- Pregnancy
- Baby & Toddler
- Parents
- Getting Pregnant
- Baby Names
- Product Reviews
-
Registry
- Community
-
More
Want a personalized experience?
Download the free app
Success after IF
epphd
member
I am a runner, knitter, scientist, DE-IVF veteran, and stage III colon cancer survivor.
Cancer update and plan
epphd
member
Hey ladies,
Sorry I've been MIA. Between my parents being in town and then trying to get back to "normal" life I've been really busy!
DH and I met with an oncologist last Friday and really liked him. We will meet with a second next week, but that's more of a formality since we are already planning treatment with the first one. Importantly, this first oncologist works at the cancer center where I work, so I obviously have some loyalties! Plus, I also have good connections with the leadership of the center so if I need assistance or advice, I can have it in a heartbeat. A nice perk 
Anyway, the doc said that based on my tumor type and lymph node spread (a couple of positive nodes but not too many) that my prognosis is good. I could be cured as of now - meaning that all the cancer that was there could be gone. However, we need to be prudent and do chemo to make sure. So, I am starting a six month regimen of chemotherapy in a couple of weeks. The treatment is every other week, and invovles one day of infusion (sitting in the treatment center hooked up to IV bags), then going home with a pump of chemo for 48 hours. On the third day, the pump is disconnected, then I get 11 days off before starting again. I can look forward to nausea, fatigue, cold sensitivity, taste changes and appetite loss, and peripheral neuropathy. However, I will likely keep my hair
The doc also spent a lot of time with us talking about "chemopreventitive" strategies to help in treatment and outcome. These include regular exercise (as in one hour a day of vigorous activity - or at least 10-20 minutes on days when I feel bad), prudent eating (e.g. Mediterranean style diet, low in animal fat and high in veg), aspirin and specific vitamins. He talked to us about the dramatic improvement in outcomes from the exercise and diet specifically - like 50% increases in disease free progression! Uh, that's motivation I can use!
Anyway, youth and my prior good health and activity level are definitely on my side; however, that I got colon cancer at 36 is somewhat ominous. It's likely, given tumor features and my family history, that I have a genetic predisposition to certain cancers. So we're doing lots of imaging and genetic analyses to see if there are other "spots" we need to be concerned about and to develop a plan going forward in the event I am at higher risk. The specific syndrome that is likely is called HNPCC, and may mean high risk for uterine and ovarian cancers as well as colon. So obviously it's important to figure out.
Couple of IF related things: first, I never thought I'd say this but thank god I am not pregnant. I have no idea what it would mean for my treatment, or the baby's health, or just life with cancer. Second, thank god Sam is DE conceived. If I do have this mutation, thank god I did not pass it on. I've never been a big believer in god or fate or what have you, but it's eerie to consider how things "could have" been.
OK, that's that! If I'm not around much it's because I'm kind of swamped I'm going to do my best to keep working, though I will likely end up working from home quite a bit. Oh, also, we've been using sposies. I feel kind of guilty but honestly, it's been a real time saver. We hope to go back to cloth, but if we need to take a six month break, I'm going to try not to lose sleep at night over it!
I am a runner, knitter, scientist, DE-IVF veteran, and stage III colon cancer survivor.
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Cancer update and plan
I was just thinking about you today. Wow, this is really good news, overall. The exercise/diet thing is very cool. What a bonus that your dr. works where you do! And I think you're absolutely right about the coincidences regarding the loss of your last pregnancy, and the fact that Sam is DE conceived. Hard to believe those happened completely by chance!
Good luck in the weeks/months ahead!
LO #1 - 1 unmedicated/self-monitored IUI w/ donor sperm.
LO #2 - 1 m/c, 2 BFNs, 4th IUI worked (unmedicated/self-monitored with new donor sperm).
Life is beautiful!
Oh E... wow. That is all just so much to digest and process. Your strength and perspective is absolutely amazing. I am so so so so glad that your doctor is so hopeful and positive about your prognosis, and that you are in a place to get such great care. The IF/pregnancy/DE implications all just send shivers down my spine... things you'd never expect to be so thankful for, right? I am just kind of in awe.
I am wishing you all the best - and the fewest side effects possible from the chemo. you continue to be in my thoughts and prayers!!! Go kick some cancer ass, lady. We love you!
Because we're fancy like that.
Thoughts and prayers coming your way. Sounds like an awesome plan. I hope the next couple of months fly by smoothly for you.
I cannot imagine what you are going through, but I am so impressed by your strength and attitude. You will kick this cancer's butt, I know that, and I am glad your doctor agrees with my professional opinion.
It's amazing how the world has a way of working itself out on the IF side. So thankful that you don't have to fret for Sam and can instead focus 100% on the nurture side of things. (((hugs))), good luck and you will stay in my thoughts and prayers!!
That is a lot of info to take it, but it seems like you've had time to process it. Wrapping your head, hands and heart around a treatment plan will make sure that you're successful. I'm sure that your family, DH especially, will be as helpful and supportive as they can be.
I'm still praying that this is the worst of it and its smooth sailing from here on out!
