Semi Colon ROLL CALL

24

Comments

  • dorookie
    dorookie Member Posts: 1,731 Member
    #22
    abrub said:

    Appendix Cancer, Stage 4

    Dx'd April, 2007.  Surgery, intraperitoneal and systemic chemo.  NED since, and leading full, normal life.

    Alice

    ABRUB, That is AWESOME

    I am so happy you are LIVING and enjoying your life!!!

    I have had aome serious issues since treatment, but in all i can say I am NED, and that makes it worth it...  One day i will be able to post i am out there LIVING as well :)

     

    HUGS
    BETH

  • DonnaLullo
    DonnaLullo Member Posts: 1
    #23
    Newbie to this forum

    Howdy,

    I was dx 2 years ago with Stage IV colon cancer, mets to the liver.  Colon reseiction, 12 rounds of fulfox, 12 rounds of folfuri, Avasitin and Xeloda.  Chemo was working to keep my CEA's low, put can't seem to get a maintance chemo to work.

    My last few rouinds of chemo doc put me on a lovely drug called Vectibix.  With all the side effects of chemo, the Vextibix took 1st place as far as bad side effects.  Horrible acne/rash on my face, next and back.  I got use to the ugly rash, hard to avoid mirrors, but the problem was the pain from the rash!  OUCH!!  Doc stopped the Vextibix after the 2nd treatment. Thank goodness.  I am scheduled for a liver resection late January and am hopeful that they can sucessfully remove my 3 tumors.

    Can't wait...hopefully I will be on a chemo holidayCool 

    It is heartwarming reading all the posts.  I just joined, so I have lots of posts to read. We need to keep our boxing gloves on tight and fight this beast! It's not a fun fight, but it's a fight we cannot give up on.

    Happy Holidays to all you fighters out there, and a special thanks to all the caregivers. 

     

    Donna

  • dorookie
    dorookie Member Posts: 1,731 Member
    #24
    DonnaLullo said:

    Newbie to this forum

    Howdy,

    I was dx 2 years ago with Stage IV colon cancer, mets to the liver.  Colon reseiction, 12 rounds of fulfox, 12 rounds of folfuri, Avasitin and Xeloda.  Chemo was working to keep my CEA's low, put can't seem to get a maintance chemo to work.

    My last few rouinds of chemo doc put me on a lovely drug called Vectibix.  With all the side effects of chemo, the Vextibix took 1st place as far as bad side effects.  Horrible acne/rash on my face, next and back.  I got use to the ugly rash, hard to avoid mirrors, but the problem was the pain from the rash!  OUCH!!  Doc stopped the Vextibix after the 2nd treatment. Thank goodness.  I am scheduled for a liver resection late January and am hopeful that they can sucessfully remove my 3 tumors.

    Can't wait...hopefully I will be on a chemo holidayCool 

    It is heartwarming reading all the posts.  I just joined, so I have lots of posts to read. We need to keep our boxing gloves on tight and fight this beast! It's not a fun fight, but it's a fight we cannot give up on.

    Happy Holidays to all you fighters out there, and a special thanks to all the caregivers. 

     

    Donna

    I am glad and sad

    that you are here, but i have to say you have found the BEST group of people in all the lands, here you will find friends, strengh, courage, joy and some tears, but all in all, its the best place to be, so welcome sit back and enjoy the ride, oh wait we are not on southwest...LOL Seriously welcome, please feel free to ask anything at anytime, there will always be someone with an answer or some sort of support.

     

    God Bless

    HUGS
    BETH

  • RickMurtagh
    RickMurtagh Member Posts: 587 Member
    #25
    xmas reminds me

    DX III two tumors Feb 09

    Chemo/rad March 09

    Ileo June 09

    FOLFOX July 09

    Takedown April 10 (failure!)

    Mets to the sacrum and presacral area March 11 - NOT

    Chronic infection of sacrum that looked like cancer (including a blockage and bone loss)!

    Permanent ileo April 11

    almost 6 years NED!

    happy to be alive!  6 grands and counting!

    xmas reminds me how lucky i am to be here! like kathim, the "additional" time granted me has not been taken for granted.  and like kathim, i am really enjoying life - w/out speaking multiple languages, travelling the world, living in two countries or publushing a book :) (you go girl!)

    pardone me now, i have to go change my appliance before it leaks all over the floor...or worse...

  • UncleBuddy
    UncleBuddy Member Posts: 1,019 Member
    #26
    I am a caretaker!

    My brother was diagnosed with stage 2a rectal cancer in 2011. He had a lower anterior resection, radiation and chemo.  

    In 2012 he went to stage 4 with mets to the lungs and 1 in the liver. He is currently on chemo for palliative care. He's stable at the moment, so I count my blessings!

