Newly Diagnosed

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CLJ22
CLJ22 Member Posts: 1
in Colorectal Cancer #1
Hello all,

I joined the CNS website today and have been browsing while at work. From what I see this is a great network with many knowledgeable and helpful people.

Quick description of myself:

On 10/6 I went to my family physician with stomach pains; other than the stomach pains I had thought of myself as a very healthy 24 year old(I ran the Twin Cities Marathon just 4 days prior). My physician suggested I go to the emergency room. Within 72 hours of visiting my physician I had been diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer and had undergone surgery to remove part of my colon, some lymph nodes, and part of my omentum(where the cancer had metastasized).

I am starting chemo next week on 11/10. My chemo schedule as of right now is an in office administration of chemo followed by a 2 day at home injection through a pump. This is scheduled to last every 2 weeks for 6 months.

I have 2 questions:

1. As someone who is starting chemo in a week does anyone have some helpful tips to prepare/use during my chemo treatment?

2. Does anyone know of some good literature about positive thinking and hope that I can read during these tough times?

All responses are greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Chace

Comments

  • stevec2
    stevec2 Member Posts: 2
    #2
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    Side effects are different
    Side effects are different depending on which treatment you are on. I began on the 5 fu treatments. The biggest side effects are Fatigue and nausea. Can't do much about the fatigue just sleep but it really didn't help. Make sure you have the Nausea medicines before you leave chemo. You don't want to get that feeling and have to go to the pharmacy to have them filled. Jaw pain when you first start to chew and sensitivity to cold are two other aggravating side effects. The jaw pain goes away after a couple of days. But be careful when you pick up cold items it can be painful sometimes. Drink small sips with a straw. small amounts of cold liquids you can handle but large amounts can hurt.
    For me most of the side effect were bearable and go away after a few days. usually I was back to normal by the Friday after my treatment. Watch for the tingling and pain in your fingertips that can become permanent.
    It sounds like you may be getting the Fulfuri treatments I just started that this week. They say the side effects are similar with the exception of the nuropathy (tingling and cold sensitivity)
    I don't really know of any good positive thinking places. But just know this does get you down you have good days and bad. Don't listen to statistics most of them are old and dont take into account age, health or time of diagnosis. they just know you got it and how long you lasted. New meds are being developed every day to help us out. Never give up!
  • Kreacher
    Kreacher Member Posts: 1
    #3
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    New Here Too
    Chase, I read your note and we share similar circumstances. In October, 2009, during surgery I was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer, had part of my colon removed and was left with a colostomy. In November of that year, I began a series of 12 chemotherapy treatments over the course of 24 weeks. I too followed each in-office chemo session with a two day infusion pump at home. At the conclusion of the 24 weeks, I took a short break and then proceeded into a 6 week program of daily radiation and daily infusion pump.

    I was declared to be in remission in July, 2010; had my colostomy taken down last October and today I feel great. I continue to see my oncologist quarterly, have a rectal ultrasound procedure quarterly, annual colonoscopy, and periodic PET scans.

    Chase, you can do this! Know in your heart, mind, and body that you can do this!

    Regarding your specific questions, I would only say this. (1) Try to keep up your nutrition intake. There might be times when nothing sounds, tastes, or smells good. As difficult as it may be at times, try your best to keep your body fueled for the fight. (2) Regarding literature, I found Lance Armstrong's book "It's Not About the Bike" to be interesting and motivational. I had read it years earlier and since you are an athlete maybe you have too.

    I hope this is of some help to you. I think you have come to the right place. You are going to feel some big arms wrapped around you from a lot of caring, compassionate, and knowledgeable people.
    JSP
  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    #4
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    Welcome
    Welcome to the board that no one wants to join. I'm sorry to hear of your diagnosis. My treatment was 5FU also and the side effects mentioned were what my experience was also. Make sure you tell your Oncologist all supplements that you are taking as some can interfere with your chemo and make it less effective. You should also ask your oncologist to prescribe Lidocaine (assuming you've had a port put in). The Lidocaine you put on about 1 to 1 1/2 hours on your port area and it numbs the area and you won't feel the needle going in. Place a bandaid over the area so it doesn't rub off before accessing the port. Also, if you do get mouth sores (some do and some don't) ask your oncologist for a prescription for "miracle mouthwash" it works wonders. We are a great bunch of people and will help you all we can through this most difficult journey. Keep us informed as to how you are doing.

