I need a pep talk

[Trying]

Hi everyone

Ibe been doing ok until lately. Im so depressed and scared. My dr. Said my tumur markers dropped in half and ct looks really good. I was previously and peobably still am inoperable
This sounds promising right? Im so scared of leaving my baby boy. 2 surgeons told me i wont raise him and i cant stop obsessing. I feel i can't do tjis. Im not strong enough.

[hiker]

Hey Trying,

I had 3 oncologists tell me that chemo was my only option and even with it I would be gone in 2 years. That was 1 1/2 years ago and my last scan showed no evidence of cancer.

I don't know who your doctors are or where you're being treated, but the best decision I made during this journey was to make a call to MSK in NYC. And the thought of going to NYC almost kept me from going - it's about a 4 hour drive and I'm a small town boy who hates crowds. But it is very doable. If I can do it, anyone can.

If you only have liver mets, you may be able to get HAI pump treatment that could get you to the point where surgery is an option.

The mental part of this is the most difficult. Examine all you options. You can beat this.

hiker

[Gravelyguy]

Hi Trying,

I just got done praying for you. We are in a tough battle with lots of ups and downs. Sometimes you have to just live in the moment.

I would strongly go with Hiker’s suggestion. Find a major cancer center and get another opinion and know that I have now added you to my prayer list.

Dave

[Detox]

Did they say why you were inoperable? I remember your case and if your tumors shrink enough you should be able to have surgery. As mentioned, try to get to a major cancer center or MSK in New York. They specialize in liver treatment and you mentioned that was where your tumor burden was. I've read about some amazing outcomes from patients who went there for treatment.

[Trying]

They say currenly inoperable die to ppacement of lets being on a main artery i think

[Trying]

Thank you all for responding. Thank yiu for your prayers as well

[Trying]

Im in canada at a major center but they e9nt do the hai pump

[martd]

It's good that you are responding to chemo and feeling good. Start looking into clinical trials and immunotherapy. Has your oncologist mentioned this yet? Keep fighting you can do this, try not to think and worry about the future, just focus on getting through today.

[O Stoma Mia]

...Start looking into clinical trials and immunotherapy. Has your oncologist mentioned this yet? ...

You could look into Canadian clinical trials with the HAI pump:

http://www.canadiancancertrials.ca/trial/Default.aspx?TrialId=ON1233&lang=en

[stu]

Hi ,
My mum had a met sitting up against a main artery. The chemo shrunk it away sufficiently for a clear margin .
I can still see my mum’s oncologist in my minds eye . Little pointer finger stabbing the table emphasising “ this is serious” . Up there along with that image is his little turned up smile , just at the corners of his mouth and no more when he reviewed my mum’s scans .
He is currently over in America heading up a large pharmaceutical company for colon cancer research . He is impressively clever and thorough. But in my mum’s case his clinical judgement was not correct for her long term survival. He though she should not seek surgery . She did and her liver continues to do well .
We are however still grateful for all his hard work on behalf of my mother but she sought out the windows of opportunity that were there are bravely faced every surgery despite a lot of negative comments back then .
Sometimes despite all there experience it is not the outcome they thought might happen.
You are doing incredibly well .
Stu

[Maggie Nell]

How about a pep picture?



If those two surgeons didn't sign-post you to foster care services or slap down adoption papers for you to sign, I wouldn't
be putting too much stock in their opinions. Hunting down those Canadian trials is a plan with strength.

[mobrouser]

I am so glad you are reaching out for support rather than keeping this inside you. If you are in the Toronto area I'd be happy to meet up somewhere for a coffee and chat.
My treatments have been at a regional cancer centre north of the city and I have been very pleased so far.
Is changing doctors an option? Or at least getting a third opinion? Given your age you should be being treated aggressively which would include recommendations for trials such as the one OSM linked to.

Cheers,
mob

[Trying]

I am in vancouvet or i wouls have l9ved to meet up. Thank you all. This group is an amazing support system

[Achilles Torn]

Hi Trying,

There is plenty of reason to hope. One option for BC patients is the POG trial. Which has seen some success in at least one stage 4 colon cancer patient.

I’m from the Vancouver area. Another stage 4 patient from chilliwack and I get together for a coffee from time to time. If you ever want to meet up for a chat we’d be glad to.

Just let me know
AT

[Trying]

Thank you