couple month to live...
Too long, and too much to try and remember how much I've gone through since 2021 being diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer. I've had about 10-15 surgeries, radiation, ablation therapy, I don't even know how many different meds to try and regulate my body after my rectum, gall bladder, part of my colon, not all at once, but over the course of the journey I've had almost 75% of my liver removed. Leaving me with 1 properly working artery going through my liver, one was removed, the other is covered in scar tissue and isn't up to par. But miraculous as the liver is , I've been mostly pretty good.
My last scan a was a couple weeks ago, and I've skipped my last 2 or 3 because I feel like knowing makes it harder for me to function. Not to mention the anxiety I feel leading up the appointment. But anyway, I went to my last scan because I was looking into Death with Dignity and they need a scan and labs to move forward.
I was told that they wouldn't be able to do anything else for me unless I agreed to go back in for the massive chemo treatment plan and more surgery. I've opted to not do that obviously. My quality of life is diminishing quickly. I'm nauseas, and just feel sick...most the time now, it used to come in spurts throughout the day, now it's almost constant. I've also lost any motivation or desire to do anything. I could sleep or just lay in bed all day I think. No real interest in food or anything anymore. Dr told me this would more than likely be my last summer. Has anyone else gone through this? Am I almost there? Because I'm ready and don't want someone saying something "nice" or "supportive" unless it is the truth. I'm a very active, outdoorsy, energetic person. Now I haven't gone outside in a week. Maybe more. I don't know if this is just depression. Obviously on top of cancer. But how long will this take? Last summer like weeks? Or last summer, but I'll be here for winter and spring. I know they can't and don't like to make those predictions but I really need something right now. I'm sinking and losing all my will and desire to live anymore. I've had to quit doing almost everything I love, and don't have the energy or the creativity to find a new hobby or anything to make me happy. I'm tired of feeling sick all day, and yes I have meds and yes they help kinda. I took my steroid so I could get out of bed yesterday and try and help my kids with some things...I've been feeling sick and wide awake for 18 hours. So maybe this isn't even a real question anymore. I'm not scared to die, I'm afraid of my kids seeing me horribly sick and this dragging on for months and months. I have decided against Death with Dignity because It just won't work for me and my living in MN. Any advice? Or stories that can help me? I hate my kids seeing me like this, I hate not being able to provide for them the way I always did. I want an answer that I just don't think I'll ever be able to get. This did get long, apologies. Thank you for your time.
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I can only imagine all the thoughts that go through your mind and the feeling of being in limbo land. I don’t know anything about your faith journey but maybe this would be a good time to meditate on a particular scripture or quote that gives you hope. Some healing music as you lay and wonder maybe it can help you transport out of the anxious unknowing feelings. As far as family I think just sharing what you are going through candidly is a way to deepen your connections with each member including children. I know you must feel a need to be strong but letting family members know you are feeling scared and uncertain can help them be strong. As a hospice nurse we had our parents pass in our home with our young children present and they did experience the circle of life. I know you do not to be afraid of the afterlife as there are too many near death experiences to show there is more in the beyond. I know I’m just thinking out loud but I’m imagining myself in your shoes and I think that is how I would approach it. I think not fighting it will give you more peace in the long run. It is good not to be alone but part of your journey is that walk. Keep talking with God as you understand him and rest in knowing you reached the beyond. I wish you lots of love, I wish for powerful moments with your family, I wish you peace and comfort. I’m glad you expressed what you are feeling.♥️Julie
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