you never have lung cancer again. I like your name.

From: kelly
Email:
Date: Thursday, February 20, 2003
Time: 02:34:22 PM -0500

Comments

hi i admire you very much.

From: kelly and christie
Email: abcdefghijkl@hotmail.com
Date: Thursday, February 20, 2003
Time: 02:30:31 PM -0500

Comments

Hola we love talking about the colon it is so interesting! we cant wait until we explore it. if u ever want a date call me at 932-4821.

From: Sandra
Email: Gterry2Slee@aol.com
Date: Thursday, February 20, 2003
Time: 08:23:15 AM -0500

Comments

Molly, PTL you survived and you are willing to share your story with others. i heard of you from an article in the Raleigh NC News and Observer. i am also a cancer survivor of a very rare form of skin cancer. It is called Extra Mammary Pagets Disease and it took part of my Pubic skin and part of my Groin. This disease can take a woman's clitoris. It also can affect men in the same area and all around if not found soon enough. The reason for my writing is that i would like to inform people of this rare form of cancer in the remarkable way that you have done. Can you tell me where to start? i have tried writing Oprah and other places like that but have had no results. i even wrote the health person at our local TV station to no avail. This cancer is almost impossible to find on the Internet.

Thanks for any help, Sandra in Clayton, NC

From: Lynn
Email: lynarn@modempool.com
Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2003
Time: 09:09:00 PM -0500

Comments

I thank you for sharing your words of wisdom with many. I would like to know what type of problems you had prior to this date with your stomach,as I have had nuerious and No one is able to locate the severity of these ongoing problems. Thanks and May God Bless you!

From:
Email: Ucantseeme@aol.com
Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2003
Time: 03:10:57 AM -0500

Comments

My sister just turned 39 last week. She has always been fit and healthy. Last July she had some heartburn that just would not go away and went to the doctors, three days later she was told she had Stage 4 colon cancer with liver metastases. In the last 6 months she has gone through colon surgery, chemo, visited the cancer institue in maryland and this week meeting with Cedars to see what they can do for her liver.The tumor in her right lobe of her liver is the size of a grapefruit.

As her sister I have tried to keep her positive and upbeat to keep her on track in fighting her cancer. At nights I search the internet for survival stories. I feel if ONE person made it then she too has a chance. My problem is in the last months I can only find 2 stories of survival. The two stories I found for her meant so much to her... it was hope, hope she had in her hands. I cannot tell you how many times she has read these two stories. Last Friday she asked me to find her some more hope (stories). I have searched countless hours. Is there anyway you can help me?

A concerned sister

From: Mike
Email: mike2357@hotmail.com
Date: Monday, February 17, 2003
Time: 08:58:24 AM -0500

Comments

Bless you for conceiving of the idea of the Colossal Colon Tour. A 41-year old friend of mine is undergoing chemo for Stage 3 colon cancer. Times have been rough both for him and friends who care about him. Raising awareness levels of symptoms and risk factors is a wonderful thing. I was luckier -- since I have family history of colon cancer, my doctor made sure I had a colonoscopy at age 45, and am on a schedule to repeat every 5 years.

From: PEYTON
Email: pdergay@aol.com
Date: Tuesday, February 11, 2003
Time: 10:01:57 PM -0500

Comments

I am a 24 year old female that just finished a year and a hlf of treatments . I was diaginosed in Aug., 2001 with a very rare pediatriac cancer. I was stage IV Rhabdomyosarcoma and honestly I was on my way out. I had different plans though. I was sent to Sloan Kettering Memorial Cancer Center within a week. I went through a year of hell, but I am so greatful for that year. I am such a changed person and I love life. Not many people my age appreciate life the way I do. What a wonderful feeling. I think you have to just suck it up and make the best out of a really bad situtation. Cancer changed my life for the better, because that is what I choose! More power to you. You represent all of us. I wish I knew how to change things the way you have.

From: Karen
Email: nickii98@aol.com
Date: Thursday, February 06, 2003
Time: 01:04:23 AM -0500

Comments

Molly, great website, I just found it. I am 30 years old and was diagnosed in June 2001 with state 4 rectal cancer. I told my doctor about rectal bleeding 6 years before I was diagnosed and he did nothing, told me it was just hemmroids. I had surgery, chemo and radiation for the rectum and liver, was cancer free until it came back in the lungs November 2002, I am getting the Oxaliplatin, 5-FU and lucevorin regimen. Have you heard any sucess with this regimen? THe saltz regimen worked great the first time. I have a 4 year old boy that I need to beat this cancer for.

