Although she is 81, Fay Alliston has the vitality of someone decades younger. The retired teacher of 36 years and mother of two lives in Bay St. Louis with her husband, Woody, two dogs and two cats. She still works with children in the nursery of her church and loves being outside tending to her plants and flowers.
MY HEALTH CHALLENGE
I had a terrible stomachache in early August that brought me to the emergency room. I have never been sick, take no medications and have only had surgery to deliver my children, so I wasn’t very worried. The emergency room doctor came in, examined me and ordered a CT scan. He walked into the room and said, “You have colon cancer with lesions on your liver.”
From there, it was a whirlwind. I was admitted to the hospital, and surgery was performed that day to remove a large piece of my colon. I spent three weeks in a rehab facility recovering, and after that, I was sent for X-rays and scans. These revealed a lump in my breast that led to a mastectomy the week before Christmas.
MY APPROACH
I always remain positive. I am not scared. My oncologist told me at one of my first appointments that attitude plays a huge role in the treatment. I believe that! I have the support of my family, who are with me for every appointment, and many friends, who call every day and drive me places when needed. I also have been blessed with the best doctors anyone could ask for. One day at a time is the philosophy I live by through all of this.
MY TREATMENT
I receive chemo and lab work every two weeks and will for the rest of my life. I am lucky that the treatments so far have not made me as sick, as I was told was possible, and I am so hopeful that continues. The chemo has affected my magnesium levels, so I have needed additional infusions to replenish that occasionally. I have a skin rash that occurs for a few days following chemo, but my doctor says that means the chemo is doing its job — so I don’t complain! I also get more tired than I used to, but I have learned to just rest when my body tells me to.
THE HARDEST PART
The hardest part is not being able to do as much as I used to do and the repeat side effects every couple of weeks, even though I am lucky they are minimal. Keeping up with all the appointments and procedures has been a bit overwhelming, but my family and friends have tackled a lot of that for me. They make sure I get where I am supposed to be when I am supposed to be there.
WHAT LIFE IS LIKE NOW
Schedule! Schedule! Schedule! Being retired so long, I was used to coming and going as I pleased with not much of a schedule, but all that has changed. I lean on my family and friends and appreciate the small things more than ever!
MY ADVICE TO OTHERS
Pay attention to your body, and take the time to go for preventative tests and screenings. Find doctors like mine who are kind and take the time to listen and respond to your questions and concerns. Smile and always keep an “I’ve-got-this” attitude. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help!