Colon Cancer at 33
By Donna Glass
Milan, pronounced with the long "i" sound is a healthy and fit 34-year-old. He is a smart, pragmatic and caring individual. He is wise beyond his age. Milan Limbo has lived on the Central Coast since 2000. He has an older brother who's married and lives in Oregon, and although his mother passed away 6 years ago, he's very fortunate to still have his supportive dad. Milan works in the Elections division of the San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder Office.
Milan's cancer story is incredible and hard to imagine at the same time. It all began in January 2022 when one day he began having lower abdomen pains on his left side in the morning. He thought that he had eaten something that didn't agree with him. Since Milan rarely gets sick and isn't a drinker or smoker, he felt that there was no reason to suspect that he had any serious problem, let alone cancer. The pain came in gentle waves at first and then began to get worse. He drove himself to a medical walk-in clinic that early afternoon but because of Covid restrictions at the time, was unable to get an appointment. Milan ended up going to the ER at Arroyo Grande Hospital. It was recommended that he drink lots of fluids but if the symptoms became worse, he should return to the ER. He went home and the pain began to get progressively worse and more acute as it approached evening. He then thought that he might have a hernia and decided to go back to the ER at Arroyo Grande Hospital around midnight. Milan remembers the pain at that point being excruciating and unbelievable. After an hour, he was given blood tests and a CT scan. After a wait within hours more, the doctor returned and told him that he had a cancerous tumor in his colon and that he needed surgery immediately; it was a matter of life and death. With no time to process the diagnosis or think about options, he knew that it was what had to be done. He called his dad and was soon in the OR.
Milan had a great surgeon that removed his cancerous tumor (9.4 cm), 23 lymph nodes and part of his large intestine. He had to have a colostomy bag attached to his side and spent the next few weeks in the hospital. He was then released to go home but after 2 days being back, he had to be re-admitted to the hospital for about 6 weeks more due to needing special care with his recovery and being on an IV feeding tube. Milan left the hospital in March and was able to return to work½ days. Although, Milan was recovering, he still had some discomfort & pain and couldn't eat solid foods for months.
Milan was diagnosed with Sigmoid Colon Cancer, Stage II. Although, a common cancer, it is rare for someone in their 30's to have that type of cancer.
Milan was referred to oncologist, Dr. Erick Hjortsvang with PCR Oncology. He was told that his cancer had a 7% reoccurrence _but if he were to receive Chemotherapy treatment, his cancer would have a 3% reoccurrence. Milan chose to go ahead with the treatment which consisted of 12 weeks with 6 two-week cycles. He would be prepped, receive a 1st bolus dose and then go home with an Infusion Pump. He would return after 46 hours to have the pump removed from his port. He would have the next week of rest and then start the treatment all over again. Milan remembers the side effects of nauseousness and fatigue being the hardest part of dealing with the treatment. He was very grateful that his dad was there to help him through those difficult times. Milan's treatment ended last June 2022.
Milan's last 2 CT scans of tumor markers and lab reports look good, his cancer is in remission. He will have check-ups every 3 months the first 2 years, every 6 months during years 3 & 4 and then a once-a-year check-up at the 5-year mark. His goal is to be Cancer-free in 5 years. Milan's prognosis is good.
Throughout Milan's cancer experience, he has been able to see the silver linings. He has met a lot of kind people and credits the doctors & healthcare workers for helping him get through his cancer this past year. Milan maintains a positive outlook and feels that there are so many others in worse situations. He also feels that whatever may come his way, he will be able to deal with it.
Since his treatments have ended, his colostomy bag was reversed, and he no longer has the pain. He also has met someone that he proudly calls his girlfriend who is very supportive and amazing. He's at a good place in his life and feels grateful for making it through the past year with all the challenges and obstacles that came his way.
During this interview, I have appreciated Milan's honesty, openness and thoughtfulness.
He doesn't feel that he's any more special than the other person, but I am astounded by his story and how well he handled himself throughout the entire ordeal with his cancer journey.
Milan hopes that his story will help give some insight about cancer, give hope to others and encourage them to understand that the process won't be the same for everyone but there can be a good outcome.
