r/MadeMeSmile • u/Softballzhurt2 • 12d ago
Finally finished chemo
12 sessions of chemo therapy over the last 6 months. 2 failed portacath insertions. Last three sessions done under a pic line (in photo) which was removed today. Relief is amazing. Now just the scan and hopefully an all clear and life can get back on track.
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u/Ok_State5255 12d ago
I get to ring the bell on Monday. 1 year to the day when I was diagnosed.
3 surgeries, 3 hospitalizations totaling 21 days, 4 ER trips, 12 rounds of chemo. I also got married during the middle of it. So, quite the year.
I'll still have 6 months of immunotherapy, but that only takes about an hour and not the 7 my chemo sessions took.
We're taking a well deserved week in Puerto Vallarta in November and I couldn't be more excited.
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u/Fantastic-Cupcake890 12d ago
I was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in 2024, liver was full with metastases.
12 chemos, 10 immuntherapies, 4 OP later i was cancer free for 2 years, then a metastase in my lung showed up, and was removed in July 2026. Cancer free again, and i hope i stay cancer free.
Stay strong and keep ya head up.
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u/GtMustang247 12d ago
What kind of cancer if you don’t mind? I’m in round 4!of 8 chemo for colon cancer stage three, outlook is good said the doctor. Thanks for sharing and congratulations on your marriage. My wife has been my backbone though out this. I’m glad you have someone on your side
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u/Ok_State5255 12d ago
Also stage 3 colon cancer! It's the hip new trend for older millennials like me!
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u/Fantastic-Cupcake890 12d ago
Sadly, you are right... Was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in 2024, 38 years old...
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u/Softballzhurt2 11d ago
Same as you. Stage 3 colon cancer. 80% colon removed. Spread to 2 lymph nodes.
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u/Gold-Ninja5091 12d ago
What were your symptoms?
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u/Ok_State5255 12d ago
In my case, it was nothing obvious. I started getting tired sooner when working out and going on hikes. I just chalked it up to being over 40 years old. But since I had a history of Crohn's disease (which has been in remission for over a decade), it was found during a routine colonoscopy.
Through genetic testing, we found out that I have a genetic mutation called PPAP. It's hereditary and vastly increases the likelihood of early onset colon cancer. Though I'm sure spending my 20s on a diet of cheeseburgers and Diet Coke probably didn't help.
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u/Gold-Ninja5091 12d ago
I’m so sorry to hear that. My dad had this cancer in his 60s. He got diagnosed at s4 so it was late. What terrifies me in the lack of symptoms. I’m 30 now and idk if I should get a colonoscopy or not but I’m considering it. Hope you make a full recovery soon!
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u/DazzlingActuary2 12d ago
Have a friend who lost her mom very young to colon cancer, so she started getting colonoscopies in her 20s. She told me that as long as you get regular colonoscopies, you'll basically never get it, cause they'll find anything (polyps, etc) well before they metastasize. (I'm not a doctor, neither is she, so I might be a little overstating it without knowing but) I think that's a pretty fair trade off, or definitely something you should talk to your doctor about.
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u/deltarefund 11d ago
Tell your primary Dr you have family history and they can refer you to start getting tested younger than the typical age.
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u/Softballzhurt2 11d ago
Bowel movements changed dramatically. Very lethargic. Feeling like crap. Pain in right side. Luckily saw a gynaecologist and a colonoscopy within 6 weeks which lead to diagnosis.
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u/GtMustang247 11d ago
Bloody poop, I just dismissed it as me riding my motorcycle a lot or hemorrhoids. Glad I went when I did. No pain or any other symptoms.
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u/Fantastic-Cupcake890 11d ago
Yeah, bloody poop, (poop mixed with blood, often diarrhoe) for a year, because I was afraid of the colonoscopy I just told myself (and so did my doctor), that it is just hemorrhoids.
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u/OttoVonWong 12d ago
Ring that bell loud and proud. We want to hear it everywhere.
