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My Life with Chemo
My Life with Chemo
Phillydigishooter


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Camera: Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT
Lens: Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6
Date: Dec 16, 2006
Galleries: Self Portrait
Date Uploaded: Dec 16, 2006

Viewed: 602
Comments: 10
Favorites: 0

 I’m 49 years old and live in Philadelphia PA. Yes I am little overweight

In August I was told I have Colon Cancer, and required surgery to remove the tumor in my descending colon. I had the surgery on August 8th and the colon resection was unremarkable, spending 4 days in Hospital. After the pathology report came back my Surgeon recommended chemotherapy as a precaution to protect me from the cancer coming back. Hopefully the professionals are correct. I started the treatments in October, 12 cycles every two weeks for 6 months. I receive the chemo called FULFOX 6 in a 2 hour infusion in the Hospital and go home with a “pump” connect to a chest port with one of the drugs 5FU (no pun intended). I wear this device for 46 hours and go back to the Hospital to get unhooked. Now I know what a fish feels like with a hook in its mouth, I get the plastic cap tube from the pump to the port snagged every once in awhile. As you can see in the photo I’m bandaged and tape where the port is in my chest. I am at the half way point with 6 treatments to go.

This photo may be offensive to many of you. However this is true life. Cancer, all types, is a world wide epidemic that in my humble opinion is not being addressed as such. If you don’t think so just walk through any hospital’s cancer ward or infusion room.

Bob



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AuthorThread
 02/23/2007 01:33:55 PM
Congratulations on another treatment done. There are a lot of people around the world thinking of you.
 02/23/2007 01:27:09 PM
Update 02/23/2007
11 chemo treatments down 1 to go!!!!
 01/16/2007 08:52:46 AM
NEVER GIVE UP !!!!
 01/16/2007 08:16:30 AM
Bob,

Thank you so much for sharing this! Offensive it most certainly isn't! You are right, this is real life and I am so proud of you for putting yourself out there! I am keeping you in my thoughts and hope that you are a few steps closer to kicking this 'beast' since you posted this image.

All the best to you,

Natalya
 01/04/2007 04:43:42 PM
Wow... thanks for sharing. Best of luck as you finish off the treatments. Every year I hope that there will be *some* sort of breakthrough for this terrible disease. I've seen it take too many of my family members over the years.

I'll look forward to hearing good news on your recovery.
 12/30/2006 03:24:48 AM
Brettt83,
Thank you for your kind words of support. I received my 7th treatment on Friday 12/29. 7 down, 5 to go!

I also learned from a follow patient the hospital we go to treats 60,000 people a year. This is only one hospital specializing in cancer treatment; just contemplate what the total population in the world is of people getting treatment for this invader.

Bob
12/17/2006 12:08:38 AM
Bob. Thank you for sharing your story. Fingers crossed and positive thoughts go to you. I know the doctors here in OZ are always busy working on a cure and hopefully one day it will come..With someone as brave as yourself putting this out there, it will make more people aware and maybe others will get behind the battle. Keep yourself busy and hope to hear all well soon.Best wishes.
 12/16/2006 02:50:31 PM

Originally posted by ErinM:
This has got to be an extremely tough process to go through. Hopefully you have people around you who are able to give support. Wishing you good health and a complete recovery soon.


Originally posted by samanwar:
Hi Bob, thanks for sharing your story and what you are going through. I wish you get better soon.


Thank you for your well wishes. I am supported by my family and friends, and will get through this difficult time in my life. I'll keep on fighting to rid my body of this invader.

Bob
 12/16/2006 01:52:55 PM
This has got to be an extremely tough process to go through. Hopefully you have people around you who are able to give support. Wishing you good health and a complete recovery soon.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 12/16/2006 11:34:08 AM
Hi Bob, thanks for sharing your story and what you are going through. I wish you get better soon.
  Photographer found comment helpful.


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