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mountainhiker
mountainhiker Member Posts: 54
in Colorectal Cancer #1

Not new to this cancer journey. I discovered this site a little over a year ago, right after being diagnosed with stage iv colon cancer. The information and emotional support I've received here from just reading the posts has been such a blessing. I've wanted to join numerous times, but for whatever reason never did. I feel now is the time and I hope to be able to help others in the same way I feel I've been helped by members here. 

A little background. There's no history of colon cancer in my family. I was diagnosed March 2017 at the ripe old age of 49 with a 5cm tumor in my colon and multiple liver mets in both lobes. Over the following month, I was told by at least 4 doctors (oncologists and a surgeon) to get my affairs in order because I had less than 2 years to live. Obviously, my family was devastated as I have 3 kids (ages 9, 11 and 13 at the time). I've always been told I'm hardheaded (I call it being determined) which I believe helped me tremendously in this situation. On May 1, 2017, I traveled to NYC to get a fourth opinion from MSK with the great Dr. Nancy Kemeny (oncologist) and Dr. Michael D'Angelica (surgeon). This proved to be the best decision I have ever made. At that visit I heard the word "cure" for the first time. Both doctors were incredibly confident in their abilities and fully intended to do their best to rid my body of cancer. My last surgery was July 21, 2017 and chemo finished up on February 28, 2018. After 2 major surgeries (colon and liver resections), 14 rounds of systemic chemo and 5 rounds of liver directed chemo (via the HAI pump MSK implanted), I am cancer free. 

It has been a difficult struggle - the hardest thing I've ever had to do. But over the past year, I have met some truly incredible people that I would never have met had I not been diagnosed with this terrible disease. 

I hope to be a help to new members who feel overwhelmed by a recent cancer diagnosis or anyone just needing someone to listen.

mountainhiker

Comments

  • Twinzma
    Twinzma Member Posts: 236 Member
    #2
    Thank You for sharing

    Your story gives me hope for my husband. This past Thanksgiving Day he was diagnoised with Stage 4 Colon Cancer, with 30 mets to the liver all lobes involved. He Started treatment and is respnding well but we seem to have come to a crossroad. He is having a PetScan in a few weeks and his oncologist will present it to the tumor board. She does not think he is surgical at this time and may stop chemo. Shocked that treatment is still working I can not phantom stopping treatment. My husband has talked with her agian because I thought that this is highly negligable, but she seems to think that pill form maybe the way to go. Reguardless, will be seeking out other oppinions. Maybe allow a few weeks for a chemo break. This is a hell of a roller coaster ride we too have young children. twin 12 year old boys. It really helps to hear sucess stories and yours is very uplifiting. Sorry you are on this roller coaster ride too, but glad you have found this support group. Wonderful people here, I don't know how I would get through a day without them. 

  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    #3
    Welcome

    Thank you for joining our group and wanting to help others struggling in your situation.  We welcome all help here and appreciate you coming forward to share your experience so far.  Wishing you continued health moving forward and just to let you know, we are here to help you answers some questions if you find yourself in need of something that arises you need some help with.  Once again, welcome to one of the best groups on this site.

    Kim

  • blessed39
    blessed39 Member Posts: 90 Member
    #4
    New to site

    I had stage Four Colon Cancer and have been in remisson several years now. If you would like to read my story

    just go to my page and click on blog. My story "How I Beat Stage Four Colon Cancer" is there.

    God Bless you  blessed39

  • Slow-runner
    Slow-runner Member Posts: 55 Member
    edited August 2018 #5
    Twinzma said:

    Thank You for sharing

    Your story gives me hope for my husband. This past Thanksgiving Day he was diagnoised with Stage 4 Colon Cancer, with 30 mets to the liver all lobes involved. He Started treatment and is respnding well but we seem to have come to a crossroad. He is having a PetScan in a few weeks and his oncologist will present it to the tumor board. She does not think he is surgical at this time and may stop chemo. Shocked that treatment is still working I can not phantom stopping treatment. My husband has talked with her agian because I thought that this is highly negligable, but she seems to think that pill form maybe the way to go. Reguardless, will be seeking out other oppinions. Maybe allow a few weeks for a chemo break. This is a hell of a roller coaster ride we too have young children. twin 12 year old boys. It really helps to hear sucess stories and yours is very uplifiting. Sorry you are on this roller coaster ride too, but glad you have found this support group. Wonderful people here, I don't know how I would get through a day without them. 

    mets to both lobes of liver

    My husband also has multiple tumors in both lobes of his liver.  He had a TACE procedure done to each lobe and supposedly all tumors are now dead.  Unfortunately the small tumors in his lungs have grown and some new ones have shown up so he is now on the pill form of the 5FU to hopefully better combat these.  It certainly is a roller coaster ride, but I too am so grateful for this site and the inspiration everyone's posts give me.  Take care and good luck.

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