Recently diagnosed and trying to stay strong

sasjourney
sasjourney Member Posts: 395 Member
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
I came across this board while researching colon cancer. I am a 43 year old female that lives in Orange County, California. I was diagnosed in March 2010 with stage 4 c.c. I had a colon resection, mass removed near ovaries, hysterectomy, and 2 small spots on liver removed. My PET scan after surgery showed NED of cancer. I have just finished round 7 of chemo (avastin, 5-FU) and will go for another PET scan this Saturday.

I have a wonderful husband and two young daughters that I love dearly. I do not have any other family living in California. My biggest problem is dealing with this emotionally. I still ask why me and why now. My life was happy and I never dreamed that this could happen to me, as I am sure you all felt the same way. I have a strong relationship and belief in God and I pray to Him to help me get through it all. It is so hard!

I have read many of these posts and have gained strength by your support of one another. It is so hard for people to understand when they are not going through it. My friends don't really know what to say although they have been very kind.

I will pray for all of you suffering through this. I know there must be a reason why we have been chosen to carry this cross and someday we will find out.

God bless you all!

Sara

Comments

  • tabur
    tabur Member Posts: 71 Member
    #2
    Welcome Sara!
    So glad you show NED and hope you remain that way. You will get plenty of support here. I am a caregiver so please tell your husband there is a wealth of information and support for him too.

    Bless you and your family.

    Al
  • EJmauldin
    EJmauldin Member Posts: 12
    #3
    Don't let it get to you.
    Sara,
    I also had stage 4 cc and kicked it's butt (those tiny little cancer cell butts). I had no sign of cancer after my chemo and pet. Then I had a pet that had a spot on it. I had to have a 2nd surgey, to find out if it was cancer again. Yes it was, very small, another week in the hospital and another round of chemo. Yea!!! Clear again. Not even a month later lymphnodes have up take. Now I am doing radation. My Doc says I will be fine after this is over. I will not give up, I want to see my youngest daughter graduate and become a great RN. I want to see my other children live the lives they have made for themselves.

    Don't plan on letting a bunch of little tiny cells run my life. I keep fighting, I have met a great bunch of people while being treated. Some great Nurses and Doctors, they have made all this an experince that will and has changed me. I have found strenght I didn't know I have. I have learned so much about people. Most are wonderful. I feel like this is abattle that I can win. I have my little whinny moments, but then I get up and go again.

    God bless you and your family,
    Eileen
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #4
    EJmauldin said:

    Don't let it get to you.
    Sara,
    I also had stage 4 cc and kicked it's butt (those tiny little cancer cell butts). I had no sign of cancer after my chemo and pet. Then I had a pet that had a spot on it. I had to have a 2nd surgey, to find out if it was cancer again. Yes it was, very small, another week in the hospital and another round of chemo. Yea!!! Clear again. Not even a month later lymphnodes have up take. Now I am doing radation. My Doc says I will be fine after this is over. I will not give up, I want to see my youngest daughter graduate and become a great RN. I want to see my other children live the lives they have made for themselves.

    Don't plan on letting a bunch of little tiny cells run my life. I keep fighting, I have met a great bunch of people while being treated. Some great Nurses and Doctors, they have made all this an experince that will and has changed me. I have found strenght I didn't know I have. I have learned so much about people. Most are wonderful. I feel like this is abattle that I can win. I have my little whinny moments, but then I get up and go again.

    God bless you and your family,
    Eileen

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • msccolon
    msccolon Member Posts: 1,917 Member
    #5
    welcome :(
    Sara, sorry you had to find us, but so glad you have and hope you are able to find some comfort here. I was also 43 at diagnosis, stage IIIB, almost 6 years ago. I am now stage 4 after multiple recurrences, but still here and still fighting. It can be very tough, especially finding people who truly understand what you are going through. It certainly helps when you are experiencing some crap or another to know that others have been there, and can offer help on getting through it. Hope you come back often and congrats on NED!
    mary
  • dorookie
    dorookie Member Posts: 1,731 Member
    #6
    Welcome Sara
    I am so very sorry you have to be here. I was DX at 38 (2007), stage 3, surgery chemo radiation for almost a year, then it came back 6 months later, now stage 4, surgery and chemo again, finished June 2009, have been clear since then (thank God), its so hard. The emotions are the hardest, the first go around I was like a robot and just went through the motions, the second time hit me like a ton of bricks, and to this day I still struggle with the WHY ME, regardless of everything else its so hard. I guess what I am saying is your not alone..you have found the best place to be, here everyone is just wonderful, so full of great advise, great support, and just all around wonderful people.

    Please feel free to ask anything, to comment anytime, and just sit back and feel at home.

    God Bless you
    Beth
  • chicoturner
    chicoturner Member Posts: 282
    #7
    Welcome Sara,
    any question
    Welcome Sara,
    any question you have, there is someone here to help. There is lots of support and sometimes it's a great place to come in the middle of the night. Happy to hear you are NED,
    I haven't experienced that, but will keep fighting. I too had a resection and complete Hysterectomy though am much older then you. My kids are married and I have a grand daughter - aged 2 1/2 and a new one on the way. We have lots to fight for. You are in my prayers. Jean
  • biglaur
    biglaur Member Posts: 72 Member
    #8
    Hi Sara
    welcome to the board. I don't post often, but saw your post and that you're from Orange County, Ca. So am I! I am also Stage 4, diagnosed Sept '06. Recurrence June '08...ALL the chemo (11 rounds FOLFOX, gamma knife radiation, clinical trial drug, then Xeloda for 6 months after that...am NED...have been for a year. I have my 22nd CT scan this Friday... yikes, I always worry. Anyway...I've been down the road, if you need a buddy nearby for help or info or tips or whatever...I'm happy to help. Laurie rtpatrl@cox.net
  • tootsie1
    tootsie1 Member Posts: 5,044 Member
    #9
    Hi
    Hi, Sara.

    I'm sorry you have to be here, but I think you will find it helpful.

    You said that there must be a reason that we have this disease. I believe my reason is that it has spurred me to be a comforter and listening ear for others who have cancer. I find myself reaching out to anyone I hear about who is diagnosed.

    I pray that you will feel some peace with all this.

    *hugs*
    Gail
  • sasjourney
    sasjourney Member Posts: 395 Member
    #10
    tootsie1 said:

    Hi
    Hi, Sara.

    I'm sorry you have to be here, but I think you will find it helpful.

    You said that there must be a reason that we have this disease. I believe my reason is that it has spurred me to be a comforter and listening ear for others who have cancer. I find myself reaching out to anyone I hear about who is diagnosed.

    I pray that you will feel some peace with all this.

    *hugs*
    Gail

    Thanks for your kind words and welcome!
    Thanks for the kind words and welcome. I pray for a cure for all of us. I have truly learned a lot since my diagnosis and hope I can be of comfort and help to anyone battling cancer or other disease.

    Bless you all,
    Sara

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