still fighting but Oncologit is not optomistic

Hey There, GC
You're sitting at the first real crossroad of your cancer journey - by that I mean that you are at a real critical juncture of your fight with regards to your mindset on continuing and having self-doubts about your treatment course.

I've been there a time or two:)

The first time through we're full of hope and high expectations - it takes a recurrence or two to shatter our illusions on what the fight can really entail and how we have to stay completely focused and committed to our approach and how we handle the adversities that are presented and laid out in front of us.

When one experiences a recurrence, it sends a different message to the brain than the first time, as you are now seeing.

It took my 3rd recurrence before I finally began to question myself - my direction - and whether or not it was worth it. I've somehow always felt that as cancer patients, we should be prepared for recurrence - while it is still hard to hear, it's thud falls with less impact, because we prepared a little bit for the possibility.

After all, we all figure we're going to do our surgeries, do a little chemo and/or radiation, and then cancer will be a nice story to tell all of our family and friends around the campfire. Unfortunately, for a great many of us, this does happen, but it just doesn't last.

I have been watching you and your story and from what I recall, I have seen bits of myself through your reflections, as I have traveled down the paths during my 7.4 year journey.

What I can share with you is that what I am reading from you, sounds like a woman who is tired at the moment and wonders if she has what it takes to continue on - and if you do, wonder whether or not it will be worth it.

That's a mouthful, isn't it?

First off, I can't let you stop fighting right now. I want you to consider these points:

1. From the time I've known you, I know you have a fighting spirit - I know a fighter:)

2. It's just not time to put a stamp on it and mail it in - not yet, not before we go again

3. You've still got a bullet or 2 left in your 6-shooter - fire those and see what you hit!

Please consider giving the Irinotecan a try, GC. Combined with the Erbitux, it will make for a strong 1-2 punch! There should be some good response to that treatment and your CEA numbers should fall significantly and there should be some tumor shrinkage.

Irinotecan is one of the 1st line drugs used for our treatments and it's a heavy hitter with some harsh side effects, but you may do really good on it - alot of us have varying reactions to that drug. It's certainly worth a try. And it might work marvelously!

Please don't raise the white flag yet - I've found there is always plenty of time to do that, if things stop working and all chances have been exhausted.

From where I sit, darlin' - you have a chance - a chance to be - and in the end, that's all that any of really want, isn't it?

I'll stand right here with you - fight on - you're tired - I was tired - let's regroup an gather our composure and get right back up off that mat and come up swinging, ok?!

Trust me when I tell you that you're about to discover the newfound strength that you're questioning now. Take it from me and Big Billy - you call us:)

-Craig

Colon Cancer Treatment
GC, Sorry to hear of your reoccurance. I was diagnosed with Stg 4 colon cancer with metas to liver in May 2011. I've been on Oxaliplatin and 5FU since June with good results. I don't know if your Onc has discussed these chemo drugs with you but if not, you may want to ask. It's one of the standard treatments for this type of cancer.

Oncologist
Is radiation possible by seeding, y90 or sir spheres I believe its called, see good reports on that where the radiation is put right in the tumors. There is a chat room on that called yes I believe. I can get it if you want it. Keep persevering, tomorrow is another day and today is a gift. Our oncologist a while back was very negative, by the next appointment everything was better.

Supplements interfering with chemo?
Does your oncologist know about all your supplements? I have been told that many supplements interfer with chemotherapy and that you shouldn't take anything other than multivitamins while you are on chemo. It might be that the effectiveness of the chemo is being affected by your supplements....I hope that they find a chemotherapy that works for you. Hugs, Teri

grannyc said:

Heard about this
I have heard about the seeding but haven't researched it. I don't know how to private meesage anyone so if you could send me the link about it that would be great

radiation seeding
yes@discussthis.com This is a wonderful group, you will not be sorry. Janet

Livingbyfaith said:

radiation seeding
yes@discussthis.com This is a wonderful group, you will not be sorry. Janet

YES group address
https://www.discussthis.com/members/yes@discussthis.com sorry try this address. By the way, have you tried flax oil and cottage cheese? You might research that. My husband has done that for about 4 years, Budwig, there is a Yahoo group on it. Love, Janet

Granny
I am guessing that from your name you live in NYC. Have you looked into Sloan Kettering at all?
I've been going there for 7 1/2 years with very good success. It's become more of a chronic situation for me and my quality of life is good.
Worth a shot.
-p

Granny C
Yes, cancer gets tiresome, but I know you've got a lot more energy to keep on holding cancer at bay for quite some more years, so don't lose hope dear, just try and regroup. Get that "frame of mind" back.
Besides that woman with the Grand Canyon pic behind her, looks like a woman who enjoys life too much just to "let nature takes it's course".
A cyber hug to you dear,
Winter Marie