Stage 4

horsepad

I am just curious, how many of us that post here are stage four. I was diagnosed in August, 2011 with a large tumor, 3 smaller tumors in lymph nodes and 1 very small tumor in liver. Had radiation, chemo and liver resection. I am cancer free right now but know the survival rate for stage four isn't good. I thought hearing from other stage four survivors would lift my spirits.

eihtak

Welcome
Hi, congrats on being cancer free at this time! I was diagnosed in Jan. 2011. My report reads Stage3+ (pushing 4). My tumor was also very large and involved lymph nodes in left side pelvis. Like most was treated with chemo/rad. I do have a colostomy bag that was to be reversed after treatment, but after various tests my docs are saying they feel I do not have enough control to make it sensible but are unsure. A couple months ago I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and just had a double mastectomy. I have a scan in late June and am nervous about the results. It was at my PET scan for Anal Cancer (NED at the time) that the BC was found. I am also very worried about the reoccurance of the Anal cancer, my doc says in my case 50 per cent chance. I asked what his treatment plan would be and he said surgery and chemo. My plan is to prepare! We can not really control if it comes back or not but we can be ready to fight if needed. I try to follow a disciplined healthy diet high in cancer fighting foods, with exercise everyday and light yoga, I try to have faith in God knowing that He has a plan for all of us and all we can do is use the tools He gave us and then the rest is up to Him. Some days I know that is not easy and my spirit sinks down too. I think that is normal in our case. I hope that by being in the best shape possible, if the cancer returns I will be able to recover from treatment once again. I get angry at myself sometimes because I had a lot going on in my life and ignored some very serious symptoms before going in to the doc. If I had gone sooner it never would have been so bad. I'm curious, did you have many symptoms, or did it get misdiagnosed...that is often the case? Try to stay positive, you are cancer free today and that is better than some people. Try to do some small thing that makes you happy each day. I have been doing this for a while, it truely helps so no day ever feels like a wasted day. This is a great site with lots of helpful advice, and I have heard of a couple other Stage 4 survivors, hopefully some will chime in. As always, all in my prayers.

z

horsepad
Hello, I visit the rca (rare cancer alliance) web site, there are several stage IV survivors there, with a stage IV discussion thread. One has been ned like you with the previous liver mets for over 3 or 4 years, winnie is her name. There are 2 others that are trying to get into the hpv clinical trial, as other treatments have helped but not elimated the liver mets. Please check it out. I have had 2 primarys, anal 6-30-09 completed treatment and 9-23-10 lung cancer with the removal of the lower right lobe. So far so good on both. I just love the liver how it can regrow, which just amazes me. I wish you well. Lori

I pulled an old post from Winnie on this site, as she goes by Winnipeg on this site.

halrich

How are you doing now, I am curious. I have fourth stage prostrate and doing fine over a year included 40 radiation treatments and

myrtletree

i am stage four rectal
i am stage four rectal tumour cancer free after 6 years. have a colostomy and bad sciatica whisch i have since found is a common side affect of radiation. sruggling but cancer free and that is the main thing. hope this is encourageing for anyone.

myrtletree

horsepad

I am doing great
I am doing great. Other than fatigue, and really bad memory I have no health issues. I keep very active raising and running my two grandchildren and volunteer for alot of good causes. I have my next CT scan in November and like so many of us I constantly worry about the cancer coming back. I plan on having my port removed after that. I just feel like removing it will make me feel more normal and cancer free. Best wishes to all.