Just diagnosed

[hangingtough]

I am new to this forum. I was diagnosed last month with stage 4A colon cancer (spread to liver). I had a colonoscopy only 2 years ago. I was diagnosed with stage IIIB Hodgkins at age 13 in 1971. It is likely that the treatment I had in those early days, especially radiation, has led to this cancer. I am still somewhat in a daze, trying to stay positive and just finished my 3rd round of chemo.

[Stewsbetty]

So sorry that you are having to go through this journey again. Speaking as someone who just finished my Folfox, I know that 11 more treatments seems like an eternity. But just showing up every 2 weeks gets in done in time.
Advice that I think is important - let your dr know if the chemo is too much. I had a bad reaction near the beginning and my dose was lowered. I don't know if I would have been able to do it all at full dose. So keep in mind if things are too tough they can lower it.

Beth

[DarknessEmbraced]

I'm sorry you're dealing with cancer again!*hugs* I hope your chemo goes well!*hugs*

[fumaros]

I am so sorry you are dealing with another cancer. Glad you found this forum as it has been very helpful for me in staying sane through this disease and gaining a lot of helpful information. You beat cancer once before, you can beat it again. Hang in there.

[SEWHAPPY]

Welcome to the forum. Hopefully you will find it full of info and support! Hugs for courage - Laurie

[dianetavegia]

Radiation tends to cause leukemia type cancers and lots of other cancers. All those CT scans..... ugh

HOWEVER, were you checked for any genetic markers that show a predisposition to many types of cancer?

Best of luck. Sorry you have to endure this again.
Diane

[TXLiz]

So sorry you have been diagnosed with this disease.

I am sure you are quite overwhelmed. I know I was, and still am, at times.

Hang in there and fight it. It sucks this is your 2nd diagnosis and battle.

My best to you. Come here and read and learn when you can.

[Marylandmaniac]

I am new to this forum. I was diagnosed last month with stage 4A colon cancer (spread to liver). I had a colonoscopy only 2 years ago. I was diagnosed with stage IIIB Hodgkins at age 13 in 1971. It is likely that the treatment I had in those early days, especially radiation, has led to this cancer. I am still somewhat in a daze, trying to stay positive and just finished my 3rd round of chemo.

Wow sorry to hear this. I assume your colonoscopy 2 years ago was clear? 2 years seems quick for something to advance to stage 4. Make sure they do genetic testing on your tumor. If you are MSI you may have success with immunetherapy.

I was dx at age 46 with what they thought was stage 3 but then my surgeon had her guys look at my scans (there was a spot on liver that first radiologist thought was nothing but wanted me t get scanned again in 3 months). They thought my spot was a met. I had a Pet scan and it lit up. Luckily there was an radiologist at the hospital that put my port in that also suggested we do live microwave ablation. I thank God for him every day. It was outpatient and the spot is gone now. I did 6 rounds of FOlfox and then had a resection Dec 14th. I am now looking forward to my last treatment next Wednesday!!! I am bringing bagels! SO far all looks good and I am NED. I know I am high risk for a reoccurrence but I am trying to do everything I can to enjoy life and make my body as healthy as possible to hopefully stay NED. There is hope. Stay strong!!

[hangingtough]

Thanks for all the well wishes! My colonoscopy 2 years ago revealed 5 polyps, all benign and all removed. I did go to genetic counseling. There is no colon cancer in my family going back to great grandparents, cousins, uncles, aunts, etc. Except for me, there is very little cancer of any type in my family. Something went haywire during the past 2 years. When I had the diagnostic colonoscopy in February of this year, I had over 30 polyps and a large, ulcerated tumor in the transverse colon. Fortunately, no blockage. Doctors suspect this new cancer is due to the intense treatment I had in the early 70's for Hodgkins.

So far the chemo side effects have been tolerable. Blood counts still good. 4th chemo is next week.

[gfpiv]

Hi there. Forgive me for the unsolicited advice, but since no one has mentioned it on this thread-
Have you considered HAI (hepatic pump) treatment? I'm not sure what your physical situation is, but for people with mets limited to the liver, it can be an excellent option for many. I won't swamp you with details, but there should be massive amounts of searchable HAI info on this site. Either way, good luck, sorry you have to go through another major health challenge like this!
-Chip

[Basil]

Hello, forty y/o male, no previous health issues. Had a requested precautionary colonoscopy yesterday. Found a mass, 99% sure is rectal cancer. Had ct yesterday and MRI today. Supposed to get report this evening but it's not available yet, which I interpret as a bad sign. Waiting is killing me. How far has it spread??