Critical Success Factors in Battling Late Stage Colon Cancer

Colon Cancer Real Talk is a platform to inspire late stage colon cancer patients and families in their fight against the illness. Here are some critical success factors that helped me successfully battle the disease for more than 10 years:

Multiple Opinions

Merriam-Webster defines a second opinion as ‘advice from a second expert (such as a doctor) to make sure advice from the first such expert is correct.’ Let’s expand this definition for practical use. Physicians’ opinions, like ours, are based on personal and professional experience and insights. A doctor or institution may have unique experiences, additional tools for diagnosis, and additional treatment options that allow alternative disease management. Getting a second opinion adds assurance or brings options that allow us to better manage our disease. For me, they have proven invaluable. Second and third opinions…they matter. Check Out My Blog Posts and Videos for specific examples

Rest

There are numerous studies regarding the health benefits of rest and sleep at both the physical and spiritual levels. Feel free to explore further. For me, no time is more important for sleep then during treatment regimen. I nap when tired, sleep longer and to this day, it brings a warm smile when my partner and wife, Lalisa reminds me when she thinks its time to lie down. Rest makes a difference. Our bodies heal while we sleep.

Diet

We have seen great strides these past several years regarding communicating the benefits of food consumption (diet)on the successful management of late-stage colon cancer. The adage, ‘food is fuel’, for colorectal cancer patients, is ‘replaced by a more practical analogy ‘out,’ replaced by a more practical analogy… ‘food is life!’ Food is information that tells the body just what to do. I encourage you to read my ‘Super Foods’ section and to research outside of this site additional information, as our bodies are less like machines and more like a ‘constellation of body, mind, and spirit.’ I believe diet played a significant role when I experienced radical remission in 2012. My stage 4 colon cancer had metastasized in the liver, infected lymph nodes, and spread to the stomach lining. After just 6 chemotherapy sessions, my cancer was non-detectable. Diet…a critical success factor to managing late stage colorectal cancer.

Exercise

There is evidence that physical activity after a colorectal cancer diagnosis is associated with a lower risk of death. After stage IV diagnosis in 2012, I enjoyed reading how different activities targeted specific benefits. For example, walking, jogging, and gym activities improve overall strength and stamina, while jogging on an exercise trampoline targets lymph node health. Admittedly, I focused initial efforts on outdoor walking, light jogging, and trampoline work through strength exercise during and after my recent Phase II clinical trial proved essential with maintaining upper body strength and function. I believe adding exercise combined with diet, rest, and positive attitude was a critical success factor with achieving radical remission after my initial six treatments.

Embrace Treatment

Really? Embrace colon cancer treatments? Absolutely! Embrace each treatment as an important tool in managing this life threatening disease. I have always welcomed treatment with open arms, with the realization that temporary side effects were just that….temporary. Embracing treatments offer the inner strength necessary to overcome challenges and side effects, which we know are cumulative as treatments progress. Critical success factors are not always easy. I consider treatments a friend and an integral part of managing this chronic disease.

Attitude

Attitude can be ambiguous. Simply stated, it is both a mental and emotional entity resulting in our state of mind. Like our mind, attitude can be a powerful ally…or our greatest enemy. A positive, cheerful outlook on the outcome of battling cancer is a critical success factor. Respect colon cancer as a formidable opponent. However, enjoy a calm confidence that you will beat it, by managing late stage colon cancer as a chronic disease. From Day 1, I accepted my stage 4 diagnosis and with humility, rejected the prognosis. There was a battle ahead which for me meant ‘game on.’ Attitude is everything!

Improve Your Diet

Check out my favorite superfoods along with healthy and delicious recipes using these superfoods. Discover Superfoods