Hi, stage 4 colorectal cancer here

Hi. I am doing tolerably well. I go to the cancer center to get my 5FU pump taken off. That always makes me happy! I've had my "little pump buddy" for 2 whole days. The weather is pretty crummy here in Florida, but I am thankful for another day. I have finished meditation and wrote down my 3 things I am grateful for. Now ready to start my day. (:

YES, I had a CT scan that showed a large tumor right at my colon. The biopsy showed stage4 cancer. It has metastasized into some bone, and a bit ino my left lung. I am scared to death. I presently am in the Philippine Islands, but wil have the funds to fly to Phoenix on June2. My worry is howler it could spread in that time. AND how long it would take to get an appointment. I could only afford the hostel there. Any ideas? I am a 74 y/o male.

Hi James,
I can imagine that you are scared. It's only natural to imagine that the cancer is spreading like wild fire. Keep in mind that colorectal cancer is typically a slow growing cancer. While June 2 seems like an eternity away, it is less than 2 weeks.

Have you contacted Mayo Clinic to secure an appointment? I'm sure you don't want to make the trip without having an appointment.

I will get paid (monthly) on June2, and will have enough to get to Skyharbor on about the 4th. Is there any hospice rooms available at that time, and is there a shuttle from the airport? I will be traveling alone.
Thank You,
James Mackey
PS..I am a retired firefighter with a Calpers pension.

Since you are coming to Phoenix, can you possibly look into MD Anderson cancer Crnter? That is who did my surgery and subsequent treatment. I’m still a surveillance patient there. They are connected to Banner Gateway hospital which is very convenient. My oncologist, Dr. Dragovich is the head of oncology. Start making calls now!! As someone else mentioned, it is a slow growing cancer. I’m not sure if your tumor is obstructing or not

I have another biopsy today, for bone cancer. Thank you so much for the information. I guess appointments are difficult. I'll get right on it. My colon cancer is at Stage 4. I wonder if there is any hope? Jim

There is ALWAYS hope. Look up Kate Bowler. She is a terminal colon cancer survivor still going strong. Her book Everything Happens for a Eeason And Other Lies I’ve Loved. So good She has a podcast too

Hello, Your comments and your "blue ribbon saying" caught my attention. My husband was diagnosed with advanced colon cancer in October 2020. It caught us by surprise. Through the course of his treatment, he had an initial surgery to receive an ileostomy bag (temporary) and to treat an infection. This was followed by several rounds of chemo, and colon surgery in April, 2021. In August some spots were found on his liver and in the lungs. Subsequently, more rounds of chemo. His last chemo was in November, and he has had 2 good scans since then. He is stronger and looking better day by day. He has been back to work full time since November. Your saying that you attached is exactly true, and thank you for sharing that. The journey is life changing. But always have HOPE, and one or two people to share your thoughts with, (including this forum) and continue to move forward!

Do you have the phone numbers? My tumor is partially obstructing.

Mine was partially obstructing as well, so I had surgery first then chemo.
Their number is +1 (480) 256-6444
Please know that any type of obstruction can turn into a serious complication. I was told I couldn’t wait more than a month or so to have my surgery. In the meantime, I had to follow a very low residue diet. No fruit and vegetables. A partial obstruction can turn into a full obstruction, and thus an emergency