I NEED HELP!

2

Comments

  • karguy
    karguy Member Posts: 1,020 Member
    #22
    Death
    Death is a side effect of the cancer,I would still go with the chemo,and radiation,but it's your choice.Good luck.
  • christinecarl
    christinecarl Member Posts: 543 Member
    #23
    Chemo
    The beginning was so hard, finding out I had cancer made me feel like I could just start screaming and never stop, they would have to haul me away in a little white coat to a padded cell. If it had not been for my friend Nora who came to stay with me after I was diagnosed, I may I have lost my mind sitting alone in my apt.

    I know some people that have gone through chemo that said if the cancer comes back they will not do it again. I am not one of those people. If I find out the cancer is back I would go through chemo again and fight with every fiber of my being.

    What I realized, chemo is tough, but I am tougher. I continued to work throughout chemo, only called in sick 2 times in six months of chemo. Yes my fingers and toes are still numb, but I have another birthday this month to celebrate.

    Good luck in whatever choose.
  • John23
    John23 Member Posts: 2,122 Member
    #24
    PGLGreg said:

    I expected you to post
    I expected you to post something here, John, and I'm pleased that you did. Did you ever hear the G&S opera Ruddigore? You would be interested. It's a commentary from the 19th century on doing what your heart tells you: "In sailing o'er life's ocean wide, your heart should be your only guide."

    --Greg

    Quotes
    Greg -

    (haha)

    Thanks, but actually I relate with the plight of Don Quixote a bit more.


    "One man scorned and covered with scars still strove with his last ounce
    of courage to reach the unreachable stars; and the world was better for this"


    Damned windmills, anyway.
  • Ania55
    Ania55 Member Posts: 8
    #25
    Chemo
    Hello ! i know its hard! I was there, but know Im NED, you should choose chemo, and dont loose the faith!!!! 3 years ago I was in stage IV colon cancer and now NED!!!!!!
    of course chemo is hard, but its a possibility, possibility??? yes, a possibility to continue alive......and that was what I choose!!

    I will pray for you, dont loose the faith......
    hugs
    ania.
    ^:^
  • minibull
    minibull Member Posts: 56 Member
    #26
    Kathleen808 said:

    Laureen
    Laureen,
    Are you trying to get in with Dr. Cho? I don't know how to start a PM but I can respond. Feel free to PM me and I can give you some info on Dr. Cho.

    Best to you. Thinking of you.

    Aloha,
    Kathleen

    Thanks Kathleen
    I just wondered how your husband is doing with his treatments. Is he done yet and how were his reactions to the drugs? I also don't know how to PM - checked the site but didn't see anything. I did it once but forgot how to do it. If you can, call me - we're in the phone book under R M Okumura. The address is not there but we live in Keolu Hills.

    Laureen
  • minibull
    minibull Member Posts: 56 Member
    #27
    Ania55 said:

    Chemo
    Hello ! i know its hard! I was there, but know Im NED, you should choose chemo, and dont loose the faith!!!! 3 years ago I was in stage IV colon cancer and now NED!!!!!!
    of course chemo is hard, but its a possibility, possibility??? yes, a possibility to continue alive......and that was what I choose!!

    I will pray for you, dont loose the faith......
    hugs
    ania.
    ^:^

    THANKS TO YOU ALL
    I really appreciate your feed back. I finally have an appt. to see the onc next week and am 99.9% sure he will recommend chemo. I have resigned myself to this but hope with this macrobiotic diet, the side effects will not be too bad. I'm really scared with this decision but think that it is the best one. My family wants me around so they're encouraging me to go this route. I hope you guys don't mind when I write to *itch and moan about my side effects when I start chemo (ha-ha). You guys are really a great bunch!

    Laureen
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #28
    minibull said:

    THANKS TO YOU ALL
    I really appreciate your feed back. I finally have an appt. to see the onc next week and am 99.9% sure he will recommend chemo. I have resigned myself to this but hope with this macrobiotic diet, the side effects will not be too bad. I'm really scared with this decision but think that it is the best one. My family wants me around so they're encouraging me to go this route. I hope you guys don't mind when I write to *itch and moan about my side effects when I start chemo (ha-ha). You guys are really a great bunch!

