Needing to hear from stage IIIa people please!

polarprincess · September 2008

Hi, i was diagnosed in July with a malignant polyp that was in the rectosigmoid junction. All along everyone thought it was benign until it was removed by a polypectomy and had a small bit of cancer in it at the base. I then had a lower anterior resection where there was no residual cancer found anywhere. They removed 26 lymph nodes and 1 was positive so therefore I am stage IIIa. It was a T1 polyp, tubular adenoma- moderately differentiated. I have had my first round of fulfox which was really brutal, and now i have one more to go until i start radiation, and then it will be back to 4-6 more cycles of fulfox.

Emotionally I was ok until i started the chemo and now i am severely depressed. I am only 42 years old and angry at myself for not seeing a doctor sooner, because i had symptoms for a long time and i ignored them. I could have avoided having to go through this, i could have avoided the expense, the stress it has put on my family, and living with fear of having this disease. I have gotten all this attention and sympathy and i cannot stand it. I just want my life to be normal again, and wake up from this bad dream. I decided tonight since i can't change this fact of life, that i am determined to try and change my thinking and look at the blessings in it, and so I wanted to hear from some of you with stage IIIa that have been NED for quite some time, or that have gotten great prognosis from their doctors, so i can print this out and read it every day and feel hopeful. I have searched the internet and other forums as well, and have not yet found anyone else who was stage IIIa that had a T1 pathology, so i especially would love to hear from anyone else who had that as well.

My doctors said i was very lucky to have caught it so early, that a T1 is low risk of occurence, and that really i am a stage I with that stupid lymph node technicality. They have given me about a 95% chance of complete recovery with the chemo and radiation. At mayo clinic they advised 4-6 months of chemo/radiation, with fulfox, but my local oncs thought 4 rounds of fulfox was more than plenty and that 8 rounds is complete overkill and too toxic, but i have not found anyone on any forums with stage IIIa that was advised to get anything less than the 8 rounds of fulfox/radiation for rectal, and 12 rounds for colon. Any thoughts on this?

Please I am only looking for positive/hopeful things right now. if you had stage IIIa and had a recurrence, please do not post that here, I cannot handle hearing that right now... just things to keep my spirits/hope up. Thank you!

kristasplace · September 2008

Good things
Hello! I'm sorry about your diagnosis, but you're on the right track seeking help here. I am a stage IIIb, and was also symptomatic for a little more than two years before diagnosis. I was 36 at the time, and everyone had told me colorectal cancer was very unlikely because of my age. It wasn't until i was bleeding like an artery had burst, and so blocked by the tumor i was vomitting, that i was able to finally get help, and diagnosed. I was completely relieved when the cancer diagnosis came simply because i knew it was treatable, and my worst fear was that they wouldn't find what was wrong with me (i had been seeing other doctors, and had numerous ER visits before the diagnosis).

I never once thought i would die of this disease. I knew there was a possiblity, but i truly feel that my cancer has been a very great gift to me, irregardless of all the pain and suffering that came with it. I believe that this is what life is all about; having lessons forced upon us so that we can strengthen our souls, and become better people than we were before. Many wonderful things have happened since my diagnosis, and i simply cannot look at it as a negative thing.

I am three weeks out of treatment and just getting ready to have all of my post-chemo scans. There is a bone met scare right now, but i'm taking that in stride too. I will deal with whatever is given to me, and appreciate my life even more.

One bit of advise...Do NOT look online for statistics. You are not a statistic, and many statistics are lacking many variables that make them inaccurate. You're young, and your age will be a great ally in defeating your cancer.

Keep your chin up! The treatments are not fun, but it helps to look at them as an adventure in your life that not everyone will have. Plus, after your surgery, you'll be part of the semi-colon club which is exclusive to us who've had resections.

Please post your feelings and questions whenever you feel you need us. There is always people here who understand what you're going through, and can offer wonderful words of encouragement.

