Being Positive!

I know that lately I have been posting about my treatment and opinions regarding my cancer, there are good things happening in my life as well.

As some may know, my son was 4 months old when I was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer. Well, he just turned three last week. He has been so  inspiring to me through my treatment and symptoms. I believe he was brought here to help me through this difficult time.

My husband is supportive, although he may not always understand when I say feel fatigued and just don't feel like doing anything , have a craving for certain food (not necessarily what he cooked for dinner), and I need him to help me keep my stress level down. He does offer some remedies of his own, which I take into consideration.

My family and friends have been so great through out my fight with their love and support. I could not have picked a greater group of people. God surely knows who to put in your life and when.

In addition, I am still able to work full time while undergoing treatment. Although, I do get tired more easily these days, I am able to make it through the day. I continue to work as long as possible. My boss has been great, suggesting a number of options to help with making it possible to keep working, and keep as much vacation time and sick leave as possible.

I will continue to try to make my life more than my diagnosis of cancer.

Colon Cancer - Second Opinion (cont.)

The Oncologist at the Mayo Clinic - Jacksonville took my case to the tumor board (liver) and it was determined that surgery with liver resection could be possible. In addition, the lung nodules may be able to be treated with radio-frequency ablation (RFA). I was scheduled to have multiple studies (CT scan, PET scan, and MRI) as well as consultations with the surgeon and the radiation oncologist over a two day period.

I completed all the scans on the 1st day which were available when I saw the surgeon. He was very optimistic about being able to remove the cancer in the liver with surgery, but wanted input from the Gynecologist as it appeared that my right ovary might also be involved. I saw the Oncologist at the end of this long day. She understood the Radiation Oncologist's view, but believed that surgery on the liver and radiation treatment of the lungs was beneficial and possible.

The next day I saw the Radiation Oncologist. He stated that although he could treat the cancer in the lungs with radiation, he felt it would not be beneficial in the long run because we could not treat all the areas in the abdominal cavity seen on initial scans. He noted that even if we were to remove all signs of cancer with surgery and radiation treatments, it is likely that I would have a recurrence in 2 to 5 years. He would take my case to the tumor board (lung), which would meet Tuesday of the following week, to help determine the best course of action for my case. The Gynecologist was also optimistic about performing the surgery and that since there was no sign of cancer in the abdominal cavity, irradiating the lungs along with liver resection was positive option.

The following week I was notified that felt it would not be in my best interest to treat the lung lesions with radiation.  It was felt that Chemotherapy was the best option to continue to suppress the cancer foci in the abdominal cavity. A change in chemotherapy was also recommended due the probable increase in size of one of the lung lesions.

This has been an informative emotional roller-coaster. I have began to realized how extensive my disease was at the time of my diagnosis. It involved not just my liver and lung, but also several sites within the abdominal cavity, which the chemotherapy has reduced to be undetectable by scan. I have gone from feeling that there was a possibility of no chemotherapy with surgery and radiation or RFA to there being a possible progression of disease and a change in chemotherapy. Looks like I have a lot to think about.

Colon Cancer - Second Opinion (cont.)

I had my second opinion with an Oncologist at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL. The doctor I saw made it clear that her ultimate goal with cancer treatment is cancer suppression for as long as possible and secondly quality of life. She discussed the options with this in mind:

• Continuing with the current regimen - Camptosar every 3 weeks with weekly Erbitux
• Camptosar every 3 weeks with Erbitux every 2 weeks, or
• Stopping chemotherapy

She stated, regarding all the above options, that the cancer would return at some point. She said that the cancer would become resistant to the chemotherapy and that a change in medications would likely be necessary in the future.  Speaking specifically about the last option, she quoted a study where cancer patients either continued chemotherapy (of some form) or stopped chemotherapy completely. The study was said to show that the cancer recurred in all patients and the quality of life in the patients that who stopped the chemotherapy was worse than that in those who chose to continue chemotherapy, due to stressing over the cancer returning. What I am more interested in is whether this 'worrying' outweighed the fact that there were no chemotherapy side effects, the time required to go to therapy and doctor's appointments, or lost time at work (if working). I also think that the improved / increased quality time spent with family and friends should be taken into account.

I did ask about the possibility of resection of the persistent liver lesion seen on repeated CT scans. She was not sure if resection or ablation was possible, but would discuss my case with surgeons. This was a step in the right direction despite the fact the I really didn't get the answer I had hoped for - being able to stop chemotherapy with a low or minimal likelihood of cancer recurrence.

To be continued ...

Colon Cancer - Second Opinion

My regimen is still working, but I get significant nausea and fatigue when I get my 2-drug infusion (every 3 weeks). My Oncologist is happy with the results of the treatment and wants to keep me on this indefinitely. While I am also happy with the results, I feel there may be other options including stopping treatments and monitoring. Currently I receive treatment with one medication (Erbitux) every week with a 2nd medication (Camptosar) given every 3rd week.

I have to admit that I am not prepared (mentally) for indefinite weekly treatments, so I have decided to get a second opinion. I have an appointment in a few weeks at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL. I'm looking forward to hearing what they have to say. Whether it's the same treatment, a new treatment regimen or no treatment.  

COLON CANCER - 2 YEARS AND COUNTING

Colon Cancer Awareness

It has been two years since I was diagnosed with colon cancer. My story actually begins about a year before my diagnosis. I was having difficulty going to the bathroom, though I was constipated and increased by fiber and water intake. I was not able to tell if this 'self treatment' worked as I soon found out that I was pregnant. With the iron I had to take, my constipation became a little worse.  I continued to have constipation with hemorrhoids several months after delivery so I went to see my doctor.  In addition to the constipation, I was found to be anemic. So.. my doctor sent me to get a colonoscopy, since African Americans should get screened at 45 yo (I was about to turn 46 yo). I thought not a problem, I did not have a history of colon cancer in my family.

I prepped for the colonoscopy, arrived at the specialists office early (mom, baby,and step-daughter in tow) and was prepared to get the procedure and go home.  This is what came next... I was called back, the nurse started the IV and I was given medications in preparation for the procedure. I had the procedure and was in recovery when the nurse told me the doctor needed to talk to me about the results.  He told me that he found a mass that was consistent with cancer and that I needed another more definitive procedure. I am not sure what happened the remainder of the day. I know I couldn't eat because the second procedure was scheduled for the next day.

Now you can see why I had trouble going to the bathroom

It was confirmed. I had colon cancer. The next several weeks are a blur as I underwent several scans, which showed that the cancer had spread to my lungs and liver - Stage IV Colon Cancer.  I also underwent multiple lab tests and referrals to specialists. Within two weeks I had undergone surgery, but thank God did not need a colostomy.  Within a month, I had a infusion port placed and started chemotherapy.  In the past two years I have had several different combinations of chemotherapy to try to maximize their effect and minimize side effects.  I think we have found the combination.  In addition, my most recent colonoscopy was negative with no signs of cancer and my latest scan shows only a single spot in my liver.  Right now I am waiting for my next scan, hopefully in the next few months.

I AM A SURVIVOR!!