Just diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer: What next?

Get a small notebook and record dates with symptoms and medical visits and you’ll find it to be a useful reference as you start down this new path. My spouse is 18 mos in and doing well despite several ups and downs. Hope all goes well!

Reaching out to others that have been here is the first step. Keeping in contact through the ups and downs, we get it. I was diagnosed with an inoperable rectal tumor 9 years ago this month and I am STILL HERE! Ask questions and always remember, if you need help, ASK. You are not alone.

I'm a Stage 3C colon cancer survivor and hang out here offering support and guidance as best able. As a person of faith, I will say that faith greatly helped me through it. God is so good.

I will also say that treatment for this is not a sprint... it's like running a marathon... but I also will say that many people beat cancer and even stage 4 is no longer a death sentence. Your outlook, patience and persistence are vital, as is getting excellent medical care. It's also something you can't do alone... you will need help.

Also advising you that depending on where you live, you may need to travel to get to a facility that can properly treat you. I live south of the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro by 50 miles and was referred by my medical team at Allina to either go to a large hospital in Minneapolis or Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. I went to Mayo. I did my chemo and rechecks in Red Wing, MN - about 1 hour trip one way. I was most fortunate that the distances were not greater and that I had a driver.

That's enough for now - don't want to overwhelm you.

Be strong - do not fear!

All of the suggestions above!
I started a notebook of questions. Every and any question you have write it down.
And never stop being your own best advocate. If something feels wrong or weird speak up!
This forum is a wonderful resource. All the best😘

How are you feeling Tee? Stage3c…. That’s me :). Lots of good advice on here, and lots of support! Did they talk surgery and chemo and radiation? I know it’s a lot to process… a whirl wind I am afraid. It’s natural to feel moments of anger, depression, self pity. Don’t stay there though when you get those moments. I don’t have a lot of knowledge as far as what to expect or how it will go because I’m a new baby to cancer. I’ve only had two treatments so far worlds apart on how I reacted to both of them. I just want to speak to your frame of mind what RJ said it’s very true. Being a believer myself has been a huge blessing in this time and if you have a church family, it is the best thing you could have right now. I don’t know if you’re a Christian but if you are lean on those prayer warriors lean on your family, if they’re wanting to help you. It’s OK to except help. You do not want to walk this walk alone and you don’t need to. There is always hope. Always! Find something that makes you smile and do it!!!! Often! I sing! I pray for your situation! ❤️ And I am sorry you’re having to go thru it.

PS If you have bad veins… get a port.

Thank you. I’ve been very depressed and trying to absorb it. Just got more imaging done and biopsy to confirm next week. I’ve praying every night with my wife and kids. I’m being positive.

Thank you. It’s been overwhelming with managing Dr., visits and labs. That will help a lot

I found talking to t therapist helped me get out my feelings without having to walk on eggshells around loved ones feelings. For me, staying active, eating well, and working (yes keeping my mind occupied) helps. If your insurance permits, talk to as many top notch oncologist as possible. Mayo, MD Anderson, Duke (where I am getting treated), are some of the best. Keep in mind that there are numerous treatments and combos of treatments. Most of here "get it". Lean on us when you want.

Thanks for the idea. Think it will help me - stage 4 colorectal cancer, diagnosed 11 months ago and still getting chemo

I don’t know what to eat nutritionally. What is best for the body?