    Laureen

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • coloCan
    coloCan Member Posts: 1,944 Member
    #29
    unknown said:

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

    Hello Ms R:
    As you've probably read on this site, we all go thru a gamut of emotions once diagnosed and after treatment begins, fear being a common denominator among all of us I think. The process of inserting the port into your chest is done in hosp under local anesthesia (as mine was) and complications, as with any medical procedure, are possible. In my case, device moved annd was in bad position so it worked only 3 out of 5 times when needed and then no one flushed it every few weeks as I prepped for surgery, was operated on and began recovery. Then when port was needed for second round of chemo, it didn't work at all so I needed a PICC to be put in arm to chest so chemo could be injected via PICC instead of port( youi don't want chemo directly into your arm veins). PICC procedure much less painful and recoverty from easier. Its the chemo (and radiation but I think mostly the chemo) that will realy knock you out.If you read the postings on this site you will get a very good idea of what most of us go thru yet that is what must be done to stay alive.There are medications to deal with most side effects and a good onc will know that. Advice from this site also useful. I'm sorry you've lost your husband. Hopefully you have someone (child,other relative,friend) top act as a caregiver. I would notr be here without mine, my girlfriend. Enough from me. I'm sure others will help provide info, encouragement and solace. Do not give up. The road will be rough but you can and will make it.....Steve
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #30
    coloCan said:

    Hello Ms R:
    As you've probably read on this site, we all go thru a gamut of emotions once diagnosed and after treatment begins, fear being a common denominator among all of us I think. The process of inserting the port into your chest is done in hosp under local anesthesia (as mine was) and complications, as with any medical procedure, are possible. In my case, device moved annd was in bad position so it worked only 3 out of 5 times when needed and then no one flushed it every few weeks as I prepped for surgery, was operated on and began recovery. Then when port was needed for second round of chemo, it didn't work at all so I needed a PICC to be put in arm to chest so chemo could be injected via PICC instead of port( youi don't want chemo directly into your arm veins). PICC procedure much less painful and recoverty from easier. Its the chemo (and radiation but I think mostly the chemo) that will realy knock you out.If you read the postings on this site you will get a very good idea of what most of us go thru yet that is what must be done to stay alive.There are medications to deal with most side effects and a good onc will know that. Advice from this site also useful. I'm sorry you've lost your husband. Hopefully you have someone (child,other relative,friend) top act as a caregiver. I would notr be here without mine, my girlfriend. Enough from me. I'm sure others will help provide info, encouragement and solace. Do not give up. The road will be rough but you can and will make it.....Steve

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • cyndi2324
    cyndi2324 Member Posts: 72
    #31
    Kathryn_in_MN said:

    Kras mutated doesn't
    Kras mutated doesn't determine if chemo will work or not. It only affects two drugs being used, Erbitux (Cetuximab) and one other.

    Standard 5-FU, FOLFOX or XELOX do work on KRAS Wild or Mutant. I have KRAS Mutated too - and I am doing FOLFOX, but did not join the study for adding Erbitux due to the mutation.

    Mutated kras does make a difference
    Kathryn,
    I'm glad that your treatment is working. Unfortunately I have had Flofox4, Xeloda, and Cpt 11 in the last 2 years they did not work for me. Yes, I can not take Erbitux as my oncologist says it won't be effective. I start a clinical trial Mon. So not all Mutant kras cancers have luck with chemo treatment.
    Good Luck,
    Cyndi 2324
  • DebPJ
    DebPJ Member Posts: 6
    #32
    Ania55 said:

    Chemo
    Hello ! i know its hard! I was there, but know Im NED, you should choose chemo, and dont loose the faith!!!! 3 years ago I was in stage IV colon cancer and now NED!!!!!!
    of course chemo is hard, but its a possibility, possibility??? yes, a possibility to continue alive......and that was what I choose!!

    I will pray for you, dont loose the faith......
    hugs
    ania.
    ^:^

    Hi, Ania55
    My husband was diagnosed last week with stage IV colon cancer. I am/we are both scared to death but was hopeful when I saw your post. We are going on Tuesday to see a specialist to perform the HIPEC procedure on him since the cancer cells spread from his colon to the abdominal cavity. Do you know anything about this procedure? Is this something you experienced? Can you provide any insight into what we're about to embark on. We are scared, prayerful, hopeful and can't wait to beat this.

