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Coronavirus/COVID-19
What cancer patients, their families, and caregivers need to know about COVID-19.
Remission in Stage IV is long term possible?
Joined: May 2006
remission/cure
I had surgery in '05 for stage 4, followed by chemo. Avastin had just come out about that time. I have not had a reoccurance since then.
Joined: Jan 2011
Thank you for responding.
Thank you for responding. I needed any bit of hope I can get. Thank you!
Joined: Nov 2011
I believe
I believe that all the statistics for the 5 year survival rates for Stage IV.... are 5 years old
therefore, anyone who answers this question in a Negative fashion, is living in the past.
the response that Avastin had just come out in 05 tells you exactly that.
I believe that Avastin and Erbitux are drugs that can give us all the hope and believe and reason to fight. new drugs and new treatments come out often, therefore our job is to fight for 5 years at a time... and more stuff will come out to help us should our cancer return.
There are several people that I've heard from that were Stage IV'ers... yet have been NED for 5, 10, 15 years. Yes the statistics tell us that very few life that long... but I believe that the positive people on this web site all have a REASON to fight and we are all learning more options and ideas on how to live to keep the cancer at bay.
I believe that if you believe you are going to beat this stuff... that you will.
fight, live and love
joe
Joined: May 2009
I am going on 4 years in
I am going on 4 years in remission.
Joe, you rock, love the attitude.
Health, love and laughter
Joined: Jul 2012
Yes!!
I've met a few people who have lived with a stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis but in remission. Several are in their 7th and 8th year. Another man was 11 years in remission but had recurrences in the ribs by the liver. Two ribs were removed and he was ned again for another 3.5 years. He's got 1 little spot in his abdomen now that he is on chemo again but it seems to be working.
Joined: Oct 2011
I have met people who are
I have met people who are over 10 years. I went 4 years before my most recent recurrence.
Joined: Jul 2007
we are here
Im stage 4, in remission since November 2008, almost 4 years with no reoccurance thank God! Iknow several stage 4'ers that have many more years to include a few past ten years.
There is always hope, please do your best to stay strong, and keep whatever faith you have.
Hugs
Beth
Joined: Oct 2011
Good post
I needed to hear this today.
Was cleaning out papers and lots of memorabilia from my kids high school activities, as well as reading some of my medical reports.
It made me cry....
These posts helped me pull through the day.
Thank you for your inspiration....
Joined: Apr 2010
Long term
I plan on being long term, 2 1/2 years so far, was given 6 months tops with chemo. So Yep, I believe in the long term, it seems when we lose so many that we all get in a funk and start thinking about our mortality and our mortality rates of those with stage IV.
I like to think that each before us has paved the way for us to last longer through various chemo combinations, diets and etc., and I thank them for this, and I hope fervently that I will be a long termer, passing advice down. There are many long termers among us, like Beth etc., they continue to give the rest of us hope.
Here's to your long wonderful life!!
Winter Marie
Joined: May 2008
dx 08 stage 4a 1met to liver
My docs always were optimistic of my prognosis. NED one year after chemo ended 5/09. Been NED 1.5 years after SBRT in Jan '11 to lungs. Just had VATS and hoping for another stretch of NED. Cancer is not preventing me from doing what I love to do - ride horses and be outside; and I work hard to stay as healthy and strong as I can to support that.
Hang in there!
Leslie
Joined: Mar 2004
Remission
To answer your question, I think theoretically indefinetly. I was NED for almost 7 years (original diagnosis Jan. '04 Stage 4). Recurrence in liver in Dec.'10. (liver resection and chemo in 2011).Just saw my onc. Friday and now it has been 1 1/2 years for the second round of NED. I know of others who do not post anymore that were diagnosed before my 2004 diagnosis and have not had a recurrence. Very long term NED can happen.
Joined: Jan 2011
So Encouraging
Reading all of these post are making me very happy! I think this is discussion I will be reading over and over!
Joined: Nov 2010
vickilg
Great question, it's brings out the sparkle in our group.
Whatever my treatment having hope makes me smile.
It's simple for me!
Been super healthy for 2 years now.
Hugs,
Pete
Ps as words and descriptions I don't like remission, or Ned. They always imply it's just about to come back or stop.
For me, I say I am WELL today, my focus is on using this great day wisely.
For me WELL IS POSITIVE.
