Hi! I'm new and really scared!

Shayenne · January 2009

Hello everyone! My name is Donna and I am married with 4 beautiful children, and will be 44 next month. I was diagnosed last week with Stage 4 Colon Cancer with a large mass to the liver. This is really horrifying, as I haven't seen my gyno for a couple years, but she said I didn't need any kind of colonoscopy till I was 50.

I had no signs or symptoms, no pain, constipation or blood in my urine or stools, I felt fine, except noticed a hardness in the stomach area with some bloatness, and went to the ER room for it, and was transferred to the James Cancer Research Center at OSU, where 5 days of tests went on, and they said there would be no reason to have surgery, since I do have an obstruction in my colon, but since I'm still passing stuff through, they don't see any reason to take anything out and put a colonostemy bag on me, what they want to do is start me on Chemo on Feb 2, and shrink the tumors. I am so scared of chemo it isn't funny, and I started reading online all these statistics and rates and I am in tears now, because I have a positive attitude, and still feel fine, but don't want to leave my kids yet, I want to fight hard for them, my mother died when I was 16 of leukemia, my father died 4 years later of liver cancer, I don't want my kids to go through life without a mom like me, this is so scary, but I am keeping a brave front.

The doctors said this is definitely treatable for me, with my attitude, age and health and are very encouraging and really do want what's best for me, but I'd love to hear some positive stories from anyone who went through this to give me more hope that I won't die next month or sooner.. what can I expect from the chemo? the doctors said it wasn't like how it was years ago, and they are so advanced now, that I'd be surprised, but I'd love to hear from other people to give me more hope, because the stuff on the internet will literally scare the crap out of someone. I know I'm terminal, but after chemo and treatments, will you ever have a day where you will feel like yourself again? I need some cancer friends, I just don't know who to talk too.

Thanks everyone for letting me talk!

~Donna

johnnybegood · January 2009

welcome
hello donna,welcome to the best site my mom found for me.i too am 44 with colorectal cancer diagnosed in sept.08. have been thru 5 wks of radiation and chemo pills{xeloda)was pretty bad but i made it.after the tumor shrunk that was in my rectum i had surgery on dec.30 with knowing i was going to have a temporary iliostomy bag ,it has been awful but i too have 2 children,husband and horses to live for so i just take one day at a time and pray.i am due to have my little friend the bag removed on feb.4 and surgen say preventive chemo 3 doses in 4 months of which i am scared to death.so, hang in there and we are all here for each other and again welcome and God bless johnnybegood ~Debra

dixchi · January 2009

Journey
Welcome to this site Donna.....it is one of the best for helping people cope with the
aspects of having colon CA. It is never one we want to have to be part of but since
we are faced with this, it is the greatest for hearing other people's experiences and
finding information about the journey.
First, don't read the statistics.....they will indeed scare the pants off you.....there
are many people on this site who have had Stage 4 and are still going strong and are
shraing their stories.
You will find that everyone reacts to the chemo treatments differently....some have
problems and some don't. I personally was able to get through all the treatments with
manageable side effects. I live alone and was able to drive myself back and forth to
treatment days. Probably won't cover all the effects but......oxaliplatin will make
you sensitive to anything cold to drink or touch so you have to forget about ice and
remember to wear gloves when going into the refrigerator and be sure and wear scarves
hats and gloves outside and even cover your mouth and nose during this harsh winter
weather. Oxa. will also cause some tingling and numbness in feet and hands which will
usually go away after treatment as does the cold sensitivity. 5-FU can cause redness
and senstivie areas on fingers so if you do a lot of work with your hands you need
to be extra gentle with them. Avastin can cause nose bleeds and nasty Kleenex moments.
I am sure others will share their experiences with the chemo. My fear of it was more
real than any actual side effects. I found that talking to the nurses and my oncologist
helps a lot if I was having problems.
Also, it helps to find cancer support groups and maybe since you are at a comprehensive
cancer ceter, they may have some going or know where to go. It sounds like you live in
Columbus, Ohio: I live in Cincinnati and we have a nonprofit group called the Wellness
Center here that is for cancer patients and their families; they are wonderful. All
the programs are free and there is everything from yoga and tai chi to cooking classes
for wellness, talks by physicians on various aspects, and lots of fun at jokefest nights
and an annual ladies night out which is a sleep over at the beautiful center with breakfast
the next morning. Hope this all helps some and I am sure others will share their
stories with you.
I was a Stage II with no lymph node involvement in 2004; in 2008 it returned to my liver
and I had a resection last July and went through 4 treatments of FOLFOX before surgery
and eight afterwards and am now watiting to get results from my blood check and first CT
scan after tending treatment in Dec. It does sometimes become an emotional roller coaster
ride waiting for the latest news so expect that you will and are already erxperiencing
that. Meditation, yoga, tai chi, support groups and when needed, anti-depressants, are
sources of help for all the anxiety.