Many hugs,
Krista

Moesimo · September 2008

hang in there
I was 46 when diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer 3/17/2003 --T2N1 --I had 2 out of 12 positive nodes. Life will never be the same. I had been a nurse for over 25 yrs. when diagnosed. I was more than shocked by the diagnosis, I had a history of colitis and thought the symptoms were my colitis. In 2003 folox wasnt used. I had preop chemo with 5fu and
25 radiation treatments. I carried around a chemo pack for 6 out of 7 days. I worked full time and drove myself to every rad. treatment. I did take 2 days off, one due to fatigue and one planned. I then had a low anterior resectiom. I have had 3 surgeries and
11 hospitalizations. I have had alot of bowel issues. I only had 4 out of 12 postop chemo treatments, I was too sick and ended up in the hospital. Has it been easy, not at all. But everyone is different the treament affects everyone different. I am not thankful that I had to take this cancer journey, BUT I am alive and doing quite well 5 years after my diagnosis. I am thankful that I have not had a reoccurrance. I live each day to the fullest. I did take time off after the surgeries and at one point went back part time. But I am working full time and must get ready for work.

Hang in there you will get through this.

If I can answer any questions let me know.

PS When I was given my pathology report I was told there was a 67% that the cancer would not come back. I have had great docs, great follow-up and family and friends that helped me through. I couldn't have made it without the support of my husband and children.

Maureen

betina61 · September 2008

There is hope.
Hi,you don't know how much I identify with you,I did exactly what you are planning to do,printed all the success stories from this forum and I used to read them over and over. I was dx in July 06 stage IIIa, me too regret not going before to get a colonoscopy,my father had colon cancer,and I had some rectal bleeding but thought it was from hemorroids ,like my sister had same symtoms and had a colonoscopy and nothing was found,I continue to delay going to the Dr. I was feeling fine.Finally I did it because I promised my daughter I will do it.After the surgery I was shocked to find out from the pathology report that I had 1 positive node,even the surgeon had told me before that I would not need any further treatment that it was an early lesion. I was very depressed for about a month or so,but then I remember the words of my surgeon that a positive attitute will play a very important part in my recovey and I decided that I was going to change,and even started planning my vacation for the nexr year.Well to make this long story short, I can tell you that after 2 years and 2 months I am cancer free today,and you will be celebrating your cancer free anniversaries too. God bless you.

FlSunshine · September 2008

Stage III 2 Year Survivor
Don't beat yourself up about not going to the Dr. sooner. I went to the Dr. for a year and a half and was being treated for IBS. When I had the colonscopy done I had already turned 50 so there was no problem getting it done (maybe Dr. didn't want to fight the insurance company, not sure). The polyp looked cancerous but came back benign. Thank God that the surgeon had seen the pictures of the polyp and said the biopsy was wrong. I had the surgery and was diagnosed January 2006 with Stage III colon cancer. I had 2 positive lymphnodes out of 8. I underwent 6 months of chemo along with the fanny pack for 48 hours every other week. I also received Avastin during this time and then received it for an additional 6 months. I did not work during the 6 months of full blown chemo. I did not have the strength. I was down for about a week or so after treatment and just as I started feeling human it was time for the chemo again.

Good news is that I am 2 years free of cancer. PT/CT and colonoscopy in March were all normal. Praise God.

Keep your faith in the Lord and continue to pray. None of us know why we were dealt this, but with God all things are possible. Do not give up. You have to look at this treatment as what is going to put you in remission for the rest of your life. Try to keep a positive attitude which is not always easy. Have your pity party when you need to and then get right back up and know that you will survive. Keep people around you who will uplift you, who are positive.

