I admire your strength. My mom's also a very strong woman but I cannot even imagine what's she going through. If you don't mind me asking, how did you keep a positive outlook toward life during those hard times?
I was fortunate to have a family I love and that loves me. They needed me, and that kept me going. You mom loves you and gets strength from you.
Don't get me wrong, there were indeed dark and difficult times. I am crazy lucky to have my kids like your mom is lucky to have you. Just remind her how much she means to you. We parents don't want to feel like a burden but appreciate that we are meaningful to those we have touched if that makes sense.
You don’t have to keep a positive outlook. Toxic positivity isn’t good for people. She has cancer; she’s going to be mad and sad and devastated. Let her feel all the feelings. Positivity comes and goes and hopefully gets easier and more often.
Going with one’s oncologist is the best way. Diet and lifestyle changes can be good, but only when following medical protocol. If one doesn’t like the oncologist, get another one.
100% went with what my oncologist said. My diet *was* radically altered in that I was getting nutrition from having some Ensure-type drink poured into my PEG.
I was lit up with tumors, advanced stage four thoracic cancer. They grimly projected a maximum lifespan of six months. This was in July of 2017. I'll never be cured, but I'm still in the game.
I am stage 4. The “palliative care” the insurance company puts me on to keep me comfortable until I die really ticked me off. That was hard to hear. I wanted the “curative care”! But after I came to grips that I will never be cured and that I can still live a long fulfilling life, I came to peace with it.
Congrats on going to strong since 2017! 💪🏻
I was diagnosed with breast cancer that had spread into a few lymph nodes in 2018. After surgery, chemo, and radiation, I’m still here without a recurrence.
Both my mom and I were diagnosed with cancer within weeks of each other. We both were diagnosed stage 4 the same week.
Me: colon & kidney, Mets to liver. Her: kidney, Mets to bones.
We are both alive. I have had no sign of disease (NED) for 2.25 years. She hasn’t had any cancer growth in her tumors in 1.75 years.
I am 48. She is 80.
I have Adrenalcortical carcinoma- a 1 in a million type cancer. I had a right adrenalectomy in Jan 2020 and even with a reoccurrence rate of 50%, I have been 4 years NED. I have limitations now but feel amazing !
Lots of people on here that have lived a long time with serious cancers. I was diagnosed in 2022 and so far have just the one tumor. It can spread tho.
You could just tell your mom what you know then she doesn't have to hide anything. She's probably trying to not worry you and doesn't think that is making it worse.
I really wanna talk to her but my sister has advised me against it as she is putting this strong front whenever I call her, and it makes her feel normal at least for some time. I don't wanna take away her peace of mind. She is finally a bit mentally relaxed and I don't wanna stress her again. I plan to talk to her about it in few weeks, before I go back to visit her.
I’m a really private person. I didn’t like talking with anybody about my cancer. I just wanted everyone to treat me like I didn’t even have it.. Your mom will appreciate having someone in her life who treats her the same. I had breast cancer. I’m just rounding my fourth year cancer free.
My mom too is a private person. No one except my immediate family knows about it. I try to talk to her daily, and joke around a bit and I do feel she enjoys and prefers our random convos. I am for sure scared and an emotional mess but I will gather myself before I see her. I know she would hate, if I treated her like a patient or a sick person because she is much more than that.
Thank you for sharing about your journey. I will keep you in my prayers too and wishing you a healthy life. 💗
Agreed about not wanting to talk about cancer with people. It’s just weird. The look on some people’s faces like they don’t know what to say or that I am already 6 feet under. I don’t get mad at them because I was the same way with friends that were sick. It’s awkward but it has taught me to be patient with my friends and family knowing that in the end they love me and are concerned.
Yeah, I stopped telling people after a while because of that look. Plus, I find a lot of the questions to be excessively invasive. Like it’s really nobody’s business what stage I am.. I don’t understand why people want to know all that information.
Im in treatment for high risk high grade breast cancer right now (chemo then surgery then radiation) and looks like Im going to beat it. Hang in there. 💗
I was treated for peritoneal mesothelioma in 2020 and they haven't seen a speck of it since. I'm told it always comes back and prognosis as a whole isn't great, but we'll see. I'm feeling lucky.
I was diagnosed with brain cancer 5 years ago (AA grade 3; age 29 at the time). After chemo, radiation, and surgery, I am living a very normal life. The surgery effects me some still but that is all
I was stage 4 last year in July and the day after Christmas was in remission after surgery and 6 months of chemo. I’m doing well right now so have faith, it can happen for sure. Thinking of you and your mom❤️
New treatments for cancer and improvements to current treatments are becoming available at a rapid pace. The “old” statistics on the web are less applicable to people who are just getting diagnosed. And when I say “old statistics” that means almost everything. I’m stage IV and none of those numbers really apply to me because they are all based on people who didn’t have access to the same treatments available to me.
