Stage 4 Survival stories

[Felicitym23]

Hi everyone,

I hope its OK to ask.

I had my extended right hemicolectory surgery last October (2015) to remove a cancer tumour from my Transverse colon.
3/4 of my large colon removed (no bag). I was told by my surgergon I was cancer free but my lymph nodes results hadn't come back.
They took 35 nodes and 6 came back with cancer.
I have been on Oxi, Leucovorin & Flurouracil for 3 rounds and after the first round of chemo I ended up back in hospital. They carried out Cat and Petscans and
found inflammed lymph nodes in my neck and stomach. I had a needle bi-opsy done and it was found that they had cancer.

On the 23rd December 2015 My dr informed me I am now Stage 4 with cancer in my lymph nodes. I have now had Panitumumab added to my chemo.
My Chemo Dr says I am in for a long haul. I am scared and I am fearful. I am only 46 years old with a 12 year old son that needs me.

Some days I just need something positive about this horrible cancer as I fought with my GP for 18mths to get a colonoscopy and now it maybe too late.

[stu]

Hi.
Of course its fine to ask. If you use the search box at the top of the page there is a fantastic thread that serves as a great source of encouragement. It is also a great educator as you can see what others have used as treatment options.
My own mum( currently in surgery) is winging her way round to seven years.
Take special care,
Stu

[OrchardWriting]

As my former oncologist (moved to a new practice) said to me three years ago with great seriousness, "When it comes to stage iv, there is every reason to hope." That's the best answer I've received so far.

[Nik Colon]

If you look at my sig, all info there. My spread was minimal, but stage 4 now NED, atm.

[drebay]

I am still here and fighting. Still undergoing treatment, but still here. I have a long sig. My kids are now 13 and 15 and I am 47

[JoyceV]

I, very thankfully, am still here as well. I was diagnosed as stage 1 in September of 2011. Then two tumors on the lower lobe of my liver in June of 2013 gave me the elite stage 4 status. Immediate liver resection by an extremely awesome surgeon, 12 months of chemo and I've been - knock on wood - cancer free for over 2.5 years which, I feel is amazing for my age now at 66. You can do it!!

[Joannerogers]

Look at my sig also, after my surgery I'm going from stage IV to NED! YeeHaw!

[JDinNC]

Stage 4 and still NED after 2.5 years....not bad for an old lady

[Pantheraleo]

It is 10 years since my diagnosis and I've now been NED for 5 years and 10 months.
In 2006 I had LAR surgery and liver resection. Then in 2009 I had a recurrence in ovaries and in numerous pelvic lymph nodes. All of that was resected in March 2010.

[BrownBagger]

Going on 7 years. Still have active disease in my lungs, but after 110 rounds of chemo, I'm still going strong and hoping for another 7 years, at least. As one of my doctors once said, quite simply, "With cancer, anything is possible."

So, don't lose heart. Hang in there long enough, and they'll figure out a way to keep you going.

[LeonW]

It's been 3 years since diagnosis now and 28 month ago resection proved that all mets had gone!
Had a difficult 2013 (treatment) and 2014 (recovery) and spent all of 2015 to adjust to the life-after.
Am finally gaining control. Still there, I can look forward again / finally start a new future / about to move house / new life
but thinking of cancer 60 times a day, still

[cptmac]

On July 22, 2004, my 43rd birthday, I was informed I had Stage IV cancer. I was given six months to live but informed that I could die at any minute.

I found the right doctors for me. I signed up for a Stage II clinical trial. I have been cancer free since September 13th, 2004. I have been off chemo since June 2005.

So, that's over 10 years for me.

[Bev G]

Diagnosed stage IV in 12/09. Had large tumor rectosigmoid junction and one very large metastatic tumor in the posterior caudate lobe of my liver. Have been NED since 4/10 when my liver resection was done.

Best wishes to you.

Bev

[Felicitym23]

My gosh thank you everyone that has posted. It has given me more hope that I can fight this beast.

I must update my Signature to show my journey.

I do nothing but think cancer 24/7 even in my dreams. I wish that I could switch it off and just be normal again for a while.

I haven't been given a time line. My Dr says with modern tech that we are talking years not months. I am grateful for that.

I just hope that my scans show improvements.

I know that I am not the only one searching for positive Stage 4 survival stories. So Thank you again.

I will drop by and keep reading the post to keep me strong and get through each day.

Felicity

[Mattie]

Hi Felicity,

I'm coming up on six years. I have not had Chemo since 2011. I've been NED for 1 year. See signature below. It gets easier the further out you get......best of luck to you.