Recent Stage 4 Colon Cancer diagnosis

hey Randy,
53 yr old athletic woman with stage 4. I wasn't supposed to make it this my age, and here I am. I still hike and stay active. the side effects of years of treatment (all sorts) have left my bones compromised, and awful neuropathy. But I still do my best to live life. I work which keeps me busy and wish I could have more of a social life, but please enjoy your family and friends, and stay active - no matter the pace.

two years ago I have an HAI liver pump which helped.

Never give up and don't let your daignosis define you.

@randyw2025, I totally relate to you and how you’re feeling, you’re a young man and this should never happen but it does, this disease is not concerned with your age and what it’s doing to your life. Have you ever watched the commercials from St Jude’s hospital and see the little children going through so much suffering, they haven’t even lived yet and they are fighting to stay alive. I’m also a cancer survivor and I’m not doing my best because mentally I still haven’t come to terms with it, I really respect and admire the many people here who are fighting back and living their best lives they deserve. I know that you will come to terms with your disease and the survival instinct is very strong, I talk to God everyday about my life and I can feel his strength inside of me, this is the best medicine I need to keep me going, I am sending you peace and strength to help you to heal, best wishes for you in your recovery, 🙏

I feel your pain. I was diagnosed at 52 and have had 2 colectomy surgeries (1 recurrence since about 1.5 years later in my peritoneum(abdominal wall) outside colon so stage IV after only having stage 1. I also had chemo following my second surgery. I am very tired easily. There is a test called Signatera that has for about a year now made me feel some reassurance because it tests your blood for MRD (minimum residual disease) and can detect cancer sooner that the every 3 month CT scans (6-9 months sooner)! I just got a positive result after 17 months of tests every 2 months, but at least I know its in my blood and can discuss with onco any treatment or scans sooner. Anyway, I understand feeling like a burden. This is a horrible disease that impacts the entire family! I just wanted you to know you are not alone. Anything you can do to help your body like stop alcohol/smoking, eat mediterranean and exercise when possible I think helps for not having a recurrence. I only was limiting my alcohol to 1 about once a week but I am considering nothing now. I hope yours doesn't recur for your sake and the sake of the family. Sounds like you had a radical colectomy so that is good they could remove it all.

@frouke I totally agree with you about God being the best medicine. He is ultimately in control. Even though I have spent many nights up researching this horrible disease after having stage 1 at 52 and stage IV relapse at 54. It is an emotional toll of epic proportions so having faith and prayer to help you come to terms with this reality is essential! Sending prayers for all who are suffering from colon cancer. It is an ugly disease and it has been very helpful to see others, esp children suffering from this.

@tiffbrueggeman Oops, obviously it isnt helpful to see children go through this…I meant that seeing children dealing with cancer makes me feel sad for them and fortunate that I lived 50 years before I had to deal with this madness!

Give yourself time to recover you will be able to do many things and feel good again

My husband was diagnosed with stage 3c colon cancer about 2 1/2 yrs ago, had the tumor removed and 6 mos of chemo and was cancer free until a few months ago. It’s now in lymph nodes and bone marrow, so he’s starting chemo again…with chemo, immunotherapy and much prayer, we know he’ll beat it again! 🙏🏾 Praying for everyone diagnosed with this horrible disease and their families!

@wife4life
Good morning wife-4life,
I, know one, can understand how challenging anything cancer related can affect those individuals involved. I have had a permanent colostomy since October of 1999. The many follow-up procedures involving Chemo, radiation and scar tissue resulting from radiation enteritis are to numerous to recall. However, close to 26 years have gone by and I am still cancer free at 80 years.
My wife and I faced the outcomes together and we determined that these issues would not interfere with our affections, our bike riding, now on three wheeled recumbents, and come each new day, we ride together, cuddle together and have realized that together, we could face anything. Your moniker, so to speak, "wife for life" appears to my wife and I as your combined efforts to meet this challenge head on. Talk frequently with your providers, ask many questions along the way , and ask for explanations regarding anything you don't fully understand.
We feel that my radical surgery saved my life and along the way, my wife and I discovered a new and delightful depth to our love for each other never before experienced in our togetherness. We pray both of you to continue onward and although initial efforts are slowly realized, stay your course and appreciate everything you enjoy together right now. Best to both of you.
Jofree

@tiffbrueggeman when I was in hospital, a kind rabbi visited and gave me a real lift…I am not observant, but seek to find spiritual values wherever I can— and then gently share that …

@jofree thank you for sharing your story…so reassuring! God bless you!