Living and Loving with Cancer
- Country Ever After star Criscilla Anderson, 44, has inspired so many with her fierce attitude while living with advanced colon cancer, and is reminding the world just how much she cherishes her loving and supportive husband Coffey Anderson, posting a moving tribute to the country artist on his 46th birthday.
- Three years after Criscilla’s initial late-stage diagnosis in 2018, she remarkably showed no evidence of disease (NED) in 2021, but early the following year, was devastated to learn that the disease had returned. Though stage 4 colon cancer is not considered curable, it is possible to manage it as a disease, as Criscilla has tirelessly shown. The goal is to improve the quality of life as much as possible while keeping the cancer at bay.
- If you’re at average risk for this type of cancer, meaning you don’t have risk factors like smoking or a family history, the American Cancer Society advises getting regular colonoscopies once you turn 45, and as early as 35 if you do have a heightened risk.
- Feeling support from a significant other, family members or friends can help you express your feelings and maintain a positive attitude during a health battle. Dr. Marianna Strongin, in a prior chat with SurvivorNet, said that it’s “important that you surround yourself with individuals who care and support you throughout your treatment.”
“Happy Birthday to my amazing husband. What an incredible husband and father,” the mom of four (and former Britney Spear backup dancer) began Sunday on Instagram. “He works so hard for us. He loves us. He thinks ahead. He makes sure we are safe, he provides so much. He makes us laugh and roll our eyes with his dad jokes😂 he’s our person.”
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The “Mr Red Right and Blue” singer was quick to respond to his wife of 15 years in the comments, “Thank you for such a kind and thoughtful video. You have made this day so special in every way. Thank you @criscilla.”
In the montage to Eddie Tom’s version of “You’re Still the One,” originally by Shania Twain, Criscilla shared photos and clips of sweet memories, such as the duo smooching at a concert, snuggling at home with their children, and of course, Coffey’s cheesy dad dance moves.
In October, Criscilla shared that Coffey has been holding down the fort at their Dallas home while she gets care in Los Angeles.
“For those that don’t know I’ve been flying to California every other week for the past 20 months,” she wrote in one of her last health updates. “Needless to say the traveling gets old but I’m in the absolute best care over here at City of Hope. The cancer is currently in my lungs, my liver (recently surgically removed) and peritoneal abdominal cavity (lower back) – let us pray that this trial not only shrinks the cancer but that God gives a miracle and dissolves this disease completely.”
“I have so much life to live and I want to watch my babies grow up. And grow old with my husband. They deserve that. So here we are,” Criscilla added, noting how much she cherishes life’s “simpler moments,” a perspective many shift to when facing something as challenging as cancer.
Criscilla Anderson’s Colon Cancer Journey
Three years after Criscilla’s initial stage 4 diagnosis in 2018, she remarkably showed no evidence of disease (NED) in 2021, but the cancer unfortunately came back in early 2022.
With stage 4 cancer colon cancer, it is not curable, but is possible to manage it as a disease. The goal is to improve the quality of life as much as possible while keeping the cancer at bay. Stage 4 colon cancer means the cancer has spread beyond the colon and onto other parts of the body.
Ever since her diagnosis, Criscilla has warmed the hearts of fans with her high energy and zest for life as she juggles mom duties, following her dreams and supporting her husband’s endeavors — all while living with this unfair disease. The spirited dancer and actress has coached and performed with the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders amid her chemotherapy treatments, and performed with the legendary Dolly Parton and country star Keith Urban at the 2023 American Country Music Awards.
Evidently headstrong, Criscilla is the definition of someone who will never give up on living life to the fullest while trying to overcome her disease.
There are multiple treatment options available for patients with stage four disease which include both surgical and non-surgical options depending on patient factors, including location and extent of disease and performance status.
Clinical Trials for Colon Cancer Can Offer Cutting-Edge Treatment
With the development of new therapies for metastatic colorectal cancer, there have been improvements in survival. Many of these treatment options involve a multidisciplinary approach, and should be tailored to the individual patient depending on the location and the extent of metastatic disease.
Screening for Colon Cancer
When it comes to colon cancer prevention, screening is extremely important. Most colon cancers can actually be prevented if people are regularly screened. In fact, the incidence of colon cancer in the United States has been going down over the past two decades, and much of that reduction is thought to be due to screening.
If you’re at average risk, meaning you don’t have risk factors like smoking or a family history, the American Cancer Society advises getting regular colonoscopies once you turn 45. Colonoscopy is a test that uses a long, thin tube attached to a camera, which lets your doctor check for polyps throughout your whole colon and rectum. You’ll get one colonoscopy that will serve as a baseline, and, if your doctor doesn’t find any polyps, you’ll have another one in 10 years.
Managing Late-Stage Colon Cancer
If you are diagnosed and treated for colon cancer, it is important to continue to follow up with your doctor after treatment, even if your cancer is considered cured, to make sure that it doesn’t come back.
The Power of Support
Finding light through cancer is often difficult, but you can allow your partner or a loved one to lift you up on days where you may need an extra boost.
Bob Carey helped his partner Linda laugh through an aggressive breast cancer diagnosis. He was working on a client project that involved ballet, and had a pink tutu. Carey took ridiculous photos in the tutu, and made his wife laugh.
What is your pink tutu?
To this day, he runs The Tutu Project, a foundation he started. “Things happen in our life, and I think everybody should have their pink tutu,” he says. “Not a literal pink tutu, but anything that you’re passionate about, something you could go to when times get hard.”
‘Surround Yourself with Care’
Feeling support from a significant other, family members or friends can help you express your feelings and maintain a positive attitude during a health battle.
Licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Marianna Strongin, in a prior chat with SurvivorNet, stressed that it’s “important that you surround yourself with individuals who care and support you throughout your treatment,” which can be an “arduous chapter.”
“Going through treatment is a very vulnerable and emotionally exhausting experience,” she continued. “Noticing what you have strength for and what is feeling like too much extremely important to pay attention to as you navigate treatment.”
Managing Anxiety During Cancer
Dr. Shelly Tworoger, a researcher at Moffitt Cancer Center previously told SurvivorNet that “there’s a number of common things cancer patients can experience, such as anxiety, depression, financial toxicity, social isolation and sometimes even PTSD.”
Helping to ease those feelings is a great way to support your loved one. You can help complete household chores or run errands during the day, which your loved one may not have the time or energy to do. Or you can simply lend an ear so they can talk through their feelings, which can help them cope with the multitude of fluctuating feelings they are experiencing during this difficult time.
Contributing by SurvivorNet staff.
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