I’m new to this/Dad just diagnosed with stage 4 Colon cancer

MAMAJR

Hi all,

im new to this and looking for some support. My dad was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer 1 week before Christmas. Oncologist said he can not perform surgery and will try chemo to prolong his life. But there is no cure. my dad has not been able to start chemo yet because he needed to have a stent put in his heart due to 80% blockage in one of his main arteries. He is now scheduled for his first round of chemo in 2 weeks. he’s nervous I’m nervous and I don’t know what to expect.

JanJan63

Which chemo is he starting?

Which chemo is he starting? And where are his mets? For most of us we will never be cured but will do chemo or other things to prolong our lives.

Jan

tmckelve

Don't give up

I have stage 4 colorectal cancer like your dad. The first oncologist I saw told me without chemo I only had 4 years to live and the cancer had spread to my limp nodes. With chemo I would have to be on it the rest of my life. I was shattered for the first time in my life I had no idea what to do. I am blessed my sister has been an oncological nurse for 30 yrs. at a local children’s hospital. She picked me up and put her foot right where it need to be, right in my back side, I needed that. I went to CTCA for a second opinion. I can’t say enough about the hospital or the people working there, but I don’t want to sound like a commercial. They did a CAT scan and an MRI and the cancer had not spread, I talked to all of the doctors, with my sister on hand, they explained all of my options, with chemo and without. I started chemo three months ago. I have had six treatments, just last month they did an MRI and a CAT scan they both took almost 45 min. The doctor’s sat down and told me they couldn’t find the tumors.

 My advice first, DO NOT GIVEUP!!!! Second, for God’s sake get a second opinion. Third ask for help from your family and pray.  

 

If you need any help I will be here. I will not let this beat me. 

Northwoodsgirl

My Dad also has colon cancer

My Dad also has colon cancer. His red blood cell count and iron values were 1/2 normal. Had colonoscopy found growth in sigmoid colon. Has had biopsies but results not back yet. Abdominal CT to be done this Tuesday. Now for the really hard part-he is 88yrs old and lives in his own home, drives , goes to the YMCA. My Mom died of uterine cancer 13 years ago. Dad’s cardiologist recommends he not have surgery. Dad had triple bypass 10 yrs ago. He has type 2 diabetes and stage 3 kidney failure. And peripheral artery disease. I am a uterine cancer survivor and know the journey of surgery, radiation and chemo. So Dad has two decisions-surgery colectomy or palliative care. Colectomy has 30% chance of not healing because of his diabetes and peripheral artery disease. That would mean a colostomy which I doubt he could manage on his own. I just don’t know how to best support him. There is no good option at his age with co-morbid conditions. Suggests or thoughts would be appreciated from others who have battled colon cancer. Peace and blessings. 

Lori

blessed39

New here

Dear MAMAJR, do not give up. I too had stage four colon cancer several years ago.

Please go to my page and read my story on my blog entitled "How I Beat Stage Four Colon Cancer".

God bless you and your father.     blessed39

Mikenh

You might consider getting a

You might consider getting a second opinion at a major cancer center if you didn't already use one.

MAMAJR

JanJan63 said:

Which chemo is he starting?

Which chemo is he starting? And where are his mets? For most of us we will never be cured but will do chemo or other things to prolong our lives.

Jan

Hi Jan! Thanks so much for

Hi Jan! Thanks so much for responding. I honestly can’t remember the name of the chemo But I know the tumor started in the secum and spread to liver and lungs. 

MAMAJR

tmckelve said:

Don't give up

I have stage 4 colorectal cancer like your dad. The first oncologist I saw told me without chemo I only had 4 years to live and the cancer had spread to my limp nodes. With chemo I would have to be on it the rest of my life. I was shattered for the first time in my life I had no idea what to do. I am blessed my sister has been an oncological nurse for 30 yrs. at a local children’s hospital. She picked me up and put her foot right where it need to be, right in my back side, I needed that. I went to CTCA for a second opinion. I can’t say enough about the hospital or the people working there, but I don’t want to sound like a commercial. They did a CAT scan and an MRI and the cancer had not spread, I talked to all of the doctors, with my sister on hand, they explained all of my options, with chemo and without. I started chemo three months ago. I have had six treatments, just last month they did an MRI and a CAT scan they both took almost 45 min. The doctor’s sat down and told me they couldn’t find the tumors.

