Trying wrote:I found out last week i have stage 4 inoperable colon cancer which spread to liver. 10 liver spots total.y baby has no father and is only 1 and a half. I am looking for positive outcomes and inspiation from others who have come through. I am terrified.
Trying, I am a Stage 4 survivor. Like you I was told I was inoperable and would be on chemo for life or until it quit working. They gave me 6 months without chemo and 18 months if I did well on chemo. I had tumors in all lobes of my liver (7 in total) and also one in each lung. But, after having a strong initial response to chemo, I sought a second opinion at MSKCC. They said I was a good candidate for surgery and a few weeks later I had my primary tumor removed along with a liver resection. They also implanted an HAI pump, which sends chemo directly to the liver instead of the whole body. Three months later I had double lung surgery and they removed both tumors at the same time. I am currently NED (no evidence of disease)!
I am telling you this so you know that a Stage 4 diagnosis is not a death sentence. There are many advances being made to treat Stage 4's - HAI pump, immunotherapy, etc. The most important thing you can do is to find
a good cancer center, preferably an NCI-Designated cancer center. I'll put a link below so you can find the nearest one to your location. Even if it's too far away for you to get treatment, at least try to get a second opinion there. It could make all the difference in the treatment you receive.
https://www.cancer.gov/research/nci-role/cancer-centers/findAlso, ask for genetic testing if you haven't had it done yet. Tests for MLH1, MSH2, APC, MSH6, PMS2, and MUTYH mutations helps doctors determine which kind of treatments work best for you. There is an ever-increasing number of new agents aimed at a variety of these genetic targets so you need to know the biology of your tumor to get the best results.
You have a baby so I don't have to tell you that you have a lot to live for! Concentrate on that: your baby needs you. Then do what you have to do to get the best treatment possible. I know it seems overwhelming right now. The diagnosis alone is enough to knock you on your butt!
The feelings you're having? Loss, sorrow, anger, numbness, confusion, shock, emptiness? We have felt all those things too.
But dig down deep inside you and find the strength you need to get through this. Don't be afraid to ask friends and family for help. And remember that we are always here for you. Ask questions, rant, vent your frustrations or anger about the situation, whatever -- we're listening.
Hope is the only thing that's stronger than fear.
Juliej