I found joy in the friendships I had developed whether it was with patients or the nurses at chemo. We became one big family that got together every few weeks. We brought treats (for those that could eat), shared stories, gave hugs, etc. Whatever it took to keep our spirits lifted. I was told I wouldn't lose my hair, but I did. All my long natural curly hair was gone, but after the initial shock, it was ok. I bought baseball caps and bandanas to match my outfits. I bought a wig, but it wasn't for me (too hot). On chemo days I would get up, decide what I was going to wear, get my hat to match and earrings (I was known for my "big" earrings) and put on my make up. I may not have felt all that great, but I was gong to look the best I possibly could and always tried to have a smile on my face.

Everyone is different, but these are the things that I did to keep me positive and keep me going. You will get through this and be a better person for it. I know that I am trying to live my life much differently than I did before. I try now to think about what I say and what I do and the consequences before I do it.

You are in my thoughts and prayers. Good luck and stay positive.

polarprincess · September 2008

thanks
thanks for the positive feedback, and encouragement. The way i feel today compared to yesterday is already night and day. I was ready to take an antidepressant and when i read it could cause gastric carcinogenesis, i knew there had to be another way. I ordered a cd called visions for cancer healing which mayo docs highly recommend, and as mentioned i will print this thread and read daily as well. After my surgery i already started eating healthier, exercising etc...but i hadn't been too bad on those things anyway as i have a degree in dietetics and work in clinical nutrition.

2 years ago, after 23 years of working at the same hospital, the administration brought in a food contract company and we lost all of our health insurance, benefits, pension- everything we had worked for for all those years and it was a huge loss and devastating, and i had a lot of anger about it for a long time which may have contributed to why this polyp turned cancerous. (i was told the type i had (tubular adenoma) had only a 15% chance of ever becoming cancerous.) About 8 months after the job thing happened i started getting alternating diarrhea and constipation, and would see streaks of blood in my stool. I had assumed i had developed IBS due to the stress, and due to that had developed hemorrhoids. I work in a hospital and read charts all the time of people diagnosed with colon cancer. They all had anemia, or mucousy stools, or abdominal pain. I didn't have those symptoms, so it never occured to me it could be cancer.
I also get university students that work with me, and during this past year one had a mother who had colon cancer and they had done a symposium on it which i attended, and still nothing ever registered with me that i could have it!

In June of this year, i started bleeding alot- like i had my period, and evacuation became forceful- like once i started going i had no control. I started getting heart palpitations 24 hours a day. That is when i finally went in. I remember too, that i had a vague pelvic/back pain going on for quite a while, and when i was at the doctor in february for a pap smear, i thought about mentioning it but never did.

So, I guess it was not meant for me to have caught it earlier. The signs were in front of my face and i just didn't get them. It also just wasn't meant for it to be benign. As i had said, it looked benign, 3 biopsies came back not cancerous, it was the type that is least likley to become cancerous, and it was in the stalk, all which are not typical. Like my doctor says, you have to deal with the hand you are dealt, and make the best of it. I think Sharon Osbourne had just like me- small cancer with the 1 lymph node, but she only got 3 months of chemotherapy. I guess things change alot over the years.

Thanks again, everyone,and keep the responses coming!!

chynabear · September 2008

Hi
I am sorry, I didn't get a chance to read your whole message as I need to get back to work from lunch, but promise to do so when I get home from work. I just wanted to add my comment now.

First, don't beat yourself up too much for not going to a doctor sooner. In general, colon cancer is slow growing and you may not have been able to change a lot. That said, a doctor may not have taken you seriously soon enough anyway... there are too many "maybe's" factored in. It is what it is. Now, use your energy to fight this beast and not worry about what could have been.

I was totally embarrassed about the whole "rear-end" thing. I never spoke about poop, gas, anything. I wouldn't even go to the bathroom unless I was in the house by myself. So, when I started passing a bit of blood at around 21, I told nobody. I did get myself to my doctor as they used to have commercials about polyps and bleeding and needing to see a doctor. The doctor wrote it off as internal hemorrhoids and said I was too young and blah blah blah.

