Going through some trying things right now

Brea, so sorry to hear you are going through so much!  You might not have Lynch syndrome, let's see when the test comes back.  What stage was the colon cancer?   If they find that you don't have Lynch syndrome perhaps after the surgery they will just start you on meds like Votrient or whatever suits you. You are not on meds now are you?  As for the heart and Afib, are they going to put you in to restart the heart? What type of surgery are they doing?  

Take one day at a time Brea, don't worry in advance. First thing is to find out the results which shouldn't take long, then go from there.  I will be adding  you in my prayers tonight. You are not a hypochondriac, you have some issues going on but they can be managed. Please keep us updated.  xxoo  

Oh, for the cancer in the bones will they give you the cancer meds for the bones? (the name escapes me again, someone chime in lol).  That would be something to think about once the results come in.  Is it zometa and there is one more.

We have not heard from Paula in a while, but she was one to sit back and take a break for a while and not read or post.

I am alive said:

Brea,
  My father-in-law had

Brea,

  My father-in-law had colon cancer almost30 years ago. Spent a month in the hospital because of an infection or some other complication, but never looked back. He's 85 now. So you just don't know how things will shake out. Do you have family around you or friends who aRe supportive? I hate to think of you having to deal with all this worry by yourself. Take a deep breath and try not to dwell on what might be. Just deal with what you know. Heart surgery coming up fast - what exactly is it? And how long does the doc expect you to stay in the hospital? What's his/her estimate on recovery time? If it takes care of the atrial fib that'll be a relief! One foot in front of the other. One worry at a time. Please keep us posted on your recovery. Good luck with the surgery next week!

Unfortunate circumstances for you brea. I'm happy that you have close medical observation monitoring your status. I understand your worries. Stay strong.

angec said:

Brea, so sorry to hear you

Brea, so sorry to hear you are going through so much!  You might not have Lynch syndrome, let's see when the test comes back.  What stage was the colon cancer?   If they find that you don't have Lynch syndrome perhaps after the surgery they will just start you on meds like Votrient or whatever suits you. You are not on meds now are you?  As for the heart and Afib, are they going to put you in to restart the heart? What type of surgery are they doing?  

Take one day at a time Brea, don't worry in advance. First thing is to find out the results which shouldn't take long, then go from there.  I will be adding  you in my prayers tonight. You are not a hypochondriac, you have some issues going on but they can be managed. Please keep us updated.  xxoo  

Oh, for the cancer in the bones will they give you the cancer meds for the bones? (the name escapes me again, someone chime in lol).  That would be something to think about once the results come in.  Is it zometa and there is one more.

We have not heard from Paula in a while, but she was one to sit back and take a break for a while and not read or post.

Angec (and Brea).  The two drugs are either Xgeva (Denosumab) or Zometa (Zoledronic Acid).  It is very important that one of these drugs be taken in combination with any TKI (such as Sutent, Votrient, etc.) otherwise the TKI will have little effect on the bone mets.

Of the two, Xgeva is the better choice (although it is more expensive).  It is better because it does not stress the kidney in any fashion (whereas Zometa can and therefore requires constant monitoring of kidney function).  Xgeva is easier to take as well - it is given as a shot in your arm once a month.  Finally, Xgeva is thought to initially work faster than Zometa.

There may be other ancillary (good) effects from taking either one of these drugs insofar as they may slow or even prevent further spread of the cancer.

Hang in there, Brea.  It's rough now, but it will get better.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.  Keep us updated.

brea588 said:

trying times are getting better

Had heart surgery nov 6  was to be 2 hour surgery , turned into 4 hours.  Took care of atrial fib and then still had another abnormal heart rythem too.   2 more hours to correct atrial flutter.  But am so glad they found it all at one time.  I was asleep so I didnt know how long I  was out.  Came home next day from hospital and got bronchitis and have coughed like crazy,   been to er last sun morn and doc office on mon and tues getting shots of antibiotics and steroids.  Feeling some better today.  Will take 3 months for heart to heal and I should be ok.  I have another pet scan coming up in 3 months to see what is going on in hip  to see if cancer cells light up brighter.  Looking forward to the holidays and time with family.  I take it one step at a time and try to enjoy each day however I can do it.  Still ask for your thoughts and prayers as I travel on this journey.  Thanks so much for your encouuragement and good thoughts.     Sue

Sue, thanks for letting us know how the heart surgery went. Well, looks like you have three long months to relax, recuperate and not worry about anything other than having a pleasant day. I like to think of the time between scans as a "vacation" - why mar a vacation with worry and fear? There will be plenty of time for that  the day or two before the scan, and the days after it whiile you wait for the results. I try to limit "crazy time" as much as possible - my way of coping with the uncertainty that can engulf us, if we let it. It's great that your three month vacation will see you through the holidays and into the New Year. Sweet. My next scans are right before Christmas, which will add stress oh well. I've been at this for a while, so I'll manage. Cheers to you! Enjoy your holiday. I'll be thinking about you.