maglets · January 2009

dixchi said:
Journey
Welcome to this site Donna.....it is one of the best for helping people cope with the
aspects of having colon CA. It is never one we want to have to be part of but since
we are faced with this, it is the greatest for hearing other people's experiences and
finding information about the journey.
First, don't read the statistics.....they will indeed scare the pants off you.....there
are many people on this site who have had Stage 4 and are still going strong and are
shraing their stories.
You will find that everyone reacts to the chemo treatments differently....some have
problems and some don't. I personally was able to get through all the treatments with
manageable side effects. I live alone and was able to drive myself back and forth to
treatment days. Probably won't cover all the effects but......oxaliplatin will make
you sensitive to anything cold to drink or touch so you have to forget about ice and
remember to wear gloves when going into the refrigerator and be sure and wear scarves
hats and gloves outside and even cover your mouth and nose during this harsh winter
weather. Oxa. will also cause some tingling and numbness in feet and hands which will
usually go away after treatment as does the cold sensitivity. 5-FU can cause redness
and senstivie areas on fingers so if you do a lot of work with your hands you need
to be extra gentle with them. Avastin can cause nose bleeds and nasty Kleenex moments.
I am sure others will share their experiences with the chemo. My fear of it was more
real than any actual side effects. I found that talking to the nurses and my oncologist
helps a lot if I was having problems.
Also, it helps to find cancer support groups and maybe since you are at a comprehensive
cancer ceter, they may have some going or know where to go. It sounds like you live in
Columbus, Ohio: I live in Cincinnati and we have a nonprofit group called the Wellness
Center here that is for cancer patients and their families; they are wonderful. All
the programs are free and there is everything from yoga and tai chi to cooking classes
for wellness, talks by physicians on various aspects, and lots of fun at jokefest nights
and an annual ladies night out which is a sleep over at the beautiful center with breakfast
the next morning. Hope this all helps some and I am sure others will share their
stories with you.
I was a Stage II with no lymph node involvement in 2004; in 2008 it returned to my liver
and I had a resection last July and went through 4 treatments of FOLFOX before surgery
and eight afterwards and am now watiting to get results from my blood check and first CT
scan after tending treatment in Dec. It does sometimes become an emotional roller coaster
ride waiting for the latest news so expect that you will and are already erxperiencing
that. Meditation, yoga, tai chi, support groups and when needed, anti-depressants, are
sources of help for all the anxiety.

we are here
Donna I am not going to write a lot right now....just know that there are lots and lots of us here for you. You need some time to absorb all this rotten news.....You will NOt die in the next month....they told me I would die and that was three years ago and lots of others too.

I know chemo just feels and sounds so scarey but it is do-able it really is and you don't have to be particularly brave. You just get up each day and do that little bit.

I'll be talking to you Donna

Best wishes and huge hugs,
Maggie

kimby · January 2009

Hi Donna
Hi Donna and welcome. I was 43 at diagnosis August 2007 and I'm stage 4 with inoperable mets to the liver and now distance lymphnode involvement. I'm still undergoing treatment and resume chemo next week. Married, 3 sons no family history, no symptoms....it really is scary, I know.

You are in a good place for treatment and there are quite a good number of treatments available to you. Starting chemo quickly is a good option. I needed surgery first so I had to heal from that before I could begin chemo. I had surgery last week for my liver that was unsuccessful, so again, I must heal before I restart chemo. Trust me, the waiting and anticipation of chemo is almost worse than the reality. I HATE chemo....but I can think of worse things. I was able to work full time for the first year (minus time for 2 surgeries) and then part time for several months. Although I am now unable to work, I have been very fortunate. Many work through treatment with no troubles, many quit work immediately to concentrate on healing and wellness, many drop hours and work part time...My point is that chemo sucks but it won't ruin your life. It will change your life. You will discover what we call a 'new normal'.