    We live in NY state (neighboring towns) and I hate the winters here. I am trying to convince the husband to move south near the grandbabies, but he is a New Yorker at heart. I don't mind the cold as much as I hate the ice and snow. My dream home would be a condo on the ocean. Smile

  • dorookie
    dorookie Member Posts: 1,731 Member
    #27
    UncleBuddy said:

    I am a caretaker!

    My brother was diagnosed with stage 2a rectal cancer in 2011. He had a lower anterior resection, radiation and chemo.  

    In 2012 he went to stage 4 with mets to the lungs and 1 in the liver. He is currently on chemo for palliative care. He's stable at the moment, so I count my blessings!

    We live in NY state (neighboring towns) and I hate the winters here. I am trying to convince the husband to move south near the grandbabies, but he is a New Yorker at heart. I don't mind the cold as much as I hate the ice and snow. My dream home would be a condo on the ocean. Smile

    Welcome

    Caregivers are just as much apart of this fight as the one in treatment.  I wasnt the caregiver my partner Wendy was, and seeing her go through some really tough times during treatment times and for several years after, she tries to hide her feelings about the fears or thoughts she has about the beast coming back, but we deal with it one day at a time.

    I truly hope your dream comes through and you get your house on the beach near the warm ocean.  Wendy is from Buffalo and she swears she would never go back because of the cold, snow and the ice, she lived there for the first 35 years of her life and will not return...LOL So good luck on getting out of NY.

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,

     

    GOD BLESS
    HUGS
    BETH

     

  • Lovekitties
    Lovekitties Member Posts: 3,364 Member
    #28
    lilpep1972 said:

    What made you refuse chemo??

    Hello im Chris.

    i was Dx less then a week ago an my surgery will be tomorrow actually. They just told me a blockage in my sigmoid colon looks like late stage 2 early 3 ... I have been since arguing with my family about after care. I was very much thinking of NOT getting chemo going a holistic route and seeing what happens but I'm getting blasted for this.. Can you please give me some input on whT made you decide NOT todo chemo ?? Thank you sooooo much. Hope your felling wonderful today and may God bless your family during this holiday season :):) 

    Hi

    While I am not "Thingy" I also refused chemo and radiation.  I had a rectal tumor.

    My surgeon offered both before surgery to try to save some organs, but I felt "out da.. spot" was best choice, even though I now have a perm colostomy.

    I also declined any after surgery treatments.  I was never given a professional staging, but from what I have read and know of my situation it was either 2 or 3.  It has been 5 years since diagnosis.

    I made my choices based on my age ( was 62 when diagnosed), personal circumstances ( grown children on their own, no spouse or significant other), and financial considerations (at the time no medical insurance).

    I determined that quality of life was more important than quantity to me.  My family was accepting of my choice.

    Each of us is different and can have very different results with the same treatments.  The best we can do is get the most information available.

    The choice of what to do now is not an easy one, but it is one you ultimately must feel is right for you. 

    Best wishes with the path you choose.

    Marie who loves kitties

     

  • thingy45
    thingy45 Member Posts: 632 Member
    #29
    dorookie said:

    Welcome

    Caregivers are just as much apart of this fight as the one in treatment.  I wasnt the caregiver my partner Wendy was, and seeing her go through some really tough times during treatment times and for several years after, she tries to hide her feelings about the fears or thoughts she has about the beast coming back, but we deal with it one day at a time.

    I truly hope your dream comes through and you get your house on the beach near the warm ocean.  Wendy is from Buffalo and she swears she would never go back because of the cold, snow and the ice, she lived there for the first 35 years of her life and will not return...LOL So good luck on getting out of NY.

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,

     

    GOD BLESS
    HUGS
    BETH

     

    Thingy 45

    hi again everyone. I have been very busy with my o so sick daughter. But I have replied back to Chris' in a private letter. I did have only one lymph node involved. I have been very lucky so far. Still lots of colon issues, now after 3 years no more colonoscopies and or ct scans scheduled here in Canada. Very scary for me indeed. Last time I was almost to late and don't want to go there again.

    wishing you all a very healthy 2015 . Marjan

  • Phil64
    Phil64 Member Posts: 838 Member
    #30
    Phil64

    Diagnosed with Stage 1 testicular cancer first in October 2011. Right testicle removed. 22 radiation treatments. Diagnosed Stage IV colon cancer in April 2012. Colon resection #1, Lung Resection, 11 rounds of FOLFOX, six rounds of FOLFIRI + Erbitux, Liver Resection #1, six more rounds of FOLFIRI + Erbitux, Colon Resection #2, Liver Resection #2, six rounds of FOLFOXIRI + Avastin, Liver Resection #3. 

