Spazzyjanet wrote:I've been told not to look too far ahead, but reading stories on here give me hope still of long-term life. Is that false hope?
"False hope" is a term that's thrown around a lot, especially if you're a Stage IV CRC patient. The fact is many Stage IV CRC patients are living longer lives and a higher percentage of them are achieving a complete cure. Of course, much depends on your biology (genetics), treatment center (the more progressive, the better), and your individual response to treatment. I had tumor in ALL lobes of my liver and one in each lung and I'm still here!
However, remember that YOU are your own best advocate. Find out what can be done for your case (not the statistical norm) and then pursue it like your life depends on it (because it does!).
Spazzyjanet wrote:The Cleveland Clinic is an option. However it still isn't MSK. And I can tell you that my husband will not be on board with traveling to NYC from Ohio every two months. We only have so much time off work to spare.
I traveled twice that distance to see Dr. K. I know of some patients who came from your area who did it all in a day, arriving in the morning to get chemo in the pump (and often a CT scan the same morning) and flying back that afternoon without even spending a night. Sure it was a long day, but if it's important to minimize your time off, that might work for you.
To put it bluntly though, you have only one real chance to get this right so try not to base it on your work schedules. Cancer doesn't give a damn about your work life. You have bigger issues right now.
That said, this is your decision so if you feel at peace going with local treatment, go for it!
As an aside, there are two other places I know of that offer HAI pump treatment: OHSU in Portland, Oregon and City of Hope in Los Angeles, California. Just thought I'd mention that in case you have family or friends there.
Hope this helps!
Juliej