What happened? How did you find out?

I think it was Nov 2011 when I started noticing changes.  Weight gain, bloating, frequent bathroom trips.  I attributed this to the fact that I’m getting old - after all, I’m in my mid-40’s and perhaps playing sand volleyball in a bikini on the beach isn’t the most attractive thing for me to be doing!!  Regardless, I just figured that given my age, my metabolism was slowing down a bit.

I continued to do my regular activities. Biking, swimming, some running, adult gymnastics open gym, weekly core workouts with Miki and Tai … but it was more of a struggle than it use to be.  I continued to feel tired, bloated, and not my usual athletic self.  In late February, I saw a physician’s assistant at a highly recommended OB-GYN’s office.  She took blood tests, urine tests, and thought I may have an allergic reaction to lactose, or gluten, or perhaps irritable bowel syndrome.  Since my tests came back negative (for the gluten), she suggested I experiment with my diet, and start taking Metamucil. I changed my daily mochas to soy .. but didn’t do the Metamucil.  Seriously?? 

Anyways, as mentioned earlier, I just figured all this fatigue and bloating was part of the aging process.  In addition to my activities, I was traveling a lot for work.  I was working on the east coast (leaving Sunday, returning on Thursdays) for 2 months, and then went to the Philippines for about 5 weeks in April and May.  Given the travel schedule, time zone changes, and attempt to continue training for a ½ ironman, I just figured my new routine of spending time on the couch after a run or a long ride was normal.

During my last week in the Philippines, I had an evening where I was sweating, but running a cold temperature, and dry heaving.  I couldn’t sleep that night and knew I had to get in to see a doctor.  When I came back to the states, I went to a walk-in-clinic where the doctor spent a lot of time brainstorming a possible diagnosis.  His recommendation was to see an OB-GYN.

I was only home for 6 days after the Philippines before my vacation/race in Hawaii.  So, I went to Hawaii, did the Honu 70.3 (not very well, but I finished), came home, and saw an OB-GYN I found through our friend, the internet.  Dr. Pollard did an ultrasound and found that I had 2 ovarian cysts - one was 18cm, the other 10cm.  Cysts (and fibroids) are common in women; these are usually 3-5 cm and go away after a couple of months.  Mine were on the large side, and given my initial observations in Nov of the bloating, had probably been around for a while.  It was determined that I would need these removed immediately.  I was referred to Dr. Chen, an excellent surgeon who specializes in gynecology oncology.  Dr. Chen recommended that I remove these immediately.  Given the size of the cysts, this would need to be done surgically (vs. laproscopically). 

I had my surgery on June 28th.  In addition to removing the cysts, the doctors also found a mass in my colon.  This was removed, my colon reattached, and the mass was sent to the labs.  After 5 days in the hospital, I went home (to my sister’s).  But complications arose after a week and I was re-admitted to the hospital for another 5 days.  I am now back at my sister’s on the road to recovery.

The lab results show I have stage4 colon cancer (stage3 means that in addition to being in the colon, the cancer has also affected the lymph nodes; stage4 means that it’s moved to other areas of the body - in this case, the pelvis and abdomen).  I am awaiting additional tests to further understand the extent to which this has spread.  Once that is known, a treatment (most likely something involving chemotherapy) will be determined.

For now, I am focusing on recovering from the abdominal surgery.  I have a 8 inch incision from the pubic bone to the sternum.  While the scar is healing nicely, the internal organs are still very tender.  I have been staying at my sister’s house in Saratoga.  She and her family have been wonderful taking care of me.  But, before I start the next set of treatments, I’d like to move home, get in a few bike rides, possibly swim a bit, and get back to a normal life routine (and strength).  We’ll see how that goes.

I am very grateful for all the love and support from my family, friends, and co-workers.  I especially appreciate the help friends have given Kathleen and her family.  THANK YOU!!  

Either myself, or my sisters (Kathleen or MaryAnn) will continue to provide updates through this site as this medical journey continues.

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Archive Comments

Tai: Hey Liner :), I heard through a good source about this program. I'm not sure if you're interested. Here's a link for more info. Let me know if there's anything I can do for you. Would love to help. http://www.hippocratesinst....

Marfinch: Thinking of you. Chen was my OB too.Xoxo

linerlee: Thanks Mary. Not sure if we're talking the same Dr. Chen; mine is out of Palo Alto Medical Foundation, in Mountain View. Same one as you?

rob@dinapoli.biz: Hey Liner, great blog. Can I post my favorite canned tomato recipe? It helped me get through two bouts of melenoma!!!It was a delight to have you and Bo visit the ranch, though I now have JEEP ENVY.I'm usually up for a 4 pm ride up and around St. Joes. Beats a gym work out all to hell! Call me when you want a little fresh air in your face...I NEVER complain about someone riding a bit slower...its those show-offs that pick up cadence as they pass me up...especially the old farts! Hate that....BTW your contstant smile is a source of inspiration for my own daily struggles....thank you Liner!