I am meeting my oncologist for the first time on monday but not sure what he will say or what I should ask or how to know if he is any good.....
skipdow wrote:I was diagnosed with colon cancer 2 months ago, then after a CT was told it is stage 4 with 6 lesions on my liver...
I expect as I read thru the posts on this site I will learn a lot but if anyone has any advice or good reading or websites etc I would love some more information.
I find the more knowledge I have the easier it is to feel the ground beneath my feet. Thank you
p.s. I live in BC Canada if location matters
gfpiv wrote:I would humbly suggest looking into HAI / hepatic pump if your metastases are liver-limited. (...) I also heard somewhere that Sunnybrook has been doing it the past few years in Canada
Nik Colon wrote:Many people survive stage 4, especially if in just one organ (like liver). I agree with the above posts. Don't look at stats as they will always be outdated, plus mew meds are on the way. Best wishes
Check out DK37 stick post above (on the main page, science thread). He has stage 4 and is also a cancer researcher/developer.
BeansMama wrote:You have gotten some great advice from the previous posters. Seeing your oncologist will get the ball rolling for treatment other than surgery. You will most likely discuss chemo and the plans for it. Make sure your oncologist is aggressive when it comes to treatment. You want to fight this with everything you possibly can.
Do not pay attention to the stats, they include everything but the kitchen sink (well maybe they count that too) they aren't all that accurate.
I am also a stage IV, and I know just how scary and upsetting it is to receive that news. You will find an amazing group of people here that will help and support you through this journey.
Stage IV isn't a death sentence anymore, I have a liver met that previous doctors said was inoperable - my new surgeon is going to resect it. Granted the surgery is extremely risky but to me the risk is worth the reward.
Most of all try and maintain a positive attitude, I know easier said than done sometimes but attitude is everything in this battle. You will get tired, you will question everything through this journey, you can do this. Take it one day at a time.
I will add you to my prayer list. I hope your first appointment with your oncologist goes well.
CRguy wrote:Just adding a link to the topic Calling ALL Colorectal CANUCKS ! which I started a while back so Canadians here could keep up to speed !
You may find some more specific info about the Canadian system here.
CRguy wrote:I have not spent a lotta time at Colon Cancer Canada but just reviewed their updated website and found a reference which could be a great benefit... especially to someone just starting to get into the nitty gritty of a CRC diagnosis.
It is an information book with itemized pages for journalizing treatment information, appointments, test results etc.
Available as hardcopy thru the site or as a free download, if anyone is interested
My Colon Cancer Companion
and while it addresses the Canadian patient, the overall format would be useful for anyone, including caregivers.
Best wishes
CRguy
Marylandmaniac wrote:BeansMama wrote:You have gotten some great advice from the previous posters. Seeing your oncologist will get the ball rolling for treatment other than surgery. You will most likely discuss chemo and the plans for it. Make sure your oncologist is aggressive when it comes to treatment. You want to fight this with everything you possibly can.
In
Do not pay attention to the stats, they include everything but the kitchen sink (well maybe they count that too) they aren't all that accurate.
I am also a stage IV, and I know just how scary and upsetting it is to receive that news. You will find an amazing group of people here that will help and support you through this journey.
Stage IV isn't a death sentence anymore, I have a liver met that previous doctors said was inoperable - my new surgeon is going to resect it. Granted the surgery is extremely risky but to me the risk is worth the reward.
Most of all try and maintain a positive attitude, I know easier said than done sometimes but attitude is everything in this battle. You will get tired, you will question everything through this journey, you can do this. Take it one day at a time.
I will add you to my prayer list. I hope your first appointment with your oncologist goes well.
BeansMama, I am so glad to hear the new surgeon can resect the liver met!!! When is surgery? I will definitely send prayers and good vibes your way!
SkipDow, This is a great site and I learned so much. I was shocked when I was diagnosed. 46 and no symptoms other than a little blood. WTH??? I have had 6 rounds of FOLFOX and have surgery set for Dec 14th. Mine is right on the line of rectal and colon so doctors were unsure how to even dx me. I also had one spot on my liver that luckily was small enough that I had liver ablation surgery. That was out patient and from my recent PET scan looks to be successful.
I was so worried about Chemo but I have tolerated it very well. Most people are shocked when they find out I have had 6 rounds because I don't look sick. I am shocked myself at times. I know that some people have bad reactions and I was so worried. SO my advice is just take each day at a time. I take supplements and work out (except for my infusion day and the following 3 days). I take vitamin D3 (6k iu's), turkey tail mushroom (order it off Amazon.....NIH has done studies on it that show promise), modified citrus pectin (also Amazon and I love the lime flavor) and Cimetidine (supposedly helps prevent mets). I cleared these with my doctors and I get blood work each week. So far (knock on wood) my blood work has been good. Try to stay positive and you will get through this.
Marylandmaniac wrote: I take supplements and work out (except for my infusion day and the following 3 days). I take vitamin D3 (6k iu's), turkey tail mushroom (order it off Amazon.....NIH has done studies on it that show promise), modified citrus pectin (also Amazon and I love the lime flavor) and Cimetidine (supposedly helps prevent mets). I cleared these with my doctors and I get blood work each week.
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