From: Corinne Jones
Email: DanNCori@msn.com
Date: Wednesday, February 05, 2003
Time: 04:44:00 PM -0500

Comments

Thanks for your story. You are truely an inspiration! I am a 42 yr old female with a history of colon polyps in the family. My best friend (my cousin) died at age 39 of colon cancer. When she was diagnosed (at age 34) I made an appointment for myself February 1996. 1996-1999 I went every year, always had polyps removed. I did have pre-cancer once. I figured the Doctor would contact me if he wanted to see me, or thought it necessary. I did not receive a notice and thought that was it. Well, now here I am in February again, been having lower abdominal pain, and now I am barely passing a stool, I called my gasrologist and he said why didn't you come in when we mailed you, your time to return card.... I explained I did not receive it.... My fault.. Guess I should have not waited for the Doctor to contact me. I go in for a colonoscopy on the 19th (My cousin was diagnosed in February as well, weird) wish me luck.

And Thanks again! Cori

From: Eric Morgenstern, M.D.
Email: gutdoc007@aol.com
Date: Tuesday, February 04, 2003
Time: 11:51:10 AM -0500

Comments

Congrats I think what you are doing is wonderful. Keep up the good work and I look forward to bringing freinds and family to the New York Tour. Most importantly, I will share this with my patients in the hope that they will spread the good word.

Warm regards

Eric Morgenstern, M.D. gutdoc007@aol.com

From: linda
Email:
Date: Sunday, February 02, 2003
Time: 10:54:48 AM -0500

Comments

thanks for letting us know cancer of the colon can hit before 50 and that you CAN beat it!

From: Paul Marinello
Email: paullmarinello@hotmail.com
Date: Monday, January 27, 2003
Time: 04:40:02 PM -0500

Comments

Howdy New York!

I've heard of this site thru my sister Rita Grant in Saratoga Springs, NY. I live here in Corvallis Oregon and have also gone thru the trauma of colon cancer discovery, surgery, treatments ... & now the determined 'comeback'!!

My timeline goes like this ....:

jan.2001, NEED to see the doctor to finally resolve issues (bleeding, tiredness in AM, stool control loss) feb.2001 my Colonoscopy... w/ the dreaded "C" word told to me as was still under..!? mar.2001 My surgery, lower rectal section removed, stage 2B, my doc says 'Since you're as young as me (47) let's attack this thing agressively! Chemo/ radiation/ Chemo sandwich' april 2001 - august 2001, the tratment sessions started out OK, but I soon found the affects quite accumulative; I wore a PIC line (5FU) pack while the radition (butt..!) progressed. My work as a landscapper slowed down to 2-3 hrs. any day that I could do.

Enough said for now, I'm feeling good -the only problems seem to relate to the financial hole I need to climb out of..!? Going to increase my activities outdoors & be as physical as possible. It feels good to be getting stronger once again.

Paul Marinello

(541)738-9111 home

From: Barbara Vaughan
Email: vbarbara@hotmail.com
Date: Wednesday, January 22, 2003
Time: 06:01:47 PM -0500

Comments

Thanks for your commitment. I had my colon removed in 1998 and had BCIR surgery in September. Now life without a colon is good.

From: Tom Kenney
Email: tom@riversidespooner.com
Date: Wednesday, January 22, 2003
Time: 05:30:29 PM -0500

Comments

Hello Molly: I just received your email about the possibility of scheduling the Colossal Colon for up here in Northwest Wisconsin. I am very pleased with your response and look forward to your next communication.

All of the comments on this page are such a credit to you.You certainly are admired for being so dedicated to the health of others.

Tom Kenney,Program Chair,United Ostomy Assoc. Nothwest WI Satellite. #142, Spooner,Wisconsin January 22,2003

From: LuAnn Budd
Email: budd@actatennis.com
Date: Sunday, January 19, 2003
Time: 06:56:59 PM -0500

Comments

I am in love with a patient that has had a colonoscpopy. He is a little embrassased but he is me life and I don't care.....

From: Luis
Email: Lblanco521@juno.com
Date: Saturday, January 18, 2003
Time: 10:11:12 PM -0500

Comments

Hi Molly. God bless you. I was doing research on colon cancer and I came across your website. I am sorry to hear that you came down with colon cancer, But I am glad you beat the disease. I am 4o years old and I came down with severe dirverticulitis when I was 28 years old. I had the same surgery that you had and my illness was so severe that I ended up having a colostomy for close to a year. I know the illness isnt the same but the emotions one feels when one ends up in the hospital and having surgery we could both identify with.

I wish you much health and Happiness and I hope everything goes well for you in the future.

From: adam delaney
Email: adamdelaney999@msn.com
Date: Friday, January 17, 2003
Time: 06:13:04 PM -0500

Comments

dear molly thank you for coming to are 6th grade science class today.I hope you find a good for coloncancer awareness month. I think it was nice that you came and told every one about your life.I I will tell my dad that you said hi. Thank you for everything!!!!!

