What are people doing to beat stage 4 colon cancer
Comments
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Welcome to the board! I'mpepebcn said:First of all welcome to the board !
Congratulations for your success with chemo and surgery !Yes there are successful stories amnog us in beating the disease, l hope to be on the way too!.
Hugs.
Welcome to the board! I'm not sure if what my husband is doing is working, but if we find out it is I will keep you informed. My husband is young also and he was diagnosed when our little girl was 8 months. Two years later and he is still fighting, but we were told no more children until he's chemo free for two years. I read that you have a four month old- did your doctors give you the same advice? Just curious- we might like to have another one some day.
My husband has done no sugar, or processed flour and has sat in a MWO chair a couple days a week this last two months (and chemo as well). So we'll see what his scan says...CT on Monday.
Erin0 -
Welcome
Hi Bobby,
You have been working hard and it sounds like your're in a good spot. My husband was diagnosed in January 2009 and after 32 rounds of chemo (Folfox 6 then folfori + Avastin) he is NED (no evidence of disease).
There is a great book called Anticancer and another Beating Cancer with Nutrition that you may want to look into. Also exercise, aspirin and Vitamin D have been shown in studies to reduce the chance of reoccurance. Check out Dr. Heinz Leinz blog by googling "Dr. Lenz C3" He's a leading doctor on colon cancer at USC. He is very research based in his writing.
Best to you.
(PS Hubby is from Boston)
Aloha,
Kathleen0 -
Hi Bobby,
We just wanted to
Hi Bobby,
We just wanted to welcome you to the board. My Mom has rectal cancer and is living with a colostomy. She is 79. I was really scared at first but when I found this board, it was like a Godsend. There is no question that you will not get some response to here. I feel so blessed to have found this site. I hope it will help you the way it has us.
Best wishes and prayers to you and your family.
Linda and Ellie0 -
Hello
Hi Bobby:
You have come to the right place. I just joined the forum less than a month ago and already have been comforted, inspired and encouraged. I have Stage IV, inoperable with mets to liver. Have had 6 mos of Folfox w/Avastin and then 6 months off with Avastin only. Felt wonderful and the break was fantastic. My CEA level has just started climbing slowly so may be back on chemo soon; this wonderful family got me through a lousy afternoon earlier this week.
My Oncologist is very optomistic and says I'm going to be here for a long time with all the options. So glad you have such a positive attitude.
Take care, I will keep you in my prayers. Joyce0 -
Chocolate Ice Cream!
is probably not the best food for beating cancer but it's an attention getter. I see that you are a sports fan judging by your name and the references to golf balls and baseballs. Thankfully you left out basketball. Maybe you can beat the cancer with a slam dunk?
I have not beaten it (yet) and it surely have not beaten me. I've been stage IV colon cancer since 2004 when I was 46. No symptoms, no family history, caught it with routine physical. I'm currently in treatment and never got to the "all clear" or "NED" status but that doesn't mean that one can not live a good, quality life while still living with cancer. It's down to a node here and there in my lungs now after having it in the liver (60-70% removed), gallbladder, a few lymph nodes, small section of colon, and lungs. So while I did my 12 rounds of cancer, it did not clear up everything as hoped. It did get the majority of it though and I've just been on a continual protocol that has been successful and not too troublesome so there is live after cancer and live with cancer.
I think that trying to eat as many fresh veggies (in season if possible - you can't really expect to find a good peach in February can you?) and watching the sugar and processed foods are a good start. I'm really not well versed in nutrition, there are many on here who are. There are also some who take a more holistic approach and I'm sure they will chime in.
I know what you mean about having great kids and the need to be there for them. I think they have been the greatest motivation for me throughout this 6+ year journey. There are a bunch of people who are cancer-free. There is also a long-term survivor forum that may have some helpful stories in there.
-p0 -
Welcome
I am sorry about your diagnosis. I was diagnosed stage III B almost 2 yrs ago, just weeks after turning 40, I am happy to say I am cancer free today and doing well. So I can not speak to the stage 4 part. But I really like your attitude and I too believe faith has helped lift me up when I felt very alone. You will find a lot of support here. I love the Boston Bruins too 0 -
I'm new here too.
Hi Bobby,
It's great to know other young adults are out there dealing with this disease. Diagnosed July 11, 2007 when I was living in New Zealand--American ex-pat and had been living there since 2005. stage 2 tumor in sigmoid colon. Got it resected. Within two months, found grapefruit sized tumor in ovary. Bloody colon cancer had spread--skipped a stage and went straight to 4. Removed ovaries. Then onto Oxaliplatin, leucovorin and 5fu. Then it became obvious it was recurring again. Left to go back to the states. hard time. NZ docs gave me 3 years to live. I've been here two years and I've got this thing under control. five abdominal surgeries later, another round of chemo--Ironotecan and Avastin, and now just Avastin and I'm healthy and stable. Still there, but I'm living nicely with it.