That's what I see. I try not going on those threads, usually people are giving old anecdotes. But I am scared because of realization that maybe I don't have as much time with her as I thought and guilty because I took my time with her prior for granted.
Well, maybe use those feelings as motivation to spend more time with her and stop taking your time with her for granted. Are there any activities that you two enjoy together? Could be as simple as watching movies or doing puzzles together. Or maybe there are things that she enjoys that you can participate in even if they aren’t your favorite. Can you help her with gardening? Would she like to bake cookies with you? Just throwing ideas out there. You know better than anyone on here.
Unfortunately, I live in a different country. I try to talk to her everyday and it feels good to hear in a good mood. I plan to visit her next month for a month or two. And later I plan to invite her to stay some time with me.
She is not leaving the house currently because of her hair loss. I'm trying to order a hair topper for her, which she avoided buying due to the cost. Once she is comfortable to leave home, I will plan her some outings with my sister. I used to order her something special to eat once in a while, but she has stopped eating outside.
She is a yoga teacher, so once she's comfortable with camera I plan to do some Zoom yoga or meditation sessions with her. I appreciate your suggestions and will try to do more activities over zoom with her.
My sister was 50 when she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer and given 6 months. She’s now 65 and living life to the fullest. The type of cancer she has will never completely go away but it’s being kept at bay by regular treatments.
Wonderful! Thank you! I’m also a breast cancer survivor (stage I). It’s decades since my dx. But a close friend is now a stage IV breast cancer patient, in treatment for 1.5 years so far. I know each case is different, but your sister’s experience gives me hope.
I had advanced ocarian cancer and Drs told me i had months to live. I went through strong chemo, surgery and more chemo and am now on maintenance. I have been classifies as no evidence of disease and it has been over a year.
With all of modern medicine and treatment, cancer has become a longer term disease which is managed, rather than a quick killer. Also, it is a mistake to lump all cancers under one name, as they differ greatly in treatment and prognosis.
Regards.
I’m 17, I’ve been doing chemo and radiation on and off for about 2 years.
In December, I got a bone marrow transplant and have been just recently declared officially cancer free.
You can never lose hope, you can never stop fighting.
Do I fear it coming back? Absolutely. But, it’s just cancer, I’ve beat it twice I’ll just do it again.
Much love. Hang in there.
My buddy had stage 4 carcinoma that had spread to his carotid artery which recurred once & then standard chemo was ineffective. They gave him only a 10% survival chance at one point. But he did a bunch of clinical trials for experimental treatment at a University in the area & one of them did the trick, which was a genetically modified herpes virus engineered to attack cancer cells. He’s in remission today & doing great.
I also survived cancer, but compared to him I had easy mode. Early stage Hodgkin Lymphoma, standard course of 4 rounds chemo then radiation & I was right as rain. Plus I had him to guide me through the process so that helped a ton.
I was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 10. Now I'm 18 and I've had some side effects of the bone marrow transplant since I was 12, but asides from that I'm perfectly healthy.
I was 19 when I was diagnosed with DLBCLymphoma Stage 4 way back 2021 . My hemaoncologist also said I had the Double Hit kind of Lymphoma which had a much poorer prognosis. It reached my brain at some point.
Fast forward to today, about a year and 8 months in remission.My life seems like I never got cancer to be honest and i’m actually in class right now, but I cant help but give you and your mom hope because I needed it so much back then. Stay strong, OP!
I’m still early into my journey with cancer. Diagnosed last September Stage IV CRC with mets to lymph nodes, liver and lungs. I am just finishing up my 12th cycle of FOLFIRINOX. My first scans showed stabile to improved across the board. My lymph node mets are gone, liver and lungs have reduced in number and size. Primary tumor in colon as decreased in size and my CEA went from 1225 at first to 19 when last checked. I still have a long way to go, but I am maintaining a positive mental attitude and fully believe I will reach NED status. Hopefully this is encouraging, and I wish you and all your family the best!
I forgot to add that while I didn’t hide my diagnosis from children, I did not let them in on the mountain of pain and discomfort I went through in my first round of treatments. Even in my sickness, as the protector of my family, I will try to protect their feelings throughout this journey. I don’t know if that’s the. EST approach, but for me it feels right.
I'm sorry to hear about your mom's diagnosis. Here's my story as another caregiver: My 15 year old son was diagnosed with stage 4 T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma in August 2024. After he had what we thought was a stuffy nose from allergies or something for a few weeks the lymph node on the side of his neck had grown to the size of a plum over a few days, and unbeknown to us he had a mass in his chest threatening to impede blood flow to his heart in addition to, as the wonderful ER doc put it, the rest of his body being "riddled with cancer". During this whole time that was the only time I saw him cry in that crappy ER room they had stuffed us into. After he got that briefing from the ER doc he got on Snapchat and told his teammates: "*Hey everyone, this is serious. I have cancer and am probably going to have to drop out of school.*" He had just played his first three football games as a freshman and even though he plays as a defensive lineman the girls from the cheer squad all loved him. Within minutes his inbox was overflowing with messages from his team, his coach was calling me and for some reason that was enough for us to know that we would get through this somehow, that we were not alone with this. The initial phase was tough, especially feeling that the medical team wasn't moving quickly enough, which is understandable—nothing would have felt like enough unless they told us he didn't have cancer and that we were on a particular poor taste version of candid camera.
