Progress Report

peterhw

Hello,

I have just finished # 7 chemo and met with my doctor to discuss the CT scan I did on 09/15.
I would like to share some good news with my fellow stage 4er.
recap: I was dx stage 4 rectal cancer in the end of May 2008. The lesions in my liver are too big for surgery, so I start with Folfox+Avastin in June.

The recent CT scan shows the big lesion in my liver has decreased in size from 8X6 cm to 6X4cm. The other two smaller ones are now 1.1 and 1.5 cm. The two nodules in my lung are unchanged in size, 4mm and 3mm. My doctor thinks they are not cancer, so no need to worry. The abdominal areas are all normal. The rectal tumor is also shrinking in size. The CEA has drop from 50 to 14 and now at 7.

The plan is to finish the 12 cycles of chemo. I will have surgery to remove the rectal tumor. Then we will consult a liver specialist to discuss the treatment options. My Onc thinks I am a good candidate for SIRT (SIR Sphere)or RFA.

My doctor thinks that whatever I am doing is working great, I should keep on walking, exercising and eating veggie and fruits.

So hang in there my friends. Keep you spirit up and be positive. If I can do it, you can do it.


Peter

Madre

Good For You
It is so refreshing to hear good news. I hope things continue to go in a positive direction. I got a card from a friend and I love this quote.: "Although things seem to be going up hill for you now, just imagine the view when you reach the top!" Congrats and keep enjoying life!

kristasplace

Congrats, Peter! There's no
Congrats, Peter! There's no doubt with your positive attitude that you'll beat this disease completely!

What are you going to do to celebrate?

Many hugs,
Krista

Sandi1

congratulations Peter
Congratulations Peter, I am so happy for you. Your progress gives all the other Stage 4's hope and courage to continue.

As you know my husband had his surgery. He is home now and is doing well.

Talk to you soon
Sandi

msccolon

Great news!
Peter, good to hear you are doing so well! It's the good days and the good news that keep us going!
Mary

Faith4Cure

Progress!
Great news! It sounds like everything is going in the right direction. You are a good inspiration for all. Keep up the good work, Peter!

nudgie

Good news
is always GREAT hear on this board. It does sound like what you are doing is working, so keep up what you are doing.

I have always been one for exercising (20+ yrs), so I believe that helps your entire well-being and gets the blood pumping through the body.

Keep us posted and updated regularly

kmygil

Congratualtions
Congratulations, Peter. I'm so glad things are moving in the right direction for you!!!!!

dixchi

Progress
Was interested in your diet of veggies and fruits. Was wondering if you eat
meat at all or just vegetarian. I have definitely eliminated beef but still
eat chicken and fish and pork......maybe you could share some of your veggie
recipes or suggestions.....I have no problem with fruits but have a hard time
getting beyond potatoes, sweet and white, have to push myself, in the veggie category.
Believe diet is important in this battle.

peterhw

dixchi said:

Progress
Was interested in your diet of veggies and fruits. Was wondering if you eat
meat at all or just vegetarian. I have definitely eliminated beef but still
eat chicken and fish and pork......maybe you could share some of your veggie
recipes or suggestions.....I have no problem with fruits but have a hard time
getting beyond potatoes, sweet and white, have to push myself, in the veggie category.
Believe diet is important in this battle.

Veggies and Fruits
Hi Dixchi,

I am not a picky eater, so I eat any veggies that is in season. Usually stir-fry in Chinese style or boil in water. Veggie soup is good. I usually add tofu or seaweed to my veggie soup. If you like sweet potatoes, you should try the sweet yams (Asian sweet potatoes). I eat the sweet yam steamed with the skin on. I read that the sweet yam is good at getting rid of the toxic in you body.

I love fruits. My kitchen counter looks like a fruit stand. I always have fresh cut watermelon, pineapple and cantelope ready on the counter. I also make fruit smoothie. Usually is pineapple, apple and banana. Use a high power blender to make into smoothie. Carrot, apple and celery smoothie is good too. You can try different combination, or check the library for the recipe books.

I used to love meat, especially steak. But now I don't eat meat at all. The reason not to eat meat? First is for health, if you read "The China Study" by Dr. Campbell you will understand. He has more than 20 years of data to prove that animal protein help cancer grow. The second is religion, Buddhism.

Hope this answers you question. Send me a PM if you want to talk about it more.

Peter

jenalynet

Doing well
Hi Peter,
I am happy to read that you are doing well. Keep up the good attitude, hugs Audrey.

Kanort

Great News, Peter!
Fabulous news, Peter. Thanks for sharing your story and giving hope to many who are just beginning their treatments. I have several lung nodules that have stayed the same for several years and my doctors don't think they are cancer, either. From what I understand many of us have benign "things" in our lungs.

Keep working your plan.....it is paying off for you.

Keep us posted on your progress.

Hugs,

Kay

impactzone

kristasplace said:

Congrats, Peter! There's no
Congrats, Peter! There's no doubt with your positive attitude that you'll beat this disease completely!

What are you going to do to celebrate?

Many hugs,
Krista

Keep Fighting. Love your
Keep Fighting. Love your spirit!
Chip