Back to chemo

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peterhw
peterhw Member Posts: 69
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
I took 3 months chemo break to have rectal surgery, after finishing 12 folfox+Avastin. The recent CT scan shows growth of the liver and lung lesions. So I am back to chemo next week. This time it will be Folfiri+Avastin. I have K-Ras mutation, so Erbitux is not for me. They have to cancel my SIRT testing due to the tumor growth. We all agree that systemic chemo is the best treatment plan for me. So I put on my battle gear ready to fight again. I did very well last time with Folfox so I don't think I will have much problem with Folfiri. My onc did mention that I will need to have chemo for the rest of my life. As long as it works, I really don't mind. It has only been 9 months since my diagnose. I know it will be a long journey.

Spring is coming. Time to have my bike, kayak and camper ready.

Peter

05/2008 DX Stage IV Rectal Cancer mets to liver
11/2008 Finish 12 Folfox+Avastin
1/12/09 Rectal Surgery
3/3/09 Start Folfiri+Avastin

Comments

  • Buzzard
    Buzzard Member Posts: 3,043 Member
    #2
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    Peterhw
    .......I am truly sorry for thr dx but I really admire the outlook you have towards life......Yes life goes on, it matters only whether you want to just ride along or live it....Im glad you choose to live it.....let nothing get in your way...God Bless you
  • peterhw
    peterhw Member Posts: 69
    #3
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    Buzzard said:

    Peterhw
    .......I am truly sorry for thr dx but I really admire the outlook you have towards life......Yes life goes on, it matters only whether you want to just ride along or live it....Im glad you choose to live it.....let nothing get in your way...God Bless you

    Thanks
    Buzzard, Thank you for your kind words. I really appreciate you encouragement to me and the other members of this board.
    When I was dxed last summer, I told my college son that I have stage 4 cancer and most people don't make it to five years. My son's reply is "But you are not ordinary people." In his mind, I am still his super dad. He even went to a temple in Japan to pray for me and got a good fortune that said " A sick person will recover". I have promised my sons and my wife that I will never give up this fight. I am blessed to have my family's support. Right now I am just enjoying every day as much as I can. And life is good.

    Thanks.

    Peter
  • VickiCO
    VickiCO Member Posts: 917
    #4
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    Great attitude!
    Peter,

    I am truly sorry you are facing this, but you have such an amazing outlook. I start round 2 of chemo very soon. Your words encourage me. I am not stage 4, (dx'd as stage 3, dropped to stage 2 after surgery - a miracle for sure!) but draw strength from you for my battle.

    Many prayers and hugs, Vicki
  • Buzzard
    Buzzard Member Posts: 3,043 Member
    #5
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    peterhw said:

    Thanks
    Buzzard, Thank you for your kind words. I really appreciate you encouragement to me and the other members of this board.
    When I was dxed last summer, I told my college son that I have stage 4 cancer and most people don't make it to five years. My son's reply is "But you are not ordinary people." In his mind, I am still his super dad. He even went to a temple in Japan to pray for me and got a good fortune that said " A sick person will recover". I have promised my sons and my wife that I will never give up this fight. I am blessed to have my family's support. Right now I am just enjoying every day as much as I can. And life is good.

    Thanks.

    Peter

    and your son is right..............
    You are not ordinary people.....75% of the battle is won through attitude so your sure to come out ok...you just have to keep believing that....you will be fine....and I honestly believe that....God Bless you bud........
  • msccolon
    msccolon Member Posts: 1,917 Member
    #6
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    you are a warrior
    and your family is blessed to have your example. You will do fine and continue to show the beast you are an unwelcome host. I have done FOLFIRI+Avastin a couple of times and while it's no walk in the park, it's totally doable and keeps you here doing what you are meant to do.
    mary
  • kimby
    kimby Member Posts: 797
    #7
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    Sucks
    Sorry you have to go back to chemo so soon, but spring is on the way! It really helps to look at the FUN side of life. I hope folfiri goes well and camping season starts early!

    Kimby
  • PhillieG
    PhillieG Member Posts: 4,866 Member
    #8
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    kayaking soon...
    Hi Peter,
    I am sorry your cancer is back. I just passed the 5 year mark of living with cancer. It's not all fun and games but as others have said, so much is one's attitude. I'd say it's 90% that. I also have had mets to my liver and lungs, I am still dealing with lung mets and still undergoing chemo and probably will for the rest of my life. I know I've been on here lately whining about it but it does get tiring after 5 years but most of the time my quality of life is pretty good. I am a kayaker too and while I don't get out as often as I used to, I still get out there. We all are different and have the capacity to push ourselves to remarkable limits. I hope all goes well with your treatment. You certainly are not alone.
    Here's a few sunrise shots I took. I prefer the early morning and also the chemo makes it difficult to be out during the peak sun hours...
    hope you enjoy them
    -phil


    image

    image

    image
  • CherylHutch
    CherylHutch Member Posts: 1,375
    #9
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    PhillieG said:

    kayaking soon...
    Hi Peter,
    I am sorry your cancer is back. I just passed the 5 year mark of living with cancer. It's not all fun and games but as others have said, so much is one's attitude. I'd say it's 90% that. I also have had mets to my liver and lungs, I am still dealing with lung mets and still undergoing chemo and probably will for the rest of my life. I know I've been on here lately whining about it but it does get tiring after 5 years but most of the time my quality of life is pretty good. I am a kayaker too and while I don't get out as often as I used to, I still get out there. We all are different and have the capacity to push ourselves to remarkable limits. I hope all goes well with your treatment. You certainly are not alone.
    Here's a few sunrise shots I took. I prefer the early morning and also the chemo makes it difficult to be out during the peak sun hours...
    hope you enjoy them
    -phil


    image

    image

    image

    Gorgeous pics!
    Hey Phil! Those pictures are gorgeous... how peaceful and calming!!

