Stage iv Doesn't Mean It's Over

My mom was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer in May of 2005. She is 60 years old. She has always been healthy...in fact, I can't remember the last time she's even went to the doctor. She started having trouble breathing while walking up steps. That was very odd because she's always been active. She finally went to the doctor and they told her she was anemic and bleeding internally somewhere. She was sure it was an ulcer because she had a pain in her right side and had been under some stress. The colonoscopy revealed stage IV colon cancer. Our family was devastated to say the least. We definitely had taken our family's health for granted. Mom had surgery. They took out over a foot of her colon, 9 lymph nodes were cancerous and cancer had metastasized to her liver. They were able to take out the lesions on her liver as well. After healing from her surgery, they did another PET scan and the results showed that cancaer was all over her liver. They told her 6 months without chemo and maximum 18 months with chemo. She wasn't sure she wanted to even go through the chemo but she did. She went to Goshen Cancer Center every two weeks for her treatments and came home with a continuous drip pump. She would be on chemo for 72 hours every two weeks for 12 treatments. After 6 treatments (only 2 of them were they able to use Avastin), her CEA levels had went from 59 to 1.5. Time for another PET scan. This one revealed that her cancer was in remission! She stopped her treatments after only six rounds and she is currently cancer free....praise GOD! The statistics the doctors give you mean NOTHING. Everybody's body reacts differently to chemo and prayers are priceless. She will continue to get her CEA levels checked and yes, each time, we will hold our breath but for now, we are enjoying each day together and praying the cancer will stay away. My reason for writing this is to offer encouragement. My brother and I used this sight almost daily to find stories that ended happy or offered us hope. Now, my mom's story can hopefully offer someone else this gift.

YOU HAVE DEFINITELY given me some hope. Loved to read the story about your mom. I'm 44 with 2 young children and was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer in January of this year. My oncologist said that my prognosis was about 20 months. Of course 10 of those months has passed now, so he is really expecting that I won't see next September. I had half of my colon removed - but the cancer had spread to a blood vessel near my abdominal wall. So far no liver mets or lung mets. I have just completed a 6 month round of chemo and my Oncologist recommended a chemo break for a bit. He has absolutely no hope for my situation but I believe that I can prove him wrong. I am taking so many alternatives that have been studied for years. Does your mom take any alternative meds? Thank you for a great story that offers me (and hopefully others) hope that Stage IV is not a death sentence. All the best to you and your family. Jen

Hi, I am new to this board, but also wanted to share my story to give others hope. I am 43 year old male and was diagnosed with Stage 4 CC (couple of small mets to the liver), February of 2004. The first oncologist I saw gave me 1 1/2 to 2 years to live with virtually no chance of 5 year survival. After 7 months of chemo with Avastin and Radio Frequancy Ablation of the liver tumors, I have been disease free for over a year. Through this journey, I have met many other Stage 4 survivors. It is possible. Hope this gives additional hope to those of you fighting this horrid disease. Mike

You have no idea how much my heart goes out to you, Jen. I will pray for you. My mom sees a nutritionist and listens to her advice, nothing alternative though; however, I believe nutrition plays a big part in slowing the cancer down. The new drugs for colon cancer (Avastin, etc.) haven't been around long enough for old statistics to change. Mom's second doctor told her the "timeframes" of life expectancy that were given to her by her first doctor were no longer valid and should have never been given to her. There are so many new drugs and treatments. Stay positive!

I hope miracles will happen to my father, 78 yrs. old. Diagnosed in Aug.04 mets.to liver. First surgery 3yrs. earlier (2001)tumor removed. 3 diff. trial Chemo therapy, nothing helped. What alternatives and supplements do you take? He takes Co-Q10 & Selenium, I believe it helps, any suggestions? He is very week and has no appetite. Don't give up!! Hanna

Hi Hanna, I hope a miracle happens for your father too. I am on several supplements, but the one that shows the most promise - and has been researched since the '70's is called IP6 & Inositol. IP6 can be purchased on it's own, but it's been proven that the added Inositol makes it extra effective. You can check this out on the internet at Inocell.com. There are some wonderful testimonials on that site; also you can purchase the book: IP6 & Inositol: Too Good To Be True? It is very reasonably priced and the stories in it are amazing. I also take MCP (modified citrus pectin). I see a doctor who does complimentary healing and he highly recommended that I take it. If you do a google search you will find lots of articles. Also it's very important to take a beta glucan for immune support. The one I take which was highly recommended is called Maitake Gold. It's a liquid made from the maitake mushroom grown in Japan. I live in Canada but I'm sure you can find it anywhere...the one I take is a Natural Factors product and available at health and nutrition stores. I also take 3,000 mg. of vitamin c per day, vitamin d, selenium, zinc, B12 Sublingual drops, Multi B Vitamin and Omega 3 fatty acid capsules. These were all highly recommended by my alternative doctor who is also a traditional doctor. I have some friends who have cancer and opted out of chemo; have only seen this doctor and done what he recommends. One of my friends was given 3 months to live 7 years ago and is alive and well today. No traditional treatments. Please, please look into these products. The IP6 will probably increase your father's appetite as well. If he's not interested in eating, get him a good quality juicer and juice kale, beets, etc. There are lots of books on this subject at health and nutrition stores. Hope this helps, and all the best to your father and your family. Jen

I believe you are absolutely right about nutrition. I'm on a huge nutrition kick, although I have always eaten healthy I am now doing lots of beets, cabbage-type vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, and 1c. of blueberries every morning on cereal. I am very encouraged when I read what the second oncologist told your mother. I live in Canada and Avastin is not available here yet, but my oncologist tells me that it should be available by the Spring. I'm hoping that I don't have liver or lung mets by the time Avastin reaches Canada. Thanks so much for the info. All the best to your mother and your family. Jen

Mike, Thank you, thank you, thank you .... for telling your amazing story. It certainly gives me hope and will give hope to many others on this board as well. Congratulations to you!!! I hope that you continue to do well, and thank you for being an inspiration to us all! Jen

Hi Jennifer I heard that Avastin & Erbitux were just had approval from Health Canada.... It says expensive cancer drugs get approvel... I saw it on a web site.... They also said it wouldn't be in all the hospitals yet.... We are going to asked about it when we see my husbands doctor after his CT nov 29.... He sees the doctor dec.13 Karen

Thank you Jen for the list of alternatives. When my father was diagnosed last year I ordered for him IP6 but once he finished the supply I did'nt get more and we tried different alternatives, but you are right I did read about it at the time and was impressed by it. I will get more but this time with Inositol. I also live in Canada and I hope I do find it in the nutrition store. Last year I had to order it from the U.S. via internet. He never tried any beta glucan or MCP. If you live in the Toronto area, would you be able to give me the name of the alternative Dr. that you see? He also takes Essiac (flor-essence) do you take it? Avastin and Erbitux are approved but not available to patients yet. I will be going today to buy all that you recomend, I am a firm believer of alternatives. When I pray for my father I'll pray for you too. Thanks again, Hanna