I didn't think too much of it as they are the "smart ones" and in my young age and experience, I took the word as gospel and I never really had much bleeding past that.

Fast forward a few years and now I am having quite a bit of blood quite regularly at the age of 26. My husband (we've been together since I was 17) could tell something was bugging me. Embarrassed, I started to cry and told him something was wrong with me. He scheduled me an appointment that day. Wouldn't you know it, that doctor completely blew me off. At this point, I KNEW something was wrong, so I kept doctor hunting until I found one who took me seriously. Funny, she was actually fresh out of medical school and said it could be any number of things, but wouldn't know until she ran further tests. Even the gastro that she referred me to admitted that he didn't take my claim seriously and I forever changed the way he would look at each patient.

I was finally diagnosed the day after I turned 27 (happy birthday to me) with Stage III colon cancer from a juvenile polyp that turned cancerous in my sigmoid colon. I had 1 node positive... but they only took 5 as they didn't think it had spread.

Anyway, my long story is supposed to show you that even if you had taken yourself to the doctor, you might have been pushed aside anyway because of your young age (as many others on this board were too). My story isn't unique. If you are under 50, it is hard to get anybody to listen to claims of bathroom trouble and blood.

I would like you to know that I am approaching my 4 year anniversary October 5. I have been cancer free (knock on wood) since my surgery. I endured 6 months of folfox, and while it was rough, you can make it through. Learn how to manage your side effects, that is my best advice. I am scheduled for my CT scan next week (and I am late getting it because life keeps getting in the way... and tropical storms and such). I'm praying for continued NED (no evidence of disease).

I had a hard time with my diagnoses because I had a 15 month old baby at the time. But, I got really depressed after I finished treatment. You're right... sometimes you have to work on your train of thought and how you process stuff to make it better.

Sorry for the novel. I hope this helps some. Please feel free to contact me any time.

Tricia

2bhealed · September 2008

Stage 3 -- 7 year survivor!
Hi there,

Well you wanted positive and that I can give you!

My dx was adenocarcinoma of the midsigmoid colon (stage III, T3, N1, M0). I had 2/19 positive lymph nodes and the tumor was 45cm from the anal verge. Adjuvant chemo of 5-FU and leucovorin was advised at the Mayo Clinic.

I opted out of the chemo and did Chema instead (the juice of the plant). My oncologist was very supportive and has come to believe that my course of action was right for me (he started juicing too after he was dx'ed with Stage II colon cancer). I juiced 3 quarts of fresh organic veggie juice a day and ate a vegan macrobiotic diet for 6 months. I still juice every day currently but am no longer vegan. I did that mostly for the detoxing effect that abstaining from animal products can have. I also committed to 6 months of treatments from a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner whose protocol of accupuncture, massage, herbs, supplements was very healing for me. I exercised daily and restarted my yoga practice. I freed myself of toxic people and emotions.

It has been 7 years now and I feel fortunate and blessed that I am alive with no fears of long term chemo effects.

"Adjuvant chemo had shown in multiple clinical trials to decrease the risk of recurrence from about 60% to 35% to 40%." I took that right off my clinical document.

My Mayo oncologist told me that Stage II and I are not recommended for chemo. Also, 7 years ago they were not using Folfox as a first line chemo protocol.

Though I cannot help you in the chemo question, I can give you HOPE that we Stage III'ers are out there and alive and well and living life to the fullest! I have remained NED with no recurrence for all these 7 years and continue to live my life as if it could come back, not in fear but in staying proactive.

Welcome to the Semi-Colons!

peace, emily

2bhealed · September 2008

2bhealed said:
Stage 3 -- 7 year survivor!
Hi there,

Well you wanted positive and that I can give you!

My dx was adenocarcinoma of the midsigmoid colon (stage III, T3, N1, M0). I had 2/19 positive lymph nodes and the tumor was 45cm from the anal verge. Adjuvant chemo of 5-FU and leucovorin was advised at the Mayo Clinic.