From: Melody Byrnes
Email: mbyrnes@queensburyschool.org
Date: Friday, January 17, 2003
Time: 11:09:14 AM -0500

Comments

Molly, Thank-you so much for coming in to speak to my sixth grade science classes.I myself was reminded how important it is to check and test for polyps and colon cancer. The students enjoyed having you in and I believe that they will share with their families. The information you shared was very pertinent and informative and I really enjoyed meeting you and sharing with you your experience. Hope you have a wonderful tour over this next year and hopefully, down the road, I would love to have you back in to share with more of my students. Thank-you for taking the time to come in. With much respect, Sincerely, Melody Byrnes

From: Miriam J.
Email: miriamj53@aol.com
Date: Wednesday, January 15, 2003
Time: 01:49:41 AM -0500

Comments

I have spent the last hour reading all of the comments. So glad to find your website. I was diagnosed with stage iv rectal cancer 1/02. I had my rectum removed in March 2002.I have been doing chemo since august 2002. They tried 5fu and leucovin for the first 6 weeks with no change and have been on the same with camposar. I think he may change me to oxalyplatin. Have you heard of any other heard of any others that have helped anyone. Mine had spread to my upper groin (a tumor)that we are trying to shrink. I go to the doctor tomorrow (wed.) Please keep me in your prayers.

From: alan kaul
Email: w6rcl@amsat.org
Date: Tuesday, January 14, 2003
Time: 10:37:46 AM -0500

Comments

I am a colo-rectal patient at USC/Norris Cancer Center in Los Angeles. I have stage 2 adenocarcinoma. I am writing this message of 1/14/2003 -- the day I begin radiation to shrink the tumor in anticipation of surgery later this spring.

From: Chris
Email: cmdowntownboi@aol.com
Date: Monday, January 13, 2003
Time: 11:54:33 AM -0500

Comments

I am a 20 year old white male and I will be having a Colonoscopy this week. I have had lower left abdominal pain that has been unbearable. I want to know if the possibility of colon cancer exist. Thank you.

From: Alex
Email: alex@helpalex.net
Date: Monday, January 13, 2003
Time: 12:11:11 AM -0500

Comments

Hi Molly,

I had posted a short version of my cancer in your guestbook in July of last year. Even after finishing chemo, for some reason, I'm still compelled to comeback and reread your story every couple of days.

I just recently decided to post a more detailed story of my experience dealing with colon cancer on my website. You and your guests can view it at www.helpalex.net/cancer. I hope I can inspire others not to give up fighting this disease the way you have inspired me not to.

Thanks,

Alex

From: Nancy
Email: nanz777@msn.com
Date: Sunday, January 12, 2003
Time: 07:40:20 PM -0500

Comments

Molly

Felt as if I just read about myself!I'm 31 and Feb 2002 I was rushed to the ER for abdominal pain. I was told that it was the appendix and that it would have to be removed.I find it so funny now thinking back to that night because I was annoyed that I would have to stay the night because my fiancee and myself had just moved into a new home and just bought a puppy. That night I had the surgery and the next morning woke up and my family came into the room with strange looks on thier faces and the surgen came in and told me that it was Colon Cancer stage 2.I was also in the hospital for 8 days. I was 31!I felt like I was in some crazy nightmare. In just the next 20 min. my hosptal room filled up with flowers, friends and family crying! Just like yourself the first thought and question I had was am I going to die? Well, I had Chemo and it did not sit well with me so they had to stop it which caused me to miss one cycle. I also did not have ANY signs of colon cancer and the doctors were amazed that my blood tests that were done in the ER showed no signs. I do have a strong family history of colon cancer. My Grandfather and his parents and brothers all died from it. I have been reading all I can on colon cancer and it is rare to find someone young who has also had to face it. I have seven cousins on my fathers side of the family and I am the 2nd oldest and I have told all of them how important it is to get TESTED starting at age 20 due to our family history. Well, I am sure you know your not alone and it was sort of comforting reading your story and being able to identify so well with it. Good luck to you and I think what your going is great!

From: George
Email: nagle@telerama.com
Date: Sunday, January 12, 2003
Time: 12:55:07 AM -0500

Comments

I am in desperate need to talk with someone live who can give me some information and advice. Is there a phone support network out there, or people willing to talk? Is there a national support group? Please email me with contact info, and/or I will give you my phone number and you can call me collect. Thanks!

From: Jo Dorling
Email: jozzadorling@hotmail.com
Date: Thursday, January 09, 2003
Time: 07:41:31 PM -0500

Comments

I am a health promotions nurse in England currently trying to implement health promotion schemes to promote colo-rectal cancer awareness in the Hampshire area. It has been most interesting visiting this site, and I wish you all the best with your campaigns!

