If you’re reading this, you know that I launched the site redesign two weeks ago. Big stuff! A bit stressful, but ultimately so rewarding and a great move for this little corner of the internet.
But that is not the only thing I have had going on these past couple of weeks.
The day after the new site launched (on Tuesday), my momma had a colonoscopy, during which they found 6 polyps. That Thursday we learned that she has colon cancer.
Boy, cancer is a terrifying word to hear. It brings with it so many questions, so many unknowns. It brings with it the frightening realization that yes, indeed, your loved one is as human as anyone else and, despite your previous beliefs that they must be immortal – because the ones we love always seem to be when we are young – something could certainly happen to them. Our family history does not favor our colon health – my maternal grandfather has battled cancerous polyps for half of his life and Momma’s uncle died from colon cancer.
And yet, in so many ways we are blessed. The cancer is very early stage – the doctors will be performing a resection this Wednesday afternoon, during which they will remove the portion of her large intestine that contains the cancer. The doctors are quite confident that the surgery – which will be performed laparoscopically and will have a relatively short recovery time of 2-4 weeks – will take care of this. Apart from having to have colonoscopies every 6-18 months for the rest of her life, she should not require any additional treatment.
I write to tell you all of this for a number of reasons.
First, I will be heading home this week to be with my parents during and just after the surgery. Things may go a bit silent around here and on social media. Please bear with me as I spend time with my family and make sure Momma Swope is ok. As much as I love you all, that is the most important thing right now.
Second, I ask for your prayers. While the doctors feel certain this is easily managed, I ask for prayers that this would indeed be the case. That the surgery would go brilliantly with no complications and that her recovery would be short. Pray also for my daddy for physical and emotional strength as he cares for her during her recovery (I will only be able to stay for a few days due to work).
And lastly, please do me this favor: take care of yourselves. Colon cancer is so preventable. Are colonoscopies fun? No. (Trust me, I know better than anyone – due to my ulcerative colitis, I had 4 of them before I turned 25.) But truly, they save lives. If you are having any suspicious symptoms, go talk to your doctor immediately. My great-uncle waited for a year after first seeing symptoms to speak to a doctor. By that time the cancer had spread so far that he had no shot against it. Even if you, like my momma, are not having symptoms, go get yourself checked. If everything is hunky-dory, you won’t need to go back annually. The Colon Cancer Alliance has great info available about screenings, who should be screened, and how family history and genetics come into play. Educate yourself and help spread the word.
Thank you all for your love, support and prayers this week and always.
Xoxo,
-S
About Stephie
Stephie is the creator of Stephie Cooks, a food blog that focuses on creating memories around the food we share, with family recipes at the site’s heart. Stephie lives in Central Illinois with her husband, daughter, and a menagerie of cats and dogs. When she’s not in the kitchen or at her computer writing, you can usually find her curled up with a book or working on one of her many grandma-esque hobbies. Learn more >
Sweet Stephie, you know how I feel about this situation. I taught colorectal cancer (CRC) prevention and early detection for 10 years while at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. You may remember my annual gig every March when I portrayed the exuberant Dancing Polyp on Dress in Blue Day the first Friday of March. I also had the pleasure of portraying a Polypette in the unforgettable Cancer Queens number, “And Then She Had a Colonscopy.” Your mother made our polyp costumes which always people always complimented–especially the fringe and sequins.
People used to ask me how I could be so passionate about CRC. It was (and still is) because it’s a happy thing to tell people how to prevent a cancer or detect it while it’s in the early stages and can be successfully treated. All colon cancers originate as a polyp. Polyps can grow for months and years without a single symptom. This is why screening is so critical. Colonscopies are the gold standard for CRC screening at this time. No matter how people feel about the Affordable Care Act, one of the best benefits is that insurance companies must cover colonoscopies. This wasn’t the case before ACA. I told your mother that her diagnosis is the perfect example of why regular screenings are so important. A colonoscopy literally saved her life.
Thank you for writing this potentially lifesaving post. Love you to pieces!
I love you. And, I really did think that maybe if I made those costumes, the cancer would allude me. We smushed the Polypette the other day, and I took great joy in that. xoxo <3
Love this comment, but not as much as I love you. <3<3<3
Prayers for you guys!!! Take the time you need–family is #1! Lots of love.
Thank you, sweet friend!
Stephie, I am so sorry. Mama Swope I’m thinking about you and best of luck with surgery. Sending positive thoughts to a speedy recovery to remission. Xoxoxo
Thank you, Susan! Your sweet thoughts mean everything. <3
Thank you so much, Susan!
Oh wow. Thinking of you and your family during this time, Stephie! Thanks for making everyone aware of this because it’s SO important. Just like your great-uncle, my uncle did the same and waited it out and he had no chance. This is so preventable! Prayers for a speedy recovery for your mom and a smooth surgery! xoxoxo
It is so easy to prevent! The only reason we didn’t catch this sooner is because insurance wouldn’t pay for a routine colonoscopy sooner, regardless of family history. Can you believe that?? Thank you so much for the love and prayers. xoxo
Mama Swope!! I am so sorry Stephie-but so happy that this was caught early and will hopefully be taken care if very very soon! Tons of love and prayers to you guys <3 <3 <3
Thanks, Kayle! Love to you, too. <3 <3
Thank you, darling. xoxoxo
Wishing your momma, and your family, all the best.
Thank you!!
Sending lots of love, hugs, and prayers to your Momma and family! Hoping for the best outcome and a speedy recovery!
Thank you, Ann!
Thinking and praying for your family, Stephie! Cancer is such a scary thing, but early diagnosis is key. We found out last summer that my dad had lung cancer when he was having a routine test for his heart condition. He, too, had to have surgery and ended up having one lung removed. Thankfully, we found out after his 3rd round of chemo that he was in remission and didn’t have to have his 4th round like they initially planned!
I hope and pray that your mom has great results with the surgery and a speedy recovery. The Camps will be thinking about you guys!
Xo,
Chels
Thank you so much, Chelsea. Your prayers and support mean everything! So glad everything turned out ok for your dad, too. Routine testing sure does save lives! xoxo
Thinking of you and your family.
Thank you, Theresa!
Your dear Momma and your family are in my prayers. Sending wishes for a complete and speedy recovery.
Thanks, Char. I’ll be ok, but you see about yourself if you haven’t. I’ll be seeing you next summer at our reunion! We have parties to attend and future grandchildren to spoil. No time for this foolishness. I so appreciate your prayers. Love you, xoxo
Thank you so much, Charlotte! <3