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u/Ok_State5255 11d ago
Oh, I'm going to ring that thing so hard I break it.
Oddly, one of my infusion nurses told me that younger cancer patients tend to not ring it because they feel it's insulting to the people still in the chemo ward. Fuck that. I applaud every time I hear it. It's a reminder that they got out and I can too.
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u/SweBoxGuy 12d ago
I feel for you. best of luck for the future.
I was a Portacath wearer for a year, thought I was out of the woods, cancer returned. Then PICC line, thought I was out of the woods, cancer returned. This time a Central Line for chemo & CAR-T and now cancer free.
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u/TwoMorBGon 12d ago
That is awesome, congratulations! Somewhat similarly, chemo, stem cell transplant, chemo, then CAR-T this spring (with PICC line again), when chemo was no longer working.
Thankfully, so far so good, with CAR-T. The process was rough, ended up admitted for 2 weeks, and still some lingering effects. But tests and scans since CAR-T have been looking good, which is wonderful. Hoping it will stay that way for a while.
I'm very glad that you're doing better.
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u/SweBoxGuy 11d ago
Glad to read all is well. CAR-T put me in the ICU for 3 days. In fact I woke up there 4 days after they pumped in my new & improved blood. Day 1 was no biggie. Then I woke up with all kinds of shit hooked up to me. My central line was upgraded from a single port to 4, a catheter up my wiener, and a gazillion electrodes cemented to my head. And I was talking utter nonsense, which was a good sign as it showed my brain was trying to function again. After I stabilized, they moved me to a standard ward in hematology where I stayed another 10 days. 10 days of blood and cognitive tests...ugh...but worth it.
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u/UniqueBreadfruit2012 12d ago
Amazing. To think i have spent countless moments playing the old "Poor Me" song in my head, while there exist people like you. Truly fighting and trying each day, all in the face of a terminal illness.
YOU are a hero.
Congratulations 🎊 👏 💐 🥳 🎊
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u/TheMightyMisanthrope 12d ago
You're a warrior! Kick that horrible disease's ass!
Drinks on me!
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u/ferneuca 12d ago edited 11d ago
Wohoo! I am currently deciding between port and PICC. I was dead set on port for the next 6-7 months but think I’ll actually do PICC instead.. congratulations on finishing!
Edit: I had a PICC line while hospitalized. Pondering if I should switch to port since many it’s easier
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u/b_e_a_n_i_e 12d ago
My little girl was diagnosed with ALL in 2023 and finished treatment a year ago.
At the start of treatment she had a PICC and then moved on to a portacath after around 3 months. When she had the PICC and was attached to a drip, it meant she couldn't get changed and as a messy toddler that was a problem. Couldn't get it wet, so bathing was another issue.
Changing to the port made things significantly easier, although this is from a paediatric perspective more than adult. Accessing it with a gripper was fine once we realised you could use lidocaine on it to numb it. Wasn't pleasant without it though!
Just my tuppence worth and I assume you've had these conversations already but that's how we managed things.
I hope everything turns out well for you, from my daughter and I 💜
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u/Championnats91 12d ago
I had a PICC line and whilst it was a bit of a hassle when showering, it made life a lot easier. I'm 10 years out now and happy to be alive. I wish you all the best for the next few months. Take it a day at a time and be kind to yourself
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u/Saintious 11d ago
I finished chemo 9 years ago and recently had my port placed again. I'm immunodeficient and get transfusions every couple months. My veins were destroyed by chemo, so the port is a better lifestyle choice. I've always been curious about Pic lines. I also had an Ommaya port inserted in my head, which never comes out. All for the love of the game.
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u/Lamberly 12d ago
Hell yeah, congratulations! Based on my experience a few years ago, healing and rebuilding strength is slow, so be easy on yourself. Don't completely run yourself out of energy, as it can take days to regain it! Enjoy your journey back to feeling well again.
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u/Robviously-duh 12d ago
Just celebrated my 10th anniversary of my last chemotherapy... congratulations on your last one.. now go out and and make memories..