    Kim
  • Livingbyfaith
    Livingbyfaith Member Posts: 55
    #5
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    Inspirational books
    From Incurable to Incredible, Cancer and The Lord's Prayer, any Joel Osteen books including one by Dodie Osteen who was cured of stage IV cc, The Bible, any positive books. They are a great help. Take a sweater or jacket, infusion room cool. My husband is getting 6th treatment tomorrow, 70 years old, continues to work and do chores and great attitude. You can beat this!! Have a friend Stage IV rectal cancer 6 years clear considered cured. Read the positive success stories and dwell on them.
  • MrsJP
    MrsJP Member Posts: 157
    #6
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    Welcome....
    to the club no one wants to join, but is thankful for. So sorry to hear of your dx, its a tough one, but not hopeless. If you type in a topic or phrase in the search box it will bring up older posts with loads of information..
    Best wishes
    JP
  • buckeye2
    buckeye2 Member Posts: 428 Member
    #7
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    I am sorry to hear about
    I am sorry to hear about your recent health challenges. My husband just finished his 12th round of Folfuri this week. While his journey has not been easy he has been able to continue his normal life on the off weeks. You are young and fit. You should be able to handle the treatment well. I hope you have a good support system to keep you positive. Lisa
  • tommycat
    tommycat Member Posts: 790 Member
    #8
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    get ready for the ride of
    get ready for the ride of your life...and hang on.
  • steveandnat
    steveandnat Member Posts: 886
    #9
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    Welcome aboard
    Sorry to hear about your dx. One really positive for you is that it sounds you are very healthy in all other aspects. Another is you are still young and your body should respond pretty good. There will many ups and downs so as they happen post them and we can help by comparing notes. Cancer is really a life changing event...I'll be hoping the best for you.
    Jeff
  • steveandnat
    steveandnat Member Posts: 886
    #10
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    Welcome aboard
    Sorry to hear about your dx. One really positive for you is that it sounds you are very healthy in all other aspects. Another is you are still young and your body should respond pretty good. There will many ups and downs so as they happen post them and we can help by comparing notes. Cancer is really a life changing event...I'll be hoping the best for you.
    Jeff
  • steveandnat
    steveandnat Member Posts: 886
    #11
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    Welcome aboard
    Sorry to hear about your dx. One really positive for you is that it sounds you are very healthy in all other aspects. Another is you are still young and your body should respond pretty good. There will many ups and downs so as they happen post them and we can help by comparing notes. Cancer is really a life changing event...I'll be hoping the best for you.
    Jeff
  • Kathleen808
    Kathleen808 Member Posts: 2,342 Member
    #12
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    Chase
    Chase,
    So sorry you are joining our group but so glad you found us. The fact that you are in great shape will be a big benefit to you. Please let us know your exact chemo and we can give you some more precise info.
    My husband was in good shape before his diagnosis and he is still in good shape ( with a lot of effort) almost three years into this fight. He has continued to work out whenever possible. It has made a HUGE difference for him in regard to his overall health and mostly his spirit. He has had to modify everything he does but he keeps going. Staying hydrated is also extremely important.
    For strengths he depends on his faith, family, friends and as much time outside doing things he loves as possible.
    Best to you.

    Aloha
    Kathleen
  • SisterSledge
    SisterSledge Member Posts: 332 Member
    #13
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    Welcome :)
    Hi Chace,

    If you have a laptop, bring it with you during chemo...there's usually free wifi in facilities and you'll be able to read here, where the best inspirational and informational content on current cancer treatments is to be found :)

    While getting my chemo, often the treatment procedures took longer than expected. I got in the habit of having a bag packed with an assortment of goodies to help pass the time in comfort: Lip balm, book, blankie, snacknz (candy, chips, anything microwaveable) and my laptop.

    During chemo treatments I usually took a walk at least once (dragging my pole with me) to help pass the time...the one time I took a nap I had worse side effects, so never napped like that again. Perhaps the walks helped me in some fashion, as I had almost no side effects from my chemo during the six months I was in treatment.

    I hope your treatment causes minimal issues and maximum positive results <3
    Janine

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