Wife shockingly diagnosed with Stage 4

Right there with you - I just

Right there with you - I just found out yesterday that I have colon.  I dont have a staging or anything yet, but know that you are not alone.

 

I am so very sorry

This is terrible news. With a brand new baby, who needs their mummy, and your poor wife now having to deal with this devestating diagnosis. My heart aches for all of you. 

These first weeks are truly awful. An overload of emotions of the worst kind, to overcome. Don't fight those emotions, roll with them, for a while. 

Once your wife starts the chemo, as bad as it is, its a start to the fight, and it actually helps to calm those shattered neves, and restore those shattered dreams. 

Treatment may not be a joy ride, but she will do well with your love and that little baby - and any others that may be at home - 

Be positive, happy, and careful. Take copious notes at all appointmetns, and at home. Note everything that your wife experiences, regardless of wether you think they are side effects or not. 

There are many stage IV survivors here on the forum and out there in the big wide world, and your wife can be one of them. It won't be an easy road, and I wish oyou all the best. 

We're all here to help you help your wife. 

Tru

This is very rough as I

This is very rough as I assume that both of you are fairly young and a new child is a lot of work. Hopefully the chemo will shrink the tumors so that they can eventually be removed or at least not grow. The folks here have or had cancer or have spouses, parents or friends with cancer and we're here to help you out with what we know or any support that we can provide.

So Sorry!

I just wanted to tell you to hang in there.  I actually can totally relate to how you are feeling!  My dh was diagnosed in September and he was just restaged to stage 4.  He is 49 and we have 3 children.  I know how scared you must be because I know how scared I am right now.  I just want to send good thoughts and prayers your way! 

Chemo for CRC with liver mets

I have CRC with multiple liver mets - told inoperable.  Started chemo every 2 wks Oct 2016 - avastin + folfiri.  I have had about 27 treatments.  Have had some 3 wk and one 4 wk treatment due to needing a break from the 2 wk schedule.  Had 14 2-wk treatments in a row.  I am not aware of the chemo cocktail that has oxyplatin and irinotecan, but I believe some have had both of these chemos in their chemo cocktail.  I am currently having a 2 mo break from chemo to recoup, as I have had fairly low white blood cells and needed 4 blood transfusions for low hemoglobin, plus other side effects.  Wishing you all the best.  I know many on this site have had folfox.  I'm sure the Oncologist will choose the most appropriate chemo cocktail.  

That's a tough road

  Each treatment is usually  specialized to the individual.  Some of the factors include the type of cancer which there are many varieties even within the scope of colorectal.  Some are what's referred to as well differentiated and from there degrade to poorly differentiated which defines how agressive it is.  The size, location, and it's interference with bodily functions also matter.  Your age and overall health impact the course of action significantly.  There are hundreds if not thousands of factors that dictate the direction they may take.  They'll tell you shortly.

  A trend that a few of us have experienced is chemo/radiation first then surgery followed up by more chemo. This taken from 3 different parts of the country so perhaps it's the new norm.   As for diet, do what the doctors say.  Not to say there might be some disagreement between them.  For instance, I was told by the radiation oncologist that I had no restrictions. The chemo oncologist said not to eat anything with fiber or spice since it can irritate that area that is being weakened by their treatment. For food I'd opt for what ever is more gentle on the inards if possible as directed.  Be careful with suppliments.  Not all of them will react well to treatments and in some cases counter the chemo. Again, ask before trying anything and heed your doctors warnings well. 

 There seems to be another style practiced by the medical community which I kind of disagree with. That is, allowing the patient to have more than questions to the input of the treatment.  When it comes to this we don't know diddly squat so it's best not to suggest something else unless of course they come back with "There is nothing more we can do..."  In that case I'd ask for a referrel to another place or for any ideas.  Taking the path of studies or clinical trials can be a risky venture. Reasons being, they may not work at all and there is the chance you could end up as one of the people on the placebo which is even worse.  If you're given a choice between this and that, I'd always come back with "which is most likely to work." and take that one.

 None of this will be easy.  The mental anguish can be paralyzing and don't be surprised if your wife gets a little crazy.  We all did and still do from time to time.  Having a baby complicates things. You'll have to do a lot of what she planned on.  For example. With any Chemo it degrades the immune system. That means you get to change all the diapers. Don't let her do it. 

 

Folfox Chemo

So very sorry. My husband was diagnosed Sept 5, with colon cancer met to liver, he has had 4 treatments of Folfox with 5FU. His greatest struggle is with fatigue. Absolutely no energy. He has just had a CT to see if the treatment is working. The primary tumor has shrunk, but more tumors in liver. Now he is in ICU with blood clots in lungs. We almost lost himFri night. Not from CA but side effect. I encourage you to try and take it one day at a time. This is probably the hardest thing you have ever faced or at least right up there. It is a roller coaster ride, and it can wreck havoc with your emotions. It is normal to be scared to death. But you will become a little more settled after her first round of chemo I think. I hope and pray you are a Christian that clings to the Lord. His light and love will sustain you. Gather your tribe. You are going to need all the support you can muster. Again, so sorry. You have got this though you can and will meet the challenge. Grace and peace to you. BTW Folfox is a great protocol. Believe it will work for her and love her big time.

positive thoughts
I will be praying for you and your wife- positive thoughts and positive attitude so important. My husband 50 was just diagnosed stage 4 rectal cancer spread to liver and celiac lymph nodes- I am devastated myself joining this group to seek positive stories and strength - he is my best friend and we have 3 children - this horrible disease affects so many people.. God Bless stay positive prayers for HOPE and Healing

You both will need a lot of support.....

This will be a crazy time, lots of ups and downs.  Chemo is strong stuff and should get rid of a good bit.  It will be tiring with your newborn but at the same time give her so much strength!  Will be thinking of you all.