From: AFORD
Email: ALASHIA_FORD@EMORY.ORG
Date: Thursday, January 09, 2003
Time: 03:47:26 PM -0500

Comments

HELLO, I AM GLAD THAT YOU ARE A SURVIVOR OF THIS DISEASE...HOWEVER I AM TRYING TO OBTAIN A PHYSICIAN THAT HAS USED THE DRUG REMICADE FOR TREATMENT OF CROHNS IN THE PITTSBURGH AREA. IF YOU HAVE ANY INFO ON ANY SPECIALIST PLEASE NOTIFY ME I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE IT THANKYOU

From: Katie Spoerl
Email: snowboardchickey@yahoo.com
Date: Wednesday, January 08, 2003
Time: 05:51:39 PM -0500

Comments

MOlly, it's Katie. My science teacher Melody Byrnes wants you to contact her.She said that you could tell us about either on Friday the 10th which is this week. Or she said you could do it on Monday January 13th. If you can't do those days email me back asap. So I can tell her. She said you could talk 5 times to each science class or we could have a team metting with all of team 3. She would like to know how much time you need to present the presentation. She said to call her at 793-9085 wich is here home phone.Or you could call her at school at 793-8811 then voice mail number 672. See you soon!!! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!! Every on says Hi! LOve, Katie Spoerl

From: Jason Isaacs
Email: jason@jason-isaacs.com
Date: Wednesday, January 08, 2003
Time: 02:49:45 PM -0500

Comments

I found your story amazing. I'm trying to organize the first ever NYC to LA on inlines Guiness world record attempt and would like some insight. I'd appreciate a response.

From: Sandy
Email: sandy_helems@mechbank.com
Date: Wednesday, January 08, 2003
Time: 12:22:45 PM -0500

Comments

God Bless you Molly. My mom had colon surgury in Sept. 2002 and we have some questions regarding your recovery.

From: Kristy Marcinko
Email: kristymarcinko@yahoo.com
Date: Wednesday, January 08, 2003
Time: 08:22:58 AM -0500

Comments

Hey Molly, I just checked out the page...I had no idea. Good for you! Thanks for sharing your story. I enjoy playing hockey with you and it IS obvious that it's your love! Hopefully one day I'll be a great player, too! Kristy

From: Steve
Email: steve.collins@dynetics.com
Date: Tuesday, January 07, 2003
Time: 05:34:40 PM -0500

Comments

Congradulations on your success. I also had a colonoscopy at a "young" age (passed). Having been through that and knowing that the prep work is the worst part I have since discovered that now there is a pill(s) that can be taken instead of the "goop". Are you aware of those?

From: Sheila Parham
Email: blesssed5937@cs.com
Date: Monday, January 06, 2003
Time: 07:44:13 PM -0500

Comments

Molly your story is onej of great courage and strength. I know my hospital can not afford it, but it would be great if youand the colossal could attend our GI nurses day open house in Rockford March 26, 2003. It would be a honor to meet you. I just wanted you to know that you are an incredible woman. Thanks for sharing your story. Work 815 395 5024

From: Jo-Ellen De Luca
Email: joellen132@aol.com
Date: Saturday, January 04, 2003
Time: 02:03:51 AM -0500

Comments

Molly, I am just so proud of you! Just think of all the effort and how it has paid off in terms of education,awareness and humanlife. I have been busy here in Spartanburg,too. It is my aim to lower colorectal cancer incidences and deaths by more than 10% this year and I do believe I/we shall surpass that mark. My cohort, the lovely lady who first found the article in the Parade section of the paper, passed away last week. 3 years with stage IV took its toll, but not without a huge fight on Betty Ann's part!

I am coming up to Raleigh-Durham for your Colossal Tour with a rep from our local ACS office and our local paper.I hope our programs person from the Gibbs Cancer Center here will be able to come along,too. They are going to sign up for 2004 for a tour space here in Spartanburg. We are working on a program of education to use available college students here (we have 5 colleges) to go out to public places and ask folks to sign on Thank You sheets notes to Katie Couric. When they do, they will get Katie's brochure from NCCRA the CCA business card w/ symptoms,etc and a big Southern Thank Y'All & smile. The same committee that is coming up to see YOU is also going up to NYC to stand in the ropeline to present Katie with this very special card containing thousands of area residents notes and thanks. In so doing, we will raise awareness to the enth degree in Spbg then everyone will be ready for the newspaper articles, TV PSAs,radio pieces, and Educational programs. I have also planned a Thank You evening for our unsung heroes-the people who stand behind the Docs, but who take care of us patients everyday-and often night! You have been an inspiration to me and I am so looking forward to meeting you. I shall write again when I have firm travel plans(date!) Much LOve to you and Best of Health on your TOUR!!!


Click on the year to read comments: 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000.

Disclaimer: This website is not intended for medical advice. Molly McMaster is not a medical professional and can only tell about her own experience as a colon cancer patient.
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