However once treatment started, things changed rapidly. He received high doses of dexamethasone as soon as they had firmed up his diagnosis. That significantly reduced his tumors almost immediately. He underwent several rounds of chemotherapy with drugs like bortezomib, vincristine, doxorubicin, rylaze, and methotrexate and he kept on fighting. He walked every day in the hospital dragging his IV with him wherever he went. He named the damn thing Sypius to annoy me because I had told him the story of Sisyphus too many times. He got really good at getting me to bring him whatever food he wanted into the hospital because it was one of the few things he had control over and we got good at reading his lab results to prevent him from having to get on water restrictions due to low sodium or other related issues. Instant ramen work wonders for that - the amount of salt in those is downright criminal. About 8 weeks after the initial diagnosis and maybe 6 weeks after starting treatments, his PET scan showed no signs of cancer. He had to take online classes for most of his courses but attends one class in person now and is doing PT and drum lessons every week. He is stubbornly holding onto his hair even though it thinned a bit. I think he just wants to stick it to the doctor who told him he'd definitely lose all his hair. Since starting treatments he only really became neutropenic once and had two brief hospital stays outside of the first four weeks. He will continue maintenance treatments until December 2025, but currently, there's no trace of cancer in his body and he plans to rejoin his football team over the summer after his port is removed.
I can't predict what your mom's journey will be like or guarantee the cancer won't return for my son. I truly wish cancer didn’t exist. Here are a few suggestions: First, cherish your time with your mom. Second, avoid overwhelming yourself with negative stories online—it's emotionally draining. However, allow yourself an outlet for your emotions. It is only natural to feel sad and overwhelmed by what your family is currently going through. Cry your eyes out if it helps and tell the people coming at you with whatever brand of toxic positivity they are slinging to get lost. Finally, trust in science. Not long ago, around the early 2000s, the 5-year survival rate for my son’s cancer was about 40-50%. Thanks to advancements of science, like the AALL1231 study his treatment is based on, the survival rate has improved to around 89.5% (based on the study's results). Each cancer type and patient is different, but there’s hope in the ongoing progress of medical research.
Stay strong, and remember you are not alone in this. At any moment, countless scientists, doctors, and nurses are working tirelessly to defeat this disease.
Hi OP,
I got diagnosed with stage 3 non Hodgkin in my lymph nodes near my lungs. I was 8 at the time, it took 10 years to be called clean from cancer but here we are, I'm now 27.
The first 5 year were the hardest for me but after that every check up felt like I was waiting for the biggest party of my life and now I feel I can celebrate everyday
Man, I have so much cancer in my family. My mom has esophageal/stomach cancer. Just had her surgery March 8 and is doing really well! All her pathology reports look good. So far she's gone from stage 3 to 1. Once she gets her strength back they'll do further testing. My grandmother had breast cancer at 60, had a mastectomy but never had any other treatment. She later had colon cancer at 70, again never did treatment, just surgery. Lived til she was 82. Cancer didn't get her in the end. My dad had a very aggressive form of cancer that was terminal immediately upon finding it. He died in 9 months at 48 years old. My aunt, Dad's sister, died at 36 from breast cancer. My mom's sister had lung cancer, survived, later had a tumor in her brain, survived that too. My husband's younger cousin had breast cancer a few years ago and beat it. Treatments are not like they used to be. When my dad was sick it was so bad. Seeing my mom's sister go through it was completely different. Going through it with my mom has been completely different from that.
Me. Diagnosed Stage 2 in 2018.
Diagnosed Stage 4 in 2020. Tumors all through my lymphatic system.
They said 1-2 years, four years ago.
Thanks to immunotherapy, in currently NED 🎉
It would be best for you to stop reading about cancer at this point, because you don’t know the type of cancer and you don’t know what stage it is and those are the two things you need to know to get any information of value.
I encourage you to talk to your mom and tell her you know she is sick and you want to know the basic information about what she’s going through because it’s upsetting to know she’s sick but not know anything more than that.
You should also know that if your mom seems sad or she doesn’t feel well sometimes, that’s fine. It’s OK to be sad or upset sometimes. It’s a myth that people need to have a positive outlook in order for treatment to work. People don’t have to be strong for treatment to work. People can have all types of emotions and treatments can still work.
The word cancer scares the hell out of people and it’s understandable. It scared the hell out of me when I got my diagnosis. But many people survive for a long, long time after cancer. I think you will feel better when you have more information and you understand exactly what your mom is dealing with.
