Encouragement?

rrob
rrob Member Posts: 158
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
I posted last on Nov 20. I was dx on 10-30-07 with St IV colon cancer and referred to an oncologist who was going to see me on Dec 3. When I posted, I was asking about nausea. On the Monday after Thanksgiving I was admitted to the ER because I could not stop vomiting. It turns out that I had an obstruction of the small bowel that was another primary adeno carcinoma. It was removed and there were no lymph nodes involved. I was in the hospital another week and finally got to come home Friday. I am still battling anxiety and nausea, but am due to start chemo in 3-4 weeks once my wound has healed. Can anyone offer any words of advice or encouragement on how to deal with the unknown ahead?

Becky

Comments

  • Limey
    Limey Member Posts: 446 Member
    #2
    Hi Becky, you gotta just face it and be ready to fight. Many many here are doing great after having stage IV or III cancer. Chemo seems far worse than it is. I just remember that this too shall pass. even the hardest times are worth it and it always, always gets better for at the worst a period of time and often longer.

    I was stage II restaged at IV and have been in and out of chemo treatments since 2004. Just knowing that I will survive today is how i do it. I focus on what is right in front of me. share your concerns and the type of chemo you will be doing, it helps to hear it from ones that have been there done that and still doing good.

    take care and chin up my friend.
    Mark.
  • sladich
    sladich Member Posts: 429 Member
    #3
    Hi Becky,

    I'm also a Stage IV survivior (diagnosed in 9/2004). I've had 3 surgeries, many procedures, and 2 rounds of chemotherapy. I really don't have any advice because everyone is different. Your first year is such a learning experience. You get smarter with each corner you turn. Stay positive and live for today. Best of luck with your treatments. Keep us posted.

    Debbie
  • shmurciakova
    shmurciakova Member Posts: 906 Member
    #4
    Hi Becky,
    I've gotta tell you, I don't know if I dealt with any of this stress very well. The mental aspects of a cancer diagnosis are the most dreadful part IMO. Somehow though, I have managed to get this far. I am 3 years out from Stage IV at this point, and this March will be 6 years since my original diagnosis. I guess time just passes and life goes on. I sometimes cannot believe how old I am now! I feel like there are some "lost years" in there, but you will get through this and one day you'll be the one going, How the h--- did 4 years go by already?
    So, try to savor each day and each happy moment as best as you can, even in the circumstances. I know this is weird, but I always said to myself, it could be worse. I would think about people in war torn countries, living in refugee camps, etc. and try to count my blessings. I guess life is always about the unknown ahead. None of us know what our future will hold. Just imagine that your future holds you CURED. Visualize it, BELIEVE it! What you believe is what you become.
    -SusanH.
  • jerseysue
    jerseysue Member Posts: 624 Member
    #5
    Dealing with the unknown is always hard no matter what the unknown is. This board is very helpful you can always ask questions and you will get many opinons. I'm stage IV dx April 2005 and have been battling this beast ever since. Have faith!

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