New Here as well

mbeaulieu
mbeaulieu Member Posts: 16
edited April 2013 in Colorectal Cancer #1

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to drop in and say hello!  I have been reading this board for a few months now and wanted to introduce myself.  My name is Michelle and I am 27 years old (from Ontario, Canada).  On Feb 7/2013 my mom was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer (spread to the liver).  She is 56 years old, turning 57 in May.

She currently just finished her second round of chemo, and is doing quite well managing the symptoms (biggest one is fatigue).

I have had 2 months now to really process this, at first I was shocked, sad, mad... etc...

I have now been able to accept and really live in the moment, and quite honestly I have spent more time with my mom in the last two months then probably in the last 2 years combined!

I am a very positive person and always try to think with the glass half full, which has really helped myself and my family through the last 2 month and I am hoping will continue to help.  I am also grateful that my mom is very positive and strong as well, shes definetely a fighter.

Anyways, just wanted to say Hello to you all, and your posts so far have really helped me, and I forward the good ones to my mom:)

 

Comments

  • AnnLouise
    AnnLouise Member Posts: 276 Member
    #2
    Welcome, Michelle.....

    Your mom is so lucky to have you and your supportive attitude. As a mom with stage IV colon cancer it has meant so much to me to have positive, supportive children. As you progress on your journey you will find a wealth of knowledge and personal experiences, from truly caring individuals on this board. Thinking of you and your family .....any questions, please ask. I was diagnosed in Nov. 2011 with stage IV colon cancer with mets to liver. Again, welcome.......~Ann

  • karguy
    karguy Member Posts: 1,020 Member
    #3
    Welcome

    It sounds like your mother is holding up very well,not much you can do about fatigue,except rest.Usually another problem is apettite.I lost 60 pounds the first time[2008],so the second time[2012] when it came back,and spread to my liver,I ate alot of fruit,and soup.I only lost 20 pounds this time.After a liver resection I'm doing fine.Good luck,and a positive attitude helps.

  • Deena11
    Deena11 Member Posts: 199 Member
    #4
    Welcome

    So glad you came here for support.  I had Stage 3 colon cancer and have been out of treatment since September.  You mom is lucky to have you with her at this time.  I had problems with my appetite and lost 50 pounds.  The cancer center nutritionist got me on Ensure Plus to prevent me from losing more weight and to get the daily calories I needed.  I had lots of problems with diarreha and constipation.  Took a lot of Imodiem and Miralax which hleped.  I also became anemic and passed out a lot so it will be nice that you keep an eye on her food intake and liquid consumption.  Make sure she is well hydrated.

    She will need some hugs and support, I'm sure.  Keep checking in.  We want to help you!

    Deena

  • fighting_ big_c
    fighting_ big_c Member Posts: 64
    #5
    Deena11 said:

    Welcome

    So glad you came here for support.  I had Stage 3 colon cancer and have been out of treatment since September.  You mom is lucky to have you with her at this time.  I had problems with my appetite and lost 50 pounds.  The cancer center nutritionist got me on Ensure Plus to prevent me from losing more weight and to get the daily calories I needed.  I had lots of problems with diarreha and constipation.  Took a lot of Imodiem and Miralax which hleped.  I also became anemic and passed out a lot so it will be nice that you keep an eye on her food intake and liquid consumption.  Make sure she is well hydrated.

    She will need some hugs and support, I'm sure.  Keep checking in.  We want to help you!

    Deena

    WELCOME HUG

    Hi. I myself is a daughter of stage 4 mom. I truly can relate on how you feel. I truly validate the whole emotional roller coaster ride. This forum has helped me a lot to process my thoughts and feelings. You will be able to open up your concerns and you will get honest answers from very nice people. I wish you and your family strength. We will all conquer this.

  • fighting_ big_c
    fighting_ big_c Member Posts: 64
    #6
    Deena11 said:

    Welcome

    So glad you came here for support.  I had Stage 3 colon cancer and have been out of treatment since September.  You mom is lucky to have you with her at this time.  I had problems with my appetite and lost 50 pounds.  The cancer center nutritionist got me on Ensure Plus to prevent me from losing more weight and to get the daily calories I needed.  I had lots of problems with diarreha and constipation.  Took a lot of Imodiem and Miralax which hleped.  I also became anemic and passed out a lot so it will be nice that you keep an eye on her food intake and liquid consumption.  Make sure she is well hydrated.

