Discouraging News

deneenb · August 2005

Hello Everyone,

My Dad got the results of his latest scans yesterday and the news isn't good. He has been NED since late last year and yesterday's scans show a tumor in the colon as well as spread in the lymph nodes, liver and his back. The spots on his liver are smaller than the original spots he had last year and the chemo took care of them then. The Dr. is not sure about what was seen in his back because he said colon cancer doesn't typically spread to the bones so he is running tests for prostate cancer. The oncologist is very concerned because he said the fact that there is something in so many areas and it happened quickly the prognosis is not good. He is starting my father back on chemo (folfox - same treatment he originally had) on Monday. He said we will do that for 2 months and get scans. If the scans don't show improvement then he will switch to folfiri. He said that he is not optimistic that the treatment will work and basically told my father to get his affairs in order, update his will and he sent him home with medical proxy papers to complete. Needless to say, my Dad is devastated. I am scared to death because all I keep seeing in my head, over and over, is Judy's last post saying " I can't believe things have gotten so bad, so fast".

Has anyone had any of this happen? Can we still bring this beast back into remission? A very big part of me says "yes, we can" but I don't know if that is faith or denial. How can things be going so well and all of a sudden turn so bad? Has anyone had their cancer return and not respond to the original therapy but respond to the second therapy ?

Thank you and Best Wishes,
Deneen

StacyGleaso · August 2005

Hi Deneen,
I wish there was something magical to say. But I look at it this way, doctors are proven wrong every day. I think that since your dad was victorious once, there is absolutely NO reason why he cannot be victorious twice. Personally, I would have him implement some of the diet options presented by Lisa (scouty) and Emily (2bhealed). Those two have proven that treatment doesn't have to come in prescription form only. There are other ways to WIN. Have your dad give it everything he has. He has reaped the benefits of chemo in the past, and there is no reason why he can't again.

It's not denial, it's optimism.

Stay strong,
Stacy

2bhealed · August 2005

hi deneen,

you're right--that must feel so discouraging. :-(

But you are right to hang onto hope--your faith can move mountains.

You have been doing juicing with your father right? Has it been in therapeutic doses or just as an aside?

I really recommend reading A CANCER BATTLE PLAN by Anne Frahm if you haven't already.

she was sent home to get her affairs in order too and cured her cancer. But it took a complete effort.

Personally if the doctor doesn't have much faith in this next treatment then I would really pursue other venues. Why put your body through all that?

Chemo opens one up to secondary cancers.

I really am sorry your father has had this setback. It sure is my fear that lurks in the back of my mind. And that stinks!

I would also read: WHEN HOPE NEVER DIES by Marlene McKenna

((((((deneen)))))))

peace, emily

kangatoo · August 2005

2bhealed said:
hi deneen,

you're right--that must feel so discouraging. :-(

But you are right to hang onto hope--your faith can move mountains.

You have been doing juicing with your father right? Has it been in therapeutic doses or just as an aside?

I really recommend reading A CANCER BATTLE PLAN by Anne Frahm if you haven't already.

she was sent home to get her affairs in order too and cured her cancer. But it took a complete effort.

Personally if the doctor doesn't have much faith in this next treatment then I would really pursue other venues. Why put your body through all that?

Chemo opens one up to secondary cancers.

I really am sorry your father has had this setback. It sure is my fear that lurks in the back of my mind. And that stinks!

I would also read: WHEN HOPE NEVER DIES by Marlene McKenna

((((((deneen)))))))