Exercise, take a baby aspirin every day. Focus on anti-inflammatory stuff like fish oil, baby aspirin, lots of green organic veggies, flaxseed (I sprinkle it in my oatmeal). Organic local dairy products, eggs. Walk, laugh, spend time with friends who make you feel great about yourself. Do things that get you outside of your head like working with others who need you. My second graders make me laugh, sigh and put everything in perspective. I never think about cancer when I'm with them or when I'm walking my sweet lab around the hiking trails. And establish one time a week or every two weeks where you see a professional social worker or counselor who specializes helping young people face life-threatening illnesses. That's my two cents gleaned from three years of living in this brave, crazy, scary world of cancer management limbo.0 -
Hi Bobby
Hi Bobby,
So happy to read your post. My name is Anna and I too am a Stage IV colon cancer patient. I was diagnosed in Dec. 08 so it's just about 2 years. Have been on various different chemos the whole time. Am involved in a clinical trial now. The nice thing about the trial is that it's oral medication. So glad not to be in a chemo room every week for 4-5 hours.
Have had success so I focus on that. I feel amazingly well and can't believe I'm a stage IV cancer patient. I agree to never give up because only God does have the final say. I know I cannot be cured but I hope to be managed and be here for my husband and 2 sons.
I get another scan on Wed. Am very scared about it as unfortuantely my CEA count has been on the rise. When diagnosed it was 2800 and had been down to 2 for the last few months. Last blood work showed it had risen to 10. So we'll see. I am not a candidate for surgery has I havel multiple mets on both lobes of liver. The colon cleared up immediately.
I don't really have any advice as to diet. I was very careful about what I ate prior to cancer. Whole grains, fruit, etc. etc. Gym five days a week and then boom Stage IV cancer. So forgive me if I don't buy into the food, exercise connection. I can tell you that since I got cancer I kind of eat whatever I want and have gained 30lbs. Oh well.
Stay strong Bobby. I'm always encouraged when I read about other people doing well. We have to support each other because only we understand what's going on.
I also hesitate to tell you I'm a die hard NY Yankee fan. Will you still be my friend??
Lots of love and hope-----------Anna0 -
pregnancyErinb said:Welcome to the board! I'm
Welcome to the board! I'm not sure if what my husband is doing is working, but if we find out it is I will keep you informed. My husband is young also and he was diagnosed when our little girl was 8 months. Two years later and he is still fighting, but we were told no more children until he's chemo free for two years. I read that you have a four month old- did your doctors give you the same advice? Just curious- we might like to have another one some day.
My husband has done no sugar, or processed flour and has sat in a MWO chair a couple days a week this last two months (and chemo as well). So we'll see what his scan says...CT on Monday.
Erin
Erin my wife was already pregnant a couple of months when I was diagnosed. We would like to have another but we will wait to see if I can get this cancer under control.0 -
Welcome
Hi Bobby and welcome. I don't post often anymore but wanted to correct one thing you said. You said: "There is a test that can be done to show if your tumors will except or reject the chemo. I think it's called a Kras test."
KRAS has both wild and mutant 'types'. The test is done to see if you are KRAS positive because a couple of chemo drugs do not work on KRAS mutant tumors. Only a couple of drugs, not all chemo. 45% of all colon cancer patients are KRAS mutant. Mine was and so was Lisa's.
I was Stage III and had surgery/ chemo. I've been cancer free for just under 2 years now. I do the following:
A Aspirin (325 mg daily)
B Better diet with NO red meat
C Calcium
D Vit. D 3 (6,000 IU's daily)
E Exercise
F Fruit Pectin (Modified Citrus Pectin has been shown to prevent recurrence and shrink liver tumors in mice. Do a websearch. I bought mine off Amazon and took it for about 6 months after chemo ended.)
Prayer and Faith. Friends who pray for me. Laughter. Healthy lifestyle. Keeping busy.
Good luck and may God bless!
Diane0 -
Welcomedianetavegia said:Welcome
Hi Bobby and welcome. I don't post often anymore but wanted to correct one thing you said. You said: "There is a test that can be done to show if your tumors will except or reject the chemo. I think it's called a Kras test."
KRAS has both wild and mutant 'types'. The test is done to see if you are KRAS positive because a couple of chemo drugs do not work on KRAS mutant tumors. Only a couple of drugs, not all chemo. 45% of all colon cancer patients are KRAS mutant. Mine was and so was Lisa's.
I was Stage III and had surgery/ chemo. I've been cancer free for just under 2 years now. I do the following:
A Aspirin (325 mg daily)
B Better diet with NO red meat
C Calcium
D Vit. D 3 (6,000 IU's daily)
E Exercise
F Fruit Pectin (Modified Citrus Pectin has been shown to prevent recurrence and shrink liver tumors in mice. Do a websearch. I bought mine off Amazon and took it for about 6 months after chemo ended.)
Prayer and Faith. Friends who pray for me. Laughter. Healthy lifestyle. Keeping busy.
Good luck and may God bless!
Diane
Dx. November 2008, stage IV, mestasis to the liver. Last chemo august 2009, been NED since. I do watch what I eat and I take many supplements. I think diet is very important!!
