My mom's cancer journey actually began over fourteen years ago.  

In November of 2009, shortly after the arrival of her 5th grand child and just before her 40th wedding anniversary, Judy was diagnosed with colon cancer.  This required surgery to remove the tumor and part of her colon, and to determine if it has spread.

On January 7, 2010 she underwent an extensive surgery, spent a week in the hospital, and more time at home recovering.  Thankfully, her cancer was caught early, and had not spread, and no additional treatments were needed.

More than just cancer

Part of Judy's oncology appointment included taking a full family history of cancer.  Her dad had colon cancer, and passed away in 1997.  Her mom had endometrial cancer and passed away in 1991.  Additionally, several of her mother's siblings had different types of cancer (kidney, colon, bladder, etc.).

After hearing about Judy's extensive family history of cancer, her oncologist talked to her about Lynch Syndrome.  Lynch syndrome is a condition that increases the risk of many types of cancer and is passed on genetically.  He recommended that she undergo genetic testing to see if her cancer was Lynch related. The testing confirmed the doctor's suspicions, and they were able to identify the genetic mutation that she carries.  Because Lynch is a genetic mutation, it was recommended that all five of her children have the genetic testing done to determine if any of them had inherited the mutation.  While each of us had a 50/50 chance of carrying the gene, only one of us has the Lynch mutation.  

Ongoing testing

Over the next 14 years, Judy continued to have screenings to watch for the reemergence of her cancer.  

She has had endoscopies and colonoscopies every other year to monitor her stomach and colon.

She had a hysterectomy several years before her cancer diagnosis, so there wasn't any concern of endometrial cancer.

Other health issues

While mom's cancer screenings were all good for 14 years, she has had other physical battles.

In October of 2011, she had a bowel blockage, which required surgery and another lengthy hospital stay. 

After having her colon cancer surgery, she also had issues with her bladder which required a surgery for a bladder sling (not uncommon among women who have had multiple children, a hysterectomy, and part of their bowel removed). 

Therefore, Judy has been seeing an urologist for several years. 

New diagnosis - Round Two

In February, her urologist performed a procedure on her bladder, and was concerned about what she found.  She took several biopsies, and also ordered an MRI. 

In early March, she was diagnosed with squamous cell bladder cancer.  Since then, additional testing has been completed.  Biopsies were sent to MAYO clinic, which confirmed that her bladder cancer is also related to her Lynch.  She also had a CT scan to check to see if it had spread to other places.  Thankfully, it looks like it is contained to her bladder area.

What's next?