Living Beyond Colon Cancer

2012 Colondar is now on Sale

2011-10-22T13:44:00.000-04:00

Get yours at www.colonclub.com

Its a Wrap

2011-06-20T20:10:00.000-04:00

Well It truly was amazing to spend a whole week with 12 young colorectal cancer survivors in one of the most magical places I know of:

A view from the back porch, where lots of morning cups of coffee and talks of colon resections, ostomy reversals, chemotherapy side effects are all discussed, and a place where in the evening slushies are enjoyed as we all reflect on the trials we have been through with the common thread being colorectal cancer. It is hard to believe that all these amazing people:

Have battled cancer. Such amazing people, each of them have their own story of survival! You will be able to meet each of them when the 2012 Colondar is released at the beginning of September.

I am so glad to have added 12 new amazing people to my family.

What next? After diagnosis,surgery,CHEMO?

2011-01-30T20:30:00.000-05:00

Tattoo !

I often talk to families, survivors, etc... about What Next? How do I live after surgery, chemo, etc.....

There are so many things you can do! Raise money for your favorite cancer organization so that others may not have to go through what you have been through, one day hoping that the last penny you earned will be the one that finds the cure.....Surrounding yourself with great people who understand that living life to the fullest each and every day is truly the way to survive......Find others who have been diagnosed with the same cancer as you at the same age as you and fought the same battle as you and find out that you truly are not alone......

I am so blessed and happy to say that I have accomplished all these listed above and I am so proud of the survivors that continue to be a part of my family and have celebrated life not being inflicted by a terrible disease known as cancer and playing victim but by pulling up our pants and raising awareness of cancer in crazy out of the box ways.

Check out www.colonclub.com and apply now to be a 2012 Colondar model.

It's a NEW YEAR

2011-01-02T12:20:00.000-05:00

I am so glad to see the new year! 2011? I cannot even believe it is here as many of you probably feel the same. So many great things to reflect on this past year. I am so thankful for this past year and being able to reconnect with friends, spend time with family and be given the gift of a whole year of surviving.

Please do not forget to begin your year with the 2011 COLONDAR, it is beautiful and so inspiring as you will be greeted each month with a beautiful young colon cancer survivor and their courageous stories. You can click on the link at the upper right hand of my blog and get yours, you will not be disappointed as you read about all of my heroes.

Life Is Better Than Good!

2010-12-20T20:55:00.000-05:00

Well I have been celebrating life so much, I am so thankful for these folks and how they have helped me KICK ASS CANCER to the curb, as a matter of fact this is what we think of colon cancer:

Yep you are definately seeing us wearing our UNDY"S over our clothes as we ran the UNDY 5000 here in Atlanta, a great 5K to raise awareness for colon cancer and the importance of screening and early detection. These rear's are from Virginia, Indiana, Georgia, Florida and ohhh we are missing the cutest fanny of all from California! But no doubt the celebration of a 10 year survivor and a 5 year survivor has been the best year end gift for me.

And these two ladies? You have no idea how much they mean to me. On the left is my virtual Aunt Susan, she is a prayer warrior, let me tell you, supported me daily with her prayers and lifting up my healing to our Savior. And well the one on the right is my Mom, you have no idea how much love, support, etc.... that goes into supporting a family member, going through chemotherapy, multiple surgeries and trying to raise 3 kids and run a household. And guess what they ran the 5K with all of us and finished! It was such a relection of time for me, for each 1K that I walked,ran, etc... represented a year of healing and thankfulness.
LOVE TO ALL OF YOU, and Merry Christmas.

5 Year Cancer-Free-Versary

2010-10-18T20:46:00.000-04:00

I have been waiting for 1,825 days to celebrate this day. I cannot believe it is here! It is a day that I always hoped I would reach after being diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer at the age of 37. Yep, guess I totally exposed myself here (42 years old now) but loving absolutely every minute of it. Just wanted to give a big thanks to this guy:

He has never missed a surgery, a colonoscopy, a Chemotherapy infusion, or doctors appointment with me. Thanks for standing by me and making this dream come true! Happy 5 year Cancer Free Versary! You are the best.

