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Page 19 Dissociation Many people note that upon learning of their diagnosis they were completely objective, calm and felt nothing at all, as if they were outside of their body observing this happening to someone else. This is called dissociation. Dissociation temporarily allows you to absorb information without emotional pain. Childlike or nonsensical behavior Some people note that they said and did things that made no sense, sometimes quite childlike things. This can be a seeking of comfort in happier times, technically called regression: When my husband phoned to say his CT scan showed what was almost certainly cancer, I left my office immediately.

This procedure has only been used in the US for about six years, so I'm fortunate to be able to have this done and not have a colostomy at all. Page 11 Shelly's story Shelly Weiler was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer in 1998. Sadly, he passed away in February 1999, but his life and his experience were nonetheless meaningful because he showed us how to confront cancer with honor and integrity. Shelly's story and the stories of others who have survived are interwoven throughout this book In this passage, Shelly tells of his first experiences with diagnosis: I had two successive years where I was told my blood work from my annual physical was normal.

Surely it's hemorrhoids. But then I gradually began having frequent bowel movements and finally made an appointment. Well, it was fast and furious from that moment on. Blood work found anemia, a colonoscopy found a tumor in the rectosigmoid junction. My team of doctors who worked together to form a plan included my GI doctor, radiology oncologist, oncologist, and surgeon. Then CAT scan, chest x-rays. I quickly began chemotherapyenhanced radiation, 27 sessions with a 6-week break, before the resection surgery.