And attitude is everything!0 -
Stage IV Colon that has spread to Periotneal
Hey all of you fellow supporters,
My name is Erin and I just joined yesterday. My husband Steve age 47 was diagnosed with Stage IV colon (one tumor in cecum) that has spread to the peritoneal cavity. He has done 8 rounds of chemo responding extrememly well (CEA at 3.5). We are scheduled for the HIPEC surgery with Dr. ALexander at Univ of MD Cancer Center in 3 wks. traveling from Florida. Has anyone had this procedure or similar characteristics in that you have /had one tumor in Colon but are at Stage IV b/c it has spread but contained to abdominal/peritoneal area. Like may of you children ages 10 and 8. We are fighting hard but need a little more help! Thank you for any feedback!
Scared to death,
Erin0 -
Welcome ErinForBenandSophia said:Stage IV Colon that has spread to Periotneal
Hey all of you fellow supporters,
My name is Erin and I just joined yesterday. My husband Steve age 47 was diagnosed with Stage IV colon (one tumor in cecum) that has spread to the peritoneal cavity. He has done 8 rounds of chemo responding extrememly well (CEA at 3.5). We are scheduled for the HIPEC surgery with Dr. ALexander at Univ of MD Cancer Center in 3 wks. traveling from Florida. Has anyone had this procedure or similar characteristics in that you have /had one tumor in Colon but are at Stage IV b/c it has spread but contained to abdominal/peritoneal area. Like may of you children ages 10 and 8. We are fighting hard but need a little more help! Thank you for any feedback!
Scared to death,
Erin
You have come to the right place for help + hope. I haven't had this procedure but I know a few members have; I hope they will come on to help you.0 -
Hi Anne,ForBenandSophia said:Stage IV Colon that has spread to Periotneal
Hey all of you fellow supporters,
My name is Erin and I just joined yesterday. My husband Steve age 47 was diagnosed with Stage IV colon (one tumor in cecum) that has spread to the peritoneal cavity. He has done 8 rounds of chemo responding extrememly well (CEA at 3.5). We are scheduled for the HIPEC surgery with Dr. ALexander at Univ of MD Cancer Center in 3 wks. traveling from Florida. Has anyone had this procedure or similar characteristics in that you have /had one tumor in Colon but are at Stage IV b/c it has spread but contained to abdominal/peritoneal area. Like may of you children ages 10 and 8. We are fighting hard but need a little more help! Thank you for any feedback!
Scared to death,
Erin
I am still new at
Hi Anne,
I am still new at exploring this website. Anyway you could forward me to someone who had this procedure. I saw one person give the name Crow71 for the procedure, but how do you contact them? Thamk you for responding. You look great in your picture and hope you are still doing well! I need to post our family photo. You would never believe my husband has been so sick.
Sincerely,
Erin G.0 -
ErinForBenandSophia said:Hi Anne,
I am still new at
Hi Anne,
I am still new at exploring this website. Anyway you could forward me to someone who had this procedure. I saw one person give the name Crow71 for the procedure, but how do you contact them? Thamk you for responding. You look great in your picture and hope you are still doing well! I need to post our family photo. You would never believe my husband has been so sick.
Sincerely,
Erin G.
You can either start a new thread or send him a private message. To send a PM, go to "new message" and start.0 -
AmenEltina21 said:Stage 4
With GOD all is possible. Your faith and positive attitude will see you through. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Peace and Blessings,
Karen
Amen, Amen I say to you for with God all things are possible. I know not everyone believes in God and to each his own and I totally respect everyone's decision to choose what they believe. I however choose to believe that the Lord above who died upon a cross for my sins will heal me of this disease. I am so thankful for all that has happened to me since I was diagnosed. I have found the Lord ten fold and so far my treatments have been much easier than I expected. I am looking forward to knocking out these last 3 treatments and then we will see where I stand when I get my petscan sometime after my last chemo...0 -
Thanks
I think that your post has been the most hopeful thing that I have read in the last three weeks. My fiance was diagnosed with stage 3c colon cancer about three weeks ago and I have just been praying and having faith but to really hear someone who beat it has been very uplifting.
Thanks0 -
ErinForBenandSophia said:Stage IV Colon that has spread to Periotneal
Hey all of you fellow supporters,
My name is Erin and I just joined yesterday. My husband Steve age 47 was diagnosed with Stage IV colon (one tumor in cecum) that has spread to the peritoneal cavity. He has done 8 rounds of chemo responding extrememly well (CEA at 3.5). We are scheduled for the HIPEC surgery with Dr. ALexander at Univ of MD Cancer Center in 3 wks. traveling from Florida. Has anyone had this procedure or similar characteristics in that you have /had one tumor in Colon but are at Stage IV b/c it has spread but contained to abdominal/peritoneal area. Like may of you children ages 10 and 8. We are fighting hard but need a little more help! Thank you for any feedback!
Scared to death,
Erin
Also search for jenhopesandprays, she also had this done and I believe is now NED> She had HIPEC with Sugarbaker.
Hugs,
Marie0
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