George Strickland with his younger brother Mike.
Goldsboro, NC
I’m a retired National Guard Master Sergeant and retired Millwright with Georgia Pacific. I had colon/rectal cancer at age 49. My mother had colon cancer when she was 50. My older brother had colon cancer when he was 57. My younger brother had colon cancer when he was 53; he died from complications from his cancer.
Prior to diagnosis, I felt like I had to go to the bathroom all of the time, but couldn’t do anything when I went. Then a colonoscopy discovered a growth in my sigmoid colon. Mentally, I never let it get me down. Chemo was a real drag, especially since I kept working. Had some complications later because of radiation damage. My family seemed to handle it well. I think my positive outlook helped them handle it pretty well. Because my cancer was in the sigmoid colon, sometimes I might have a little accident because of limited control. If I even think I need to go, its best I do. Better safe than sorry. I live with it by reminding myself how bad it really could have been.
I now get regular colonoscopies. I eat too well now. I ride a bicycle to control my weight, eat pretty much what I want.
I decided not to let it disrupt my life and I think people are reluctant to ask you about your experience with cancer. Usually when someone asks me about my symptoms it is because they are having problems. I immediately tell them to get checked out, better safe than sorry.
Remember, tough times don’t last but tough people do. I’m a Christian and I believe to die is gain, to live is Christ. He will help you through it all. By the way, the person in the next chair or bed might be in worse shape than you. Be thankful. Do not allow self-pity to defeat you. My attitude from the start was not, ‘why me?’ but rather ‘why not me.’ It did happen to you, but with the right mindset you can adapt and overcome. Be thankful that diagnosis and treatment has come a long way. 50 years ago survival rates were extremely low.
The real reason I wrote was to encourage people to get regular exams. As I said earlier, four people in my immediate family have had colon cancer.
My younger brother died from complications as a result of his cancer. I cannot help but wonder if things would have been different if he had gone for a colonoscopy when I first asked him to instead of waiting until pain sent him to the hospital.
Remember, its just a cancer and you can beat it if you keep a good positive attitude.