On January 28th this year I was diagnosed with colon cancer (stage 4). I underwent a surgical procedure that night to remove a tumor from my colon (along with a kidney and my appendix) and another on February 1st to “put things back together”.
I started FOLFOX chemotherapy on March 18th and this week had the 6th of my 12 treatments. I had a PET scan last week that indicates that the chemo is working and that the areas of cancer that were visible on my PET scan from mid-March appear to have been resolved.
I’ve got incredibly caring and generous family and friends for a support system and doctors I have confidence in. While cancer will always be something I need to be wary of (routine screening, etc. for recurrence), I’m optimistic that I’ll be able to put this largely behind me and get back to focusing on the people and things that I love.
So the last four months have been a bit of a whirlwind. I was on a family vacation in Hawaii when the symptoms became acute. After a clinic and ER visit in Hawaii turned up nothing, I went to my primary care physician on Monday after a red-eye flight got us home that morning. He referred us to the ER for a surgical consult and I was under the knife that evening.
The initial thought was that I likely had an obstruction or twist in my bowel, but the surgeon found a tumor about the size of a lemon that had grown in and around my colon, and had closed it off. The cancer was impacting my left ureter so that kidney had to be removed as well. While they were in there, they also took out my appendix (yay!).
The good news is that only having one kidney isn’t actually that limiting. I was recommended to keep a 1-to-1 scotch to water ratio when appropriate and to avoid ibuprofen (as it is processed through the kidneys), but other than that I have very few limitations. One of my golf buddies turned 60 last summer and he’s had only one kidney since he was a toddler.
The recovery from the surgery was more arduous than I expected. I’d had out-patient surgery in the past and falsely assumed that when you left the hospital, you were pretty much recovered. That definitely wasn’t the case this time.
I was in the hospital for about 10 days and I wasn’t able to digest anything the prior week either, so I ended up losing about 30 pounds (roughly 18% of my body weight). I was weak and scary-skinny (I’d lost weight intentionally over the last few years and didn’t have 30 more pounds to lose). It took about a full month after my discharge before I was able to fully stand up straight or lie down flat to sleep. I couldn’t walk much for a while and there was significant pain as the ~8 inch abdominal incision healed.
I’m back up to ~164 pounds now (I was about ~168 previously) and am able to work out enough on my non-treatment weeks to keep my strength up a bit.
Telling people you have cancer is a bit weird. It’s big, heavy news and they just have to sit there and take it. In effect, you’re calling up your closest friends and family and making them feel bad. Once they get over the initial shock though, it certainly is nice to have them along for the journey. This is the first I’ve spoken about my cancer publicly, but I haven’t tried to keep it a secret. The support I’ve received from everyone has been wonderful.
The chemotherapy is interesting. Basically it’s a slow poisoning with some nasty side effects. One of these is fatigue. This is very noticeable in the first week following the infusion, but is much better in the “off” week. The fatigue manifests itself in interesting ways. There is the physical side, which I expected, and the mental side, which I did not.
The mental fatigue, for me, results in a difficulty focusing intently. I can digest short articles but can’t read books. I can do little development projects, but can’t dive headlong into something complex. I have trouble summoning the focus necessary to review other’s work or create content (which is annoying as we’re currently working on content for a new crowdfavorite.com site).
The “off” weeks are much better. The nausea is basically gone, and the other side effects are greatly diminished. I’ve been able to return to occasional golfing, helping with my daughter’s soccer practice, and return to a full work schedule (on those weeks).
I will also be attending a few conferences this summer, OwnerCamp and WordCamp San Francisco. This fall you’ll find me, again, at Monktoberfest and PressNomics – both events that Crowd Favorite is proud to sponsor.
Five years ago I set up life insurance policies. Two years ago I went through the process to set up formal succession plans for Crowd Favorite. Last summer I took steps to remove myself from the critical path on the project work we do at Crowd Favorite; returning to a more active role in development, architecture, etc. As part of that process, we strengthened our project management team and formalized some of our best practices as policies. In the fall, my wife also left her full time job of 16 years to take on a part time consulting position.
As it turns out, all of this pre-planning (plus the serendipitous freedom in my wife’s schedule) paid off big time. When I had to step away for a few months, Crowd Favorite was able to continue to thrive in my absence. I’m incredibly proud of and grateful to my team, and I’ve really enjoyed being back working with them in a half-time capacity for the last few months.
While building a team brings with it a certain set of challenges and satisfactions, I’m really enjoying the ability to spend more of my time actually coding (Capsule is an example of a recent release). I’m excited about the client and internal projects we’re working on, and how we’re continually improving the craftsmanship of our work (adopting new technologies, automating best practices, etc.).
Cancer is something I’m going to be dealing with in some regard for the rest of my life, but I won’t let it define me.
This post is part of the following threads: Cancer, Life Events – ongoing stories on this site. View the thread timelines for more context on this post.
Wow, scary stuff. Glad to hear you’re working through it and doing better. See you at WCSF!