    After 7 surgeries, 22 radiation treatments, 29 chemo treatments...

    I'm currently NED and still recovering from the most recent surgery (3rd liver resection on 12/5). Once I'm healed a bit more Onc wants to give me more 5FU and Erbitux, then switch over to just Erbitux. Hoping that will keep me NED. 

    I'm still celebrating my 2013 Christmas Gift - CEA under 1.0.  

    God bless us all, everywhere.

     

     

  • impactzone
    impactzone Member Posts: 555 Member
    #31
    stage 4 here for 8 years

    dx in august 2006. 4 thoracic surgeries, colon surgery, liver surgery , 10 months of chemo. All this is over the last 8 years but still teaching,coaching,and surfing. Just got back from 1 week skiing at June Lake with family and friends. All my best to those caregivers and people struggling with this. It sucks, its unfair, it is frustrating. I hope and pray that all find some way to mentally and physically be stronger, level and enjoy moments. Thanks all.

    Chip

  • herdizziness
    herdizziness Member Posts: 3,624 Member
    #32
    Stage IV discovered 02/06/2010

    I've been in treatment (doing chemo) for almost 5 years with time off for various surgeries. I've really enjoyed the time off of chemo.  Right now I'm doing chemo weekly (oxiplatinum, levorcon and some other one that starts with an "L" sorry about the spelling chemo's wrong) I would love to be off of chemo, but it so far has kept me alive (along with surgeries) so on it I stay On it, so many surgeries I can't keep count, I think three on colon, three on liver, one for ureter tumor, and my lung ones have stayed small and pretty much left alone ai keep forgetting I actually have lung tumors) they grow a little then shrink a little) currently living in Santa Cruz, CA, and HAPPY to be alive and living life.

    Winter Marie

  • ron50
    ron50 Member Posts: 1,723 Member
    #33
    herdizziness said:

    Stage IV discovered 02/06/2010

    I've been in treatment (doing chemo) for almost 5 years with time off for various surgeries. I've really enjoyed the time off of chemo.  Right now I'm doing chemo weekly (oxiplatinum, levorcon and some other one that starts with an "L" sorry about the spelling chemo's wrong) I would love to be off of chemo, but it so far has kept me alive (along with surgeries) so on it I stay On it, so many surgeries I can't keep count, I think three on colon, three on liver, one for ureter tumor, and my lung ones have stayed small and pretty much left alone ai keep forgetting I actually have lung tumors) they grow a little then shrink a little) currently living in Santa Cruz, CA, and HAPPY to be alive and living life.

    Winter Marie

    Hugs Marie

       You have done it pretty tough over the years but you keep hanging in and waiting for the next big breakthru. Wishing you all the best for the New year ,hoping it brings something miraculous  your way. Ron.

  • Helen321
    Helen321 Member Posts: 1,460 Member
    #34
    Yeahhhh 5.5 years is awesome!

    Yeahhhh 5.5 years is awesome!  Helen Smith of Queens, NY, polyp found on rectum at age 28 by general practitioner who should have sent me to a gastroenterologist but instead told me to get it done eventually and not to worry because only 10% turn cancerous and I'm so young.  I was young, I was going to live forever,  what did I know, I was clueless as to what a polyp was and we didn't have the internet.   Had bleeding, diagnosed at age 42 Feb of 2012 as stage I.  Simple surgery, 10% chance of it coming back, was happy to move on.  Went for 9 week checkup and was shocked to hear tumor had grown back.  Doc suggested no chemo and another simple surgery, that didn't sound right (love the internet).  Switched to Sloan.  Tumor was indeed back, at some point scan showed lymph nodes and possible ovaries so chemo, rad, tumor to close to anus so full removal and ovary removal, colostomy and here I am almost 2 years out and planning to live forever again!  Yeah to life!

  • Helen321
    Helen321 Member Posts: 1,460 Member
    #35
    impactzone said:

    stage 4 here for 8 years

    dx in august 2006. 4 thoracic surgeries, colon surgery, liver surgery , 10 months of chemo. All this is over the last 8 years but still teaching,coaching,and surfing. Just got back from 1 week skiing at June Lake with family and friends. All my best to those caregivers and people struggling with this. It sucks, its unfair, it is frustrating. I hope and pray that all find some way to mentally and physically be stronger, level and enjoy moments. Thanks all.

    Chip

    Do you have any room in your

    Do you have any room in your suitcase?  I can ball up pretty small!