TTC since 11/05...ectopic pg 4/08...early m/c 6/09...BFP 10/5/09!
Nora B...June 15, 2010...8lbs, 8oz...Med-free birth!
TTC #2 since 7/11...cycle #3 of Clomid + IUI = BFP
Malcolm...September 21, 2012...8lbs, 6oz...Another med-free birth!
This sounds like good news on the whole -- I'm so glad to hear it! It sounds like your prognosis is really good -- what a relief. And the vain girl in me with skewed priorities is really glad that you'll get to keep your hair.
Continued thoughts and prayers coming your way!
I'm so glad you posted cutie and prognosis is so positive.
My good friend was dx'ed with colon cancer at 30 and also did the genetic testing and all of it came back negative, so for her it wasn't genetic. Her chemo plan sounds exactly like yours. She would go in for treatment and then wear her chemo bottle (it was in a purse for lack of a better word) for 48 hours. She did treatment for 6 months. She's been cancer free for 3 years now.
They rec she do it longer but her scans were coming back clear and she was ready to be done.
GL with your treatment, I know it will suck but you will do great.
((HUGS)) and prayers
Worrying does not empty tomorrow of its troubles, It empties today of its strength. ~Corrie ten Boom
Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow. ~Mary Anne Radmacher (thank you beadinglady)
It's been a long journey. TTC since 9/06. multiple IUI's and IVF's and 4 m/c's. IVF#3 = BFP, twins, induced at 34w6d due to baby b passing away (no explanation). Delivered on 35w1d, Baby A - baby girl, and Baby B - baby boy, our little angel.
MTHFR A1298C & C677T, Immune Issues and Factor II
You are literally one of the strongest people I have ever "met". I am praying that everything goes well with your follow-up testing & treatment plan. Good luck in the months ahaed.
As for the IF stuff, I actually got chills reading what you wrote. I was thinking the same thing about God/a higher power working in your life with everything you have/had going on.
Sending continued prayers to you for a speedy treatment & recovery...I know you are going to kick cancer's @ss.
World_of_Dennifer
Bloomin'_Babies
Married/Nest_Bio
Ok - you made me smile at the end as you justified why you moved to 'sposies! Ummm...if anyone has a reason to, it's you! Just be sure to keep flushing the poop, ok?
Seriously, what a lot to take in and digest. I'm happy to hear that as far as dx go, yours sounds fairly positive. Sorry you still have to go through chemo though. I hope the suggestions about diet and exercise really help minimize the crappy side effects. You've been on my mind, and I'll keep sending positive vibes your way!
ps...are you still blogging? I haven't checked in recently, and then realized I don't remember what your PW is anyway...can you PM me if you are?
I've been thinking about your! Thank you for the update. It sounds like you are in really great hands and the prognosis sounds good
Keep your head up. Best of luck with chemo.......you can do it and beat this!!
Ok - you made me smile at the end as you justified why you moved to 'sposies! Ummm...if anyone has a reason to, it's you! Just be sure to keep flushing the poop, ok?
Seriously, what a lot to take in and digest. I'm happy to hear that as far as dx go, yours sounds fairly positive. Sorry you still have to go through chemo though. I hope the suggestions about diet and exercise really help minimize the crappy side effects. You've been on my mind, and I'll keep sending positive vibes your way!
ps...are you still blogging? I haven't checked in recently, and then realized I don't remember what your PW is anyway...can you PM me if you are?
Ok - you made me smile at the end as you justified why you moved to 'sposies! Ummm...if anyone has a reason to, it's you! Just be sure to keep flushing the poop, ok?
Seriously, what a lot to take in and digest. I'm happy to hear that as far as dx go, yours sounds fairly positive. Sorry you still have to go through chemo though. I hope the suggestions about diet and exercise really help minimize the crappy side effects. You've been on my mind, and I'll keep sending positive vibes your way!
ps...are you still blogging? I haven't checked in recently, and then realized I don't remember what your PW is anyway...can you PM me if you are?
Clomid M/C 8 weeks 2/08 *IVF #1-DD born 3/09
*Surprise BFP-T18 baby lost at 13w 1/10 *FET #1-DS born 2/11
I'm glad you have a plan in place and people who are being so careful with you.
Go kick some cancer bootie!
Photo by Zemya Photography
sounds like a good prognosis--hang in there, girl! i know you're going to kick some cancer a$$!!!!
Great to hear from you! You have been on everyone's mind! I love the fact that you have a plan. I also really like the doc's overall "wellness" plan - eating well and exercising - totally makes sense and things we could all stand to do a little more of.
You continue to be an inspiration
"When it comes to sleeping, whatever your baby does is normal. If one thing has damaged parents enjoyment of their babies, it's rigid expectations about how and when the baby should sleep." ~ James McKenna, Ph.D., Mother Baby Behavioral Sleep Center, University of Notre Dame
So glad to "hear" from you! I've been thinking about you and your family a ton. It sounds like you have a great plan going forward.
I will continue to pray for you! I also hope you don't lose your hair during your treatment. It sounds like you have it all under control and some great connections to good advice or other information if needed.