2011 COLONDAR

2010-09-07T08:47:00.000-04:00

It is officially here, the 2011 Colondar. ORDER yours today at www.colondar.com

12 Days And Counting

2010-08-19T19:20:00.002-04:00

Well here are 12 of the most wonderful colon cancer survivors that I added to my family this summer.

And you will all be seeing them all in just 12 days in the 2011Colondar . You can order your Colondar at www.colonclub.com. You will be inspired by their stories, journey through cancer and their courage to fight for life! I love you all and I miss you like crazy.

The Colon Club Colondar 2011 Photo Shoot

2010-06-15T16:50:00.002-04:00

Erika, Molly, Krista and Suzie

Just home from an amazing week end with colon cancer survivors! The 2011 Colondar photos have been taken and will be released on September 1st. I just added 12 people to my family, and cannot imagine what life would be without having met them. More to follow.....

Humpty Dumpty

2010-05-20T19:29:00.001-04:00

Well there is an old nursery rhyme that goes something like this: Humpty Dumpty Sat on a wall; So I decided to sit next to him. Humpty Dumpty had a great Fall; Exactly 4 1/2 years ago I fell into the world of Cancer. All the kings horses and all the kings men could not put Humpty together again; But today I sit and celebrate how I was made whole again! Still Cancer Free and celebrating every day. However, i have chosen to stay around the world of cancer, supporting, uplifting and helping others as they pick up the pieces, and I am so thankful for this opportunity.

Oh how I wish cancer were just a nursery rhyme, make believe, and how I dream to say "THE END" to this disease or that we all will live "HAPPILY EVER AFTER" never ever having to know what cancer is or how it affects our loved ones. My prayer is that one day this will happen!

Handmade Goodness

2010-03-25T19:54:00.000-04:00

Is this not the most beautiful, handmade, 100% silver piece of jewelry you have ever seen? This is the colorectal cancer awareness symbol, and I am the proud, honored, humbled owner of this necklace. I have a very talented, very thoughtful, very gracious, friend who hand made this pendant for me and all those battling, conquering and raising awareness for colorectal cancer. She is making these with so much love and is donating a portion of the proceeds to The Colon Club. If you would like to purchase one visit the store at www.thecolonclub.com.
Suzie

Whats 40 feet long and 4 feet Tall?

2010-03-16T16:10:00.001-04:00

Suzie and Jacke (MOM) with CoCo

I had a wonderful trip to Indiana last week and met CoCo for the first time ever! LOVE HER! I guess because I love colons and love to help raise awareness about the diseases that affect the colon. I was so honored to meet two other young Colon Cancer survivors (one 29, and one 32), and the whole time, yep you guessed it I was thinking Cancer just Stinks. But I was also very humbled by their beauty, grace and wonderful families they have to support them. I also had the very wonderful pleasure of seeing my fellow Colondar model, Paula, who is off doing wonderful things in grad school, and I got to stay with the most amazing family! Talk about a family who loves others, and gives back like crazy the Waller/Wilson clan.
Thank you Krista, Jim, Hadley and Harlee for everything.

March is Almost Here

2010-02-25T09:55:00.000-05:00

A great day here in my city, Sun is shining and giving hints of Spring being right around the corner. I am having the time of my life, living and loving my family. I have found myself amazed at how my prayers have been answered, and feeling as if I truly do not deserve what I have been blessed with. Not material things, just friendships, opportunites etc....

A short explanation of what I mean. When I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Colon Cancer at 37 years old, first I was shocked, then I knew I had to do whatever I had to do to survive, I mean I had a husband and 3 young kids, Who was going to take care of them? Well many of you know that cancer is a down right ugly, nasty, rotten disease. In fact many of us have been affected in some way by cancer, either a family member, friend, or neighbor and have watched this devestating disease take hold of families and just cause so much emotional and physical pain.
I have to say to survive cancer is to have gone on a very long journey that you never planned for, prayed for, prepared for, paid for, or desired to go on. But when the journey comes along and you are battling the unplanned, paying for things you don't even want, praying hour by hour to make the nausea, pain etc... go away, you ride along and hold your head up to look for the light at the end. It is hard to see the light many days and sometimes it doesn't appear for weeks. With all that being said I am living in that light now and want to encourage all of you to fight like hell, look for the light and enjoy it when it arrives.

