wamo888's Cancer Blog

February 23, 2008

The Cancer Journey

Views: 413

In Sept 2005 my husband, Paul, was diagnosed with rectal cancer Stage III at the age of 40. We have been together for 25 years (since highschool) and married almost 20 years. We have two boys ages 11yrs and 6rys old. Radiation and Chemo (5FU) everyday for six weeks, then a low anterior resection in January of 2006. At that time from pathology we learned the cancer had spread to four of the eleven lymph nodes they had removed during surgery.

March ‘06 through August ‘06 was on FOLFOX and 5FU. During a routine CT scan in June 2007 two spots were detected in one lung. FOLFIRI chemo was started but the cancer continued to progress to the point of 6 nodules in both lungs (all lobes) by August. We were then told Paul’s cancer was inoperable and further chemotherapy would only be life extending in nature.

We continued on…. Avastin did not work for Paul after one dose he had adverse reaction. So then on to Erbitux + FOLFIRI from October to January. Unfortunately, Paul developed at DLT (dose limiting toxicity) by getting too severe of a rash so Erbitux was discontinued. Right now Paul is continuing with FOLFIRI until the cancer progresses then they plan to add Vectibix.

It is very hard on all of us. I am hoping and praying for God’s hand to intervene and provide us with a miracle, because as for now it is all in His hands on what our future will hold. Paul feels good and we are living each day to the fullest and praying for as much time together as possible. Our 11 year old is having the hardest time as he is full of anger and fear (understandably).

Well that is where we are at on our journey for now. It feels good to get some of this out here. I have read many of your blogs and have been encouraged to not feel so alone on this road.
Wendy

Posted on February 23, 2008 at 11:18:15 PM by Wendy ( The Cancer Journey, 3 comments)

I am so sorry, especially for your children. It is so hard for them to understand at their ages. Your family definitely will be remembered in my thoughts and my prayers for a miracle. Hang in there. Joyce

Posted on February 23, 2008 at 11:40:38 PM by joyce

Just checking in to see how your husband, Paul, is doing today. He is so young to have to have to go through this. It is a long scarey battle but tell him to please try to keep fighting it. I will be praying for him and for your family for the strength and the miracle that you need. Hang in there… Love you, Joyce

Posted on February 24, 2008 at 11:29:02 AM by joyce

Life is always full of surprises, may it be good or bad. I felt sorry that this has to happen to you. From your post, you mentioned that Paul’s cancer was inoperable.
As I had posted earlier, one of the main cause of cancer is carcinogen intake. Some of the foods we take has higher content of this. You might want to refer to this site for more info : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carcinogen.
So avoid foods that has high fats, steam them instead of grilling or frying. Eat more vegetables and fresh fruits. Again try as much as possible don’t deep fried them, it kills all the natural ingredents that is good for health.
Avoidance doesn’t means you can’t take it at all, but moderately and abstain if possible.
Althought we can’t do much for Paul, but keep your faith and God will help those who presevere in a way or another.
You might want to give this 2 sites a try:
tinyurl : http://tinyurl.com/2qunvn
tinyurl : http://tinyurl.com/34azqa

Posted on March 12, 2008 at 9:54:36 PM by whatislife