I opted out of the chemo and did Chema instead (the juice of the plant). My oncologist was very supportive and has come to believe that my course of action was right for me (he started juicing too after he was dx'ed with Stage II colon cancer). I juiced 3 quarts of fresh organic veggie juice a day and ate a vegan macrobiotic diet for 6 months. I still juice every day currently but am no longer vegan. I did that mostly for the detoxing effect that abstaining from animal products can have. I also committed to 6 months of treatments from a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner whose protocol of accupuncture, massage, herbs, supplements was very healing for me. I exercised daily and restarted my yoga practice. I freed myself of toxic people and emotions.

It has been 7 years now and I feel fortunate and blessed that I am alive with no fears of long term chemo effects.

"Adjuvant chemo had shown in multiple clinical trials to decrease the risk of recurrence from about 60% to 35% to 40%." I took that right off my clinical document.

My Mayo oncologist told me that Stage II and I are not recommended for chemo. Also, 7 years ago they were not using Folfox as a first line chemo protocol.

Though I cannot help you in the chemo question, I can give you HOPE that we Stage III'ers are out there and alive and well and living life to the fullest! I have remained NED with no recurrence for all these 7 years and continue to live my life as if it could come back, not in fear but in staying proactive.

Welcome to the Semi-Colons!

peace, emily

ps.
I was 39 when diagnosed and my sister was dx'ed with intestinal cancer (small) when she was 29. No previous family history. It just seems like there are more younger folks with this disease than ever.

peace, emily

pamness · September 2008

Stage IIIA and ned
I was diagnosed as stage IIIA - two positive lymph nodes in January 2007. I was totally asymtomatic. A routine colonoscopy showed one polyp which my doctor recognized as cancerous, this was confirmed by a biopsy. I had an MRI and CAT scan which show nothing, so it was a surprise when the two lymph nodes showed up positive (2 out of 19). I had a colon resection - 8 rounds of folfox - 28 days or radiation with 5FU 5 days a week during the radiation time. I couldn't finish the 8 rounds of folfox with the oxaliplatin, I did five and did three with just the 5FU and leucovorin.

I am currently 1+ years ned.

Don't be angry with yourself. You couldn't have known. I was 54 when I was diagnosed, but had, had a coloscopy 8 years before (for unrelated reasons). I had no history or risk factors. I, too, wish I could just erase it, but I can't, so I am praying that it doesn't come back. I was given an 80 percent change of non recurrence. I was also T1.

I don't know anyone with stage III who wasn't recommended for at least 8 rounds of folfox. Although, some like me, end up night completing everything.

There are number of 20 and 30 year olds on this board with very difficult diagnoses and a huge number of stage III and IV survivors. This is very difficult to deal with, but as they say, take one day at a time and enjoy every moment you can.

Pam

brn2ride · September 2008

I think many of us wish we had gone sooner but
I too had symptoms for a long time,(like ten years), before I went in for a check up but better late than never. It is a good thing that colon/rectal cancer is slow growing. Many people think they just have hemorroids or something like that especially for folks under fifty. I tell pretty much anyone who will lsten how important it is to get a checkup. It sounds like you have a great prognosis for recovery so upward and onward. best wishes for your future.

polarprincess · September 2008

brn2ride said:
I think many of us wish we had gone sooner but
I too had symptoms for a long time,(like ten years), before I went in for a check up but better late than never. It is a good thing that colon/rectal cancer is slow growing. Many people think they just have hemorroids or something like that especially for folks under fifty. I tell pretty much anyone who will lsten how important it is to get a checkup. It sounds like you have a great prognosis for recovery so upward and onward. best wishes for your future.