Whenever I say outloud I am well, well I just cannot stop that smile. Even if some cells make my onc nervous.
Joined: Oct 2008
hey pete
i did not know you were stage 4. glad you are doing well...Godbless...johnnybegood
Joined: Jun 2012
This post is amazing!!!
This post is amazing!!! When my mom was diagnosed with stage 4 with confirmed mets to liver and sacrum the oncologist said the goal is to treat the condition like a chronic illness. I took to the net and found cancer stats from 2000 and earlier. I love posts like this!
Joined: Jan 2012
Gotta love it!
I just love this string! I fully intend on being in remission for a very long time. When it finally comes, that is. Reading these posts has really strengthened my resolve to kick cancers butt and kick it very hard!
Joined: Nov 2011
this is the best string
lets keep bumping to hear all the positives :) makes my day when i log on and hear from you guys.
I dont want to sound selfish as i know the reality is not everyone beats this *******... and some people live long times without ever seeing a NED scan in their lives.. but the ones/ loved ones of those who are beating this beast need to keep posting...keeping giving hope... and keep supporting!!!!
Joined: Jun 2012
Starting to Think the Stats Might Be "Old" or Just Plain "Wrong"
Since my diagnosis on June 13, 2012 I've been scouring various information sources including this web site and others like it.
Despite the dire predictions of two-years following diagnosis, I keep seeing more and more people on these boards who are beating those odds. Granted some by only one-year but many, many others who are going out eight, 10, 12, and even a couple of third-party references to people who have survived 20 years.
I think something that would be very valuable from a morale point of view would be if the ACS or CRC Alliance or other group would collect some data and see what's really happening in terms of Stage IV Colon Cancer. In my unscientific opinion, I'm seeing way too many who are outliving the averages for the average to be correct.
Joined: Nov 2011
I agree
I am coming across too many people on this site alone who are doing far better than what you commonly think when you hear advanced cancer.... and this is one site alone. Imagine others on different boards, or the many others who dont even post because they arent into the internet or " this sort of thing" praise god and modern medicine i say.
Joined: Jun 2012
Just imagine how many people
Just imagine how many people we never hear from. Id imagine there are alot of people who got the stage 4 diagnosis and never posted or used the internet. Id imagine some of the people that went NED no longer post. I know when my mom was diagnosed I kept asking my dad how long did the doctor give her. My dad said they didnt even give an expected life span. The doctor said we can treat this like a chronic condition thats the stage medicine is at with regards to colon cancer. I hope the doctor is right and my mom is around alot longer.
Joined: Oct 2011
I totally agree. It seems
I totally agree. It seems that tbe statistics only talk about 5 year survival rates. I want to know about 10+
Joined: Apr 2010
I'm hanging in there
Dx Sept '06, mets to liver and lung...after resection, folfox, stereotactic radiation, a VERY difficult clinical trial, then Xeloda...I have been off all treatment since Jan '09. I have my "9 month" ctscan Friday...always a touch nerve wracking...but my blood work looks good, CEA remains undetectable so I'm not as crazy worried as I sometimes get before a scan. Living life...can't say the cancer isn't always at the back of my mind...but I don't let it spoil my days...weeks...months...! Hang in there all you good people fighting the fight!
Joined: Feb 2017
I was just diagnosed with
I was just diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer that has unfortunately spread to my liver. Is this thread still active? I would like to see how all you guys are doing now in 2017.
Joined: Jan 2013
Hi Jackie
Vickilg and at least seven others who have posted in this thread have passed from our world but not from our thoughts. May I suggest you open a new thread and introduce yourself. We would love to get to kknow you and help you on your journey.
TRU
Joined: Feb 2017
I'm a newbie to this thread
I'm a newbie to this thread thingy haha.. so I wouldn'y know where to begin with making a new one!
Joined: Jan 2013
Totally understandable
Lets see if I can lead the way. If you click on this link http://csn.cancer.org/forum/128 it will take you to the Colorecta home page/forum.
Here you will see a list of all the threads, with the latest replied to thread at the top. You can click on any one of them that you like and read about tons of issues.
If you want to start your own thread and introduce yourself (which we would love for you to do), go to the top left hand sie of the page, go down to where you see the new threads and just above there (under Colorectal Cancer) you will see Add New Forum Topic click on that and you're good to go.