You will be making many difficult choices for awhile. Don't beat yourself up for the mistakes you'll make....there will be a lot of them, LOL. One of the first decisions you'll make is the attitude you'll have through this journey. You will hear many people tell you that it's ok to be angry, sad, scared...and that is true. It is ok to feel whatever emotions you need to feel. It is also ok to have FUN. That is the only rule I have given myself and it has helped me (and especially helped my family)...I have FUN every. single. day. No exceptions. If you check out my profile here (just click on my name) you can read my story and see pics under the "Expressions" tab. I got bad news last week after my liver resection which had to be aborted, but you'll see me having fun at the hospital...Sponge Bob pj's, big goofy earrings (they distract from my hairloss...lol), I am having my own 'fun' hospital gowns made now so I won't ever have to wear their ugly ones again, I pole-danced with my IV, I laughed and told jokes and was up and down the halls visiting other patients. during chemo I decorate my IV pole (and sometimes other peoples..hehe) for the season and/or holiday. It helps ME to feel better, it helps my family to live with my diagnosis, and it makes life valuable to me. That is my coping mechanism. You will find yours, too.

Stage 4 means (to me) that I've had to learn to live with canSer, because I don't intend to die from it! I don't fit in the demographic for the statistics that you found online and neither do you. Screw the stats! You ARE NOT a stat! This is very treatable and you will find your path through it all. It's not always easy, it's not always fun, but you will find a great support system here. Come often, ask questions, go to the chat and visit us, private message me if I can help.

I'm also in Ohio (near the Indiana/Michigan line) and have a son at OSU. I even looked at going to The James for treatment and found many wonderful things there. You are in good hands. Find the right oncology for you, docs that you are confident in, and forge on. I really hope this helps you some.

Kimby

Shayenne · January 2009

Thank you!
Thank you both for the welcome, it is indeed overwhelming, it's only been a week since finding out, and I have a mediport placed, which the soreness is just starting to go away, I actually went to the mall yesterday and had a great day with the family where I felt like myself, my kids even forgot about my cancer, it's been very hard on them. I was reading some stories where people actually did live for over 8 years when they first heard they had Stage 4 cancer, I wish I knew where Stage 1, 2 and 3 went! my heart, lungs and chest are clear, my bone scan turned out great, I am anemic, so they gave me a blood transfusion, 2 units of blood, which brought my iron back up, I asked the nurse before they gave it to me, if they checked out if this blood was from an Italian, since I am Italian/Irish.. haha.. they just cracked up...

Those side effects sounds horrible.. I can't have anything cold? I'm not sure till Feb 2 what they're going to be giving me. I actually live in Middleport, Ohio, about 2 hours from Columbus, where my husband will be driving me back and forth to the chemo treatments. The oncologist said some people sail right through chemo, no problems, it is all on the individual, I think I"m having one of those fanny packs as well...it is a Comprehensive Cancer Center, not sure what that means, but alot of people said The James was very good.. I just don't want to go downhill from here. I am keeping my spirits, and yes, I definitely have to stay off the internet, but was nice to hear some people are still around after 10 years being in Stage 4.. I hope to be one of those.

Wow.. I can't believe you drove back and forth to your chemo treatments, I thought all I was going to be doing was puking, and they want me to make sure my dogs stay outside, that I stay away from crowds, wear a germ mask in public and all that, I feel like I wont be able to work now through my chemo treatments, (I work as a rehab secretary in a Wellness Center) they make it sound I have to be housebound away from all the germs, which I know I am having cells killed and rebuilding my immune system, but wow.. I wonder how long they want me to be doing that. They said I would be on a 3 month cycle of chemo, I don't even know what cycles are. All my questions I guess will be answered by the doctor I am to see for the treatment on Feb 2.

This forum seems awesome with some really great people, I really needed to talk to people like you, thanks so much

~Donna

kimby · January 2009

Hi Donna
wow, major glith!

kimby · January 2009

Welcome
wow, major glitch!

Shayenne · January 2009

kimby said:
Welcome
wow, major glitch!

I know!!
HaHa Kimby, wow... what a computer lag! I couldn't even reply to what you wrote for awhile, I think the site has hit a snag! lol..

