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Just diagnosed: Surgery not an option, looking for hope
Went in for my first colonoscopy in December, F age 58. Had negative Cologuards for the last 4 or 5 years. My PCP gave me a FIT test in September which came back positive. Colonoscopy revealed a rectal mass (close to the sigmoid colon junction) she said was typical cancer presentation. Had some abdominal pain and went to ER. PET scan found mets to liver and both lungs, stage IV. Colorectal surgeon told me that surgery, "would not benefit me." Oncologist gave me 2 to 3 years prognosis, said treatment would be palliative and not curative, and surgery, "would never be an option." Started FOLFOX + Mvasi in January; just finished my 2nd round. CEA was initially 58, and is now 46, so that is good news I think. Don't really have a question, just looking for some hope from the stories of other people.
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@mustang08 …and we know that cancer can be such a good teacher, bringing us back to our core values as we treasure each hard-earned day.
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2 ReactionsFight it as long and hard as YOU want. Don't be afraid to keep pain under control. Hospice is wonderful as needed. They will keep pain away and are very supportive to patient and family. I saw this firsthand as I took care of cancer patients for 15 years at the John B Amos Cancer Center. New Treatments come on the horizon so don't give up. I also was diagnosed with colon cancer in June 2025. I don't let that worry me or steal my todays. Prayers for You.
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6 ReactionsI would suggest that the Drs test you dna , turned out my husband is allergic to all chemo , sadly at the VA they thought he was just whining when he was reporting symptoms/ side effects.
He was diagnosed 12/2021 and is still here
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1 Reaction@mjohnston, thinking of you today. How are you doing between work, your son helping out, and your husband's chemo?
Recuerde que el unico que da la vida es Dios y el es el unico que la quita tambien.
He escuchado varias historias y varios casos sobre esto y se han recuperado no pierda la fe y vera como se arreglan las cosas, yo tuve cáncer de colón etapa 2 , gracias a el hoy estoy libre, asi que tenga fe y le deseo suerte en su recuperación.
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Dr. Peter Sulak had stage 4 brain cancer. He took some extreme measures. I don't know how it would work. He sounds very sincere to help others. Be careful, lot's of information just want your money.
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1 ReactionI have said a prayer for you. Do not forget you always have the option to get a second opinion. I have recently had digestive, heart, thyroid, and orthopedic issues all in the matter of 3 months .
I had researched myself into the grave and started feeling sorry for myself although I was praying at the same time!
I decided to begin advocating for myself because my doctors, although seemingly nice enough, just did not give me the options or care that I was looking for. So I started doing my own research and finding specialists based off of their reviews and ratings and ended up with the best in my area.
This is YOUR life! No one gets to tell you how to live it. Do not take that prognosis as a death sentence, take it as motivation and a will to live!
Pray without ceasing and advocate for yourself!
YOU CAN DO THIS!
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1 Reaction@zchristine72 YES !!