peace, emily

Hiya Dineen. As you can see from the replies of Stacey and Em...there are incredibly encouraging people here who have taken on the battle and succeeded. Read Colsies previous topic.."miracles" ...there is always hope.
Yes Deneen, some do lose the battle. Our dear Judy courageously fought for a long time. Judy, however, from her first dx and surgery suffered a tremendous battle. Many things went wrong after surgery. She had such a difficult time with many complications and I fear that all of the ongoing problems contributed to her bodies ability to counteract her cancer.
It is I think similar to the many different reactions all of us have to chemo. Likewise with the surgery itself. Until we actually have to go thru those processes no-one, not even doctors know how we will cope. Some will have major complications, some do fine.
I think Deneen, no matter how afraid you are, you must concentrate your thoughts on the very real possibility that in your dads case he will do well.
A friend of mine once asked me how I could cope with talking to you all, on a site that has posts of such sadness.
My answer to them was, "there are sad times and good times.....the good times are when we hear news of cancer patients REALLY beating this disease!"
It can be done, and has been done......take heart Deneen, your dad can beat this!
huggs, kanga n Jen

scouty · August 2005

Deneen,

I sent you my "stuff" and look forward to hearing from you. Keep the faith honey. I am with you every step of the way.

Lisa P.

nanuk · August 2005

You might ask yor dr about this; although not yet FDA approved, they are doing trials all over the country on this bio-therapy
"Amgen and Abgenix, Inc. today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted fast track designation for panitumumab, an experimental fully human monoclonal antibody directed against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr), for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who have failed standard chemotherapy treatment."

chynabear · August 2005

nanuk said:
You might ask yor dr about this; although not yet FDA approved, they are doing trials all over the country on this bio-therapy
"Amgen and Abgenix, Inc. today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted fast track designation for panitumumab, an experimental fully human monoclonal antibody directed against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr), for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who have failed standard chemotherapy treatment."

I posted too quickly a few minutes ago about the abundance of "good news" posts. I am very sorry to hear about your dad. Everyone here is on the right track. You took a blow, yes. You just have to keep on fighting. Be optimistic. Miracles happen every day. Look at every option you have available.

Good luck and keep us posted. I'm saying an extra prayer for your father.

Patricia

midnte0708 · August 2005

I'm sorry to hear about your Dad's results. I'm dealing with a similar situation. Don't give up and don't let him give up. Since reading all the posts on these boards I believe in miracles now.

Sue

Glv49 · August 2005

midnte0708 said:
I'm sorry to hear about your Dad's results. I'm dealing with a similar situation. Don't give up and don't let him give up. Since reading all the posts on these boards I believe in miracles now.

Sue

I am sorry to hear of your Dad's test results. But, don't give up hope. Keep being positive, and that feeling will definetly inspire him to do the same. You know from reading all of the stories here, that only God knows our destiny. Good luck to you and your Dad, you are in my prayers.
Gail

Btrcup · August 2005

Deneen, I am sorry to hear your dad's latest news. I know how hard it can be to keep the faith, but we need to.

Linda

Kanort · August 2005

Dear Deneen,

I'm so sorry to hear of your father's recent results. Please know that we are here for you and will praying that things will turn around for your dad.

Thinking of you,

Kay

122456 · August 2005

Kanort said:
Dear Deneen,

I'm so sorry to hear of your father's recent results. Please know that we are here for you and will praying that things will turn around for your dad.

Thinking of you,

Kay

Dear Deneen, I am sorry to hear about your father but don't give up. I have been reading a little booklet called 'By Jesus'39 stripes we were healed' by Walt Straughan. I read it daily. I am a firm believer in Jesus Christ and some days are worse than others but I stand of the word of God when He said He would never leave nor forsake us if we just believe and do His will. Somedays I get all alone and cry out to Jesus when I feel down and ask Him to let me beat this and do His will. He wants us to be patience and in all due time, my prayers have been answers and more so please keep the faith and call on our heavenly father to help you and your dad. He will answer.

taunya · August 2005

Dear Deneen,
I am terrribly sorry to hear that your Dad is having such a difficult time. It is true, as others have pointed out, that this disease can have difficult ups and downs. Don't forget, that it isn't over till it's over!
This is very hard to cope with, but you have to keep the faith and brace yourself for the ride.
Don't give up hope. Sometimes hope is all we have to get us through.
I will be thinking of you and praying for your Dad.
Many good, positive and healthful thoughts to your Dad. Hugs and Love,
Taunya

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