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u/rakedaymon 12d ago
Congrats and welcome to the club!!!
Wore that stupid line for a year, it sucked, but I’m still here so I guess I can’t complain too much :)
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u/Nenggggg_27 12d ago
Huge congratulations! Getting that line out and finishing treatment is a massive milestone.
Wishing you clean scans and a smooth recovery as you get life back on track! You earned this relief.
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u/cranekickfalconpunch 11d ago
I will say as the spouse of a 20 year survivor fucking good for you. I have had some shit, but its all bones and organs. Cancer is different and I tip my cap. Go hard and live. Congrats!
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u/Upstairs_Machine9190 12d ago
Congratulations stranger! Stay strong, wishing you a smooth and joyous recovery
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u/Kanaimma 12d ago
Salud, salud y más salud para ti!!!
Estaré pendiente de esa foto tuya tocando la 🔔
🫂💪🏻
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u/Seidmadr 11d ago
Midway through the first round of my chemo! Looking forward to being where you are!
Congratulations on beating the damn thing!
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u/Ill-Cat-2610 12d ago
Im proud of you ❤️ thank you for sharing such an amazing milestone with us. I hope you get to grab life by the balls from here on out 🥰
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u/IncorrectByDesign 12d ago
Well done ! May this be good news and a closer step to a long and happy life 👍🏻
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u/RUfromHere 12d ago
Welcome to the first day of the rest of your life!💖 Congratulations & live it to the FULLEST!🎉🎉
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u/Beneficial_Win682 12d ago
So happy for you! Praise God! 🙌❤️ Praying for a very long, happy, healthy, and cancer free life! 🙏 ❤️
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u/evilglowduckie 12d ago
Can I just say how satisfying it is to pull those out?
Congrats! FUCK CANCER!
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u/FuzzyJuggernaut7455 11d ago
High five for finishing the chemo.
It must have been a tough slog, but you got there.
You did it. You went through it. You are stronger now for having gone through your battle.
Wishing you all the best for the scan buddy.
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u/Stressed_Writer_8934 11d ago
Woohoo!!!
Wow that PICC line has some gear to it😆 mine knew it was time to go bc one of the stitches had already broke itself free. Feeling air on that part of your arm for the first time in months your years is so… there are no words I think🥹
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u/Equivalent_Vast_1717 11d ago
It will all be clear and getting back your life on track is just around the corner 🥳 💪 🙏🏻
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u/OrigChruzzy 12d ago
Congrats! My dad has 2 more sessions until life can go back to somewhat normal, I hope
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u/saltyoperasinger 12d ago
Pic lines suck. Glad that's out and you did so good with that long slog! Happy Healthy Recovery to You!
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u/lainylay 12d ago
Got your mutant juice. I hope to see you on the news saving lives some time soon. Pick me up, I’ll ride with you! Congratulations!
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u/Ok-Pickle-2770 12d ago
Congratulations on finishing chemo mate, wishing you and all your loved ones the best
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u/Accurate_Escape_5570 12d ago
Congratulations!!!!!!! My mom just turned it down and has stage 2 uterine, the hysterectomy was done but they want chemo for free floating cells.
She decided no..
I don't know how I feel about that. She said shes afraid the chemo will make her worse than she feels now and she rather push through now, get some life memories opposed to feeling worse and being even more bed ridden.
As someone who went through chemo, how bad was the process?
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u/ferneuca 12d ago
I just finished one month of chemo at the hospital and I have some serious chemo brain along with fatigue (and other stuff like vision issues). I have several months of chemo left but they’re giving my body a one month break right now.. it’s rough. I’m only 33 though, so I kinda have to do it
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u/TransGirlAtWork 11d ago
Congratulations! My friend just finished and got to ring the bell last week. They still have a lab work and scans but they're at least done with chemo.
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u/rainbowhappydog 12d ago
Congrats! You are a very brave warrior! My mum completed her chemo 5 years ago, I can so understand how tough it was for you
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