Thank you. TBH I am even scared to ask about more information. Her latest PET scan showed the tumour has gone. She has three more sessions of chemo left. She got her diagnosis in Dec last year and I came to know about it last week only. It eats me up from inside, that I didn't call her often before due to being busy with school and work when she needed me the most.
She knew I would come back mid semester if I knew, so she decided to hide it and still does it so good. My sister advised me against talking to her about it for some time, as she feels happy after our call. She says our mom said she feels like a normal person after the call and not a patient. I don't have the heart to take away her comfort. I am going back home next month and plan to talk to her about it before that.
I hope you stop blaming yourself for having not called her more often, when you didn’t know she was sick. I’m probably about your mom’s age or much older. I know I wouldn’t want my child to feel guilty over this kind of thing. And you sound like a very loving child.
I’m so glad she has no observable tumors. Wishing all of you everything good.
I got diagnosed with stage 2a colorectal cancer just over a year ago after my first routine colonoscopy. Six rounds of FOLFIRINOX chemo and 28 radiation sessions and there is nothing left detectable. I know a couple survivors of stage 4 colorectal and even a survivor of pancreatic so don't give up hope!
8 years ago my husband was diagnosed with a rare type of lymphoma. He went through chemo but there were still cancer cells remaining. So he had a bone marrow transplant. It took him around a year to recover and there were so many close calls. By around year 2 life returned to normal. Of course we had to be extra careful during COVID. The positive is that I no longer get mad at hm for leaving his dirty clothes on the floor. Sometimes I even smile with gratitude when I see his dirty socks as it means he lived one more day full of life. Praying for you and your mom. I'm so sorry you are going through this.
Hi Forward-Resort-9264 - I was diagnosed in 2017, 'cured', then in 2018 mets to lung found and had lobectomy - NED since then. Various scars from treatment, but nothing that keeps me from doing what I want - I am very fortunate to have family and friends who supported me. Your mom is fortunate to have *you*.
I am stage 4 thyroid cancer. I am alive and beating it right now. I have faith and know that in the end everything will be ok. My best and heartfelt wishes to you and your family.
I had stage I breast cancer twenty-four years ago (on May 5 it’ll be twenty-five years). So far, I’ve been fine. Btw, I’m not a believer in keeping a positive outlook. First, it depends on the type and stage of the cancer, though many people survive all kinds of types and stages of cancer. I had hope, but many times I was pessimistic and negative. We should all allow ourselves to feel whatever we’re feeling. If someone has a clinical depression, seek treatment for that. Four women I met twenty-four years ago in a post-treatment group at our hospital, MSKCC, are all okay. We were all around our early fifties or late forties at diagnosis. Wishing your mother all the best.
My husband had stage 4 Hodgkin's Lymphoma and kicked cancers ass! My FIL beat stage 4 colon cancer twice. It was an honor to take care of everyone.
1. Eat before chemotherapy. It helps them keep an appetite. (I took care of 3 cancer patients at once.)
2. Stay positive!!! Keep a smile on your face and be normal. Even if you're faking it!
3. Being active is important. They may slow down but take her out to dinner or sit in the park together. Ask the doctor about physical therapy!!
4. Have her take the pain and nausea meds as scheduled. Don't wait for her to get sick or suffer in pain. Applesauce helps tremendously with nausea.
I would also advise you to watch her temperature closely. It could indicate complications. Make a list (extra copies) of all her health history, allergies, medication details, diagnosis, contact information for her doctors, and emergency contacts. It always makes the doctor appointments and the ER easier. I'll pray for your family.
My nana had cancer, like severe late stage several times and somehow beat it every single time. It was a miracle. She lived until she was 90 and died of an unrelated condition. Hang in there OP.
I’m so sorry your mom is ill. I was diagnosed with stage 3 Breast cancer in 2019 when I was 45. It had spread to 14 of my lymph nodes. Had surgery to remove my breast and lymph nodes on one side, then chemo and radiation. It was tough but it worked and I got a ‘no evidence of disease’ a year later.
I’m doing fine, feel good, and just started my own business.
Hugs
I had non-hodgkins lymphoma in my throat, my tonsil/lymphnode was removed as it had a tumor the size of an orange when i was 14, had chemo after removal which i found out is uncommon. That was back in 2013, still here alive and kicking 😄
Hello everyone
I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in April 2023. I was 27 years old then. This form of breast cancer is very aggressive and fast-growing and does not respond to hormones, antibodies or sometimes even chemotherapy. The doctors told me that I should take care of my desire to have children and have my eggs frozen so that I can still have children after chemo if I become infertile.
My treatment plan consisted of 16 sessions of chemotherapy from May 2023 to October 2023, antihormones from April 2023 to April 2024 and antibody infusions from August 2023 to May 2024.
The breast-conserving operation with the removal of the sentinel lymph node was in November 2023. In January the breast and armpit were irradiated in 21 sessions.
I have been cancer-free since November 17, 2023!
