Mets To Lungs & Folfiri

My husband was 40 diagnosed 9-05 with rectal cancer.  Radiation and chemo prior to low anterior resection in 1-06, then March - August '06 chemo FOLFOX.  All looked clear after that chemo, then in June '07 found 5 nodules in the lungs on CT then did PET-CT to confirm, needle biopsie, etc. Was started on FOLFIRI July '07 and is still on it.  We have just received word that because he has progressed on chemo and there are now 6 bilateral nodules in the lungs there will be no surgery.  Also got second opinion from USC Norris Cancer Center and they confirmed the same.

 We are struggling with staying on chemo to prolong life when cancer appears to be so aggressive or getting off chemo for a better quality of life.  Also, my husband has heard about a place in Mexico called Hoxsie or Hoxsey as anyone gone there?  We are kind of desperate now, we have two boys ages 5 years and 11 years and they are both very attached to their dad.  We are high school sweethearts and have been together almost 25 years now.... Appreciate any advice!

Thank you,

Wendy 

 

 

Oh Wendy..I am so sorry for your anguish.  As a nurse, I just want to caution you about "alternative" treatment centers.  I completely understand the desperation and need for hope, but realistically these centers do little to alter the disease course.  There are treatments that can make your husband FEEL better, but unfortunately don't alter overall survival that much.  I would hate to see you expend your precious time and energy into something not proven for survival.

You have to understand that the state-of-the-art cancer institutes are in the best positions to offer the newest clinical trials.  Certainly the place in Mexico doesn't have more current protocols.  (I have actually also looked into this..my mom has metastatic colon cancer also)

Best of luck in your journey.....I understand how cancer is so devastating to anyone in it's path.

Christine

My husband has cc stage 4, we have 2 kids too
are you just as stressed out as me?

Wow! Sorry to here about your current situation. I am 30 and have stage 4 rectal cancer with a very short lfe expectancy. I have 3 girls 7monhs, 2 yrs and 4 yrs old and can understand to some degree your concerns. I have thought about how long i will be able to handle chemo myself  and have concluded that if it gives my 1 more month or 1 more year that is more time that i have to influence and spend time with my children and ensure that things are set up for them at the time of my death. I dont know if i said anything that helps, but if you or your husband want to talk to a family in the same condition please feal free to respond