Postby jsbsf » Mon Sep 23, 2019 10:40 pm
I feel like it’s a little unfair to give stats on stage IV alongside those for less advanced, since there is no upper limit. Stages I-III have upper boundaries and can have progressed only so much. Stage IV is “everything else”. I also feel very strongly that the numbers have to be at least 5 years old, or otherwise they wouldn’t know. Someone diagnosed next year should have a better long term outlook than someone from last year, and both should have better than 14%. There are advancements made in medicine every day.
A stage IV caught somewhat early has reason to be hopeful.
The statistics account for people who die for any reason within 5 years. They could have had diabetes or heart problems, or just have passed from natural causes. Some people aren’t candidates for surgery. I agree most stage IV are older, and have other health problems, in general.
It’s very stressful to be told you have stage IV, and I believe that many lose hope. Stress kills. It’s important to stay hopeful. I have a new perspective over the last 4 weeks. I feel this is a learning experience, and I have a far better grasp on what is important than I ever did before. I feel more human. People have always had to overcome challenges and hardships throughout history, and this is one for us.
I also realize life is short. I always felt this way, though. 100 years isn’t very long, and almost everyone alive now will be gone in 100 years. Even someone born yesterday. We just have to make the most of what we have.
I’m speaking as a caregiver, by the way. My mother lost her CRC battle in 2012, and husband is just starting his.
I don’t know what’s in store, but the people who post here make me feel so much better.
DH 61
2019 4A t3 n2 m1a
8/23 C-scopy, 5+cm mass. CEA:4.1
9/16 MSS. MRI: 2 lvr mets: 2.7 & 7mm
9/30 Start FOLFOX 1-6
10/4 Lg lvr met ~3.7cm, pri tmr stable.
CEA: 10/13,12.5;10/27-12/8 btw 4.7 & 3.1
11/5 both lvr mets ~ 2/3 smaller.
12/17 PET: significant improv.
2020
MWA 2/5, Lap resection 2/11
CEA: 3/1-5/31 btw 2.1&2.9
3/2 start FOLFOX 7-12
7/23-29 EBRT
10/2/2020 NED/W&W
4/2022 EUS-FNA,MRI: recur.;
5/2022:CT scan no mets. APR.
7-12/2023 Xeloda
4/2023 CT/MRI NED