    Now, do spill the beans... how did you put them in a message here on this forum? Did you use HTML code or ??

    Hugggggs,

    Cheryl
  • CherylHutch
    CherylHutch Member Posts: 1,375
    #10
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    Hugggggs Peter!
    I'm soooo sorry to hear of the return of your cancer, Peter... but you know what? I just have this gut feeling you are going to do just fine! It's the absolute pits that you have to go through this again... but with your attitude, and the meds, you are going to beat this beast back into submission (aka remission) and we are going to be talking about this for years to come :)

    We are NOT statistics, as much as the medical profession likes to talk in statistics... but our job is to throw them for a loop and have them wonder why we are all so gol'darn healthy and can get out and do the things we love doing :)

    Hugggggs,

    Cheryl
  • Kathleen808
    Kathleen808 Member Posts: 2,342 Member
    #11
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    PhillieG said:

    kayaking soon...
    Hi Peter,
    I am sorry your cancer is back. I just passed the 5 year mark of living with cancer. It's not all fun and games but as others have said, so much is one's attitude. I'd say it's 90% that. I also have had mets to my liver and lungs, I am still dealing with lung mets and still undergoing chemo and probably will for the rest of my life. I know I've been on here lately whining about it but it does get tiring after 5 years but most of the time my quality of life is pretty good. I am a kayaker too and while I don't get out as often as I used to, I still get out there. We all are different and have the capacity to push ourselves to remarkable limits. I hope all goes well with your treatment. You certainly are not alone.
    Here's a few sunrise shots I took. I prefer the early morning and also the chemo makes it difficult to be out during the peak sun hours...
    hope you enjoy them
    -phil


    image

    image

    image

    beautiful
    Phil,
    Thanks for the pics. Just looking at them is good for one's spirit. **** is eager to get back out on his surfboard and feels he is just about ready. Colon surgery was 4 1/2 weeks ago and folfox starts in 11 days. We also have a kayak (2 man) and a one man hawaiian canoe. Just being on the water is healing.
    Aloha,
    Kathleen
  • Kathleen808
    Kathleen808 Member Posts: 2,342 Member
    #12
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    bike, kayak, camp
    Hi Peter,
    We are new to the board. My husband was diagnosed stage IIIc on 1/12/07. He had surgery 1/27/09 and starts folfox in about 11 days.
    I am sorry you will be going through chemo again but pray that it kills the cancer. It is good to read that you are looking forward to the beautiful outdoors. I hope for you many warm, lovely days.
    Aloha,
    Kathleen
  • Mike49
    Mike49 Member Posts: 261
    #13
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    Great attitude
    Peter, Great attitude, we should all plan to die living not live dying, and I mean after a good long life. You are inspirational and I wish you luck, I continue to make long term plans and not let this disease define me. I can tell you are doing the same.

    MIke
  • tootsie1
    tootsie1 Member Posts: 5,044 Member
    #14
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    You're amazing
    Peter,

    You are an amazing person. Definitely not ordinary! I pray that you will get through this next phase of your cancer journey well. You are so inspiring!

    *hugs*
    Gail
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #15
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    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • peterhw
    peterhw Member Posts: 69
    #16
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    PhillieG said:

    kayaking soon...
    Hi Peter,
    I am sorry your cancer is back. I just passed the 5 year mark of living with cancer. It's not all fun and games but as others have said, so much is one's attitude. I'd say it's 90% that. I also have had mets to my liver and lungs, I am still dealing with lung mets and still undergoing chemo and probably will for the rest of my life. I know I've been on here lately whining about it but it does get tiring after 5 years but most of the time my quality of life is pretty good. I am a kayaker too and while I don't get out as often as I used to, I still get out there. We all are different and have the capacity to push ourselves to remarkable limits. I hope all goes well with your treatment. You certainly are not alone.
    Here's a few sunrise shots I took. I prefer the early morning and also the chemo makes it difficult to be out during the peak sun hours...
    hope you enjoy them
    -phil


    image

    image

    image

    Kayaking and bird watching
    Hi Phil,

    Thanks for the beautiful pictures. I like to go out on the lake in the early morning too. I used to go solo, but now my wife goes with me most of the time. She likes to do the bird watching in the front seat, while I will be the power paddling the boat.
    Your five-year journey with cancer is an inspiration for me and a lot of people on this board. It is not easy, especially for us stage 4. But you did a remarkable job of living with it.

    Peter
  • peterhw
    peterhw Member Posts: 69
    #17
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    Thank you
    Thank you all so much for the responses. I really appreciate your encouraging words. I will post more progress report when I start the chemo.

    Peter.
  • impactzone
    impactzone Member Posts: 551 Member
    #18
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    peterhw said:

    Thank you
    Thank you all so much for the responses. I really appreciate your encouraging words. I will post more progress report when I start the chemo.

    Peter.

    Love your pic. I hope your
    Love your pic. I hope your treatment is successful. We ALL hope it is. You have a great spirt and go get them!
    Chip

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