Oh wow.. what a ball of sunshine you are, I read your page and saw your pics, and you are an inspiration, I was joking and poking fun in the hospital as well, also had some crying spells, but know I cannot dwell on this, life goes on, who knows for how long, and wow.. I hope I don't die too soon, but my positive attitude is what's keeping me going as well, I guess mostly I'm not afraid to die, I'm more afraid for my kids and how they are going to be when something does happen, and know I shouldn't be thinking of that yet.

The doctor told me on a scale from 1-10 (10 being untreatable) I am way there around 1 or 2, but I know I'll get worse, maybe I won't, it's all so hard to take in, but I am the humerous person around my friends, I am very outgoing and outspoken and love to have fun as well. So chemo doesn't make you feel sick all the time, where you will never feel like yourself again? I'm afraid of wanting to take my kids somewhere, and then BOOM! I'm puking up in an aisle at a store or something, I just want to know I'll be able to function normally, without germ masks, and all this, that I'll be able to take my kids away to NY, where I am from, and see family they haven't met before.. I keep thinking it's going to debilitate me from working, I guess not knowing is more scary, but I guess I'll find out soon!

If I lose my hair, my friends do want to take me wig shopping, and all that, I told my kids they could paint my head if they'd like, maybe my hair would grow in purple when it grew back..I am trying to make this as humerous as possible lol..

Thanks Kimby, you and everyone who posted are a great strength, I'm so glad I found this forum.

dixchi · January 2009

Shayenne said:
Thank you!
Thank you both for the welcome, it is indeed overwhelming, it's only been a week since finding out, and I have a mediport placed, which the soreness is just starting to go away, I actually went to the mall yesterday and had a great day with the family where I felt like myself, my kids even forgot about my cancer, it's been very hard on them. I was reading some stories where people actually did live for over 8 years when they first heard they had Stage 4 cancer, I wish I knew where Stage 1, 2 and 3 went! my heart, lungs and chest are clear, my bone scan turned out great, I am anemic, so they gave me a blood transfusion, 2 units of blood, which brought my iron back up, I asked the nurse before they gave it to me, if they checked out if this blood was from an Italian, since I am Italian/Irish.. haha.. they just cracked up...

Those side effects sounds horrible.. I can't have anything cold? I'm not sure till Feb 2 what they're going to be giving me. I actually live in Middleport, Ohio, about 2 hours from Columbus, where my husband will be driving me back and forth to the chemo treatments. The oncologist said some people sail right through chemo, no problems, it is all on the individual, I think I"m having one of those fanny packs as well...it is a Comprehensive Cancer Center, not sure what that means, but alot of people said The James was very good.. I just don't want to go downhill from here. I am keeping my spirits, and yes, I definitely have to stay off the internet, but was nice to hear some people are still around after 10 years being in Stage 4.. I hope to be one of those.

Wow.. I can't believe you drove back and forth to your chemo treatments, I thought all I was going to be doing was puking, and they want me to make sure my dogs stay outside, that I stay away from crowds, wear a germ mask in public and all that, I feel like I wont be able to work now through my chemo treatments, (I work as a rehab secretary in a Wellness Center) they make it sound I have to be housebound away from all the germs, which I know I am having cells killed and rebuilding my immune system, but wow.. I wonder how long they want me to be doing that. They said I would be on a 3 month cycle of chemo, I don't even know what cycles are. All my questions I guess will be answered by the doctor I am to see for the treatment on Feb 2.

This forum seems awesome with some really great people, I really needed to talk to people like you, thanks so much

~Donna

Germs
Guess I have to say a little about my experience with germs. I have a dog
and certainly didn't stay away from her; I have to feed her, play with her,
let her out and got no germs......was not suggested to me to wear a mask
altho they do advise staying out of crowds but I went to the ladies night
out with a bunch of other cancer patients and nothing happened. Went to church
and other groups without a mask. I would
say that if you live with children who go to school you are more likely
to pick up colds, flu etc. than any other way since they are exposed to
other children in school. Washing hands a lot would seem to be more
effective.

By the way, they can give you anti-nausea medication either with the treatment
and/ or in pill form so that does not have to be a problem.

Anyway, hope some of this helps.

Barbara

msccolon · January 2009

welcome
I got stuck in that glitch as well! Had to surf to another site and come back when it seemed to clear up! I wanted to say that I also was 43 when I was diagnosed back in 2004, 3 weeks shy of my 44th birthday. I also was POSITIVE I was just going to be walking down the street and croak off! You know, I had CANCER after all!