    She will need some hugs and support, I'm sure.  Keep checking in.  We want to help you!

    Deena

    WELCOME HUG

    Hi. I myself is a daughter of stage 4 mom. I truly can relate on how you feel. I truly validate the whole emotional roller coaster ride. This forum has helped me a lot to process my thoughts and feelings. You will be able to open up your concerns and you will get honest answers from very nice people. I wish you and your family strength. We will all conquer this.

  • Chelsea71
    Chelsea71 Member Posts: 1,169 Member
    #7
    Hi Michelle. My name is
    Hi Michelle. My name is Chelsea. My husband, Steve, has stage four with mets to the liver. We are from Ontario, Canada, as well. Cornwall, to be exact. Steve is treated at The Ottawa Hospital. What part of Ontario are you guys from?

    Welcome aboard!

    Chelsea
  • maglets
    maglets Member Posts: 2,576 Member
    #8
    Chelsea71 said:

    Hi Michelle. My name is
    Hi Michelle. My name is Chelsea. My husband, Steve, has stage four with mets to the liver. We are from Ontario, Canada, as well. Cornwall, to be exact. Steve is treated at The Ottawa Hospital. What part of Ontario are you guys from?

    Welcome aboard!

    Chelsea

    Michelle

    Hello bonjour Michelle and welcome to our forum.  I am in Owen Sound and am stage IV.  65 years old and surviving since 2005.  I have been treated with many chemo treatments and 2 liver resections both at University Hospital in London On......so very much like your mom

     

    right here if you need us.....ask anything Michelle....sometimes as Chelsea will tell you the drugs and systems are slightly different in Canada.  If you need to talk you can use private messaging....here on the forum.....always here for you

    welcome.....maggie

  • Maxiecat
    Maxiecat Member Posts: 544 Member
    #9
    Welcome to the group.  Your

    Welcome to the group.  Your mom is very lucky that she has you by her side.  Feel free to ask questions and jump in.  I have learned so much from this group.

    alex

  • mbeaulieu
    mbeaulieu Member Posts: 16
    #10
    Maxiecat said:

    Welcome to the group.  Your

    Welcome to the group.  Your mom is very lucky that she has you by her side.  Feel free to ask questions and jump in.  I have learned so much from this group.

    alex

    Thank you

    Thank you everyone for the warm welcome!  What an amazing group of people.  I know I will be coming here often and I am sure I will have lots of questions for you all as a newbie.  Thank you again...

     

  • thxmiker
    thxmiker Member Posts: 1,278 Member
    #11
    Welcome!
     
    We are sending our

    Welcome!

     

    We are sending our thoughts and prayers for you to find a solution for your mother. 

     

    The forum has a lot of information to help combat the feeling of batteling the unknown. Ask questions and several people will have been down that road before. 

     

    Best Always,  mike

  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,804 Member
    #12
    Children ARE a blessing!

    Welcome to this board, though we wish you did'nt have to be here.

    Your mother is about my age, still young, and that will be a real blessing to her. 

    Another blessing is a good daughter and family beside her. I have to grown boys who think that humour is the cure all, and they keep me laughing, even at my lowest moments. 

    We are here for you (and therefore your mum), visit often. 

    Blesssings!

  • Coloncancerblows
    Coloncancerblows Member Posts: 296 Member
    #13
    Trubrit said:

    Children ARE a blessing!

    Welcome to this board, though we wish you did'nt have to be here.

    Your mother is about my age, still young, and that will be a real blessing to her. 

    Another blessing is a good daughter and family beside her. I have to grown boys who think that humour is the cure all, and they keep me laughing, even at my lowest moments. 

    We are here for you (and therefore your mum), visit often. 

    Blesssings!

    Welcome Michelle!  Your mom

    Welcome Michelle!  Your mom is very lucky to have someone like you looking after her.  Praying everything goes well for her.  We are all here for the same reason and that is to offer support to each other.  God bless.

     

    Cynthia

  • annalexandria
    annalexandria Member Posts: 2,571 Member
    #14
    A little late here,

    but wanted to add my welcome as well.  Sounds like you're a wonderful and caring daughter...speaking as a mama myself, I would say your mom is lucky to have you!  Please don't hesitate to ask whenever you have questions.  We have many experienced folks here, both caregivers and patients, and there's usually someone around who can give you some input or at least a little support and understanding.  Tell your mom we're hoping the best for her!  Big hugs to you both~Ann Alexandria

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