Colorectal Cancer

[livingwith]

Just over nine years ago I embarked on a journey that I never expected to take. It was a trip that began with stage IV colon cancer at the age of 31 and as of yet has no end. Along this cancer excursion I have found strength in places that I would have never thought to look, I have touched and been touched by people who I would have otherwise never met, and I have learned that life is synonymous with hope. With the discovery of my cancer, all hope was taken away. Years ago 5fu was the only tre...Read the full article

[trsw]

Thank you, thank you for sharing your story. I sit here now in the hospital with my 58 yr old mother who has been battling colon cancer for two years. They removed part of her colon, bladder and a spot on her lung over several surgeries. She's undergone chemo a couple of times and radiation; which by the way fused her intestines and made a mess of her abdomen. She had two bags put on in Jan. and was doing well for a few months but then was unable to keep food down. Yesterday, a surgery that was scheduled to reverse her bags turned into bad news. There was too much scarring and fusion to reverse them AND they found more spots. The surgeon said that only a small percentage in this situation make it over 6 mos. After feeling like we'd all been punched in the stomach, we are trying to shake it off knowing what an amazing woman my mom is. Never has she complained or thrown a pity party about her circumstances. She has astounded the docs in how quickly she bounces back from these surgeries.
We need to know where to look for other answers. We (I) are not satisfied that our oncologist is in this for the "win". But how do you you find a good oncologist? (We're in MN). How do we find answers. I just stumbled on this web site and your story. It's so reassuring to hear survival stories; particularly since we've had friends and neighbors who have fought and lost their causes from this disease much too soon. Please keep spreading your story. There are many who need to hear it. I hope that we, too, will be sharing a similar story soon. God bless you and your family. Never lose your determination!