Posted: 8/27/2006 2:46:12 PM EDT
|
I found out on my birthday (the 8th) That my dads mom (My Bama) has colon cancer. We found out 2 days ago that it is supposedly already in Stage IV and is adenocarcinoma...which I hear is just about the most aggresive type of cancer. Well 2 years ago she had a colonoscopy and it was clear. So this has progressed...QUICKLY to say the least. It has also spread to her lymph nodes and there is a lesion on her liver. It basically came out of no where. So we are all in shock and don't know how to feel/handle this. They are wanting to get a second opinion before telling her the stage she is in.... If anyone has any experience (personal or from a relative/good or bad) with this ....could you please give me your insight? I am worried sick and want to know what to expect. Also for those of you who believe, could I get a few prayers, and those who don't, some thoughts? Thanks in advance. ~MrsBRF (Krystle) |
|
Krystle, I'm so sorry to hear that. They should definitely get a second opinion, if only because oncologists can vary so much with their approaches to treatment. I know someone who has been in stage IV with adenocarcinoma since 2002 (similar story, she was stage IV from diagnosis) and has remained stable this whole time, it's not hopeless... she HAS been on chemotherapy the whole time though, which has been rough. Hers came from breast cancer found on her yearly mammogram. It did move fast, but fortunately they caught her early enough at stage IV to treat her and keep her liver tumors stable. She also has one in her lung that's growing right now, but very slowly, so they're trying a new chemo, she's doing pretty well. Prayers and best wishes to your family. |
|
Don't really have any insight... SIL had colon cancer several years ago, and ended up with a colonectomy (still has the colostomy bag- and always will), but obviously they caught it earlier that what your Grandma's sounds like. Prayers incoming...  edited for spelling... |
|
I lost both of my parents to cancer. Every one is different, but both of my folks wanted to know the truth. Other folks do best not "knowing", and drawing strength from every glimmer of hope, no matter how slim the chances. It will be up to your 'Bama' to set the tone of how to conduct yourself. If she wants to talk serious, that's what you do. If she wants to talk about the future as if her life will go on forever, indulge her in that notion. As to what to expect, the best I can tell you is to steel yourself. This will bring out your inner strength. What I'm trying to say as compassionately as possible, is that this will be grueling. Keep your eyes, your heart and your mind on the person you love inside the body which is giving out. If this is what is before you, you will experience the nuts and bolts of biology giving out, and it is hard to watch. Do not let your mind fixate upon the momentary physical things going on, but work towards sharing your heart and your strength with her. Just "be there" for her. Remember that death is ABSOLUTELY a part of life. It can be an immensely meaningful, powerful and loving time in one's life. You will have time to share memories and deeply bond with your loved one in a way that occurs under no other circumstances. As wretched as death by cancer is, it gives you time together. Sieze the moment and share your love! Please keep us posted here. A lot of us have all kinds of different life experience at this. Our heroic cancer survivors here are a wealth of inspiration, for example. May our good Creator vouchsafe that beloved woman a good and fitting remainder of time upon this earth, be it days or years, let it be filled with dignity and love. |