Need Survivor Stories

Paula,

I am a 42 year old wife and mother. My son is 23 years old and will soon be 24. I have been married to my wonderful husband for almost 25 years (Sept 24).

I had always had a p[roblem with consitpation throughout my life and saw a GI Doc several times regardling this issue, but he always stated more fiber would help. Current industry standards and studies indicate and state that a colonsocopy is not needed until age 50, but with people in our situation have to deal with the industry standard differently.

In late June early July 06 I began to have seriously consitpation issues, bloated stomach and could not go to the bathroom no matter what I used so on 5 July 06 I went to ER and they indicated I was consitpated and gave me several laxative methods to use, but around 1:00am on Saturday, 6 July I was back at the ER. This time they admitted me and it took them until Monday to determine what the problem was. It actually took a surgeon (wonderful man) to figure it out, so on Monday, 10 July 06 I had emergency surgery. The surgeon found a quarter size tumor on my sigmond colon and remove it along with 14 lymph nodes. The path report indicated the tumor was "moderatly" differential, Stage II, NO & MO which means NO = No lymph node involvement and MO = No signs of spreading. On 18 Aug 06 I began the FLOFOX regime of chemo which was given ever other week for 12 treatments or 6 months. I was also told by my surgeon and Onc Doc that this treatment was for insurance and precautionary measures. I had 6 out of the 12 treatments due to side effects. It was not a easy decision to stop the chemo but a decision I felt was right.

Chemo treats and affects each individual different because of our DNA make-up. Some people have no issues with chemo while others can have every side effect known.

My first CT Scan after chemo and first surgery came back ALL CLEAR (22 Jan 07). My next 3 month check-up is 17 April 07.

Believe me, you will find MANY survior stories here. There are seeral Stage IV survior stories. Treatment has come along away in the past 5 years. From what I read, they did not give chemo or radiation to Stage I or II 5 years ago. Now they recommend treatment.

What would really help your Dad right now is the support and love from family, friends, community and church.

May God give you and your father the strength and guidance you are seeking.

Paula,

Your family is in my prayers as your dad begins a new battle. I can't imagine how overwhelmed he must feel, but he can get through this.

I was diagnosed 10/04 with Stage III Colon cancer with 1 positive node involved started by a juvenile polyp. Surgery removed all cancer and I completed six months of Folfox for insurance. I have been free from cancer since (take your pick) my surgery date of 10/04 (my pick) or my chemo completion date of 04/05.

Patricia

Hi Paula -

Your Dad is lucky to have your support.

Please tell him there is much hope. I was diagnosed with Stage IV in late May 2005, had surgery and then 6 cycles of chemo. I've been NED (no evidence of disease) ever since completing my second chemo cycle at the end of August 2005.

Wishing the best for you and your Dad,
Betsy

Hi Paula,
I am also a Stage IV survivor, 2.5 years NED. I was diagnosed at the age of 31 with Stage III, one polyp in my Sigmoid colon, 1cm in size. I had a few (can't remember 2? 4?) positive lymph nodes. I had chemo 2x, once after colon resection and once after a met was found in my liver. I also had surgery after 2 mets were found in my lung. That was 2 1/2 years ago! I have survived 5 years this month and I will be 37 in May!~
What helped me? Exercise! Reevaluating my eating habits, I now avoid sugar as much as possible (although I do occasionally have something w/ sugar in it, but rarely). I try to eat more fruits and vegetables and have recently been juicing fruits and veggies.
During my treatments and still today I consult with a Naturopathic Doctor (N.D.) who deals with cancer patients. I am on a variety of vitamins and supplements.
I also had to change my attitude. I try not to hold on to resentments, anger, and let the little things go. This of course is a work in progress. I try to enjoy each day and appreciate the beauty in this world.
I hope that helps. Your father has a very good prognosis, but these are things everyone can work on regardless of whether they have had cancer or not.
Best wishes,
Susan H.

Paula, I have a suggestion for you. Go back a few pages of posts and review Nanuk's post Calling all IV's and read the many survivors stories there. There was also a post done calling all Stage III's .There is much encouragement and hope and good people here who will give much support. God Bless.

I was diagnosed 10/02 with stage 3. I had 3 positive lymph nodes. I am now stage 4 (unfortunately), but keep on chugging. I am on chemo and just started radiation for a darned bone met that was irritating a nerve. I have mets to my lungs and bones. BUT.. I worked through all my treatments and only stopped last July because we moved for my hubbie's job. YOU CAN DO IT. I still go to the gym, try to eat right (no meat or poultry and load of vitamins.) In general, I feel great. I get chemo on Mondays and then feel really good for the weekend.

Do NOT dispair. Keep wonderful people around you, like your caring daughter and fight the good fight.

Don't let cancer take your life... live it up and enjoy all things. jana