3 Year NED - Stage 4

[radnyc]

I've been lurking here since April '10, at first looking for success stories. Along the way there were a handful of long term remissions or cures, but lots more bad news than good, makes it hard to come back. I know that the good news always gave me hope, so I'm hoping my story gives someone hope as well.
Persistent constipation over a few years finally lead to bloody stool and diagnoses. Surgery and chemotherapy. Lots of anxiety and discomfort. As of Friday 9/13, 3 years NED. I feel good and looking forward to many more healthy days. Good doctors and good treatments, faith, exercise, diet, all of these things have contributed to my success so far.
I also tried acupuncture and meditation during chemo, and I believe they really helped in making it a bit easier. Chemo is something I would not like to do again, ever.

Supplements I'm taking, and have taken since beginning of journey:

Vitamin D3 5000/mg
Milk Thistle
PSK Mushroom Science
Aspirin, regular dose every other day

I consulted with Integrative Doc at MSKCC, and she said it would be fine to do this. I think it's helped me, even if it just adds a small percentage to the survival numbers, I'll take that.

I wish everybody the best and strength to keep on living. This is not easy for any of us. Please feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

Al

[mom_2_3]

Al,

I am so happy to read your news! How exciting! Three years is a huge milestone. I am also an HAI "kid." Dr. K has many patients on this board, many of whom have been NED for a significant period of time.

May you continue in NED forever,
Amy

[radnyc]

Amy, you were one of my stories of hope, I always wanted follow in your footsteps in the treatment. Although, I'm not one of Dr. K's patients, the Onc I see at MSKCC follows her protocol to the letter. He even consulted with her on a couple of occasions to make sure my liver markers were ok. My next big step is getting the pump removed, in two years.

A

[juliej]

Congratulations, Al! We all need to hear good news so thanks for brightening our day. I'm an HAI pump girl too. I'm 1 year, 7 months NED. Wishing you many happy NED years and years to come!

[anitaw]

Congratulations to all of you. Thank you for taking the time to post. I just had the pump implanted in June at MSKCC and I'm hoping that I too can get to resection. Each one of your stories gives me inspiration. When I feel down, I think of all the people on this board who were stage IV and are now NED. It helps me to boost myself up and keep pushing forward. I wish you all the best and thank you again for posting.

[horizon]

That's great. Here's to 4 years.

[Bev G]

Hello Al,

Thank you for sharing your wonderful and excellent news with all of us. You're right...stage IV is no picnic. Your story gives hope to many and sure made me smile. I wish you NEDness forever.

Hugs to you, and a high five as well!

Bev

[Julie YW]

I love to hear good news! So happy for you and I hope for your continued NED status.

Julie