March is almost here, it is colorectal cancer awareness month, I am going to raise awareness, and fight like hell to continue to live in the light, and fight hard for so many who are trying to get there. I am so excited as I am going to Visit CoCo in Indiana in March, she is our Giant 40 foot long, Colon that travels around the US to help Raise awareness.

Wipe Out colorectal cancer awareness, coming soon.......

2010-01-26T19:58:00.000-05:00

March is the month for colorectal cancer awareness. I am giving you a preview of some out-of the box things I will be doing in March. First of all I may just wear this shirt every day

Washing it may be an option, Just kidding.

And These boxers, well I may dare myself to wear them out in public, but will definately be sporting them in my home, well because i Can. That little blue star is the awareness symbol for colorectal cancer.

And this toilet paper below, you may have to keep me out of your trees as I toilet paper them to let you know that colorectal awareness month is upon us.

Please join me in March as I raise awareness!

Suzie

AND THE VERDICT IS IN

2010-01-13T19:13:00.001-05:00

NO CANCER, almost 4 1/2 years out from Diagnosis. No explanation needed.

Awaiting Results

2010-01-12T21:54:00.000-05:00

Well yesterday was my big SCAN day, drink barium, sit for 45 minutes waiting for it to bull doze through your Colon and then lay on a cold table while they inject Radioactive dye throughout your veins. Sounds fun? Well as much as I dislike scans, I also love them? I love the updates on my health and I hate the after affects of Barium, YUCK. Colon Cancer takes your Colon, well 1/2 of it anyway and then expects you to drink liquid plumber every 4 months or so just to make sure your Cancer is not back Raging through your body. You see the relationship here: Love/Hate?
Tomorrow is a visit with my oncologist (who I always Love) She is absolutely a wonderful person/physician and if you all could meet her you would agree. She has never given me false hope/ or false encouragement. She is honest/ caring/ compassionate and I could go on and on. Maybe I will in another Post.
I will definately update with results tomorrow. I also need to disclose that I love my CT guy. We have had many scans together over the last 4 years, he said my liver looks Great. Well that is great with me.

Suzie

Well that Flew By

2010-01-03T18:43:00.001-05:00

I cannot believe that both Christmas and The New Year have passed. How glorious they have been. The gift of watching our family spend time together, some of those times in PJ's, yes we did have several pajama days, and I loved them. The cold weather that has decided to stay put in the South has not exactly encouraged many days outside either. Except for today, 26 degrees and a tennis match for me. This is the closest I have ever been to Freezing, well my toes anyway.

I just did not want another day to go by without a post, looking forward to a non-surgical, non-cancerous 2010.

And The Countdown is ON

2009-12-21T11:16:00.000-05:00

The Kids are officially out of school, for me that means less laundry, because we have alot of Pajama days. But it also means more time in the kitchen, 3 meals a day, and if you have a teenage son that usually means many more meals in between. But I am not complaining, nope not ME. I am savoring this time, oh boy how good it feels to be alive, healthy and able to do laundry and cook.

I have been telling all my family and friends, that I already have my Christmas gift, that would never fit under the tree, it is Called Life. The good news I received in October is enough of a gift to last through many many years to come. At last I leave you with the below picture, it is a shirt that we have in The Colon Club Store, and it is True, I think I'll wear mine today.

Fun around the Holidays

2009-12-13T15:21:00.000-05:00

It is always so hard to fit in all the hustle and bustle around the holidays. I swear I think we get so busy and squeeze 6 months of activities into 4 weeks, hoping that we all survive. But I guess since I had some down time in October I am ready for as many activities as possible along with all the good memories that it brings.

I was able to travel out of town with my husband last week, thanks to our parents who stayed home and watched the kids. We had a wonderful time. I will post some pictures that I am sure you will have no problem figuring out where are:

Hoping each of you has a wonderful time these next few weeks, Making Memories!

