Just diagnosed Stage IV

You'll find lots of all three here. Sorry for the reason you're here but welcome. I'm a stage three, diagnosed at 50.

Jan

I had stage 3 rectal cancer so I cant give you first hand advise about Stage 4, but unfortunatelly there are many friends here that can.

My only advise to you and your sweethart is to stay mentally strong. She/he is the same person with all her/his wisdom, skills and beauty, she/he just happens to have cancer and it is not the end of the world. Most people live a happy productive life with a lot of difficulty I have to ad, but its duable. This is the only life you got. Make it the best.

Laz

europeantiger said:

Thank you

for the encouragement. He is the love of my life and is an angel in a human body. I am very hopeful, even though the doc has given him a rather grim prognosis. We will make it the best and remain focused on hope. Maria

I was diagnosed on Dec 31, 2013. I wish I could think of something that might help but everyone's journey is different. The surgery was rough but I had unexpected complications so that made it worse. I'm sorry they gave him a grim prognosis. It's supposed to be the most treatable cancer out there. Don't give up yet, try to stay positive, there are plenty of people on here that have not only beaten the odds but are living good lives.

Glad you found us, sorry your here!!

 I was diagnosed last summer since had two surgeries and chemp.  Take things one day at a time and enjoy each day to the fullest you can.  There will be a range of emotions from despair and anger to elation.  This walk is a roller coaster of emotion that is a marathon; not a sprint.

Feel free to ask ANY question and I can say with certainty that there will be someone who can offer support and information.

You are far from alone. Many of of here are stage IV. I have been stage IV for over 9 years. There some other long term stage IV survivors here. We are here to help you in any way we can through our experiences. 

Trubrit said:

Welcome to the forum, Marie

I remember, non to fondly, those first weeks after diagnosis. What a roller coaster of emotions it is. The fear, the hope, the overwhelming sense of being out of control. I promise you that it does get better, especially once the Oncologist become a part of the team, and you (your sweetheart) gets moving along with treatment. 

It sounds like the mass in his colon needs to be addressed first, and the surgery for that can be a big one, and it really depends on his health and wellbeing, how well he recovers from it. The healthier the better of course, so I hope he is eating well and keeping hydrated. 

You ask a few questions. A second opinion, is always a good thing. I didn't do it myself, and have been pleased with my treatment, but there are many here who have, and it has made a vast difference, because they had issues with their former team. 

Alternative treatment. I know others can help here. All I have done is tried to make sure I get a really healthy diet. Although I was doing pretty well before my diagnosis. I do meditate and try to do yoga (never was consistent with my exercise).

The hardest part of chemo differs for each person. Some tolerate it well, others crash to their lowest. I did fair to midland with mine. Fatigue was probably the worst while I was going through the treatment, neuropathy has been the wortst and longest lasting side effect. I didn't get nauseous. I did get mouth sores. Tons of things crashed and I did lose my hair, not completely, I just looked Like Gollom (from Lord of the Rings) so shaved it off. 

We are here for you and your man, so please come often and ask whatever questions you want. Yeah, even the yukkie ones, because it is bowel cancer after all. We're not squeemish, we can't afford to be. 

Give your man a hug. 

Sue - Trubrit

 

Sorry you have to be here. I was diagnosed November 2008, stage 4 with a reoccurrence in 2012. Chemo is tough but I still managed to work four, 10 hour days, and two hour commute each day.   One foot in front of the other, is all we can do.  On reoccurrence, I stopped working and went on SS, as the first time I was just trying to save my job and health insurance.  

Second opinion, would probably only be on chemo type if you are going that route. Surgery on colon has to be done. Folfox is usually the first chemo they use on colorectal cancer. 

Stay strong. 

Welcome and sorry you are here.

I was Dx'ed 1/13/12 with stage 3b signet cell, right hemi-cholectomy surgery, 6 months of chemo and NED (No Evidence of Disease) which will be 3 years this Jan.

I was 49 years old at time of Dx.

Some suggestions:

• take a notepad to all Dr appts - keep copious notes, ask all questions
• be careful of internet searches - some stuff is just junk
• make sure you both like and are comfortable with all your Drs
• I went all organic with my eating (up to you)
• get exercise - walking is great for you both

There are many people on this site with stage 4 - they will post and give you additional advise.

This is a good place to come for info, to vent, to cry, to laugh and for support.

Please keep us posted.

It's always a good idea to have a second opinion, especially for the surgeon. I talked to 4 before I picked mine and I was very fortunate. Chemo is pretty routine especially at the beginning. It is very important that you are comfortable with the doctors, nurses and the facility, because unfortunatelly you will spent a lot of time there. The mental component and trust is half of the healing.

Consider to start taking 80mg of Cimetidine (Tagamet) two weeks before the surgery and at least 2 weeks after. It seems to reduce the chance of the cancer spreading during the surgery.

Laz