Anyhow, obviously I discovered this wasn't going to happen, and here I am almost 5 years later! I had a recurrence on my ovaries and in my omentum back in 2006; had more surgery, but again, I am still here! Things really have progressed over the years as far as treatment and making them more tolerable (although I am certainly preferring a CURE for all!). I have done gone through 6 months of chemo 3 times since 2004 and while no walk in the park, they are totally doable. Just remember to tell your doc and nurses ALL your side effects (I figure the grosser the better, after all it really is better to share!). There are drugs out there for everything and you can be sure that if you are experiencing it you aren't the first one! The drugs for anti-nausea rock! Enjoy your kids and know that God has a plan for you! There will be good days, there will be bad days, but the good far outweigh the bad or we just wouldn't be continuing the fight, would we? Come back often and I totally agree that you should search out a local support group if you are into that. I go to one once a month and it's great to talk about the kind of stuff "normal" people just don't understand, especially when you're joking about spending a weekend on the toilet while the chemo burns it's way out!
mary

kimby · January 2009

Shayenne said:
I know!!
HaHa Kimby, wow... what a computer lag! I couldn't even reply to what you wrote for awhile, I think the site has hit a snag! lol..

Oh wow.. what a ball of sunshine you are, I read your page and saw your pics, and you are an inspiration, I was joking and poking fun in the hospital as well, also had some crying spells, but know I cannot dwell on this, life goes on, who knows for how long, and wow.. I hope I don't die too soon, but my positive attitude is what's keeping me going as well, I guess mostly I'm not afraid to die, I'm more afraid for my kids and how they are going to be when something does happen, and know I shouldn't be thinking of that yet.

The doctor told me on a scale from 1-10 (10 being untreatable) I am way there around 1 or 2, but I know I'll get worse, maybe I won't, it's all so hard to take in, but I am the humerous person around my friends, I am very outgoing and outspoken and love to have fun as well. So chemo doesn't make you feel sick all the time, where you will never feel like yourself again? I'm afraid of wanting to take my kids somewhere, and then BOOM! I'm puking up in an aisle at a store or something, I just want to know I'll be able to function normally, without germ masks, and all this, that I'll be able to take my kids away to NY, where I am from, and see family they haven't met before.. I keep thinking it's going to debilitate me from working, I guess not knowing is more scary, but I guess I'll find out soon!

If I lose my hair, my friends do want to take me wig shopping, and all that, I told my kids they could paint my head if they'd like, maybe my hair would grow in purple when it grew back..I am trying to make this as humerous as possible lol..

Thanks Kimby, you and everyone who posted are a great strength, I'm so glad I found this forum.

be scared...LOL
You need to be very scared...it seems like we are a lot alike! LOL

I am not really afraid of dying either but more afraid of what that means to my kids and husband, my mom, my sister, my best friends....you know what I mean. Do you know yet what chemo 'cocktail' you'll be on? I started with folfox (oxiliplatin, 5fu and leucovorin). With folfox you're not likely to lose your hair, although a few do. It seems that many more lose hair on folfiri (irinotecan , 5fu and leucovorin). They will most likely add either Erbitux or Avastin to one of the above cocktails. For me, chemo is progressive. I start out with a few side effects, feel ill for a couple of days and then get progressively better until the next cycle begins in 2 weeks. The last round was tougher on me and I had only a few days of feeling well before another cycle began and the side effects became more difficult to manage. Don't be a hero with side effects. Make sure you report whatever is going on and they will help keep things in check. My oncologist loves to remind me that it isn't a contest to see how tough I am! I, for instance, had some nausea but no vomiting at all. Diareha, well...more of that. We are all individual and you will have your own struggles, but someone here will have already dealt with it and have suggestions.

Keep in touch,

Kimby

dixchi · January 2009

Shayenne said:
I know!!
HaHa Kimby, wow... what a computer lag! I couldn't even reply to what you wrote for awhile, I think the site has hit a snag! lol..

Oh wow.. what a ball of sunshine you are, I read your page and saw your pics, and you are an inspiration, I was joking and poking fun in the hospital as well, also had some crying spells, but know I cannot dwell on this, life goes on, who knows for how long, and wow.. I hope I don't die too soon, but my positive attitude is what's keeping me going as well, I guess mostly I'm not afraid to die, I'm more afraid for my kids and how they are going to be when something does happen, and know I shouldn't be thinking of that yet.