Home for the Holidays

2009-12-02T16:01:00.000-05:00

We spent some much needed family time away at the beach for Thanksgiving and enjoyed, not only just our family but extended family as well. The weather was great for a few days and then the Late Fall breeze settled in. We came home to find it even chillier, but it definately has put me in the mood for Christmas Decorating. As of today I have the mantle, staircase, buffett, the entryway tree completed. Hopefully today I will manage to get the big tree up.

I am feeling great for those who keep checking up on me. I was able to ride a bike for many miles at the beach and take long glorious walks as well. So thankful for God's blessing of healing. Hope you enjoy the posted pics
Enjoying the sunset

Rebekah:

Griffin:

Thankful for No Cancer

2009-11-22T16:45:00.003-05:00

I think it goes without being said that I am so thankful for being Cancer free. After the last scare we had 6 weeks ago, a surgery losing 1/3 of my liver, and prayers for a miracle that were answered, I think I deserve to say I am THANKFUL.

That means I get to spend more time with my favorite People:

Doing some fun things, and living life as there is no tomorrow.

If you know of anyone who is battling Colon Cancer, Please visit www.colonclub.com and tell them about our online support message boards, and also shop around in our store. We are adding some fun and new products that will be great gifts for those who are fighting Colon Cancer. Sometimes besides prayer, we do not always know what to say or do, a little gift from The Colon Club would be a great idea to let them know you are thinking of them. Check back often as we continue to add new products. And don't for get to order you 2010 Colondar:

I promise you will Be inspired by all these stories about Colon/Rectal Cancer Patients.

Happy Thanksgiving to All.

Suzie

Wow where did the week go?

2009-11-15T10:46:00.000-05:00

Well I cannot a believe another week has gone by! I am getting older and weeks definately go by faster. We were blessed with tailgating weather in the mid 70's, great friends and really good food. And on top of that DAWGS ended up with a Win.

Jeff and Suzie

Well my life actually does have more going on than just Football on the week-ends, but in the Fall in the South, it pretty much takes up alot of your time. But Thank God, I have many more of these week-ends to look forward to in the future. Although College Football is coming to an end in a few weeks, there will be many more years of games to look forward to.

I have been working on a few projects around the house. And starting to think about decorating for Christmas very soon.

Have a Great Week,
Suzie

FALL is For FOOTBALL

2009-11-08T09:19:00.006-05:00

Rebekah and I at UGA Game

Things seem to getting back to normal around here, Hooray for that. Jeff, Rebekah and I went to Athens yesterday to watch the Bulldawgs WIN, finally. We had a great time, the boys stayed home, because we only have 3 season tickets, and well when there is 5 of us it was Rebekahs turn. For many of you who do not know, Our Rebekah has Cerebral Palsy and just 2 1/2 years ago lost her hearing, she now has a cochlear implant, which we love, and she has adapted slowly but now is moving right along with her hearing. In the picture, she is listening to the play by play on the radio she is holding up to her ear while watching the game. She had so much fun,

and we enjoyed our time with her. As a matter of fact, she probably got along better than me.

Jeff and Rebekah at Halftime

Notice Jeff in Shorts, 70 degrees at Game, What a great day for His Birthday.

And Guess What else FALL is for, in the South anyway, Tennis. Yep, I am dustin her off and getting back on the Courts this week, I cannot wait. See there is life after Liver Resection, Family, Football, and Tennis. HA.

Have a great week, and enjoy.

Suzie

Next Appointment?

2009-10-28T21:26:00.004-04:00

Well who would have guessed I would be posting a picture of a Liver and (ssshhh Colon) on my Blog. Well I wish I could tell you this is a picture of me, on the inside of course. But let's see first you have to take all that colon out on your right, my left. Yep That's why I'm a semicolon. And then you see a little on top of the Colon is the Liver, well take out the smaller portion of that to your right, my Left. Oh and see the little green pea looking thing hanging out from under the liver, that is the gallbladder, also gone. (And just in case any of you are wondering, the wormy looking thing at the end of the Colon is the appendix, Which I am proud to still possess, HA!)

No I am not trying to take all of you back to Biology 101 Heck, I am just proving that God made our bodies so incredibly hearty and we can survive so much. I have been blessed, evidenced by this for sure.

