New to forum and scared

I think we all have stories.  Waiting to find out what will happen next is the WORST!!!!  You think negatively too much.  I like my story because it has a happy ending (remission).  I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, it had spread to lymph nodes and liver.  My chances of survival were are 12-15%.  My husband committed suicide during my treatment and I was left alone to fight cancer, raise 2 grandchildren and manage a 70 acre farm.  A few months after my husband's death, I had a liver resection which increase my odds of surviving 20-30%  Today, 3 years later, I feel great and I am still in remission.  I know the odds are stacked against me but I have the Lord at my side to comfort and guide me.  You will get through this, I know it's hard but try to think positively.  Be grateful for all you have, good or bad.  Personally, gratitude for what I have has helped tremoundously.  Best of luck to you. 

Hi, and welcome to our family here but at the same time so sorry for the need.  Fear is a tricky thing, I'm not going to stay don't be frightened because once it is there its so hard to just turn off, but do take comfort in knowing we are here for you all the way!  As horsepad said  we all have stories, some seem more difficult than others but the truth is one can measure something like that. It is encouraging though to see some who have been diagnosed with later stage cancer doing so well today. WAY TO GO HORSEPAD !!!!!!!!!!!

I was diagnosed with Stage 3b with pelvic lymph nodes involved. I began with a clinical trial but after some complications half way through continued with protocal treatment of chemo/radiation. I did have surgery for what was supposed to be a temporary colostomy prior to beginning but due to radiation damage was unable to have that reversed. I am now almost 3 1/2 years post treatment and doing better than ever and probably much healthier than I was for years. The ostomy is not a problem for me.

Looking back, I wish I had had a hysterectomy prior to treatment as both my mom and grandmother died of ovarion and pelvic cancer of unknown origin. My doctors have thoroughly (believe me) examined me and agree that a hysterectomy now would be a very complicated surgery due to severe internal stenosis from radiation. When I began treatment I was soooooo sick that it was important to just get started.

There are several different kinds of ostomies. The most common to treat anal cancer would be a colostomy(colon), there is also an ileostomy(small intestine), and urostomy(bladder), some of these can be reversed within months even several years later but depends on individual situations and how the surgery is initially performed. I have met a few people that have 2 ostomies, and while certainly some adjustment period, in time becomes a managable part of life. (We are here for you when and if you cross that bridge as well)

The waiting is so hard, most of us have the same feelings even down the road......always a little worried to get those test results.  Your doctors need a little time to coordinate and thats what you want. Try somehow to keep your mind busy......I usually go on a cleaning frenzy, but don't know if your feeling up to that. Get involved in a good book, movie, cooking, whatever you can do during the wait.

Please stay in touch, and I will have you in my thoughts and prayers as you move forward.

Katheryn

I'm sorry that you are facing all of this and I can imagine how very scary it is.  However, you have the strength to get through this!  Dig deep because it's already there.  Do not give too much thoughts to statistics or odds--people beat those every day.  You can be one of them if you fight hard and stay strong.  I wish you all the best.

Martha

i was treated in 2009 at MD Anderson..... i never heard that low of a statistic..... 50%, 60%, 75% for different stages.....so do not even listen to the statistics..... there are sooo many people supposed to die in 6 months from other cancers  and they live a lot longer.......i realized that you have a lot to deal with but u can do it.....sephie

horsepad said:

I think we all have stories. 

I think we all have stories.  Waiting to find out what will happen next is the WORST!!!!  You think negatively too much.  I like my story because it has a happy ending (remission).  I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, it had spread to lymph nodes and liver.  My chances of survival were are 12-15%.  My husband committed suicide during my treatment and I was left alone to fight cancer, raise 2 grandchildren and manage a 70 acre farm.  A few months after my husband's death, I had a liver resection which increase my odds of surviving 20-30%  Today, 3 years later, I feel great and I am still in remission.  I know the odds are stacked against me but I have the Lord at my side to comfort and guide me.  You will get through this, I know it's hard but try to think positively.  Be grateful for all you have, good or bad.  Personally, gratitude for what I have has helped tremoundously.  Best of luck to you. 

I am new to this site and inspired by your story. I am also coping with Stage 4 cancer, with spread to lymph node and liver. I am not a candidate for liver surgery... per doctors... due to initial tumor spread in the liver. Though these tumors have been significantly reduced through chemo. I try to keep a attitude and also pray for remission.

I agree with what everyone has said. It's hard to add anything else. I was told by a social worker to use the "low beams", i.e. not to look so far down the road if I didn't have to. Sometimes you have to put those "high beams" on. And low beams is easier said than done. I was diagnosed in April with grade 3b with pelvic lymph nodes and my doctor wouldn't even give me percentages. He simply said he didn't know, which looking back I SO appreciate him saying. He examined me last Friday and although I "only" had to have chemo and radiation, no surgery, the lymph nodes are gone and the tumor has shrunk so much he wasn't sure he was examining the right person.

And yes, waiting is the absolute worst. I used some meditation tapes I found on Amazon. They help somewhat, but anything is better than nothing. God bless you and keep us posted.