Rectal cancer stage 4

[Clopezbryan]

I was diagnosed with stage 2 rectal cancer on December 22, 2016. I received radiation and chemo followed by the LAR with A temporary ileostomy on April 19. After my surgery I went home and was taken right back to the ER because of really bad pain And nausea. They did a CT scan and found suspicious lesions in my liver and lungs. My pathology came back with three out of 16 lymph nodes positive for cancer. I've been reading posts for the past couple days and my husband's been working on getting some second opinions scheduled. I'm overwhelmed by all the things that I need to do and I was just wondering if anybody has some advice? My oncologist wants to start me on three medications of chemo in two weeks which would be a month after my surgery. I'm only 35 and I have two young children I would really like to be as aggressive as possible. I just want to make sure that I'm making the right decision. I'm also looking for personal stories of hope right now, as I try to remain positive.

[Lee]

Hi and welcome, sorry for the reason you are here.

Regarding 2nd opinion, YES, highly recommend it. My advice go to a major cancer treatment center. You really want to know about those suspicious spot on your liver and lungs. Have you had a PET scan yet?

What type of chemo is your Onc thinking about putting you on.

Remember to breath in, breath out, repeat. It is a scary time for you right now, butt you will get through this. You will find this site to be a wealth of information and support. You are not alone.

Fire away with any and all questions.

Lee

[Lee]

I'm also looking for personal stories of hope right now, as I try to remain positive.

I'm a 13 year survivor or stage IIIC. Know that many people beat this cancer every day, including many stage IV folks. NEVER give up the hope. Many people eventually move on after there cancer journey, butt some of us stay around and try to help others.

Again, know that you are not alone here.

Lee

[LeonW]

I I'm overwhelmed by all the things that I need to do and I was just wondering if anybody has some advice?.

Hi Clope, sorry that you have to be here.
As for my advice, this is what I said some days ago somewhere else here, on finding the confidence to deal with diagnosis and the overwhelming uncertainties.

When my journey started and we did the usual initial freaking, DW suggested/decided to phone a cousin of hers who made it big in the medical world. His most important (and very valuable) advise was to find a medical coordinator who we would trust and ask his/her advise on anything we wanted/ needed to know/ caused worrying. Best advise we had, ever. It's a long time since and I still (occasionally) consult dr. Google but for background info only but refuse to worry about anything found until having discussed it with my trusted expert. No Google consult can match the educated opinion of someone who spent 11+ years in university and a good part of the rest of his/her life studying cancer, and knows your details.

I've switched trusted coordinators a few times and am now with a brilliant (young) cancer surgeon who I can ask anything and who, I know for sure, will always deliver a straight answer. Less optimistic facts/opinions are sometimes introduced with the question if I / we really want to know (always do !).

I/we trust him, and decided to live life without worrying before consulting him. Am approaching yr-5 since diagnosis / yr-4 since liver resection . . . and am only superficially anxious about next month's check-up

Best wishes, and don't spend too much time with Dr. Google.
I hope this helps and let us know when you know more.

Leon

PS: . . . and try to write some of your history in your signature. It will help getting answers that matter.

[TheSquire]

I agree with the advice in getting a second opinion from a major cancer center. I saw Dr Paty or Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York. He is excellent as is MSK. They may put you through their own series of tests and wil ask to see copies of all scans, reports and the CD ROM of your MRI, etc. You can use their secure web site to upload your files.

[stu]

Hi,
Welcome to the forum. I remember searching for hope when my mum was first diagnosis and to be truthful I held onto it and their stories gave a bit encouraging direction. When dispair surfaced I read their stories again.
The first couple of years were full of clinical intervention to get on top of the spread. Then she had several years without any treatment and lots of normal living.
Despite a lung resection last year she continues to have a good quality of life.
There is lots of information on immunotherapy on this forum which certainly was not around when my mum was diagnosed. Things are changing.
I wish you the very best,
Stu

[LMighty]

As a caregiver to my mom who is also battling stage IV rectal cancer, my advice is not to dwell on Googling too much about the disease especially on the grim sounding but outdated survival stats. Every case is different and we do have many folks here who beat stage IV.

Also maintain a healthy and enjoyable diet. This is very important for getting through future chemo. Your taste may also change during chemo so it could take some trial and error.

Last but not least, never lose hope. Believe you can beat this disease however dreadful it looks. Such faith itself does help in beating the odds.

Jus post here whenever you have questions or want to vent. You are not alone!

[Lydia666]

You might find this inspiring! I did! Survival against all odds.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_w8Tg_s ... ture=share

[mariane]

I started my journey in June 2015 with 10+ liver mets. I had 6 years old twins. It was my 10th wedding anniversary. My first oncologists expected bad outcome. All my first doctors gave me zero chances to live longer than 2 years and 3 months maximum without chemo. My largest tumor was 7.5cm.... I found Cptmac post on different forum and learnt about HAI pump existence. Seeking HAI pump led me to Dr. K, MSKCC and their amazing surgeons. 11 months after my colonoscopy , after 4 surgeries I was NED. I am still NED after a year from surgery and almost 2 years from diagnosis. MSKCC worked for me well. On each visit in NY I meet more people who have similar story of despair and success. Each month now brings advances in therapy. There is hope. Good Luck!