Having A Rough Day, Could Use Some Optimism

I would hold onto their words that they are treating it with a curative intent. Doctors are funny, if they don't think they can cure it, they will tell you. My brother was told he's treatable, not curable. I really believe if the doctors think you have a chance of cure, then you have a chance for cure. I know it's easy for me to say, but think positively! Chemo causes all sorts of crazy things to your body, the swelling could be a side affect of one of the drugs. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Lin

As I am sure you have been told, there are no absolutes with cancer.  One person may respond very well to treatment and go without a recurrance years or the rest of a long life.  Another person with same situation and same treatment may not respond well at all.  There is just no knowing the outcome.

I have found that living each day well is all that I can do.  If I spend my time worrying about what might be, I have wasted what could have been a wonderful day.

Being hopeful is something we must learn.  Most have never given a thought to their mortality before diagnosis.  Regardless of what stats may be quoted there is always a percentage (small though it may be) that survive well.  There is  reason to belive that you happen to be in "good" percentage.  It can and does happen.

Being fearful of what might be is one of the stages of dealing with a cancer diagnosis.  But it does not have to be a lasting emotion.  I have found that allowing the fear a limited amount of my time is the key.  When the fear strikes, give it 10 minutes or a half hour of your day, then figuratively put it in a box and move on to how best to use your day to the best benifit for yourself and others.  It takes practice, but you will find that by addressing it, feeling it and then moving on to better things will help.

To allow fear and anxiety to take over your life is to deny all that you might have accomplished, regardless of how long you live.

None of us control the number of days we have on this earth, we can only control what we make of the days that we have.

Marie who loves kitties

Hello Lady Skye! My name is Pat and in October, 2009 I was diagnosed with neoplasm of the Cecum. I had resection and was staged as 2B. I went through mental hell for a long time, worrying about recurrence.I am here now 4 years later, with no evidence of disease.

Just wanted to give you a little optimism and light and to welcome you to the forum. I am not a frequent poster, I stay very busy now, but if you have any questions I am available.

A cure is very possible.  My aunt was diagnosed with 2b fifteen years ago.  Just take one day at a time.  Find enjoyment in each day and live for the moment.  

Chelsea

we all have it.  But the longer you remain healthy, the more it recedes into the background noise.  Or at least that is how it's been with me.  I've been NED for two years, after a stage 4 dx.  The first year or so I was constantly worried, but now it's much better.  So I think the passage of time really helps, and with a stage 2 dx, you are very likely to get that time.

Plus, if I had someone telling me there was no such thing as a "cure", when my own docs have told me otherwise, that "someone" would probably get a bit of a lecture from me on his/her lack of knowledge.  And plus, what a bummer!  What kind of friend of family member does that?  Sheesh.

This whole cancer experience is filled with fear, what ifs, how, why.  You need to turn that around and say I need to do what ever I have to to get through this.  I was stage 3B signet cell Dx'ed 1/13/12.  I will be 2 years NED this January.  DX was 12 days before my 50th birthday.  I spent that birthday with my Surgeon and Oncoligist.   I would not change that because of that I am here today.

A stage 2 is early, please understand that. 

I was very scared about reoccurance after chemo ended.  I have had great CEA and scans.  Last years colonoscopy found a poly that was pre-c.  Ok so we remove and go on.

cancer has taken so much from us do not let it continue to take.

You are on the right road, take the foot off the brake and move to the acelerator and "live".

with your staging of 2B.  Also, your doctors have given you some hope with their comments of "curative intent".  Regardless, I know how scary this is, especially at the beginning.  Over time, your fears will ease and you'll begin to enjoy life again.  Others have given you good advice on diet, exercise, etc.  My heart goes out to you.  This is a very challenging time.  It took me a year to stop constantly thinking about death.  Optimistic thought for you? - your staging is very favorable - it does get better.  My best wishes to you!     

I was diagnosed with stage 3B colon cancer in January.  I finished up 6 months of chemo in July and have been NED for 4 months.  Stage 2 is very curable.  I have a good friend who's husband had stage 4 colon cancer TWICE and he's fine too.  This forum is a great place to get answers to everything.  I was scared to death when I found out I had cancer and would need chemo.  This group of people has helped me with so much.  Welcome and God bless.

Cynthia

PS swelling is very normal.  Your legs may swell several times.  You should always check to make sure it's not a clot but some swelling is just par for the course.