The doctor told me on a scale from 1-10 (10 being untreatable) I am way there around 1 or 2, but I know I'll get worse, maybe I won't, it's all so hard to take in, but I am the humerous person around my friends, I am very outgoing and outspoken and love to have fun as well. So chemo doesn't make you feel sick all the time, where you will never feel like yourself again? I'm afraid of wanting to take my kids somewhere, and then BOOM! I'm puking up in an aisle at a store or something, I just want to know I'll be able to function normally, without germ masks, and all this, that I'll be able to take my kids away to NY, where I am from, and see family they haven't met before.. I keep thinking it's going to debilitate me from working, I guess not knowing is more scary, but I guess I'll find out soon!

If I lose my hair, my friends do want to take me wig shopping, and all that, I told my kids they could paint my head if they'd like, maybe my hair would grow in purple when it grew back..I am trying to make this as humerous as possible lol..

Thanks Kimby, you and everyone who posted are a great strength, I'm so glad I found this forum.

Wellness Community
You mentioned working at a Wellness Center. The one I mentioned is a national
non-profit organization started by a physician in California who found a need
to offer programs for cancer patients focusing on the enotional/spiritual
aspects as well as other physical aspects not addressed by the medical
community such as nutrition. They are not located everywhere but I did notice
there is one in Powell which is just oustide Columbus. Not sure how close or
far that is from you but they are on 10330 Sawmill Parkway, Phone 614-791-9510
if you think you might be interested in seeing what they offer. All their
programs are free.

amcp · January 2009

Prayers
Donna...so sorry to hear your news. You will be in our prayers. My husband was diagnosed with Stage 4 colorectal cancer with met. to liver. He has been on every kind of chemo availabe for colon cancer. Sure he was sick some but like they said there are all kinds of meds for the nausea. There is phenegran, zofran, and emend. The last one really helped by husband. He was on chemo from 11/06 to 12/08. The chemo has shrank the tumor on the liver. He did have to have a colostomy but that is manageble. He is now seeing specialist at Vanderbilt Medical center where they are planning to remove a tumor from his lung and after he heals then remove the right lobe of the liver which has the cancer. Just take it a day at a time ...put one foot in front of the other...your husband, family, friends and all of us here are with you and praying for you. He is now 62 but we are fighting this "beast" a day at a time. We thank God for every day and we make the most of each day. No one is promised tomorrow ..we all just have today. Your postive attitude is important and it will help you get through this. The onocologist and his staff while do everything they can to help you through the chemo...sure there are side effects ...everyone is different. Do not give up hope and keep praying. Lean on the Lord and your family and friends. God be with you.
Anna

amcp · January 2009

Prayers
Donna...so sorry to hear your news. You will be in our prayers. My husband was diagnosed with Stage 4 colorectal cancer with met. to liver. He has been on every kind of chemo availabe for colon cancer. Sure he was sick some but like they said there are all kinds of meds for the nausea. There is phenegran, zofran, and emend. The last one really helped by husband. He was on chemo from 11/06 to 12/08. The chemo has shrank the tumor on the liver. He did have to have a colostomy but that is manageble. He is now seeing specialist at Vanderbilt Medical center where they are planning to remove a tumor from his lung and after he heals then remove the right lobe of the liver which has the cancer. Just take it a day at a time ...put one foot in front of the other...your husband, family, friends and all of us here are with you and praying for you. He is now 62 but we are fighting this "beast" a day at a time. We thank God for every day and we make the most of each day. No one is promised tomorrow ..we all just have today. Your postive attitude is important and it will help you get through this. The onocologist and his staff while do everything they can to help you through the chemo...sure there are side effects ...everyone is different. Do not give up hope and keep praying. Lean on the Lord and your family and friends. God be with you.
Anna