  • Helen321
    Helen321 Member Posts: 1,460 Member
    #36
    Phil64 said:

    Phil64

    Diagnosed with Stage 1 testicular cancer first in October 2011. Right testicle removed. 22 radiation treatments. Diagnosed Stage IV colon cancer in April 2012. Colon resection #1, Lung Resection, 11 rounds of FOLFOX, six rounds of FOLFIRI + Erbitux, Liver Resection #1, six more rounds of FOLFIRI + Erbitux, Colon Resection #2, Liver Resection #2, six rounds of FOLFOXIRI + Avastin, Liver Resection #3. 

    After 7 surgeries, 22 radiation treatments, 29 chemo treatments...

    I'm currently NED and still recovering from the most recent surgery (3rd liver resection on 12/5). Once I'm healed a bit more Onc wants to give me more 5FU and Erbitux, then switch over to just Erbitux. Hoping that will keep me NED. 

    I'm still celebrating my 2013 Christmas Gift - CEA under 1.0.  

    God bless us all, everywhere.

     

     

    Nicccccceee! to that CEA!

    Nicccccceee! to that CEA!

  • Momof2plusteentwins
    Momof2plusteentwins Member Posts: 509 Member
    #37
    2 1/2 Years

    Diagnosed Stage IV April 2012 1 met to liver, CEA 54,  6 weeks chemoradiation, surgery in a June. Surgery removed rectal tumor, liver tumor, and gallbladder.  12 of 21 positive lymph nodes.  Started Folfox July, 4 weeks after surgery.  CEA 0.5.  Finished all 12 rounds of Folfox December, PET scan clear and CEA 0.5.  I live in Braselton, Georgia with my husband and twin boys that are now Seniors in high school.  The picture is of my twin Grandbabies Harper and Lucy.  I am so happy to be here still and see things I didn't think I would see!

  • MrsCollazo
    MrsCollazo Member Posts: 6
    #38
    A Newbie

    As a caregiver, I will respond for my new husband of two months but we have been together for for 10 years...  He was diagnosed December 2013 and staged at IIIC after surgery to remove the mass/blocked but I don't remember how many lymphnodes were effected, but obviously the count pushed him into C stage instead of B...  We were told it was an aggressive cancer, which in reading this network, I recently have come to think that the meaning of “aggressive” means "grows/spreads fast"...  Seven rounds of chemo until neuropathy set in unbearably...  

    CEA test prior to his surgery showed 9 and after we stopped chemo 2.2, scan in July stated NED (thanks for the definition!)...  Then to return from our wedding and honeymoon in Europe to have a CEA elevate to 42...  Oncologist says we will need to start chemo treatments again, yet it has not spread to any other organs...  We will meet with him on Monday to determine length and regiment...  

    Thank you ALL for your comments as we will take those suggestions and incorporate them into our treatment... Especially, speaking with our surgeon who we have an appointment with this month...  We will also start to monitor the medications/dosage so we can have further details...  

    United in the FIGHT!

    ~Mrs

  • tootsie1
    tootsie1 Member Posts: 5,044 Member
    #39
    Stage 1

    I was fortunate enough to be diagnosed at Stage 1 on Nov. 21, 2007. I had surgery and have been cancer free for 7 years! I did have a polyp found during a recent colonoscopy, and that was removed. I have a daily reminder of the experience via the abdominal pain that has been with me since the surgery. Frown

     

    I don't come here as often or post as often as I did in early days, but I do think about and pray for those I have met on this board

     

    *hugs*

    Gail

  • StacyGleaso
    StacyGleaso Member Posts: 1,233 Member
    #40
    Pretty sure...

    I'm pretty sure very few remember me!  Dx 10/03/2001, been clear of stage 4 (liver mets) since 10 hr surgery on 01/26/2002.  No recurrences, nothing.  I'm happy to say I'm boring in the world of cancer these days!

     

    Now...let's hear from Spongebob, Scouty, Lisa P, Suzanne, Ron, and the rest of us ancient cats!

     

     

    --Stacy

  • Joy1216
    Joy1216 Member Posts: 290 Member
    #41
    Oldtimer

    I was diagnosed with Stage I colon cancer in March of 2006.  I had a right hemi-colectomy and have been NED ever since.  I have had numerous colonoscopies since surgery.  The last few times polyps were discovered.  A couple were pre-cancerous but the last one was benign so I am now on the 5-year colonoscopy plan.  I often have digestive problems but they are just an inconvenience.  I suffer from survivor's guilt at times when others pass away.  My faith is strong and I believe there's still something God has for me to do on this earth.  Why am I still hanging around here?  Recurrence is still in the back of my mind and I want to know about all the latest treatments.  I also want to hear how others are doing and I pray daily for a cure for cancer, healing, and relief from side effects of treatment.

    Joy

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