We talk about everything concerning our Cancer journey.
We look forward to getting to know you and helping you on your way.
TRU
Joined: Feb 2017
Thanks for helping out! I've
Thanks for helping out! I've began a new thread, and I hope you all check it out!
Joined: Jun 2013
Stage 4 still in remission
This tread is still alive. I'm sure you are scared about your diagnosis but I am stage 4 colon cancer that spread to my liver in 2010. I had surgery in June 2011 and have been blessed to be in remission since then. This June will be 6 years. I thank God everyday to have survived to live another day.
Joined: Jan 2013
She is not scared any more.
Vickilg passed away several years ago now.
TRU
Joined: Apr 2017
Great positivity
this is what we all need, positivity!! Its getting warm out, embrace life, and continue to fight!!
Joined: Jan 2017
I am stage 4 with liver mets
I am stage 4 with liver mets last December. On my 6th round of Xeleri following succesu liver resection. Glad to hear all the positivity on this thread. I need it. Good luck to you all
Joined: Aug 2006
Dx almost 11 years ago Stage
Dx almost 11 years ago Stage 4. I have been clear for over 5 years now with NED.
Best to all
Chip
Joined: Dec 2016
Stage Four Long Term
I was diagnosed with stage four and have been in remission for several years now. I wrote a short about my
cancer experience. If you would like to read my story, just go to my page and open my blog.
I pray you can find comfort from my journey. blessed39
Joined: Aug 2017
stage 1v lung cancer
my wife had been diagnosed with lymphoma about 4 years ago. doiung so well that she was never treated. after that Dr. thought her nodule had grown and we were shocked when we were told she had stage iv lung cancer. never any clue and we had been so happy that her lymphoma was even better. My son has been searching for a trial or treatment for her. she has had three doses of chemo and knockes her out so much. seems most trials are not for persone who have both lymphoma and lunc cancer. I know the desperation i feel, we all feel, as she is the most wonderful happening in my life and married 52 years. seems the treials we see are fr people with just one cancer- although her lymphoma was doing so very well and actually diminushed with no trweatments. Anyone know of any trials for a person wiht two cancers as she has. I feel so lost an going to see counselor . I pray for anything at all, incl a miracle, to come along , a new trial, med, anything to put her lung cancer into remission. Her attitude is good and saus she will beat this and wants to go on our next cruise. Her bags were packed to go on one and had to be cancelled just two days before the cruise. we were told lung cancer so out of the blue. Thanks to all and god bless all who are ill with this terrible disease and their family
Joined: Oct 2016
There are treatments for
There are treatments for metastasized, even if there are no trials. They come out with new treatments after clinical trials have found them successful, so she is still benefitting from the trials and may be better off than those in them since they have an idea of the success rate after the fact.
Good luck to you and your family,
Joan
Joined: Jun 2013
Long term survival
Long term survival is possible. I am one of them. I had liver mets and a liver resection in June 2011. It's now the end of 2017 and I am still doing well. So, it is very possible to have long term survival at stage 4 colon cancer.
Joined: Jan 2013
Hello there
What wonderful news. six years is fantastic.
Why not start a new thread with this wonderful news. Sadly, Vickilg, who started this thread, passed away several years ago, along with joemetz, nana b, jamderson, barbebarb,herdizziness, pete43...,johnnybegood,Doc_Hawk, and a probably a few of the others, whose names I do not recognize.
Here is the link to the forum home page. https://csn.cancer.org/forum/128 look forward to your post.
Tru
Joined: Jul 2017
Tru, this is such a sad post
Tru, this is such a sad post to read. RiP to them all!
Joined: Feb 2015
This
Why not start a new thread with this wonderful news. Sadly, Vickilg, who started this thread, passed away several years ago, along with joemetz, nana b, jamderson, barbebarb,herdizziness, pete43...,johnnybegood,Doc_Hawk, and a probably a few of the others, whose names I do not recognize.
Kr-p and now I am beginnig to have known too many of them. Just kr-p.
Joined: Jan 2013
Its hard, isn't it
In my time here, I can name far too many forum friends who have passed. At one point, we lost three in one week. It is so very hard and discouraging. That is why these good survival posts are so important.
Vikilg and Doc_Hawk, passed away the same day. I have often wondered if they got to meet somewhere, in the great beyond?
