May 2007 Archives

Family & Friends:

Help us find a cure for Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

Russ and I will again be participating in the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) charity golf marathon. This year's event will be held on Monday, June 4. This is one of the largest fund raising events for the Michigan chapter of CCFA.

My participation this year will be limited to putting (I have always needed to focus on my short game….and my long game…and the medium game….) as my Ulcerative Colitis took me on a challenging path this year. In case you haven’t heard….

I had a routine colonoscopy the day after Christmas and received the news shortly afterward that I had a pre-cancerous condition (They gave me a 90-95% chance of getting or having colon cancer) and recommended that I have my colon removed. At 36 years of age, you never expect that you’d have to have an operation such as this, but knowing that the operation would give me the best chance at a normal life expectancy so I can be around for my kinds, it was a no-brainer. The operation also “Cured” my UC as since UC is a disease that only affects the colon, you can’t have it if you don’t have one any longer.

I had the operation on March 19th and while the operation went well, I developed many small complications (Infection, blood clots in both legs, dehydration, fevers, etc.) which made my recovery a little more challenging. Even without those complications, being recovered enough for the golf outing was probably a bit optimistic, but I look forward to getting back out there and showing my support for a cause that is near and dear to my heart (and digestive tract).

For those of you not familiar, Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis (UC) are serious inflammatory diseases of the GI tract and have similar symptoms and treatments. Both diseases are chronic. There is no known cause. Medication currently available decreases inflammation and usually controls the symptoms, but does not provide a cure.

Unfortunately, we both have been diagnosed with these diseases and have been living with their ups and downs ever since. For Russ it's been 12 years with Crohn's; for me, it's been 10 years with UC. With the birth of our children [Russ (Mia) and mine (Colin & Sam)], staying healthy has taken on extra meaning for both of us. Our goal for this year is to raise $3,500 toward the overall amount.

Several of you have given generously in the past and we are truly grateful for your support. If you wish to make a contribution towards this year’s goal, please let me or Russ know by June 2.

Checks should be made payable to "CCFA" and can be sent directly to either of us (See addresses below).

You can use this link to make an on-line credit card donation. (Click on the "Roger", "Russ'" or "General Foursome" tab).

Of course, all contributions are tax deductible and the CCFA will send you a letter confirming your donation.

Thanks again for your consideration,
Russ and Roger

In his own words.

For once, I thought it would be nice to send an update that didn't include me having another stay in the hospital. So here is my current update:
I am still at home and taking IV fluids twice a day. My incision is healing nicely, though, not yet closed up (But it seems to be getting closer every day.) I still have a drain tube in my abdomen but it has slowed down considerably so hopefully it will come out soon (I'll have to have a CT scan to confirm the fluid it is draining has dried up). I am sure I will be feeling a ton better once I get these tubes out and my incision is closed up.I see my surgeon next Tuesday and will hopefully have good news that things are returning to normal (Provided I am able to get my hydration under control).
My energy level has been increasing and my appetite has been great. Hopefully, that will help me put back a few pounds on. I have been feeling pretty good and doing a little more around the house each day, though I do get tired quickly. Luckily, my Mother-In-Law, Sue, is here with me to chase Sam around and do the lifting. I am so thankful for all of her help on a daily basis. Also, I owe Wendy so much for keeping the household running and just doing everything. She is truly amazing!!
Overall, it has been a slow process, but I feel like things are headed in the right direction and I will start feeling "Normal" again soon.
Thank you all for your support. It has truly been overwhelming but very much appreciated. I am so lucky to have such a great support network. You are all part of that and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
-Roger