amcp · January 2009

Prayers
Donna...so sorry to hear your news. You will be in our prayers. My husband was diagnosed with Stage 4 colorectal cancer with met. to liver. He has been on every kind of chemo availabe for colon cancer. Sure he was sick some but like they said there are all kinds of meds for the nausea. There is phenegran, zofran, and emend. The last one really helped by husband. He was on chemo from 11/06 to 12/08. The chemo has shrank the tumor on the liver. He did have to have a colostomy but that is manageble. He is now seeing specialist at Vanderbilt Medical center where they are planning to remove a tumor from his lung and after he heals then remove the right lobe of the liver which has the cancer. Just take it a day at a time ...put one foot in front of the other...your husband, family, friends and all of us here are with you and praying for you. He is now 62 but we are fighting this "beast" a day at a time. We thank God for every day and we make the most of each day. No one is promised tomorrow ..we all just have today. Your postive attitude is important and it will help you get through this. The onocologist and his staff while do everything they can to help you through the chemo...sure there are side effects ...everyone is different. Do not give up hope and keep praying. Lean on the Lord and your family and friends. God be with you.
Anna

VickiCO · January 2009

We are here for you.
Hi Donna,

Sorry you had to find us, but GLAD you are here! Stay off of the internet...it'll scare you witless and it is mostly old, misinformation anyway. There are many here who will help and encourage you. I couldn't do it without this crew!

I was DX'd Oct 22, Stage 3 rectal cancer, went through 6 1/2 weeks of radiation/chemo, wore the fanny pack the whole time. I will have surgery 2/4. I didn't have much puking, just nausea - don't you hate that feeling? Everyone reacts differently, and because of the radiation, I was unable to drive myself after week 3. Keep fighting. You CAN do this. Keep the positive thoughts rolling in.

BY the way, Although I live in Colorado now, I am originally from Ohio - Tuscarawas County.

Vicki

ADKer · January 2009

VickiCO said:
We are here for you.
Hi Donna,

Sorry you had to find us, but GLAD you are here! Stay off of the internet...it'll scare you witless and it is mostly old, misinformation anyway. There are many here who will help and encourage you. I couldn't do it without this crew!

I was DX'd Oct 22, Stage 3 rectal cancer, went through 6 1/2 weeks of radiation/chemo, wore the fanny pack the whole time. I will have surgery 2/4. I didn't have much puking, just nausea - don't you hate that feeling? Everyone reacts differently, and because of the radiation, I was unable to drive myself after week 3. Keep fighting. You CAN do this. Keep the positive thoughts rolling in.

BY the way, Although I live in Colorado now, I am originally from Ohio - Tuscarawas County.

Vicki

Hi Donna! I am sorry to
Hi Donna! I am sorry to learn of your diagnosis but it sounds like you have found good medical care. I am Stage IV with mets to my liver at diagnosis. I was age 50 at diagnosis last February, working full time and shocked to learn that I was so sick. I had colon resection before beginning chemo. After 6+ months of chemo, my liver mets became operable and I had liver resection at the end of October. Although the liver resection, in which 70% of my liver was removed, was a much more major surgery, I have been surprised that the recovery from the second surgery has been much quicker. Although I thought that I felt fine at diagnosis, I now realize that I was quite debilitated from the cancer. As you receive chemo and the amount of cancer in your body is decreased, I hope that you will find, as I did, that I grew stronger through the chemo rather than weaker. Although there were some side effects, the drugs given to reduce those were pretty effective. Hopefully the side effects for you will be outweighed by the improvement in your health as the chemo attacks the cancer.

tiny one · January 2009

chemo
Hi Donna! I was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer with 1 lymph node testing positive. I had a resection, a temporary ileostomy, 5 1/2 weeks of chemo and radiation. Chemo was on me 24/7 with a pump. I had 5FU. Then 6 months of oxiplatin. This was done twice a month. 3 hours of chemo and then the pump on for 2 days. I am 50 years old. I was diagnosed in Feb 07. I had very few side effects from chemo. I had some fatique a little nausea, meds took care of that, neuropathy in my hands and feet which is almost gone now. Sensitivity to cold from oxiplatin. Colon cancer survivors are getting good results from treatment and living a good long life. I never lost my hair, it just thinned a little. I remained very active physically all thru treatment and very active now. I have some long term effects from radiation, vaginal shortening and rectal narrowing. Make sure you like and trust all your Dr's. If you don't find one you do. Get a second opinion. I still have some issues but their due from my bag reversal. If I didn't have those issues I would feel like I did before my diagnoses. I had a mediport, it saves you from being repeatedly stuck in your veins, and enabled me to have a pump on. Good luck Donna, we're all saying prayers for you and your family. Cancer is very scary, seek out a support group, their priceless and helpful. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

traci43 · January 2009

been there, done that!
Donna - Sorry to hear your story, but you came to the right place. We're a firendly, helpful group here. I had to stay away from web surfing for quite some time as it scared the bejeezus out of me

. Colon cancer has become very treatable and they're really dialed into how much drugs to give you to kill the beast without overdoing it. Find a good doctor that you're comfortable with, that will help a lot. Attitude is everything - try to stay positive and stay away from those that aren't!