hi again
i am so happy to keep seeing these responses. You are all awesome. Sounds like quite a few of us have a lot in common. It seems everyone has such an interesting story. I appreciate you sharing yours with me. 2 bhealed, you are very brave to forgo the chemo. I want to do that so bad, especially with my nutrition degree, you would think I would just go for it, but i just can't. However when i finish the chemo I am interested in learning more about this juicing. You will have to fill me in. Do you just buy tons or organic veggies and then just put them in a juicer or how does it work? We don't have much for organic stuff up here in the great white north, so it might be hard, but mainly i am curious how you stomach the stuff? If you drink that much in a day, it must be tolerable?

ron50 · September 2008

polarprincess said:
hi again
i am so happy to keep seeing these responses. You are all awesome. Sounds like quite a few of us have a lot in common. It seems everyone has such an interesting story. I appreciate you sharing yours with me. 2 bhealed, you are very brave to forgo the chemo. I want to do that so bad, especially with my nutrition degree, you would think I would just go for it, but i just can't. However when i finish the chemo I am interested in learning more about this juicing. You will have to fill me in. Do you just buy tons or organic veggies and then just put them in a juicer or how does it work? We don't have much for organic stuff up here in the great white north, so it might be hard, but mainly i am curious how you stomach the stuff? If you drink that much in a day, it must be tolerable?

Hi Princess,
I
Hi Princess,
I was 47 at dx had 6 of 13 nodes cancerous. Had ayear of chemo. Jan22 2008 was 10 yrs ca free,now approaching 11. Good luck for a long and healthy future,Ron.

CarrieL · September 2008

Try anti-depressants?
I am 36 and new to all this,I was diagnosed with Stage IIIc colon cancer July 16 and have had 3 chemo treatments so far and I'm schduled for 12. I am finding it very hard to deal with the whole situation being angry, sad and worried all the time and my Dr. has put me on Celexa and has said many patients take it and respond very well to it and it keeps people from spiraling into a deep depression, because it has only been a week I cannot tell you if it works for me or not, but it might be worth talking with your Dr. about taking an anti-depressant, it doesn't need to be taken forever, just to get you through this tough time. I know how hard it is to try and make family life as normal as possible as I have a husband and 3 & 5 year old boys, and eveyone keeps asking what they can do to help and it can be overwhelming, but hang in there!
Carrie

lfondots63 · September 2008

HUGS!!!
Hi,

I will be 3 yrs NED Dec. 20th (my birthday). Nobody is a statistic and I'm glad you found us. This website was a godsend for me. I was told Diverticulitis was my issue and I had been dx with IBS in my 20's. I was 42 when dx. Don't read statistics like someone said. A wonderful saying is 'Expiration dates are for dairy products not people!'. I am stage3 colon cancer with one node cancerous. I was told to do 12 rounds of fulfox but only got through 9. I'm also diabetic and the chemo did a number on my sugars (oxiplatin does that). I had a hard time with chemo but coming to this site got me through. HUGS and know that you are not alone.

Lisa F.

2bhealed · September 2008

polarprincess said:
hi again
i am so happy to keep seeing these responses. You are all awesome. Sounds like quite a few of us have a lot in common. It seems everyone has such an interesting story. I appreciate you sharing yours with me. 2 bhealed, you are very brave to forgo the chemo. I want to do that so bad, especially with my nutrition degree, you would think I would just go for it, but i just can't. However when i finish the chemo I am interested in learning more about this juicing. You will have to fill me in. Do you just buy tons or organic veggies and then just put them in a juicer or how does it work? We don't have much for organic stuff up here in the great white north, so it might be hard, but mainly i am curious how you stomach the stuff? If you drink that much in a day, it must be tolerable?

Northwoods woman
Honestly, I am not brave....the chemo scared me more than the cancer. I am not kidding you. No one in my family survived chemo and I didn't want to follow suit so I struck out on a different course. Being a stubborn Scot helps too I am sure. Brave? Not. I was too scared of dying.

I live in Minnesota so I know what you mean about the great white north. I am spitting distance from Canada (ok, well, I am exagerating just a wee bit) but am up here on Lake Superior. And we do get plenty of organic veggies up here.

