Husband has stage 4

cynthiapi40
cynthiapi40 Member Posts: 36
in Colorectal Cancer #1
Hi,
My husband has stage 4 colon cancer. With mets in his liver. He was dx on Aug 27th 2011. He has just completed his 3rd chemo treatment. He is holding up pretty well. I pray he continues to do good with his treatments. I know we have a long road ahead. Our family and friends have been just wonderful. I'm glad I found this forum to speak to others about what we are going through. His oncologist said just before his 3rd treatment that his marker went from 167 to 123 in two treatments. I'm still researching the markers. What number is good what number is bad.

I think this last treatment was a little harder, he says his skin feels like its ripping sometimes and his hands and feet are peeling. I know this is the side affects.
He exercises and try to keep his strength up. The week he does not have chemo. He is able to do pretty much his normal routine. He has a positive attitude. But I know it's hard. He is a firefighter and I know he just wants to get back to work one day. He is my hero.

Thanks

Comments

  • here4lfe
    here4lfe Member Posts: 306 Member
    #2
    Husband to Stage 4
    Welcome to the board. There are a number of cancer survivors here, and a lot of experience with the treatments and all issues related.
    My wife has stage 4, and is doing well. She was diagnosed 2 years ago, so don't worry too much about the statistics. Just buckle up and get into a routine.

    Best
  • steveandnat
    steveandnat Member Posts: 886
    #3
    Welcome
    Yes this is a long haul but there are many things that can help and the discussion board is one of them. It sounds like you husband is responding good to the treatment. I've been getting treatment since Jun 09. The side effect can be pretty wild and varied. Hang in there and stay in touch.
    Jeff
  • Kathleen808
    Kathleen808 Member Posts: 2,342 Member
    #4
    Cynthia
    Cynthia,
    Sorry to hear about your husband's diagnosis. It is quite a shocker at first I know. It sounds like your husband is a strong man. It is great that he is still exercising. My husband has continued to exercise on his good days and he has been in treatment for a couple years. (He had one 6 month break.) Really the exercise has been key for him, he always feels better after he has been to the gym, hiked or surfed.

    Best to you. We're here for you.


    Aloha,
    Kathleen
  • tko683
    tko683 Member Posts: 264 Member
    #5
    Sorry to hear about your husband
    Welcome to the board. There are many stage 4 survivors here who can offer much needed support. It sounds like your husband is tolerating the chemo well which is wonderful news. To answer your question about CEA, I believe that normal is below 4.8 but it is only a reliable marker for some people. Your oncologist should be able to explain it to you in better detail. My husband was also diagnosed this year(June) with stage 4. He is having his 6th treatment this week. His CEA marker was 5.8 which is slightly elevated so not a good indicator for him. Sending prayers up to you and your hero!
  • geotina
    geotina Member Posts: 2,111 Member
    #6
    Cynthia:
    My hubby also is Stage IV. We have been at this for 2 1/2 years. Hang in there as the road can get a bit bumpy at times. Just remember it is a marathon not a sprint for Stage IV's.

    Take care - Tina
  • pepebcn
    pepebcn Member Posts: 6,331 Member
    #7
    geotina said:

    Cynthia:
    My hubby also is Stage IV. We have been at this for 2 1/2 years. Hang in there as the road can get a bit bumpy at times. Just remember it is a marathon not a sprint for Stage IV's.

    Take care - Tina

    Cynthia welcome to the board!
    Stge 4 here, dx 2,1/2 years ago doing normal Life.
    Hugs!
  • abrub
    abrub Member Posts: 2,174 Member
    #8
    Stage 4 - 4 1/2 years out and doing great!
    For his hands and feet, get him Udderly Smooth or Bag Balm, and have him grease up frequently (sleep in socks and goop on his feet. Well worth it.)

    I hated the spontaneous finger bleeding....

    Now I'm doing great.
  • alexinlv
    alexinlv Member Posts: 194 Member
    #9
    Hi Cynthia,
    My husband was
    Hi Cynthia,
    My husband was recently dx stage iv, and is going for his 2nd treatment on Friday. yuck! I am glad your husband is responding ok. How are you? I am going crazy. but I like the phrase that it is going to be a marathon, not a sprint. One hour at a time has helped me too. all I can say right now is that cancer sucks! and I am amazed at the spirit and will of those who are suffering. I feel so guilty for being stressed with others are going through a lot worse!!!

    Take care!
    Alex

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