#cancersucks
Main take-away here isn’t cancer, it’s succession. RT @alexkingorg: On 1/28, I was diagnosed with colon cancer. http://t.co/yp17Z3ghD9
@alexkingorg Thanks for sharing. Very inspiring, not because of the cancer, but because of the pre-planning.
@alexkingorg Ugh. Sorry to hear. Courageous tale. Best wishes, Alex.
@alexkingorg I hope you are cancer free by the end of your treatments!
RT @alexkingorg: On January 28th I was diagnosed with colon cancer. http://t.co/ne1tp6YJU8
Man Alex – what a story. Stay strong!
Wow, Alex. Thanks for sharing your story with us. So sorry you had to go through this, but I’m happy to hear you’re on the other side of it now.
My Dad had colon cancer about a year ago, and I had my own “scare” late last year. During that time, I was challenged to create a succession plan for my own business. Sadly, it’s not until we’re face to face with those hard realities that we’ve motivated to make those changes.
On the upside, it certainly helps put our work into perspective and remind us what’s truly important in life.
Thanks again for sharing, and I look forward to seeing you at Pressnomics this year!
@alexkingorg Thank you for sharing, hope you are feeling better. Stay strong.
REALLY glad to hear you’re doing better and coming through the surgeries and chemo with positive/encouraging results. Its a hard road, Alex and I hate to hear that you’re going through it. Sounds like you have an amazing support system with your friends, family and team … that is so important and I’m glad that you have that.
See you at WCSF in July! One of those ‘1-to-1 scotch to water ratio’ drinks on me – we’ll toast your recovery!
Glad to hear you’re on the up, stay that way! RT @alexkingorg: On January 28th I was diagnosed with colon cancer. http://t.co/0WaDOydpFf
Man, it’s really awesome to see you pushing through it all. Best of luck to you.
@alexkingorg That was a great article. Thanks for writing it.
Be strong.. You are an amazing man.
Alex, thanks for sharing your story. You are inspirational! Sending positive thoughts your way : )
@alexkingorg Great post — looking forward to having you back all of the weeks 🙂
Thanks for sharing your story, Alex.
While, I’m so sorry to hear about the diagnosis, surgeries, and the frustrating side-effects you’re experiencing, I’m really glad you’re recovering and that the chemo seems to be doing its job.
I’ve had one kidney for 10 years and have been appendix-free since age 12 and neither have negatively affected me. The recovery from kidney surgery was also a lot slower than I expected too.
See you at WordCamp San Francisco.
You are an inspiration Alex. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
@alexkingorg Very inspiring, thank you for sharing, look forward to hearing from you at @PressNomics again.
@alexkingorg Wow! That is scary, but I’m glad things seem to be better and hope it stays that way
Hey Alex.
Thanks for sharing your story. Glad to hear you’re on the upswing and have secured such a positive mental attitude.
I’ve been living with one kidney since I was about two years old. It’s amazing that we can be pretty much fine with just one.
Maybe will bump into you at WCSF
@alexkingorg Great post. Really happy to hear the PET scan delivered good news.
WOW mate thats amazing story thanks for sharing.
My father had colon cancer 4 years ago and is doing well and cancer free.
@alexkingorg fuck. If there’s some strange way I/we can help, let us know.
#fuckcancer @alexkingorg talks about being diagnosed with colon cancer a few few months ago: http://t.co/ZuRuuh41GN
Strong man
Bad news followed by great news of you pushing through. Keep well.
Glad you are on a path to recovery!
What an amazing story, Alex. I had no idea all this was going on. Having quite a few family members affected by cancer, your story really moved me. You’re an inspiration and incredibly strong to battle this. I know you’re a fighter, so keep on fighting!!! You are certainly in my thoughts and prayers.
@alexkingorg Thanks for sharing Alex and great to hear you’re on a solid path to recovery. Looking forward to seeing you in October.
Stay strong! You can beat it all the way to the end!
Stay strong fella. You got this.
Nightmare. stay strong!
Thanks for writing this Alex. You’ve been in my thoughts.
@alexkingorg Whoa. Our prayers are with you — glad to hear the cancer is responding to treatment!
Cancer is awful. But @alexkingorg’s story and strength is inspiring. http://t.co/U7x1ZZk9E4
@Krogsgard @alexkingorg Wow, that was surprising, but glad recovery looks good. One of my first go-to’s for WP plugins back in the day.
May the Force be with you.
@alexkingorg Stay strong and positive. At least you got rid of that annoying appendix.
So glad to hear that future looks long and positive after surgery and treatments.
Happy for your recovery Alex! Keep on trucking, I know you will succeed!
Alex, Geez!!! Let us know what we can do to help. I’m not just saying that either. I know you’d do the same for us if we were in your situation. You’re in our thoughts. Much love.
Have been in awe of your courage and positive outlook. So happy to hear these scan results. More than you know. Love you, bro:).
Thank you for writing so well about it.