All of this to say I saw my Liver specialists today and he was giving us a great idea of how the liver will work now that I miss some of it's parts, and guess what he said. God gave you more liver than you actually need or use so I should have no difficulties. And although we still need to follow and manage a small aspect of my liver, my portal vein, which you can see in the above picture, He does not think it is necessary to see me for a whole YEAR.

I know well big deal, well let me give you a hint: Only because I have been doing this cancer stuff for a while now, the more your Doctor wants to see you, the more concerned about you they are. So Since my next Liver Appointment is in October 2011, I think my doctor believes I will be just fine. And I know for sure, because God has given me the greatest peace of mind these last few days.

Suzie

Just a simple Update

2009-10-28T09:31:00.006-04:00

Sorry it has been a few days for an update, It means I have more energy to get up and about instead of just having my feet propped up, with a computer in my lap(HA). Just so you know that is not how it has been, but it sounds glamorous right? I do however want to thank so many of you for the uplifting cards you have sent. Some of my days have been most uplifted when I goto the mailbox and find a simple card with a sweet note written in them.

Here are just a few of my Pick Me Ups:

I think cards are just a great way to say hello, and I have heard on so many occasions when a person is having a down day, or feeling alone, a Card is really good for the Soul. So thanks, my soul has been filled as well as my days.

Talking about being full. I just have to share one more great thing, t I received from some very special friends. Can I tell you how amazing this is?

Yep a Jack LaLanne's Power Juicer

Not only is this sooo Healthy, you will never ever drink bottled juices again. Orange juice, Oh my oh my, and can I just tell you how easy it is. Take the peel off an orange, place the whole orange in and it seperates all the other stuff out, seeds and all. Add a little pineapple, sneek a beet or celery in to hide it from your kids, and Ha, good stuff for all.

Well Fall is finally here and the brisk weather is great outside with a nice little warm up in the afternoon. Thanks for stopping by, and Thanks again for all of your continued support.

With Much Love,

Suzie

SunShine and Stares

2009-10-20T20:32:00.005-04:00

Sunshine can be the best medicine, as I have experienced the last few days. The sunshine is so not overrated. Trust me, the depression that can come with the overcast skies and rain and being stuck inside are the pits. Just being outside and seeing God's creation in all it's glory was just what I needed. Plus the fantastic meals ya'll have been bringing over, HA!

My Mom came to stay for a few days and we decided to get out and about to do a little TARGET therapy, and pick up some much needed cold weather clothes for the kids. How did they grow so much this year? Well after a short time a little fatigue hit me and we decided for me to drive an electric scooter around like this:

Can I tell you how many stares I got? It was actually hilarious, you can see the thought in everyones mind,(Poor thing, wonder what is wrong with her, etc.) It made me laugh and so that ended up being great therapy also. So today I learned that Sunshine and Stares can be great medicine for recovery from Liver surgery.

Maybe next time I ride in a motorized scooter, I can just hang a sign on the front that says "Want to see my scar? Just had some of my liver removed and guess what? I DO NOT HAVE CANCER!

Here is to many more days of sunshine and laughter,

Suzie

HOME SWEET HOME

2009-10-12T10:55:00.002-04:00

Where did my whole week go? It is hard for me to believe that exactly 1 week ago I was right in the middle of having my liver operated on. It is so good to be home, as the first couple of days were a little rough, but is getting better. First 24 hours of uncontrolled Nausea were awful, and then the ole get out of bed within 24 hours after surgery to walk.

I know many of you have heard, but I feel the need to continue to talk about our "MIRACLE". I can honestly say I have never truly prayed for a miracle, because I definately did not think I was deserving of one. I think my prayers have been geared for something specific like, keep me out of pain, etc. But with the help of my friends, who prayed with me, our family, and our church, we specifically asked for a MIRACLE, and as of today the Doctors/Surgeons/Oncologist/Radiologist have absolutely no words to describe what happened with my liver.

What we do Know is that before surgery they were 99% sure the tumor was cancer and almost 100% sure that I had a very sick, scarred liver. Well when surgery took place last week and the pathology came in we are in a complete speechless state. None of the above are true. All the the glory of God.

I will do a better job of updating, still a little blurry vision from the pain medication, and I will use some of this time to rest and recover.

