Stage 4 colon adenocarcinoma lifespan

My 61 year old dad was diagnosed with stage 4 adenocarcinoma in the colon. The doctor said it has matastisized. He's been getting rounds of aggressive chemo every two weeks since November . What I wanna know is how long is a persons lifespan with this type of cancer? I still have hope that he will get better and he's got such a strong will to live but I can't help but worry about the fact that it's stage 4. Anyone out there who is living with this type of cancer or knows anyone suffering from this?

i dont know what to say... i really pray god that everything go smoothly with him !!!!! that he feels no pain from chemo, that he has no ugly or nasty side effects! i really pray god that he becomes alright.nothin g is impossible, do your best to cheer him up, give him hope and make him laugh so he will forget abt cancer !! and tell him that nasty side effect or vomitin(if he had any side effects from chemo) this means that the medication is workin (which is not true, but i used to tell this to my husband , so he accepted the nasty side effects, and "enjoyed it") ... cook his favorite plate bcs he will loose appetite ... all the best to you kisses...

he is not old, i ve read posts abt 72 old men who survived metastised colon cancer

kisses

Thank you for your prayers. We try not to even discuss the disease and just act our normal selves when we're around him.

Hi Lillith. My husband is 61 and now stage 4--mets to the liver. He was cancer free in Aug 10' after chemo/surgery then 2 weeks ago mets popped up in the liver. Back on Chemo. What I have come to learn is that many people live with--for a long time or beat this stuff. My husband also has a strong will to live and that means alot. Did the Doc give you any prognosis?

@ jcare - Have just learned my ex and the father of my 2 grown daughters has been recently diagnosed with Stage 4 colon ca. (adenocarcinoma). Pet scan showed some "spots" on the liver, lymph node involvement near tumor site & something about the peritoneal area. He's had the surgery, now scheduled to get portacath. this Fri. (2/15) and start chemo next week. I'm beyond sad over this news, and, even though I've worked in the medical field for 35 years, I feel very confused. His last colonoscopy was okay 4 or 5 years ago... now this. I would love to be able to give, especially my daughters and his wife some hope. It's an awkward position to be in since I can't really ask much. Any enlightenment or treatment education ... probable life expectancy would be most appreciated. Thanks. Jane

Hi Jane, I hope I can help. My husband, now 64, was originally dx in August of 2010 with Stage 3 Colon cancer. He had a temporary colostomy for 8 months and chemo for 6 months. He was clear until jan 12 and during a routine blood test his CEA ( tumor marker) level was significantly elevated. PET scan showed so many spots on both lobes of the liver they didn't even bother counting. Now, over a year later, he has only 5 "teenie weenie" ( Docs term!) spots. Lymphs no longer look involved or inflamed . The doc very pleased CEA is 2.5. In Normal range. I tell you all of this so you will know that controlling this disease is possible. I know you are upset for your kids but many people are 5, 10, 15 year survivors. I do believe that our approach to dealing with attacking the cancer has greatly enhanced the effects of the chemo. First , refined sugar (among other things) feeds tumors. I put my husband on a totally organic diet ( meats organic too). He drinks only Alkaline Water (hard for cancer to live in an Alkaline environment ). As tired as he can get he exercises and he takes Vitamin D3, Cucurim and Milk Thistle. I KNOW this has given the chemo the ability to work to its maximum potential. In January of 2012 a doctor friend of mine gave me a book called "Anti-cancer - A new way of Life " by Dr David Servan. This book is short and to the point about cancer, causes and what you can do to make your treatment more effective. It helped me take control in an otherwise out of control situation . Most Onc don't have a clue about nutrition outside of the chemo drugs. Please read this book. My husband is on Avastin, camptosar/ 5 fu . He did chemo every week for 3 months then every two weeks and shortly he will be down to every 4 weeks. It has been hard but the things we did to take control have gotten us to a much better place today. Please tell the loved ones to be strong and supportive no matter what. Depression can be a big player in treatment .. Just dig in and never give up!!

Hi,

     Please don't be worry. One can overcome that problem with proper treatment and guidance .Stage IV cancer can be diagnosed when disease has to be spread to other part of the body even after surgerical removal of the cancer.

Thanks,

Hi, jcare ~

I cannot tell you how encouraged I'm feeling after your kind and MOST informative response.  Have even sent one of my daughter's the info re:  refined sugar, alkaline water, etc. --  plus the BOOK!  Thank you so very much for taking your time to share all of this with me. Am so glad I happened upon this site and your post.  Will definitely keep you informed once I know more.  

Love & continued blessings,

Jane in Richmond, VA 

Hi Jane, I am so very glad that my message helped. Please keep me in the loop. I know your kids are scared. I have four and every time I send out a mass text about Dad they are all over it! There will be many things that pop up during treatment. Many questions too. Just send me a message and I will answer quickly . I will keep your family in my most present positive thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you soon! Jill in SoCal

On Jan 26, 2012 4:17 AM jcare wrote:

Hi Lillith. My husband is 61 and now stage 4--mets to the liver. He was cancer free in Aug 10' after chemo/surgery then 2 weeks ago mets popped up in the liver. Back on Chemo. What I have come to learn is that many people live with--for a long time or beat this stuff. My husband also has a strong will to live and that means alot. Did the Doc give you any prognosis?

Just a comment. I don't advise paying attention to prognosis. This will discourage you. Each cancer is unique to the individual it afflicts. Luck, other health issues, access to good care and the ability to comply with treatment can have a huge effect - or not.

I just "celebrated" six years of Stage 4 colon cancer. Just when my tumor was declared inoperable, 2-1/2 years ago the experimental IRE (Irreversible Electroporation) surgery became available and it worked for me. I still have cancer and receive my bi-weekly chemo but I don't think about a prognosis. I've never asked.