Alex, you are one heck of an amazing man. I’ve always had the utmost respect and admiration for you. This article brought tears to my eyes. Cancer has touched my family a few times and though I have a very different disease, it was refreshing to hear someone articulate how mentally exhausting illness can be. You are an inspiration and I’m grateful to know you. Sending you prayers for daily improvement and lots of love to you and your family.
@alexkingorg Shit! Wow! Glad you’re doing much better.
I have some questions for you when I see you at #wcsf, questions twitter can’t manage
Thinking about you Alex
@alexkingorg Wow. That’s a hell of a thing. Hope you continue to recover. (Congratulations on being prepared in your business too.)
Alex, I hope have a fast recovery.
[…] 9. Alex King on Cancer […]
So happy the treatment is going well. You will be fixing my golf swing in no time!
Adams Family is praying for you Alex. Keep positive buddy.
To a strong recovery!!! http://t.co/KbNI3yCXTZ
@alexkingorg thank you for sharing. The more people that are open about issues like this brings greater understanding to general population.
@alexkingorg which might inspire and parlay into more companies doing research and analyzing data into ways that can help
@alexkingorg speechless but very glad to hear you’re on the right track. Look forward to seeing you @ WCSF.
I wish you all the strength to get through this.
I was thrilled to install and play with Capsule just yesterday. Wonderful tool that! Thank you!
For every sad story, like @kate_voth losing her fight w/brain cancer, there’s great ones like @alexkingorg beating it http://t.co/KusFBjYVaw
Inspiring story from @alexkingorg: On January 28th I was diagnosed with colon cancer. http://t.co/zJDPOX13Pq
Good luck, sincerely
@alexkingorg I’m really sorry to hear about your trouble, but I’m glad you are on the mend. Good luck to you and your family!
Thank you for sharing the details of your recovery Alex. Your taking the time might get others in for colonoscopy screening. I think I’ll get mine done this year now. God continues to bless you.
my friend @alexkingorg was diagnosed with cancer in January. it is not possible to handle that better than he has: http://t.co/7kyHpsRE7A
@sogrady had no idea! get better @alexkingorg, great and heart-felt read!
@alexkingorg Your post aught me completely off guard. We haven’t had the opportunity to meet yet but my thoughts and prayers go out to you.
@alexkingorg I am stumped. Very good to hear that you’re a fighter. Be strong.
Goodonya Alex, glad to hear that things are progressing well, must’ve been a pretty tough experience!
Alex, just read this. Keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
@alexkingorg Wow… I don’t know what to say other than thank you for posting your story, and I wish you all the best.
Sending good thoughts your direction, Alex! Thank you for fighting through this, and I look forward to seeing you at WCSF!
Alex, hugs for your sweet family from Austin. Know it must have been an extremely long four+ months. So happy to read the good results and will be thinking of you often. Godspeed.
Best wishes, Alex.
What a challenge. Stay positive! We’re all here for you.
A story about cancer — I’ve had this saved in Reeder for a couple of weeks. I’m pulling for you @alexkingorg http://t.co/rG8IT8zFIM
Hoping for the best for you Alex! You are a role-model to people everywhere so I think that’s what defines you. When I saw you speak at WordCamp Denver 2012 you blew my mind! You are the Man.
All the best Alex, I’, sure you’re doing better every day. I’ll be at Pressnomics and looking forward to meeting you, someone who I’ve followed online and admired for many years and never actually spoken to.
When you give up eating and then come back to it, how does the experience change?
I’ve got a hug for you when I see you in SF.
It’s amazing how much can happen in such a short time and how fragile our existence is. Thank you so much for posting this. I’m going to re-prioritize my weekend and finally dot my i’s cross my t’s on my trust docs and apply for some life insurance for me and my wife.
See you in SF my friend.
Alex, thank you for sharing your story. I look forward to meeting you at Owner Camp today!
I had seen this a few weeks back and wanted to comment but didn’t so I’m here to comment for real:
Wishing you nothing but the best and you and your family are in my thoughts. I can’t even imagine what this must be like for you and your family and I’m so impressed with your strength and your candor.
Best wishes.
I’m a cancer survivor, too. I had lymphoma. Diffuse, large, “B”-cell lymphoma (non-Hodgkins), to be precise. That was five years ago. Next week I go in for my regular CT scan to check and make sure it hasn’t come back, but I know it almost certainly won’t have.
My father beat colon cancer almost ten years ago now.
Thankfully, cancer is far less lethal now than it was even ten or fifteen years ago. And, at this point, you’ll almost certainly not die from the cancer. Maintain you positive attitude and you’ll come through it okay.
Cancer will change your life, I guarantee it. And, in ways that you cannot possibly anticipate even now. If you find yourself struggling with the mental and emotion aspects of it, I recommend that you pick up a copy of Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankel. It’s a very interesting look at hope, fear, and who survives the worst things life can throw at them and who doesn’t. But, from the sound of things, you probably won’t need it.
Hang in there, stay positive and don’t hesitate to reach out if you want to talk.
[…] July 1st, soon after reading Alex King’s stirring post, I set a goal of losing almost 33 pounds by September 18th. That way, when I would go on vacation […]