 My advice first, DO NOT GIVEUP!!!! Second, for God’s sake get a second opinion. Third ask for help from your family and pray.  

 

If you need any help I will be here. I will not let this beat me. 

tmckelve Thank you so much

tmckelve Thank you so much for responding! Your story is truly amazing and gives me hope! I always hear many people say get a second opinion but I don’t know where to start. Do I just go Online and look for another oncologist and explain to my dad we should just seek another doctors opinio? My father is really stubborn and it takes a lot of convincing to get him to agree to things. I think I’m procrastinating the second opinion because Im scared my dad will not agree to it. He is devastated and stuck in a “im dying” mindset. It’s just so horrible.

MAMAJR

Northwoodsgirl said:

My Dad also has colon cancer

My Dad also has colon cancer. His red blood cell count and iron values were 1/2 normal. Had colonoscopy found growth in sigmoid colon. Has had biopsies but results not back yet. Abdominal CT to be done this Tuesday. Now for the really hard part-he is 88yrs old and lives in his own home, drives , goes to the YMCA. My Mom died of uterine cancer 13 years ago. Dad’s cardiologist recommends he not have surgery. Dad had triple bypass 10 yrs ago. He has type 2 diabetes and stage 3 kidney failure. And peripheral artery disease. I am a uterine cancer survivor and know the journey of surgery, radiation and chemo. So Dad has two decisions-surgery colectomy or palliative care. Colectomy has 30% chance of not healing because of his diabetes and peripheral artery disease. That would mean a colostomy which I doubt he could manage on his own. I just don’t know how to best support him. There is no good option at his age with co-morbid conditions. Suggests or thoughts would be appreciated from others who have battled colon cancer. Peace and blessings. 

Lori

Lori thank you so much for

Lori thank you so much for responding and I am so sorry about Your Dad and everything you have gone through. By reading your story, honestly you inspire me. You have gone through so much but Your still fighting through all of this Thank you for sharing your story with me. It means a lot and I will keep you and your Dad in my thoughts and prayers.

MAMAJR

blessed39 said:

New here

Dear MAMAJR, do not give up. I too had stage four colon cancer several years ago.

Please go to my page and read my story on my blog entitled "How I Beat Stage Four Colon Cancer".

God bless you and your father.     blessed39

Blessed39 Thank you so much

Blessed39 Thank you so much for responding to my post. Wow your story is amazing And gives me hope! I will be sure to read these posts and inspiring stories to my dad and hopefully it will help him keep fighting. Thanks again!

MAMAJR

Mikenh said:

You might consider getting a

You might consider getting a second opinion at a major cancer center if you didn't already use one.

Thank so much for responding.

Thank so much for responding. I keep hearing about getting second opinions and I think that’s what I will tell my dad we should do. It sounds like it might be worth a shot and hopefully get better outcome of things. Thanks again!

Woodytele

Northwoodsgirl said:

My Dad also has colon cancer

My Dad also has colon cancer. His red blood cell count and iron values were 1/2 normal. Had colonoscopy found growth in sigmoid colon. Has had biopsies but results not back yet. Abdominal CT to be done this Tuesday. Now for the really hard part-he is 88yrs old and lives in his own home, drives , goes to the YMCA. My Mom died of uterine cancer 13 years ago. Dad’s cardiologist recommends he not have surgery. Dad had triple bypass 10 yrs ago. He has type 2 diabetes and stage 3 kidney failure. And peripheral artery disease. I am a uterine cancer survivor and know the journey of surgery, radiation and chemo. So Dad has two decisions-surgery colectomy or palliative care. Colectomy has 30% chance of not healing because of his diabetes and peripheral artery disease. That would mean a colostomy which I doubt he could manage on his own. I just don’t know how to best support him. There is no good option at his age with co-morbid conditions. Suggests or thoughts would be appreciated from others who have battled colon cancer. Peace and blessings. 

Lori

My two cents

I think I would avoid the surgery.  I’m half his age, and had colon reattachment surgery.  It was painful as hell for a week. TheN Got steadily better.  I’m in very good shape otherwise, a strong guy.    I think with that age, I would attempt a chemo treatment if he can handle it.  If he is not in any pain, he can essentially do nothing if that is his wish.