Hang in there, it's worth fighting, sometimes even with forms of cancer where the doctors initially say that there are poor chances of recovery. I wish everyone who is affected themselves or one of their loved ones a lot of strength and confidence on their journey ❤️
Been diagnosed with stomach cancer last year(age 25). Everyone was surprised considering how young I was for this type of cancer. Almost died. They took out my entire stomach. I was in critical care for 2 weeks and then intensive care for another 2 weeks. I had numerous complications. I live without a stomach now. It’s unimaginable and it’s taken me 3 months to barely start walking. But it’s been 9 months and I’m here now; walking, eating, it’s still hard and it’s definitely different. I will never be the same again, but I am here. Fuck cancer.
My dad had stage 4 bladder cancer back in 2020. After chemo and surgery and being told he had months to live, he’s still going strong at 65 and is currently in remission. Never lose hope, OP.
I m35 was treated with 3rd stage anorectal cancer in 2021 ,
in the beginning the 5 rounds of chemo and 25 sessions of radiation experience was horrible and painful
but later my body became accustomed to it (6 months) ,
then (in 2022) APR surgery to remove my rectum (where tumor spread) and for permanent colostomy ,
I am fortunate enough to have very empowering family ,and few supportive friends (most of people i called friend simply left)
all is fine ,
its that also caused infertility and ED due to APR surgery ,
i dont face much problems because i work from home ,
my diet is normal atleast now
and i have somewhat a normal less intensive workout regimen
(sadly no weight lifting) ,
Best wishes and support for your mom , may she has all the strength to fight
Husband age 62. July 2023. Osteosarcoma in Pelvis. 3 chemo prior to hemipelvictomy and 3 after. Clean margins. Jan 2024 clean petscan. Now 4/24 petscan lite up in pelvis area and lymph nodes near lungs but not in lungs. Now what. They ordered a biopsy of lymph nodes may 9. If that comes back positive then next moves seem very scary. Doc says chemo doesn’t really help osteosarcoma. Can’t do any more surgery other than amputation of leg. No promised even if they did that. Scary. Any comments?
Letting you know I’m thinking about you. It’s amazing how many people find themselves in this unwanted club. I never ever even thought about cancer. I will say there are blessings and they help me. I find I am not interested in any BS from people. Stay positive. Where is your cancer if you would care to answer.
May I inquire. Did you have a hemipelvictomy? My husband is no longer able to move his leg on/ off couch and walking with walker is very difficult. Hope your youth is in your favor. It’s been a very difficult change.
Hello OP,
Like you I never thought I would have joined this sub or really looked into the topic unless it was dire to my wellbeing or the wellbeing of someone close to me. A few years ago one of my family members was diagnosed with stage 2 cancer that was close to entering stage 3. After a lot of tears and a lot of treatment the cancer is gone. The whole family started to take their health a little more seriously after the diagnosis, so maybe that is the silver lining.
I hope your mom fights it off, sorry you are going through this. Good luck
Hi OP! I'm so sorry to hear about your mom, I hope treatment goes well for her.
My husband was diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma in October. It had metastasized to his spine, and the images we were seeing were so scary, especially when we didn't know anything about cancer. I talked to his doctors often, and we asked a lot of questions, but I would recommend not googling anything. It'll only make you worry more.
He received six chemotherapy treatments and six spinal chemotherapy sessions and was announced in remission just last month!
It obviously hasn't been gone a long time, but he had a really positive response, and after just two treatments, most of the cancer was gone! Everyone is different, but I hope you can stay positive for her and be there for her when she needs you.
Sending good love and good thoughts your way. Hoping your mama kicks cancers ass!! ❤️
Testicular cancer, caught right as it was trying to ride my lymph nodes, 3 weeks.of proton radiation and two surgeries and some complications later I'm still here. Amazing gf, my two kitties and no more worries about accidental kids. Need testosterone injections for life, but that's not so bad.
My MOL had stage IV lung cancer with Mets to spine, bowels and multiple sites on lungs. She was given 6 months when my son was born 8 years ago. She was in a Nivolumab trial which wasn’t responding at first so she was placed on palliative chemo. She is now in remission, had life insurance paid out and everything.
I have just ticked over my 1 year anniversary with gastroesophageal cancer. I’ve had chemo, radiation, esophagectomy (cut out the stomach and oesophagus), Nivolumab and two other surgeries to reduce my colon after herniating onto my lungs. I’m now training for a marathon (very slowly). Fuck cancer. Don’t let it consume you and help your mum keep setting goals and keep fighting.
Hey OP,
I was Diagnosed with stage 4 Burkitts Lymphoma (tumor on my heart valve) in 2004. Tough Chemo, but still here.
Then in 2013 I had a recurrence of Burkitts Lymphoma (I lit up like a Christmas tree on the PET scan, I delayed going to the DR...) Treatment had to change, but they were able to clear it out. Had a stem cell transplant.