"Stomach the stuff"? Oh honey, it's Nectar of the gods! I get so I crave it if I go a couple days without when on vacation. It is so yum!

I buy a 20# bag of carrots from my coop and then purchase organic kale, spinach, ginger, beets, celery, cukes etc as often as I run out. I have a Champion juices (www.discountjuicers.com) but there a few other good ones on the market too. Right now my CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farm is harvesting so I am receiving weekly fresh produce delivered to my door. And of course friends always have extra cukes to pass along.

As for being tolerable? I make it how I like it. It's not like taking medication. My cells sing for joy at getting this nourishment. You must know that feeling being in nutrition.

I built up my "green" tolerance. The more green I can make it the better.

GREEN = LIFE

That's my motta, and if one follows that simple guideline then health is close at hand.

I add a wheatgrass powder to my juice mix.

hope this helps!

keep in touch.

peace, emily

polarprincess · September 2008

thanks
2bhealed, sounds like i live about 3 1/2 hours west of you. We have a local coop garden that i can get stuff from seasonally, but we have very minimal amt of stuff in the grocery store the rest of the year, guess i will just have to make do with what is available. thanks for the info.
ron50.. i wonder if they should still be doing 1 year of chemo- seems like there are good stories from those with several nodes positive and one year, although i imagine yours was all 5 fu/leucovorin? I wonder why they changed it to 6 months.. maybe studies showed it was just as effective? or was your year of treatments done differently like 1 cycle a month instead of 2?
ifondots63, I agree not to listen to statistics. i had this young, cold, all business surgeon, and after surgery she said you have stage III, survival is 40-60% and i was horrified! This was mayo clinic! then thank goodness the young surgeon resident that did the surgery with her came back later and told me don't listen to her, as fas as he was ocncerend the cancer was out of me, and that the chemo was just an insurance policy, and with the oncologist they were talking in the 90% percentiles, and what a diiference that makes toy our morale!

ldot123 · September 2008

polarprincess said:
thanks
2bhealed, sounds like i live about 3 1/2 hours west of you. We have a local coop garden that i can get stuff from seasonally, but we have very minimal amt of stuff in the grocery store the rest of the year, guess i will just have to make do with what is available. thanks for the info.
ron50.. i wonder if they should still be doing 1 year of chemo- seems like there are good stories from those with several nodes positive and one year, although i imagine yours was all 5 fu/leucovorin? I wonder why they changed it to 6 months.. maybe studies showed it was just as effective? or was your year of treatments done differently like 1 cycle a month instead of 2?
ifondots63, I agree not to listen to statistics. i had this young, cold, all business surgeon, and after surgery she said you have stage III, survival is 40-60% and i was horrified! This was mayo clinic! then thank goodness the young surgeon resident that did the surgery with her came back later and told me don't listen to her, as fas as he was ocncerend the cancer was out of me, and that the chemo was just an insurance policy, and with the oncologist they were talking in the 90% percentiles, and what a diiference that makes toy our morale!

Rock on
Hi there,

Here is a note from another Canadian, stage 3, 2 lymph nodes. Had surgery and am now a proud semi-colon. Also had 5FU and leucovorin for 6 months. I am a year out from my last chemo treatment with good news all round with my last visit to the onc. I appreciate those that do not want to do chemo. It can be hard on you, but I looked at every treatment as one l less to deal with and took the attitude it would be over soon. Everyone reacts differently to chemo; some have no side effects believe it or not others struggle a bit. Stay positive. Believe me, I know it is hard to do sometimes. You can do this and you can SURVIVE!! Like some many others on this news board, there are a ton of positive stories, even from folks in the stage 4 category. I am constantly amazed and encouraged by their journey. I think I am going to try the juicing. My daughter has one and a mix of veggies and juice tastes great.

Cheers, Lance

Needing to hear from stage IIIa people please!

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