With Much Love,

Suzie

Haircuts and Harvest

2009-09-30T18:23:00.003-04:00

Have you ever seen such a beautiful Flowering Mum in you Life? And it is huge. Two of my dear friends deliver pumpkins and huge gourds from their farm in Tennessee every year and this year I have been lucky enough to receive these beautiful flowers, too. I am preparing our house for "The Harvest season, with a little fun Halloween stuff too" so that while I am in the hospital the kids can get still feel like Fall is in the air.

A great day today with the Fall air all around us, and thought I would show off my new haircut. I have a very talented family and they own an amazing studio (www.Rummcolorstudio.com) I always feel like a million bucks when I leave there. What a transformation they make with my hair.

I am officially scheduled for my big Liver Resection on Monday Oct. 5th at Piedmont Hospital.

Surgery should start and 10:00 and should be a couple of hours. I am anticipating being there 3-5 days. And then home to my loving family. Several of you have asked if we are accepting visitors, and the answer is YES. We love company, but I cannot be held responsible for anything I say while on Pain Medication. So what is said on Pain Meds, stays at the hospital, got it?

With much Love,

Suzie

Great start to the Morning

2009-09-28T08:47:00.002-04:00

So What is Wrong With this great smelling, great tasting, Cup of Dunkin Donut Coffee with White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Creamer? Absolutely Nothing, except it does have alot of sugar and well we all know that Cancer Loves Sugar, so i have resorted to starting my mornings with this instead:

2 Shots and I am good to go. Did I ever think I would drink this first thing in the AM?

NEVER.

However, when they tell you there is a spot in your Liver, that is probably Cancer, and it happens not to be a reoccurance of the cancer you just battled, well then you have great friends who do great research for you, because you cannot see through the tears in your eyes to read the words on the computer. Or even say the words Cancer or Liver. And then get up the nerve to tell your 3 precious children that Mommy has cancer, AGAIN.

So Hence, Wheatgrass Juice/Shots as i call them are very cleansing to the liver, and since I believe God has surrounded me with the best friends, even better than I deserve, I believe God allows them to guide you through some hazy times.

What the heck? Wheatgrass actually does not taste to bad, reminds me of the fresh smell of cut grass in the morning. And I am thankful for all the Mornings God is giving me. Including today.

Hopefully we will be able to put a date on my surgery this week. The Liver Surgeon,

who happens to be way smarter than anyone i Know (sorry guys), but hey if someone is going to take out 1/2 of your liver, would'nt you want him to be the smartest person you know, unless you are having brain surgery I guess, then, well you may want that surgeon to be smarter.HA.

My preliminary surgery date is Oct. 5th or 6th. Waiting for approval, I am sure from insurance.

Thanks for all the prayers, cards, and gifts. Your love and prayers are so important.

Love,

Suzie

Lemonade and Liver

2009-09-25T09:11:00.005-04:00

Two things I would never order to drink or eat: Lemonade or Liver. So what does that have to do with anything? Well I have heard that lemons make great lemonade a lot over the last few years as I have been Cancer free from Colon Cancer. But the truth is, I don't like lemonade, it is too sour for me. But alot of people do like lemonade and well good for them. But right now I am not drinking any, nope not me.

And I especially would never eat liver, yeah, yeah, I know it is supposed to be good for you, rich in iron, you know good for the immune system, but I would gag at the site of it. Well not that I am going to eat it anytime soon, but I have become more knowledgeable about my liver in the last 2 weeks than I would desire. You see it looks as if I have been diagnosed with a new Cancer of the liver. Yep I know you colon cancer gurus out there are saying "IS this just not a reoccurance of your Colon Cancer?" The answer is NOPE.

I have met an amazing Liver Transplant surgeon, who happens to specialize in Liver Cancer and we will be spending a great amount of time together soon. We are praying for a miracle, because as of yet, we have only seen a spot on my liver by MRI scans, so until the pathology comes in we are praying and praying. I will have a liver Resection very soon, probably next week and will post the details of that soon.

But This I will Eat, Yummie. Thanks Pattie and Tom.

In the meantime, pray for a miracle.

LOVE,

Suzie