Late stage 3 colon cancer

Christine_1956

HI,

Very new to this. In March of this year I was diagnosed with late stage 3 colon cancer that has metastised in the liver with three tumors at tge very top periphery of the liver. I have had 8 chemo treatments so far with my 9th tomorrow. They have been using oxyplatin, folfox4 and cetruximab. Oncologist says the tumours have shrunk significantly and wants to do a total of 12 treatments prior to surgery. The side effects of the chemo have been pretty horrid with infections, hospital trip with severe Influenza A, kidney infection, rashes. My question is - do others get every reaction and if so, advice on coping mechanisms so I can get through this and get to ring the bell.

bibliophile

Wow, that is a lot. I am so sorry for your news and that you have had so many complications with the treatments. I am very happy to hear that the tumors have shrunk; that is great news!! Over the past 2 years I have done oxalyplatin with capecitabine (the oral form of 5-FU) and now oxalyplatin, leucovorin, irinotecan, and IV 5-FU together. I am not EGFR receptive so I have never had cetruximab. I also tend to get bad reactions to things, so I feel your pain. This current round has been really tough to get through. Some things that have helped me: 1) Make sure to tell your team all your symptoms. They might have ideas for how to lessen them. When we are on so many drugs, everything piles on and any little piece that can go away can help. If the doctor doesn't have an idea, ask your oncology nurse. They are often founts of wisdom and often have little tricks from working with patients so often. 2) Search the boards here on the csn site for specific drugs and specific symptoms. I have found some weird, easy things that worked from other people's experiences. Always run them by your medical team, too, but I have found some good advice on archived discussions. 3) Try to balance giving your body the time to heal and getting up and moving. I find that even when I think I have the least ability to do something, when I actually get up and get moving (I have kids, I don't always have a choice 🤣) that I actually feel a little better, both mentally and physically. I have to do it more slowly and with lots more breaks and get a lot less accomplished, but still moving does make me feel better in the long run. 4) Hang in there. Look at the long term. Remember why you're doing this. After I got through my first round of chemo, I felt fantastic for a good amount of time afterwards. And hopefully this treatment will be the last for you and you can just move on with your life (fingers crossed). It has also helped me to have others to talk to on this forum, via these discussion boards, and I have also enjoyed the live chatroom, which is most active from 9-12PM Central Time. I hope that your treatment yesterday went well. Wishing you the best outcomes and fewer side effects! I'm happy to talk any time.

Christine_1956

Thank you so much for your comment. I stay as active as I can and continue to work full time as it's good for my brain. This round seems better but think it's the steroids which I stop tomorrow. Will be a bit flat after that.

I remain very positive and have a great support base around me. Many who have the same cancer as me. Quite scary really. We support each other every day.

I pray for your successful treatment and a full recovery and once again, thank you. Yes I will reach out to you as your post is truly appreciated.

SadieJane56

First time reaching out online. I had stage 4 colon cancer that they were unable to completely remove. When diagnosed it had metastasized to my lung, liver, bladder and lymph nodes. After two rounds of chemo I was able to go on oral chemo. The cancers had all disappeared except for the colon cancer which was inactive. Unfortunately, I now have four tumors on my liver. I am told that radiation and surgery are not an option and that I have about two years to live. Back on a stronger chemo and suffering all of the side effects. Very depressed and feel there is no hope being offered. Will be getting a second opinion with Cleveland Clinic after my next PET Scan. Anyb feedback?

bibliophile

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1724625#Comment_1724625

Glad you came here, SadieJane56. I'm sorry about your diagnosis and the recurrence and the side effects. That is really hard. I also am on a tough second round regimen and have all the side effects. Maybe we can share tips for dealing with them. What treatment are you getting right now?

Cleveland is a great cancer center and second opinions are always good. Keep your chin up. Cancer research is changing so quickly that next year they may have new options they didn't have today. I just heard a story on the news last month about University of Chicago pioneering a new procedure of liver transplant which allows them to give donor livers to multiple transplant patients which is opening up transplant lists to select cancer patients who were previously ineligible. I have no idea if that would even apply to you, but it just goes to show that new options are appearing all the time. So I deal with the uncertainty by just saying I am going to fight today and tomorrow is a new day. But, yeah, we all have our days where it gets to us. I have found this community very helpful. I hope you stick around! I'm willing to talk anytime. Best wishes to you!

Christine_1956

Totally agree with the last comment. Things are moving fast medically and who knows what next year brings. You got this. Never ever give up, keep your strength and faith. I think this is a great forum so stay in touch.