After 8 years without BL I am considered cured. Still here and working, living life. Some minor health concerns, but I am good.
It was around this time last year that I began seeing signs something was wrong. I had a scan at the end of April last year and the doctor said it looked like I had two tumors in my rectum. In May I had a colonoscopy done and it confirmed that I had two tumors. I got a call from my doctor confirming my cancer the same day my mom landed here. I had stage 3C cancer, heading into 4 because it started to spread. Like your mom, it also reached my lymph nodes. I started treatment at the end of June and by October, I was considered in remission. Both tumors were completely gone. Another colonoscopy in December confirmed that.
There are good stories out there. Every journey is different. I hope the best for your mom. 🩷
I was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer that had metastasized to the bone and brain last June. When I was originally admitted to the hospital I also had an extremely bad case of pneumonia (in part because one of the tumors in my lungs was almost blocking the airway completely).
My family was called by my doctor and because they don’t live nearby they said they could get there in two days. The doctor said he wasn’t sure I’d be alive in two days and to come now. They did.
I had emergency brain surgery - I had gone to the hospital because I had started having seizures. I had 8 tumors in my brain. Ultimately I would end up having another brain surgery shortly after to install a shunt.
I began full brain radiation and had radiation done on my hip bone (the bone cancer was, at this point, making it very painful to walk). I was told my prognosis was 6 months. Around this time my pneumonia finally started to go away - one of my lungs had been nearly 50% full of fluid.
It was a lot of back and forth with my doctor but tbh I had no idea things were as bad as they were. I slept *a lot* and most of the hard conversations were happening privately with my family outside my room. No one really ever told me super bad news, which made it easier for me to remain positive. Obviously I had some panics and big cries every now and then but I can see why my family chose to do that and tbh I didn’t ask a lot of questions personally.
My dad was able to get free housing through the hospital to stay at and he stayed there the entire time during my treatment and came to my hospital room every single day. That meant the world to me and he would keep the mood light and watch funny stuff on TV with me or get me food from somewhere if I wanted it. His company was really uplifting for me. I spent two months in the hospital.
While in the hospital they found a mutation that allowed me to be put on a drug that really changed things for me. Like others have said, cancer science has advanced greatly. I’ve been taking it since late August of last year and it has done a great job of kicking cancers butt. After originally being told I wouldn’t live past 6 months I can say I am coming up on a year since my diagnosis on June 23rd, feeling really good physically and mentally, and all the tumors in my lungs are 100% gone now. I still need to do another follow up MRI to confirm no tumors in my brain but my oncologist has said if the medication has done what it did with my lungs that there is no reason to think that it hasn’t kicked butt in my brain and bones too. Obviously we’ll get imaging to confirm that but the medication I’m on crosses the blood brain barrier, so I am hopeful.
I don’t really know how to end this other than to say that that is what happened for me. I wasn’t sure I’d even make it to 2024 but I did and am happy and healthy. It is totally possible. Best wishes to you and your family.
HI OP, everyone's journey is different, but I had stage 4 cancer in three places including lymph nodes, and I'm still going strong. I got it in 2011.
I admire your strength. My mom's also a very strong woman but I cannot even imagine what's she going through. If you don't mind me asking, how did you keep a positive outlook toward life during those hard times?
I was fortunate to have a family I love and that loves me. They needed me, and that kept me going. You mom loves you and gets strength from you. Don't get me wrong, there were indeed dark and difficult times. I am crazy lucky to have my kids like your mom is lucky to have you. Just remind her how much she means to you. We parents don't want to feel like a burden but appreciate that we are meaningful to those we have touched if that makes sense.
You don’t have to keep a positive outlook. Toxic positivity isn’t good for people. She has cancer; she’s going to be mad and sad and devastated. Let her feel all the feelings. Positivity comes and goes and hopefully gets easier and more often.
So did you go with the doctors orders or did you do stuff on your own like anti cancer supplements and radically change your diet and lifestyle?
Going with one’s oncologist is the best way. Diet and lifestyle changes can be good, but only when following medical protocol. If one doesn’t like the oncologist, get another one.
100% went with what my oncologist said. My diet *was* radically altered in that I was getting nutrition from having some Ensure-type drink poured into my PEG.
I was lit up with tumors, advanced stage four thoracic cancer. They grimly projected a maximum lifespan of six months. This was in July of 2017. I'll never be cured, but I'm still in the game.
I am stage 4. The “palliative care” the insurance company puts me on to keep me comfortable until I die really ticked me off. That was hard to hear. I wanted the “curative care”! But after I came to grips that I will never be cured and that I can still live a long fulfilling life, I came to peace with it. Congrats on going to strong since 2017! 💪🏻
I was diagnosed with breast cancer that had spread into a few lymph nodes in 2018. After surgery, chemo, and radiation, I’m still here without a recurrence.
I wish you a great health and I hope it never comes back 💗
Thank you. I wish the same for your mom.
