Emotional Support After Diagnosis Of Cancer In My Mother

My mother (age 58) was just diagnosed with colon cancer about 4 weeks ago. We have been through surgery which seemed to be very successful. The mass that was found was large (moderate mucounous is how the report read), but had not penetrated the intestinal wall. The surgeon seems to think it was contained and that they were successfull in removal of all the cancer. Her Path reports came back clean, no signs of cancer in the lymph nodes however due to the size of the cancer they suggested chemo treatments. I am having a very hard time with this. Can anyone give me input on a drug called 5UK and Levilorin. They want to give her 6 months of chemo once a week. This seems extreme for a clean path report...

Hi, I just want to let you know I know how you feel my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer a month ago. It was the hardest thing I had to ever deal with. Two years ago he had colon cancer but his did penetrate the wall so he got 6 months of chemo. The same stuff your mom is going to get. Your moms chemo seems to be for precautionary reasons but it might be worth it if she takes the chemo because her chances of having it not come back will be better if she gets the chemo. My dads came back because his got into his lymph nodes. I wish the best for you. Mindy

Mindy, thanks for the words of encouragement and I will pray peace and healing for you and your family! This disease is evil no matter where it is found or to what extent it pulls you down emotionally and physically! The only thing I have to hold on to is faith! God bless you and your family!

Her docs are VERY smart to do follow-up chemo...wish my mom's would have been. She had stage 1 polyp a year ago and is now stage 4. DO THE CHEMO!! She had very few side effects from the chemo you mentioned.

Thanks! Did the doctors not remove the polyps? I don't really understand all of this. How do you know what stage the cancer is? They have never told us. I am very nervous for her....she looks so good since the surgery. Better than I have seen her look in years. I am concerned the chemo will make her sick and kill the good cells that are there so that she takes infections easier or worse. Thanks for your response and God Bless you and your family. This is a very hard thing to go through!

You are right this is an incredibly hard thing to deal with. My mom's surgeon removed the polyp and told her there was "a little bit of cancer inside" ...6 months later it is in her liver and abdominal area. It is a very very bad situation for her to be in but we have a lot of hope. There are many people beating stage 4 all of the time. The stages are basically based on if it has spread and to where. My mom is having a MAJOR surgery to hopefully get the cancer out on Thursday. I am just sick with fear and anxiety for her. She has always been in perfect health. Your mom will get through the chemo. Most people do pretty well from what I have been reading. Talk to you soon
Erika

I will say a special prayer for you and your mom (and your family)! Please let me know how she is doing. I know you have a long hard road ahead just hold on to the promise we were given "By his stripes we are healed". If that healing comes through surgery and chemo Praise God anyway, those doctors would not have the knowledge to do what they do without him!

Have her do the Chemo.

My brother (an extremely healthy 43 year old) was diagnosed with Renal Cell a couple years back and had his Kidney removed. They said they believed they got it all and had no need for additional medications. He recently broke his Femur and was then diagnosed with Secondary Bone in the Femur, this has since spread to his jaw; his rib; his skull; and his lymph node. His has undergone major surgery in his arm/radiation. Then went through radiation for his jaw. This ugly monster got loose and now is running crazy throughout his body.

The follow up medication for your mom would probably keep any "cells" that may have traveled through her system under control. Just stand by her; love her through it all and keep the faith.

No matter what I have written above, we still have Faith this will work out for my brother, and that is a big part of the battle.

God Bless you and your family.

Thanks! I have always seen people in the grocery store etc. and new what was wrong and my heart would reach out to them, but you never really understand until someone dear to you is faced with such an illness. Keep the faith! I am constantly reminded of the scripture "Your faith has made you whole". God bless you and your family!

I recommend your mother do the chemo. I had stage 4 small intestine cancer, which is so rare that they give you colon cancer chemo. I had 5FU and leukovoran and it was not too bad, compared to most chemos. My hair only thinned (did not fall out completely) and I was nauseous, but they have good drugs (Zofran) for that. I had some neuropathy in my hands and feet, but it did not inhibit my activity. I also had cold sensitivity and couldn't eat or drink anything cold. I went for chemo 3 days a week every other week for 4 motnhs and wore a pump home 2 nights. I finished my chemo Dec. 4 and so far I am cancer free!

It's good that you have your faith - it will help you to get through this! God doesn't leave us or forsake us - He is always with us!

Blessings,
Janet