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tamil
tamil Member Posts: 13
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
I have been reading for a week or so and now have the umph to post. I have been diagnosed for about 7 weeks but have lots of questions. I have had 2 colonoscopys and many ct scans. I am diagnosed stage 4 colon with spots on my liver, lymph nodes and perhaps a shadow on my lung.
After a second opinion at Mayo, I was told surgery is not an option at this time, I needed chemo fast. I just finished my second round of 5 fu with avistin.

I keep reading about pet scans and liver biopsies and it scares me because I have never been given either. What if I haven't had enough diagnosis to be where I am?

I am just plain scared. from the time of my first diagnosis ct to my second ct three weeks later my tumors had grown. Right before my second round of chemo my ct showed no growth, which hopefully is a good sign and hopefully the next ct will show shrinkage.

I want to beat this cancer so badly. I am so weak and am having a hard time getting back to a semi normal routine, any help would be greatly appreciated.

Comments

  • rmap59
    rmap59 Member Posts: 266
    #2
    Hi tamil,
    I know how scared you must feel but this is a great place to come for info and support. I think its great you got a second opinion, and I have read that avastin is a great chemo drug so I bet it will do the trick. Trust in the Lord, that he will put the right doctors in your path and you will be okay. It is critical to trust in your healthcare team and remember this to will pass and you will feel better soon. Keep in touch. Your friend, Robin
  • vinny3
    vinny3 Member Posts: 928 Member
    #3
    Hi Tamil,

    We hate to have to meet this way but welcome. You will meet many survivors of Stage 4 colon cancer here. Did they say you may be a candidate for surgery if there is a response to the chemo? What is the status of the cancer in the colon itself? Sometimes that can cause a blockage if not removed. Are they sure that the spots in the liver and lungs are cancer? Many people have spots, myself included, which have been stable throughout and are not likely cancer. The PET scan would usually show if those spots are likely cancer as they would " light up" on that scan. If there has been growth then they likely are related to the cancer but it is a good sign that the next CT showed no change. The next one may show shrinkage which would be great. It is possible that with a good response you would become a surgical candidate. It is very understandable to be scared as we all are and have been (as you may see on my recent postings).
    Keep asking questions. We will keep you in our prayers. Keep us informed.

    ****
  • changing
    changing Member Posts: 134
    #4
    Hi and welcome! Did you ever think you would go public and talk about your COLON of all things ...there...that's worth a laugh...none of did. So here we are.. rather "anal" at times but we're in great company. So take your time, cry, laugh and fell at home here...everyone deeply cares for each other. Your on the road to recovery...no looking back....we'll stay right here beside you! Personally, I pray like there's no plan and I plan like there is no prayer ...until God shows me otherwise! Praying for you already!
  • changing
    changing Member Posts: 134
    #5
    Hi and welcome! Did you ever think you would go public and talk about your COLON of all things ...there...that's worth a laugh...none of did. So here we are.. rather "anal" at times but we're in great company. So take your time, cry, laugh and fell at home here...everyone deeply cares for each other. Your on the road to recovery...no looking back....we'll stay right here beside you! Personally, I pray like there's no plan and I plan like there is no prayer ...until God shows me otherwise! Praying for you already!
  • mich1968
    mich1968 Member Posts: 9
    #6
    Hi tamil, my name is michelle, and I have been through all the hoops, and am still going through all the hoops, but a great support system is you first step. ALWAYS, ALWAYS question your doctors, it's your right, it's your life. We must all play an active roll in our health care, ask question. If you are that determined, they say that is the first step to a good recovery. If you ever need someone to talk to, you can e-mail me at: mbmeder67@yahoo.com just put something in the subject so I can recognize you...
  • Limey
    Limey Member Posts: 446 Member
    #7
    Good for you to take control and get a 2nd opinion. I also had a 2nd op at Mayo but chose the UofMinnesota as the treatment plan was the same and it was much closer. I am on the pill form of 5fu with Avastin. It has been a good drug for me until recently (still is good but not gettng the shrinkage now) but it has worked well for over 2 yrs.
    Keep on asking questions.
    hang in there, the fatigue gets more tollerable.

    Mark.
  • hopefulone
    hopefulone Member Posts: 1,043 Member
    #8
    Hi and welcome. I Know your scared but hang in there. My husband wasn't a surgical candidate at the start of this for his liver mets, but hopefully liver resection will take place tomorrow. He was also on avastin which, I believe, helped him get to this point. I'm not sure why you haven't had a PET scan as yet, but I would certainly question that with your doctors. God bless and come here often for support.

    Diane
  • spongebob
    spongebob Member Posts: 2,565 Member
    #9
    Scared is normal - it's a completely normal reaction to a completely abnormal situation!

    Welcome to our club.

    I would say that you're in awfully good hands at Mayo. You can eat yourself up second-guessing and waht-iffing. You are in charge of your own treatment and make sure that you take control and have a doctor who works for you instead of the other way around.

    Read and ask questions. Her and lots of other places - just watch out for the jerks who post about snake oil.

    Be well and know you have found an extremely caring and knowledgable group of friends.

    - SpongeBob
  • tamil
    tamil Member Posts: 13
    #10
    spongebob said:

    Scared is normal - it's a completely normal reaction to a completely abnormal situation!

    Welcome to our club.

    I would say that you're in awfully good hands at Mayo. You can eat yourself up second-guessing and waht-iffing. You are in charge of your own treatment and make sure that you take control and have a doctor who works for you instead of the other way around.

    Read and ask questions. Her and lots of other places - just watch out for the jerks who post about snake oil.

    Be well and know you have found an extremely caring and knowledgable group of friends.

    - SpongeBob

    Thanks everyone for the welcome and comforting words. I will beat this cancer one cell at a time. I lost my Mom when she was only 44 to this same dreaded disease. I only wish times had changed for her as they have for me. I feel like I am at the right place here. It gives me great hope to see survivors.

    I am going to ask about a pet scan on my next oncologist apt.
    I have to add everything in at once so of coarse I got a horrible toothache and am now undergoing root canal for that and this port in my neck seems huge and the wires seem to pull alot.

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