My Stage IV Story

1irish1

First of all, let me apologize for waiting so long to post. I posted almost a month ago and then did not post again. I was offered a job that will require me to relocate across the country, so things are very hectic right now! I really appreciate the warm welcome everyone gave me on my initial post.

I was diagnosed when I was 32 years old, right after I had given birth to my second child. The doctors initially thought I had ovarian cancer because it had metastasized to my right ovary, but the pathologist insisted the cells looked like colon cancer. So after recovering from a total hysterectomy, I had to be reopened and have a colon resection, removing 1.5 feet from the right side. I was told there was no hope of survival, but I could try chemotherapy if I wanted. I refused to believe there was no hope, so I went to MD Anderson. After my colon resection I had no measurable disease, but they wanted to put me on FOLFOX anyway. I underwent a full course of FOLFOX (6 months), got very, very sick, and actually think I did not need chemotherapy now. My scans have actually been clear since I had my colon resection. I never had any metastasis to my liver or lungs, just to my ovary.

I returned to work in May 2004, but I continue to struggle with returning to normal. I am a lawyer and work a very high stress job, which I believe I handled quite well before I got sick. Now I find myself having trouble with concentration. I do not know if that is a function of the chemo, having been sick or just a psychological side effect. I am grateful to be alive and to be doing so well, especially in light of the dire predictions I was given. I hope I can provide some inspiration for others here. Doctors are not always right. I know I have shocked mine!

Thanks for listening.

Tracey

MUGGINS

Hi Tracey, I must have missed your orignal post. My sister-in-law was diagnosed stage iv in 3/04 with the same metastises in her right ovary. She has been doing chemo since then. She has one small spot (not on any organs)that hasn't gone away. They are not sure it is even cancer and said it is to small to see if they operate. She and I just went to Lourdes France (a religious place known for healing) we are praying that her next scan is all clear. I know she has her ups and downs emotionally and physically. It is just the way of this disease.
Thanks for posting and keep fighting.
Anne

Glv49

Hello Irish,
And welcome to the world of cancer survivors! Your story sound so similar to mine, except the age, I was 48 when I was diagnosed with StageIV colon cancer in 2003. They thought I also had ovarian cancer because it had mestatised to my left ovary. But after surgery which I had a radical hysterectomy, and colostomy they said it was colon cancer with 2 pos. nodes. I underwent 6 mos. of folfox, and also radiation. I thank God everyday of my life, that I am still here. I was given a very grim diagnosis. So far my pet scans and blood work have all been NED!! Every time I see my oncologist she tells me that I am amazing. I knew from the moment I found out, I would never ever give up or give in to this beast of a disease, and I have a powerful faith in the mind healing the body, and the soul. So, welcome you have come to a wonderful site, the people here are so couragious, friendly, and ispirational.

Gail

kerry

Tracey,

I also go to MD Anderson in Houston. You are in great hands!!! I'm so glad your disease seems to be under control. Best of luck to you.

Sometimes the chemo does give us "chemo" brain, but it is my understanding that we do get better as time goes by. My very best to you for a long healthy life.

Kerry

nanuk

although many oncologists don't like to use the term,"chemo-brain" is a very real side effect of chemo..both during and after therapy. I still suffer multiple symptoms more than a yer after folfox. A nurse told me that 5fu was derived from WWI mustard gas, and that leucovorin-(SP)was used to worm sheep! Bud

scouty

Tracey,

Congrats big time on your success!!!!!!

Yes chemo brain is alive and well. There haven't been many tests done on exactly what and why it happens and without those kinds of stats, the docs don't really seem to be able to fully understand. I am a year out of chemo (folfox w/avastin) and still have problems focusing and concentrating expecially when I am tired or stressed. I find I need more rest and sleep now then I did before cancer.

Stress is a definite detrimental contributor to our bodies health and minimizing that it extremely important. Try to help your body out as often as you can.

I wish you continued health!!!!!

Lisa P.

2bhealed

nanuk said:

although many oncologists don't like to use the term,"chemo-brain" is a very real side effect of chemo..both during and after therapy. I still suffer multiple symptoms more than a yer after folfox. A nurse told me that 5fu was derived from WWI mustard gas, and that leucovorin-(SP)was used to worm sheep! Bud

hi bud!

welcome home my friend. :-)

Levamisole is the Sheep Wormer and Leucovorin is actually folinic acid and is the "rescue" remedy.

Got that out of my Questioning Chemotherapy by Dr. Ralph Moss my hero for shedding the light on the truth behind the chemo industry.

And yes, chemo is based on mustard gas and was considered quakery way back when. How times have changed my friend.

Hi irish. We haven't met yet I don't believe. Welcome again to the semi-colons.

peace, emily who thinks we should all be de-wormed!! :-)