Not the news I was hoping for today.

Thank you - and right back at ya! We are stronger than we know, and we don't really have a choice but to buckle up, pull up the big girl/boy pants and get on with it. My scans in August (pre-treatment) were clear in the liver so my consultant thinks that it must have been there but too small to be detected at that stage. I guess the only positive to draw from it is that it's been caught as quickly as it could be and there's some treatment to try. Because I feel so physically well and fit, I would never otherwise have known it was there. Let's keep in touch - possibly easier through eh Bottom Line group on FB that I see you also posted in. Stay strong. x

Hi Fellsider , I’m so very sorry that you’ve received such devastating news, I can’t imagine how you begin to get your head around it. 

I see that Irene has already replied & has shared her experience with the same chemo regime & her own stage 4 diagnosis so I hope that brings you some hope. I agree with what Irene has said that hopefully if you have a good response to the chemo it may open up other treatment avenues. I would also opt for a second opinion even just to get a fresh set of eyes to look at your results etc. 

You’re in my thoughts & prayers & please remember that we’re here to support you however we can. 

Nicola 

Hello Fellsider,

My goodness, I am so sorry to read this post. I don’t post much anymore, but I do pop in to read on occasion, and I felt compelled to write a bit to you.

I, like Irene, was stage 4 at diagnosis, with spread to the liver. I had minimal symptoms, and I felt mostly “fine.” I, too, was given Carbo-taxel first. Please read my complete treatment story in my bio, but I am now 4 years NED…as good as “cured” to my doctors.

I believe everything that Irene has told you already. No doctor can perfectly predict how any patient will respond to any treatment. Cancer care is evolving and IMPROVING so rapidly…immunotherapy for this cancer was in “clinical trial” stages when I was diagnosed, and I had none, and now look at where we are in terms of research and treatment options.

What I’m trying to say is carbo-taxel was EXTREMELY effective for me. It allowed me the opportunity for chemo-radiation, then liver resection. My life now is every bit my life before, just more gratitude (and honestly, more anxiety). Take one step at a time with the singular prayer that it leads to the next step. That is all.

When my doctors would start to look concerned and guard their words, I just told myself, “Right now, I’m not dying. I’m very much HERE. I feel good, and can do X, Y, and Z, so I will do those things.”

Sending big, healing thoughts to you all the way from Texas.

Red

i knew that I remembered you fondly and loved Elmo's Garden. You were and are again such an inspiration. Your advice, experience  and the  knowledge you have gained are a massive support. Thank you again xx

• Thank you so much for your heartening positive reply. It's so welcome to be able to connect with eoply who give hope and reassurance. Thank youxx

Thank you. I can't thank you enough for your reassuring post. It is so positive. And I move forward much more relaxed and hopeful. The impact supporters such as yourself is immense. Thank youxx