Introduction.

My name is Angela. I usually go by Mama or Mama Fox. For some reason Chemo Mom just rolled off my tongue easier than Chemo Mama. Meh.

I am 32 years old and was recently diagnosed with stage 3/4 colon and small bowel cancer with mets to the lymphatic system. I am young for this type of cancer in a typical setting but, I have a very strong family history of this type of cancer at about this age. I was told on Tuesday that I do meet the diagnostic criteria for Lynch Syndrome. This explains my 'young age' for this type of cancer.

I have an amazing husband who I'll refer to as The Mister. He is serving our country on active duty AND taking care of myself and our two sons. I told you he's amazing. The Mister has also been dealing with some chronic back pain that we are hoping will be healing and alleviated soon. He is having surgery next week, on the 15th. He has to have two lumbar fused (L4 and L5) to treat Spinal Stenosis and congenital Spondylolisthesis. Both issues can cause chronic debilitating pain that his job only adds to. We are really hoping this surgery is a success and he can find some relief soon.

We have two boys, Big brother is 8 and in 3rd grade. Little brother is 6 and in 1st grade. We also have an angel girl in heaven. She would have been 10 at the end of this month. There's a little more detail down at the bottom of this post. All three of my children have brought so much love and joy to my life. They have all taught me so much...different lessons from each of them. I am so thankful for them.

For those that are just joining this battle with me here is a run down of my diagnosis. I'll get in to some of the symptoms and complications that lead to the diagnosis in a later post.


July 2nd-'positive' colonoscopy.

August 3rd-Orthrascopic transverse colon tumor resection turned into a surprise tumor found in the small intestine and an 'open' surgery for more exploration and removal of two sections of colon.

August 9th-Discharged from the hospital.

September 8th- Started FOLFOX 6. Chemotherapy for colon cancer and mets.



I feel that before I close today I should also mention that this is not my first experience with cancer and it's treatment. My daughter, Hadley, was diagnosed at age 3 1/2 with a brain tumor. She fought it for 4 1/2 years. Her earthly body finally failed her on 12/12/08. She was 8 years old. So, for those of you came here 'hoping' to find a mom blogging about her journey as a mom a of a chemo kid. I imagine there will be some of that as well. <3

Thank you for stopping by. This blog is really more of a place for me to journal my side effects and major events for future reference...but, I decided to make it public to help keep my friends and family up to date and also in the off chance that it could help someone in a similar situation as mine or one who is making treatment choices and would like a been there done that account of side effects and effectiveness of treatment. Whatever your reason for being here I hope you find your needs met.

Have a great day!