Tru
Joined: Feb 2009
Isn't it sad
I've been here for quit some time before all those and remember all the ones before these. I've seen many pass, but always remember their posts. There were times during treatment I'd be up all night because of the steroids and there were many on the board at 3:00 a.m. It was quite a party - sadly a lot are gone but their stories are always in my heart.
Kim
Joined: Nov 2001
My friend Virginnia
From New zealand was dxed with stage4 colon cancer with a met to the liver . She had surgery to remove the primary as well as a wedge resection to remove the liver met. She then had chemo therapy , the same as mine ,weekly infusions of 5Fu enhanced every second week with levamisole. At last count she was out over twenty yeras still cancer free. Unfortunately like myself she has been plauged by autoimmune peoblems. The last I heard she was hving some problems with her heart. She is one tough survivor. She used to frequent these boards under the name Foxy. Hugs to you mate if you still check in. Ron.
Joined: Dec 2017
Thank you for helping me
Thank you for helping me maintain my hope. I had my colon tumor removed, will have 4 infusions, then surgery to remove 3 lesions on my liver, then finish up with 8 more infusions to finish killing any cancer cells we may not have seen. Do you think the autoimmune issues are caused by the treatment you and she had?
Joined: Apr 2012
Hey people. I believe Stage
Hey people. I believe Stage IV colon cancer can be beat. considering myself very Blessed. Diagnosis in 2013. Six occurrences (two colon resections, one lung resection, THREE liver resection! Last surgery was on 12/5/2014. No chemo or treatment since Feb 2016. I know I’m not out of the woods but I’m doing well, trusting in God, taking it one day at a time.
Love and Light to you all.
My doctor’s office did a nice article on me :-)
https://healthblog.uofmhealth.org/cancer-care/beating-colon-cancer-trust-treatment-and-community
My blog: http://pscamihorn.me
Joined: Dec 2017
When you say six occurences,
When you say six occurences, do you mean you had it come back after treatment?
Joined: Apr 2012
Yes, I had six different
Yes, I had six different tumors in the following order:
1. Tumor found in colon via a colonoscopy (April 2012). Removed via surgery (May 2012).
2. Tumor found in my right lung (May 2012). Removed via surgery (June 2012).
3. Tumor found in my liver (Jan 2013). Treated with chemo. Removed via surgery (April 2013).
4. Tumor found in colon via PET, confirmed via ultrasound (October 2013). Removed via surgery (December 2013)
5. Tumor found in liver via MRI (January 2014). Removed via surgery (February 2014).
6. Tumor found in Liver via MRI (August 2014). Treated via strong chemo. Removed via surgery (December 2014).
I was then treated with Erbitux alone for a year. This is what my doctor referred to as clean-up chemo. The thought being that this would erradicate any cancer cells that were remaining.
I will also add that my doctor tested and found I was vitamin D deficient and presribed a D3 supplement. He reported that the latest data shows that this may be important in battling cancer. I also know that many on this forum are also taking this vitimin supplement.
Joined: Dec 2017
I am so sorry that the
I am so sorry that the original chemotherapy did not eradicate all the cancer cells. Happy for you that you finally got them gone! And here I was hoping that the 8 infusions that I will complete after my liver surgery in January would erradicate any cancer cells. I will ask about the D3 again. I took it as a supplement before I was diagnosed.
Joined: Dec 2017
What is maintenance therapy?
What is maintenance therapy?
Joined: May 2013
Maintainence therapy
Is usually regular doses of chemo for extended periods of time to usually keep cancer that is not surgically removable (at that time)from growing or spreading. Some people have more than one recurrence. They can go many years with no evidence of disease then have it come back, go through treatment or surgery again and be NED for years. some people never have a recurrence, you just don't know. In my husband's case this is the second time it came back in his liver, and if his scans show it has shrunk enough for surgery it will be his second liver resection. He will then do more chemo and we will hope it stays away for good. I hope that after your treatments it's gone for good!
Joined: Dec 2017
Thank you. I am hoping for
Thank you. I am hoping for the best for your husband. I wonder if this is why the oncologist has me doing all 12 infusions, even though the liver lesions will be removed after 4. My tumor perforated, so the tumor in my colon was removed first before I started chemo. There was no cancer in the infection, thank goodness. There was in 4 of the 20 lymph nodes.
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