Just letting you all know I’m still here and have been reading along! It’s been a rough few months with family medical issues and my own injury which has made it difficult to type. Note to self: do NOT attempt to cook anything requiring knives within an hour of waking up. 
The next few months will also be difficult. My sister needs major surgery and I will be traveling on and off to help with the recovery process. Please keep us in your prayers.
Also, fuck cancer! 
Thank you all,
UglyBetty 
So very sorry that life has thrown you such a difficult curve. Sending you my best thoughts and prayers as you navigate through this difficult journey.
Thank you!
I’m just glad it was caught at stage 3. Her 5yr prognosis is 73% (ironically her age, but don’t tell her I said that!) which is FANTASTIC for colorectal cancer.
Long story short, they’re removing everything that’s not necessary and she’s been great with chemo and radiation, so I’m very hopeful the surgery will be successful. I’m glad she started treatment immediately without putting up a fuss.
She is fortunate to have a caring sister like you. I’m sorry life has been so tough for you lately.
@UglyBetty ….Thoughts and prayers for your sister and you for providing support and strength…..she will weather this storm. 
@UglyBetty I’m so sorry to hear about your sister’s cancer diagnosis. Sending best thoughts to her for the best possible recovery. And best wishes to you too.
Oh, I believe she will too! She’s been amazing, entering treatment right away, following the doctor’s orders, and changing her lifestyle to accommodate this pesky little C word.
I know 73% doesn’t seem great, but this is taking her entire health history and age into account. One of her friends is a few years post-op from this cancer and she’s doing just fine, back to her normal routine except check-ins. That friend’s mother also had the same cancer, diagnosed at 76 and she lived until 96!
There will be life changes of course, but that’s nothing we can’t handle! My biggest concern is traveling. I’ve looked at the TSA website and they say traveling with a colostomy bag is very common. There are wonderful support groups of others with this illness, and they have some great tips on how to live “normally.”
We’re already talking about taking a vacation when this all done. She wants to go on an upscale cruise, and how can I possibly say no to that!
Her kids have been very supportive and I’m thankful because they had a rocky relationship after her divorce. They’ve been taking care of her house (she’s currently staying near the hospital) and her pets, visiting whenever they can, it’s just great and I’m proud of them for stepping up after all they went through.
So, this is the best we can hope for. And I will keep that hope. EVERY DAY, I will keep that hope.
What an awesome sister you are. She must feel so supported with you and her kids by her side. You have such a positive outlook and energy. Praying for a smooth surgery, recovery and healing. I hope you can travel together on that upscale cruise really soon.
Moved this to a new topic because I’ll keep you all updated as we move through this process.
Thank you all for the support and well wishes, it means the world.
I never thought this would happen. We talk on the phone for hours every day. One day she was her normal self, the next day she was in the hospital.
The good news is the tumor has shrunk significantly and it hasn’t spread. The surgery is major, but much of it is preventative.
She’s very confident in her surgeons, mostly because they’re women!
I haven’t been to any appointments with her because of the distance, but she’s kept me updated and of course I’ll be there as she recovers. Did I mention I’m the younger sister? 
It feels so good to laugh!
