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Talking Frankly about Living with Advanced Cancer
Are you living with advanced cancer (sometimes referred to as stage 4 or metastatic cancer)?
This discussion is a safe space where you can connect with others to talk about the realities of living with limited time. It's not easy to find people who understand what it is like. For many reasons, you may not feel comfortable talking about your thoughts and emotions with friends or family. Perhaps you are alone. Even if you are surrounded by people who support you, you may experience intense loneliness.
Connect is a place where honest conversation can safely take place. You can speak frankly and be heard without judgement. I invite you to share your reality facing death and living now.
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@lale2872 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect.
I am including a link here to go to a Prostrate Cancer discussion on getting help. When were you diagnosed with your prostrate cancer?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/prostate-cancer-getting-help-questions-answered/
Ginger
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1 ReactionHola soy nuevo tengo 50 años y tengo cáncer de próstata avanzado con Gleason (4+5)9, estoy muy preocupado por saber que me espera
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1 Reaction@ta8, how are you doing? You mention that you are concerned that she doesn't appear to be scared about your diagnosis. May I ask how old your daughter is? Is she your main caregiver?
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2 Reactions@clayesq Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I see you joined us a while ago and this is your first post. Being scared and uncertain is an awkward way to live each day, isn't it?
Like many of us here, I am a cancer patient. Malignant melanoma on my right forearm was removed 12/31/2008. In addition, I have had many squamous cell carcinomas surgically removed by MOHS procedures. Beyond that, I am a blood cancer patient currently on chemo, and a dialysis warrior with failing kidneys.
You ask what you are supposed to be doing to live with melanoma. My experience and thoughts: get your full body skin checks every six months or more often if you notice something. Wear sunscreen everyday. Minimize your risks. Live your life looking forward, planning your next great adventure. If you are still working [I noticed the JD in your profile], make it meaningful. Eat healthy but leave room for a binge. Exercise in moderation. Be grateful for the little things, and profoundly thankful for the big things. Smile, and project that to others. Make a difference.
What will you do with today?
Ginger
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7 Reactionshello, all...
New to the group. I have been living with melanoma since 2014, and last year progressed to Stage IV. Currently NED, with clean scans since July '21, but perpetually scared and uncertain as to what I am supposed to be doing to live with this disease... so, hello! 🙂
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1 Reaction@lexgorman Sorry it took me a while to re-connect with you. Yes, most support groups are still meeting virtual due to COVID, but wanted to let you know I found about about a new website that was launched for Florida residents: https://flcancerconnect.com/ Home - Florida Cancer Connect (flcancerconnect.com). Our Patient Navigator, Lara Smith, located at Mayo Clinic in Florida shared this information about this website below...
It’s a centralized resource hub for Florida cancer patients and caregivers to find resources and support. The tab for Caregiver support can be found towards the top right hand side of the page. My hope is that as things open up and (hopefully) groups start to meet in person again, we’ll see more opportunities for in-person support come on line. I hope this is helpful!
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1 Reaction@ritsie Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I suggest you go to the lung cancer group and ask your question, or take a look at the various topics there to help you find the information you are seeking.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/lung-cancer/
@caringson Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect.
Ginger
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2 ReactionsI was searching for something related to lung Ca and landed here on this page.
Though no idea about Keytruda, my mother (70 yrs old) was last month diagnosed with stage IV Non Small Cell lung Ca (adenocarcinoma). Thankfully her EGFR test result was positive and while checking other parameters doctor advised Osimertinib (Tragrisso by AstraZeneca) as first choice and Erlotinib as second choice for oral medication (immunotherapy).
Then discussing about the affordability, availability, side effects etc, he advised to go for Erlotinib 150 mg (one tablet per day) which she started since Monday, 1st Aug. No major side effects felt so far and she is doing well.
Thought of responding though the medicine you mentioned is different.
P.S: We are not based in US.
i want to connect with anyone Stage 4 lung cancer on Keytruda/immunotherapy; how long have you been on and your symptoms. Thank you
Vivir con cáncer metástasis es una situación difícil para las familias.Intento llevarlo lo mejor posible. Pero me asusta que. mi hija no se sienta tan asustada. Comparto mi sensación de impotencia ante lo que pasa
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