    Debbie
  • PGLGreg
    PGLGreg Member Posts: 731
    #33
    DebPJ said:

    Hi, Ania55
    My husband was diagnosed last week with stage IV colon cancer. I am/we are both scared to death but was hopeful when I saw your post. We are going on Tuesday to see a specialist to perform the HIPEC procedure on him since the cancer cells spread from his colon to the abdominal cavity. Do you know anything about this procedure? Is this something you experienced? Can you provide any insight into what we're about to embark on. We are scared, prayerful, hopeful and can't wait to beat this.

    Debbie

    HIPEC
    I don't have any experience with HIPEC, but I've seen several accounts here and in the Colonclub forum of apparently successful HIPEC procedures. Good luck.

    --Greg
  • shmurciakova
    shmurciakova Member Posts: 906 Member
    #34
    DebPJ said:

    Hi, Ania55
    My husband was diagnosed last week with stage IV colon cancer. I am/we are both scared to death but was hopeful when I saw your post. We are going on Tuesday to see a specialist to perform the HIPEC procedure on him since the cancer cells spread from his colon to the abdominal cavity. Do you know anything about this procedure? Is this something you experienced? Can you provide any insight into what we're about to embark on. We are scared, prayerful, hopeful and can't wait to beat this.

    Debbie

    new subject..
    Hi Deb,
    I would strongly suggest starting a new topic since this original post if very old. I don't have any insight into HIPEC, but I bet if you start a new topic others will reply.
    Best of luck to you and your husband,
    Susan H.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #35
    DebPJ said:

    Hi, Ania55
    My husband was diagnosed last week with stage IV colon cancer. I am/we are both scared to death but was hopeful when I saw your post. We are going on Tuesday to see a specialist to perform the HIPEC procedure on him since the cancer cells spread from his colon to the abdominal cavity. Do you know anything about this procedure? Is this something you experienced? Can you provide any insight into what we're about to embark on. We are scared, prayerful, hopeful and can't wait to beat this.

    Debbie

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • PhillieG
    PhillieG Member Posts: 4,866 Member
    #36
    See a Therapist
    Is my first suggestion. Talk to someone about all of this. You have a lot going on that can be frightening to say the least. I find that mine has helped me a lot. I do take a mild does of an anti-depressant and anti-anxiety medication. they help me. I'm sure there are alternatives but I didn't pursue them.

    As far as chemo goes, I certainly would do it again if giving the choice. Warts and all. It wasn't a walk in the park but for ME, it's been effective. Again, I did not seek out alternative therapies. I did find a good oncologist FIRST, then I put my trust in her and I have absolutely no regrets.

    I wouldn't discount your husbands support either, while he may not know exactly what you are going through, he may surprise you. Only you know how your relationship is with him but I don't think keeping him at a distance is the best thing for either of you.
    -p
  • PhillieG
    PhillieG Member Posts: 4,866 Member
    #37
    unknown said:

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

    HIPEC.
    I haven't had experience with this therapy so I can't give any advice on it.
    Gracie, I think you may have me mixed up with my evil twin ;-)
    -phil
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #38
    PhillieG said:

    See a Therapist
    Is my first suggestion. Talk to someone about all of this. You have a lot going on that can be frightening to say the least. I find that mine has helped me a lot. I do take a mild does of an anti-depressant and anti-anxiety medication. they help me. I'm sure there are alternatives but I didn't pursue them.

    As far as chemo goes, I certainly would do it again if giving the choice. Warts and all. It wasn't a walk in the park but for ME, it's been effective. Again, I did not seek out alternative therapies. I did find a good oncologist FIRST, then I put my trust in her and I have absolutely no regrets.

    I wouldn't discount your husbands support either, while he may not know exactly what you are going through, he may surprise you. Only you know how your relationship is with him but I don't think keeping him at a distance is the best thing for either of you.
    -p

    Phil, you ARE a wise man!
    I agree, keeping people out of the loop, as it were, is not a good idea. Unless they show signs that they do not want to be in it...

    I was sure surprised with my beau, usually a 'hands-off' sort, and how interested and supportive he became...

