Any Stage 3c stories and advice?

Dustan
Dustan Member Posts: 6
in Colorectal Cancer #1
It would be great to hear more stories from Stage 3C survivors, your experiences and advice. My wife was recently diagnosed with Stage3c 8/19 nodes and midway through folfox6. As a caregiver I am anxious to find out more about the roller coaster ride we have just embarked on.

Comments

  • Coloncancerblows
    Coloncancerblows Member Posts: 296 Member
    #2
    I don't have much advice for

    I don't have much advice for you.  I'm stage 3B and just had my 3rd treatment of Folfox.  Just wanted to give you support.  Smile  Sounds like you''ll be a great support system for your wife.  My husband is the same way.  He's very deligent in making sure I do everything I need to do in case certain side effects come up.  Good luck to you both.  I'll be praying for you. 

  • PatchAdams
    PatchAdams Member Posts: 271
    #3
    Be vigilant

    Stay on top of appointments, follow ups  and enjoy every day!  

    I was Stage IIIB for 3 years and now am Stage IVa for one year, so four years and 3 months out from my original dx.  

    I don't know your wife's age, but there are some sexual side effects for many women.  Chemo can cause early menopause, skin issues, ugly fingernails and lots more. 

    Also, emotionally, cancer can steal so much.  Be understanding. Be supportive and let her know you love her so much.  PLEASE, don't keep saying 'you'll be fine'.  Even if you believe it, saying that can make her feel like you believe she can choose to stay well and that puts a lot of pressure on her. 

    Best of luck! 

  • ron50
    ron50 Member Posts: 1,723 Member
    #4
    Hi Dunstan
    Commiserations on your wifes dx. I was dxed in 1998 st 3 c 6/13 nodes. Had 48 weekly sessions of chemo. Have been ca free for over 15 years. For me the chemo has had long term effects but that is mainly due to some of the drugs I was on. They are no longer used. best wishes for a speedy recovery. Ron.
  • Dustan
    Dustan Member Posts: 6
    #5
    PatchAdams said:

    Be vigilant

    Stay on top of appointments, follow ups  and enjoy every day!  

    I was Stage IIIB for 3 years and now am Stage IVa for one year, so four years and 3 months out from my original dx.  

    I don't know your wife's age, but there are some sexual side effects for many women.  Chemo can cause early menopause, skin issues, ugly fingernails and lots more. 

    Also, emotionally, cancer can steal so much.  Be understanding. Be supportive and let her know you love her so much.  PLEASE, don't keep saying 'you'll be fine'.  Even if you believe it, saying that can make her feel like you believe she can choose to stay well and that puts a lot of pressure on her. 

    Best of luck! 

    Thank you
    Thank you all so much for the feedback.
  • YoVita
    YoVita Member Posts: 590 Member
    #6
    Welcome to a very supportive group

    I was originally diagnosed with stage IIIc rectal cancer 3 years ago.  Although I did have a recurrence and am now stage IV metastasized, I'm doing very well.  Good luck to you and your wife.  That first year with treatment is tough but it gets better.  If you have any practical questions about how to deal with side effects, ask away.  Best wishes to you, Vita

  • tammyghent
    tammyghent Member Posts: 9
    #7
    Stage 3c Colorectal Cancer Survivor

    Just wanted to encourage you! I am a Stage 3 Colorectal Cancer Survivor! I had surgery in August of 2011 and finished six months of Folfox chemo one year ago. All my CT scans, colonoscopies and blood work have come back with no sign of cancer remaining! I know right now you are scared and there will be times when you get very discouraged. But hang in there and have faith! You WILL get through this! I am living proof that you CAN make it through and you CAN be completely cancer free! I will be praying for you! If you have any questions or need any advice as you go through this, please dont hesitate to ask! I am rooting for you!

  • Dustan
    Dustan Member Posts: 6
    #8
    tammyghent said:

    Stage 3c Colorectal Cancer Survivor

    Just wanted to encourage you! I am a Stage 3 Colorectal Cancer Survivor! I had surgery in August of 2011 and finished six months of Folfox chemo one year ago. All my CT scans, colonoscopies and blood work have come back with no sign of cancer remaining! I know right now you are scared and there will be times when you get very discouraged. But hang in there and have faith! You WILL get through this! I am living proof that you CAN make it through and you CAN be completely cancer free! I will be praying for you! If you have any questions or need any advice as you go through this, please dont hesitate to ask! I am rooting for you!

    Great advice
    Thanks for good your good wishes. After completing round 6 my wife's white cell count has gone down considerably. Any advice on how to maintain high white counts?
  • Dustan
    Dustan Member Posts: 6
    #9
    YoVita said:

    Welcome to a very supportive group

    I was originally diagnosed with stage IIIc rectal cancer 3 years ago.  Although I did have a recurrence and am now stage IV metastasized, I'm doing very well.  Good luck to you and your wife.  That first year with treatment is tough but it gets better.  If you have any practical questions about how to deal with side effects, ask away.  Best wishes to you, Vita

    All the best
    Vita sorry about the recurrence of this horrible disease and it is good to hear you are in excellent spirits. Was your CEA tested during and after treatment and was it the indicator of the recurrence ? Our prayers go out to you and others.
  • YoVita
    YoVita Member Posts: 590 Member
    #10
    Dustan said:

    All the best
    Vita sorry about the recurrence of this horrible disease and it is good to hear you are in excellent spirits. Was your CEA tested during and after treatment and was it the indicator of the recurrence ? Our prayers go out to you and others.

    CEA

    My surgeon did not get a CEA done before my surgery - and of course I didn't know enough to ask for that at the time of diagnosis.  I have had CEA tests done on a regular basis since.  My oncologist does not feel it is a good indicator for me.  My recurrence showed up in a CTscan which I am still having done every six months, followed by PET scan as needed.

  • thxmiker
    thxmiker Member Posts: 1,278 Member
    #11
    Dustan said:

    Great advice
    Thanks for good your good wishes. After completing round 6 my wife's white cell count has gone down considerably. Any advice on how to maintain high white counts?

    Nutrition, nutrition,

    Nutrition, nutrition, nutrition.  We can help keep our bodies healthy with good exercise, nutrition, mental health, and family and friends support.

     

    We stopped all canned foods, boxed foods, fast foods, and that helped a lot.  It was not that difficult once we got started and were commited to our health.   We added juicing to our lives. Slowly at first, now we are hooked.  The more I read about the chemicals in our foods, the happiier I am that we made the change.  Our only regret is why did we wait this long?

     

    Best Always,  mike

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