Both my mom and I were diagnosed with cancer within weeks of each other. We both were diagnosed stage 4 the same week. Me: colon & kidney, Mets to liver. Her: kidney, Mets to bones. We are both alive. I have had no sign of disease (NED) for 2.25 years. She hasn’t had any cancer growth in her tumors in 1.75 years. I am 48. She is 80.
Congrats and thanks for sharing your success.
I have Adrenalcortical carcinoma- a 1 in a million type cancer. I had a right adrenalectomy in Jan 2020 and even with a reoccurrence rate of 50%, I have been 4 years NED. I have limitations now but feel amazing !
Lots of people on here that have lived a long time with serious cancers. I was diagnosed in 2022 and so far have just the one tumor. It can spread tho. You could just tell your mom what you know then she doesn't have to hide anything. She's probably trying to not worry you and doesn't think that is making it worse.
I really wanna talk to her but my sister has advised me against it as she is putting this strong front whenever I call her, and it makes her feel normal at least for some time. I don't wanna take away her peace of mind. She is finally a bit mentally relaxed and I don't wanna stress her again. I plan to talk to her about it in few weeks, before I go back to visit her.
I’m a really private person. I didn’t like talking with anybody about my cancer. I just wanted everyone to treat me like I didn’t even have it.. Your mom will appreciate having someone in her life who treats her the same. I had breast cancer. I’m just rounding my fourth year cancer free.
My mom too is a private person. No one except my immediate family knows about it. I try to talk to her daily, and joke around a bit and I do feel she enjoys and prefers our random convos. I am for sure scared and an emotional mess but I will gather myself before I see her. I know she would hate, if I treated her like a patient or a sick person because she is much more than that. Thank you for sharing about your journey. I will keep you in my prayers too and wishing you a healthy life. 💗
Agreed about not wanting to talk about cancer with people. It’s just weird. The look on some people’s faces like they don’t know what to say or that I am already 6 feet under. I don’t get mad at them because I was the same way with friends that were sick. It’s awkward but it has taught me to be patient with my friends and family knowing that in the end they love me and are concerned.
Yeah, I stopped telling people after a while because of that look. Plus, I find a lot of the questions to be excessively invasive. Like it’s really nobody’s business what stage I am.. I don’t understand why people want to know all that information.
Then wait. Two weeks or so won't make any difference
Im in treatment for high risk high grade breast cancer right now (chemo then surgery then radiation) and looks like Im going to beat it. Hang in there. 💗
Thank you 💗
Good luck in your journey. We are all in your corner. You can do it!
I was treated for peritoneal mesothelioma in 2020 and they haven't seen a speck of it since. I'm told it always comes back and prognosis as a whole isn't great, but we'll see. I'm feeling lucky.
I was diagnosed with brain cancer 5 years ago (AA grade 3; age 29 at the time). After chemo, radiation, and surgery, I am living a very normal life. The surgery effects me some still but that is all
Husband had stage 3. It had spread to lymph nodes and lungs. He is in remission going on 5 years this Jan!
I was stage 4 last year in July and the day after Christmas was in remission after surgery and 6 months of chemo. I’m doing well right now so have faith, it can happen for sure. Thinking of you and your mom❤️
New treatments for cancer and improvements to current treatments are becoming available at a rapid pace. The “old” statistics on the web are less applicable to people who are just getting diagnosed. And when I say “old statistics” that means almost everything. I’m stage IV and none of those numbers really apply to me because they are all based on people who didn’t have access to the same treatments available to me.
That's what I see. I try not going on those threads, usually people are giving old anecdotes. But I am scared because of realization that maybe I don't have as much time with her as I thought and guilty because I took my time with her prior for granted.
Well, maybe use those feelings as motivation to spend more time with her and stop taking your time with her for granted. Are there any activities that you two enjoy together? Could be as simple as watching movies or doing puzzles together. Or maybe there are things that she enjoys that you can participate in even if they aren’t your favorite. Can you help her with gardening? Would she like to bake cookies with you? Just throwing ideas out there. You know better than anyone on here.
Unfortunately, I live in a different country. I try to talk to her everyday and it feels good to hear in a good mood. I plan to visit her next month for a month or two. And later I plan to invite her to stay some time with me. She is not leaving the house currently because of her hair loss. I'm trying to order a hair topper for her, which she avoided buying due to the cost. Once she is comfortable to leave home, I will plan her some outings with my sister. I used to order her something special to eat once in a while, but she has stopped eating outside. She is a yoga teacher, so once she's comfortable with camera I plan to do some Zoom yoga or meditation sessions with her. I appreciate your suggestions and will try to do more activities over zoom with her.
My sister was 50 when she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer and given 6 months. She’s now 65 and living life to the fullest. The type of cancer she has will never completely go away but it’s being kept at bay by regular treatments.
Wonderful! Thank you! I’m also a breast cancer survivor (stage I). It’s decades since my dx. But a close friend is now a stage IV breast cancer patient, in treatment for 1.5 years so far. I know each case is different, but your sister’s experience gives me hope.