    Hugs, Kathi
  • herdizziness
    herdizziness Member Posts: 3,624 Member
    #39
    Chemo
    Get thy self to the ONC!!!! Being stage III you're already better off then I am, and I'm doing the oxy, avastin and Xeloda chemo. I want to last as long as I can. As for the side effects of chemo, they were bad the first time, worst the next two and the last two have actually been in my mind, wonderful, because the side effects, with the exception of drinking cold things, and the ache of cold fingers, have gone. Chemo is keeping me here in the now, the present. I can talk with my son, with my daughter, and with my sweet darling husband. My dogs get petted and spoiled, my cats when they decide they might visit me, get spoiled with treats. I only have those moments because of chemo. I was given two weeks to live without it, my tumor had shut off my colon. My tumor markers have gone from 20,007 to 974, a "twentyfold" drop as my Onc likes to tell me.
    Do your chemo, please, go with your alternative as well, WHILE doing chemo, but I recommend most highly giving chemo a chance first. It is your life, your choice.
  • minibull
    minibull Member Posts: 56 Member
    #40
    herdizziness said:

    Chemo
    Get thy self to the ONC!!!! Being stage III you're already better off then I am, and I'm doing the oxy, avastin and Xeloda chemo. I want to last as long as I can. As for the side effects of chemo, they were bad the first time, worst the next two and the last two have actually been in my mind, wonderful, because the side effects, with the exception of drinking cold things, and the ache of cold fingers, have gone. Chemo is keeping me here in the now, the present. I can talk with my son, with my daughter, and with my sweet darling husband. My dogs get petted and spoiled, my cats when they decide they might visit me, get spoiled with treats. I only have those moments because of chemo. I was given two weeks to live without it, my tumor had shut off my colon. My tumor markers have gone from 20,007 to 974, a "twentyfold" drop as my Onc likes to tell me.
    Do your chemo, please, go with your alternative as well, WHILE doing chemo, but I recommend most highly giving chemo a chance first. It is your life, your choice.

    UPDATES
    Couldn't believe when I saw this thread come through again. Very interesting to see how far I've come since I wrote this in Nov 09. I've now completed 9 treatments so far with a couple of postponements because of low platelets and a trip to Vegas. Started having neuropathy in my toes and fingers, thinning hair (bought a hairpiece), and dropped 40+ pounds (bought a whole new wardrobe, yippee). Nausea has been minimal and I feel blessed that my side effects were pretty manageable. Had a scare last week, though. My alphafeto protein test (I take this test because of my Hep B) was a little elevated so my hepatologist ordered a CT scan of my abdomen to be sure I didn't have liver cancer also. My anxiety about that outcome was off the charts because of my mother and 6 of her siblings dieing of liver cancer. Got good news, though. No liver cancer, abdomen and nodes clear. Doc said the elevation was probably due to cells dieing and regenerating quickly. Whew!! I'll take that opinion anyday. Anyway, I'm still here and my general outlook on life is 100% better than when I was first dx'ed. Yes, there is hope with God's blessings.
    Love,
    Laureen
  • herdizziness
    herdizziness Member Posts: 3,624 Member
    #41
    minibull said:

    UPDATES
    Couldn't believe when I saw this thread come through again. Very interesting to see how far I've come since I wrote this in Nov 09. I've now completed 9 treatments so far with a couple of postponements because of low platelets and a trip to Vegas. Started having neuropathy in my toes and fingers, thinning hair (bought a hairpiece), and dropped 40+ pounds (bought a whole new wardrobe, yippee). Nausea has been minimal and I feel blessed that my side effects were pretty manageable. Had a scare last week, though. My alphafeto protein test (I take this test because of my Hep B) was a little elevated so my hepatologist ordered a CT scan of my abdomen to be sure I didn't have liver cancer also. My anxiety about that outcome was off the charts because of my mother and 6 of her siblings dieing of liver cancer. Got good news, though. No liver cancer, abdomen and nodes clear. Doc said the elevation was probably due to cells dieing and regenerating quickly. Whew!! I'll take that opinion anyday. Anyway, I'm still here and my general outlook on life is 100% better than when I was first dx'ed. Yes, there is hope with God's blessings.
    Love,
    Laureen

    Way to go girl!!!! I just
    Way to go girl!!!! I just finished my 6th treatment today. Went in at 9 AM got out earliest ever 3:30 PM!! Yea!!!
    Glad you went with chemo.
    Keep the hope.
    Love,
    Winter Marie

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