I was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer 6/07 with mets to the ovaries and omentum. I was 44 when diagnosed and married less than 2 years - no kids. My only symptom was my abdomen swelled up so I looked 5 months pregnant and I had fluid around my right lung. Doctors thought I had ovarian cancer because my ovary was so big (over 3 lbs). They found the colon cancer during surgery.

I went through 12 rounds of FOLFOX/Avastin. My primary side effects were sensitivity to cold - gloves are your friends, use them for everything! I also had problems with constipation and nose bleeds. The constipation came from being afraid to drink anything as it would feel like something sharp was caught in my throat, so I'd get dehydrated. Warm liquids will help with this. The nose bleeds were never bad, but annoying. I chose not to work and was glad I did. Chemo weeks were very tiring but the off weeks weren't too bad. Exercise really helps, even if it is just a slow walk. No one has really mentioned lack of appetite, but I could feel mine going away while being infused. It would come back a bit just before I got hit again. Nausea was manageable with Zofran for me. No hair loss. Regarding germs, just be sensible. I got some antibacterial hand wash so that I wouldn't have to use the cold water in the public restrooms. I also purchased some immodium and stool softeners ahead of chemo, just in case. Some saline nose spray is also helpful for the nose bleeds. Lemonade or the crystal light version of lemonade can cut the metallic taste that chemo sometimes gives you.

My prayers are with you in this time, keep us posted on your progress. Traci

msccolon · January 2009

traci43 said:
been there, done that!
Donna - Sorry to hear your story, but you came to the right place. We're a firendly, helpful group here. I had to stay away from web surfing for quite some time as it scared the bejeezus out of me . Colon cancer has become very treatable and they're really dialed into how much drugs to give you to kill the beast without overdoing it. Find a good doctor that you're comfortable with, that will help a lot. Attitude is everything - try to stay positive and stay away from those that aren't!

I was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer 6/07 with mets to the ovaries and omentum. I was 44 when diagnosed and married less than 2 years - no kids. My only symptom was my abdomen swelled up so I looked 5 months pregnant and I had fluid around my right lung. Doctors thought I had ovarian cancer because my ovary was so big (over 3 lbs). They found the colon cancer during surgery.

I went through 12 rounds of FOLFOX/Avastin. My primary side effects were sensitivity to cold - gloves are your friends, use them for everything! I also had problems with constipation and nose bleeds. The constipation came from being afraid to drink anything as it would feel like something sharp was caught in my throat, so I'd get dehydrated. Warm liquids will help with this. The nose bleeds were never bad, but annoying. I chose not to work and was glad I did. Chemo weeks were very tiring but the off weeks weren't too bad. Exercise really helps, even if it is just a slow walk. No one has really mentioned lack of appetite, but I could feel mine going away while being infused. It would come back a bit just before I got hit again. Nausea was manageable with Zofran for me. No hair loss. Regarding germs, just be sensible. I got some antibacterial hand wash so that I wouldn't have to use the cold water in the public restrooms. I also purchased some immodium and stool softeners ahead of chemo, just in case. Some saline nose spray is also helpful for the nose bleeds. Lemonade or the crystal light version of lemonade can cut the metallic taste that chemo sometimes gives you.

My prayers are with you in this time, keep us posted on your progress. Traci

Twins!!!
Although my own twin would beg to differ with me! My recurrence also was 2 years after initial diagnosis, but it was a large tumor to my right ovary, with another large cystic tumor on the left ovary. Many mets to the omentum, hence the removal of, and various small tumors in fatty deposits in my abdomen. All was removed and I did additional chemo. Do you find that the loss of your omentum affected your metabolism at all? Mine has been crazy slow, but I also have done 2 sets of 6 months of chemo since with Emend and Decadron to obliterate the nausea/vomiting so who knows! I was talking to my onc nurse just the other day and she thinks I'm onto something with the loss of the omentum and metabolism issues. Anyhow...
mary

Hi! I'm new and really scared!

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