I am Barbara Majeski, a wife and mother, dedicated to my family. I was diagnosed at 42, with stage 3 colon cancer and have received six months of chemotherapy.
I enjoy helping support the community and speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves. I am fit, active, overall in great shape, and have even ran the New York City marathon, twice. Although, colon cancer doesn’t care about any of that. I do have a family history of colon cancer and I had symptoms for years. However, I didn’t think colon cancer was something healthy women got. I never knew of anyone my age or gender with colon cancer, in my mind it was something that happened to overweight men in their 60’s, so I ignored them.
I believe the only emancipation from suffering is to help others, so during colon cancer awareness month last year – I shared my story on social media. I believed by sharing my experience I could help others, by encouraging early screening. I received dozens of thanks you’s. It truly elevated my spirits and gave purpose to my journey. I will continue to share my story in hopes of bringing more awareness to early screening and detection.
Words of wisdom I have for anyone fighting this disease is, “You can only control your attitude through the process. The decision to have a positive attitude is up to you.” I walked every day. Instead of casseroles I asked for “walkers.” Someone would come over every day and we would go on a walk. Some days I felt so sick but once I got moving I felt better. I felt I was playing an active role in my health and recovery and it helped my mood and attitude. I really loved my walks and bonded more with my friends and family. There was only bad clothes never bad weather!
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You are wise asking for walkers more than casseroles. That is a special intimacy itself. Bodies are designed for activity.
We lost a beautiful niece at 41 after several years of struggle against colon cancer found at stage 4. The support system makes so much difference. She had much support except the most critical. Her spouse had no clue, even remarried promptly after her loss.
Everybody else did all that could be done, but all she ever wanted in life was to be a good (obedient-in-that-culture) wife and mom. Her last visit to the hospital she looked like a beautiful 61-year-old lady and went downhill within months, the last in a good hospice facility.
I can only think that with even rational spousal behavior, at least her last months might have been more pleasant.
Everybody, EVERYBODY must get fully involved intimately and make certain the closest inner circle has everything, EVERYTHING to encourage the cancer survivor/patient. EVERY DAY IS PRECIOUS, good, bad, many or few.
Surgery took my stage 1 on 12/30/16, the first in my family, days after my first colonoscopy at 62. My next colonoscopy will be more timely, as will be anybody’s that I can reach.
Thanks for sharing your story Fred! Best wishes Barbara
Babara Omg you are amazing
I hope your health is ok
Nice to meet to you
Happy holidays
Next time at Omar
I’m coming up on my first year after resection for Colon cancer. Scary time