Stage 4 Signet Cell --Colon Cancer

HI and Welcome to the CSN!

I am stage IV Signet Ring Cell cancer.  I have had it since 2007, and then the various docs keep upgrading my status.  Woo Hoo for me.  lol   

First,  Go see  a real Pro!   Dr. HJ Lenz @ USC, DR. A. Lowey  @ UCSD, Paul Sugerbaker (http://www.surgicaloncology.com/),  New Hope in Phoenix, etc....  They have a more positive approach and they do not give up on you.  It was worth the travel and treatment!  I tried MD Anderson and they were not very positive.  I used their head of Oncology and head of Surgery.  I would never recommend them to anyone!   

Get your diet, exercise and mental attitude in balance.  They will get you a long way in your treatment.   DO NOT READ anything before 2007 on Signet Ring Cell treatment.  It will be unhappy.  

If you have questions let us know.   We are sending our thoughts and prayers for a positive treatment!

Best Always,  mike

...get a couple more independent opinions.

I'm very sorry forthe bad news, but dont give up hope and  look into more options. Also if you haven't yet, get your dad involved, you can't do everything for him. He must pearticippate in his own healing process. Knowing and trusting his own treatments and doctors is half the success.

Wish the best possible outcome for your entire family.

Laz

annalexandria said:

I don't like to point people away from CSN,

as this is my online home away from home, but I believe the Colon Club forum has a thread on signet cell folks.  There are some special considerations with this cancer, and I do think it's helpful to hear from a variety of people who are dealing with it (although Mike's advice to you was spot on!).

Good luck to your dad, and please let us know how he does...tell him we're rooting for him.

Hugs to you both~Ann Alexandria

Hi!  I am signet ring cell also, but stage 2, so I have no advice for stage 4.  Listen to mike, he knows a lot about signet cell.  As Anne Alexandria said, the colon club does have a good thread going there about signet cell.  Best of luck!  Praying  for your family!

Cathy

Sorry about your Dad, but you have come to the right place for info.  What were his initial treatments?

Signet cell is not as "popular" as standard cc.  The word rare is not totally accurate as they are seeing more of this type.  It is however more aggressive since the cells are "signet" and appear flatter would be the best descriptor. 

I was 49 years old at Dx. I did not have any mets anywhere so I cannot offer info on that but I  did have the colon surgery followed by 6  months of 5fu and Oxi chemo.  I know I am extremely fortunate.

I will be 2 years NED (No evidence of disease) on 1/31/14. 

There are many options to consider.  There are a number of stage 4 signet survivors on this site and they will give some great advise.  Diet and exercise are also very important for him

No matter what your Dad decides on his treatment get many opinions, seek out the experts, take a notebook and write questions.

You need to gather all the info and options then work out what fits best.

Please keep us updated.

MOOSE74 said:

Dad has passed

Following up with all who have reached out over the years.

Thank you for all your support.

My Dad's 4 year battle has come to an end...Dad passed away peaaefully on May 9th, 2014 at the young age of 62.

Just a bad bad disease.....so NOT FAIR...

We will miss him everyday day more than words..

anyone who has questons please reach out to see if I can help in any way..

Eric

 

I am so sorry at your Dad's passing.  He fought a brave fight for a long time.

My sympathy to you and your family.

Please do not hesitate to lean on us any time!

MOOSE74 said:

Dad has passed

Following up with all who have reached out over the years.

Thank you for all your support.

My Dad's 4 year battle has come to an end...Dad passed away peaaefully on May 9th, 2014 at the young age of 62.

Just a bad bad disease.....so NOT FAIR...

We will miss him everyday day more than words..

anyone who has questons please reach out to see if I can help in any way..

Eric

 

Cancer sucks!

Lin