Long, but worth reading

Hi all

I was 46 when I was diagnosed with CC. It was first thought to be Metastatic Colon Cancer, which I was diagnosed with when I was 43. I was in Stage 1 and resected with no additional treatment. I thank God every day that my colon surgeon suggested that I see Dr. Yuman Fong at Sloan Kettering, for a second opinion. Dr. Fong was not convinced that the tumor was colon cancer. During the operation, (December, 2003) the lab reported to Dr Fong that the tumor was Neo Endocrine. With this report he continued the surgery, removing a large part of my liver and several nodes that were affected. He was able to remove the entire tumor from the bile duct. Several weeks later, he reported that the lab was incorrect and that this was actually CC. He said that he would never had continued the surgery if he was told that it was CC. Little hope was offered, but he directed me to Dr. Nancy Kemeny, Sloan Kettering. She offered less hope, but I agreed to be treated with Xeloda and Gemcitibine. After 7 grueling months, CT scans showed NO signs of the cancer. That was in Aug, 2004. I have had scans religiously every 3 to 4 months and all have been clear of the disease. I live each day very differently now. I know that I have been given a gift. And I respect that. There is hope with this disease. I am living proof.