stage 4 to terminal

That's a lot. I'm so sorry this has happened to you. We are all here to listen and commiserate. Are you being treated at a cancer center or hospital? Have you gotten a second opinion? 

I'm stage 4 but I am currently NED. I had it in colon and lungs. Surgery got it out, chemo to ensure it does not come back. But I never heard the word, terminal. That's awful.  Sending love and strength to you and your family.

K

I hate the word 'Terminal'.  It sinks into the spirit and does not help one be positive. 

So, forget the terminal, and just look forward.  Forward to what? Don't even ask that, just look forward. Tell yourself you can beat it, and then, you either do or you don't. 

I know that being positive isn't the be-all-and-end-all. Treatment, diet, exercise, prayers, fresh air, work at all of it, and be positive.

You have my prayers and positive thoughts.

Tru 

Have  been told "chemo for life" and to not plan anytihng more than a year out--by a Mayo oncologist. My other oncologists and lung surgeon aren't as dire but they do say it is akin to fighting "weeds" in a garden, and that there will be a need for chemo when the mets start growing. Did they do extensive genetic study of your tumor cells to determine the use of Herceptin?  If you think about it, who isn't terminal? Just words.

I'm sorry to hear that all of this has come down so fast, but don't think of it with no hope.  They are still giving you treatment to help you.  I'm just not sure what other options you can do since you have gotten a 3rd and 4th opinion.  I'm glad that you have the support of your family.  We are here to also give you support.

Kim

nicktacoma said:

I have actually got 2nd 3rd

I have actually got 2nd 3rd and 4th opinion from radiologist, cardiologist, oncolgist and the surgeon that performed the colectomy they all agree that the current course is the best option. I am the one who used the term terminal as it is the best way I can discribe it to myself. they give me 20% chance of 5 years and their words are: we are treating your cancer to slow the spread it is a very aggresive form and at this time we feel that radiation is not an option and surgey to remove the right lung 1 tumor and 3 nodules is not an option because of a recent heart attack and subsiquent stent placement. I'm hoping to be accepted in a trial in UW medical center in Seattle WA. 

Colon operation 2015, half of lymph nodes taken had cancer.  Portion of lung removed in 2016 for a met.  (I was in and out in 36 hours and ran 3 miles a week later - it was easy.)  Came back third time in three years and inoperable (spread to lymph nodes, multiple lung mets) in Fall 2017.  Immunotherpy trial did not work for me, and a major cancer bloom in summer 2018 - including into spine, fast growth and spread in lungs (at least 60 tumors, maybe more, they stopped counting them), made it time to go back on chemo.  Doctors were really clear that they are not curing me, just holding serve as long as possible until next breakthrough or moving onto next treatment.  But at no point saying "terminal." 

So try to stay positive.  Also your 2nd, 3rd, 4th opinions may not be the way to go with what you went for.  If you want a second on surgery, find a surgeon.  Chemo, another chemo doc, etc.  Preferably from a place not where you are going/being treated.  You can even get a second opinion on-line from some mahor places, including Mass General, Dana etc.  Memorial Sloan Kettering (where I go), MD Anderson, and other places may be worthwhile contacting for a second opinion.  Based on you medical condition, your docs may be right in all of this.  But it does not hurt to maybe get a second.