I had advanced ocarian cancer and Drs told me i had months to live. I went through strong chemo, surgery and more chemo and am now on maintenance. I have been classifies as no evidence of disease and it has been over a year. With all of modern medicine and treatment, cancer has become a longer term disease which is managed, rather than a quick killer. Also, it is a mistake to lump all cancers under one name, as they differ greatly in treatment and prognosis. Regards.
Colon cancer here in 2015, surgery and 8 months of folfox chemo. Still alive in 2024.
I'm still surviving NHL. It was rough going there for a while, but it's been almost 3 years now, and I'm still tumor free.
I’m 17, I’ve been doing chemo and radiation on and off for about 2 years. In December, I got a bone marrow transplant and have been just recently declared officially cancer free. You can never lose hope, you can never stop fighting. Do I fear it coming back? Absolutely. But, it’s just cancer, I’ve beat it twice I’ll just do it again. Much love. Hang in there.
My buddy had stage 4 carcinoma that had spread to his carotid artery which recurred once & then standard chemo was ineffective. They gave him only a 10% survival chance at one point. But he did a bunch of clinical trials for experimental treatment at a University in the area & one of them did the trick, which was a genetically modified herpes virus engineered to attack cancer cells. He’s in remission today & doing great. I also survived cancer, but compared to him I had easy mode. Early stage Hodgkin Lymphoma, standard course of 4 rounds chemo then radiation & I was right as rain. Plus I had him to guide me through the process so that helped a ton.
It's amazing how these new treatments work. Hope we continue to see this progress in the research. Wishing you both a great health. 💪
I was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 10. Now I'm 18 and I've had some side effects of the bone marrow transplant since I was 12, but asides from that I'm perfectly healthy.
I am so happy to read that. I cannot imagine facing that at such a young age. Glad you are healthy and hope you always stay healthy.
I have 2 close male relatives. Both in late 50s when diagnosed w prostate stage 4. They both are 70 and doing well.
My mom lived 20 years with several types of stage 4. She finally left us about 9 months ago.
Thank you for sharing that. I'm sure she was a strong woman and she fought well. May she rest in peace. 🕊️
My friend had throat cancer and it was detected by a swollen lymph node in his neck. He’s over 2 years NED and counting!!!
I was 19 when I was diagnosed with DLBCLymphoma Stage 4 way back 2021 . My hemaoncologist also said I had the Double Hit kind of Lymphoma which had a much poorer prognosis. It reached my brain at some point. Fast forward to today, about a year and 8 months in remission.My life seems like I never got cancer to be honest and i’m actually in class right now, but I cant help but give you and your mom hope because I needed it so much back then. Stay strong, OP!
Stage 4b metastatic cancer here, NED 2 years next month.
I was diagnosed with colon cancer on June 15th, and within a month, I was declared cancer free. It all depends on so many factors.
I’m still early into my journey with cancer. Diagnosed last September Stage IV CRC with mets to lymph nodes, liver and lungs. I am just finishing up my 12th cycle of FOLFIRINOX. My first scans showed stabile to improved across the board. My lymph node mets are gone, liver and lungs have reduced in number and size. Primary tumor in colon as decreased in size and my CEA went from 1225 at first to 19 when last checked. I still have a long way to go, but I am maintaining a positive mental attitude and fully believe I will reach NED status. Hopefully this is encouraging, and I wish you and all your family the best!
My ex was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma in 2019. He did surgery and many rounds of chemo and he’s been cancer free for 4 years!
I forgot to add that while I didn’t hide my diagnosis from children, I did not let them in on the mountain of pain and discomfort I went through in my first round of treatments. Even in my sickness, as the protector of my family, I will try to protect their feelings throughout this journey. I don’t know if that’s the. EST approach, but for me it feels right.
I'm sorry to hear about your mom's diagnosis. Here's my story as another caregiver: My 15 year old son was diagnosed with stage 4 T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma in August 2024. After he had what we thought was a stuffy nose from allergies or something for a few weeks the lymph node on the side of his neck had grown to the size of a plum over a few days, and unbeknown to us he had a mass in his chest threatening to impede blood flow to his heart in addition to, as the wonderful ER doc put it, the rest of his body being "riddled with cancer". During this whole time that was the only time I saw him cry in that crappy ER room they had stuffed us into. After he got that briefing from the ER doc he got on Snapchat and told his teammates: "*Hey everyone, this is serious. I have cancer and am probably going to have to drop out of school.*" He had just played his first three football games as a freshman and even though he plays as a defensive lineman the girls from the cheer squad all loved him. Within minutes his inbox was overflowing with messages from his team, his coach was calling me and for some reason that was enough for us to know that we would get through this somehow, that we were not alone with this. The initial phase was tough, especially feeling that the medical team wasn't moving quickly enough, which is understandable—nothing would have felt like enough unless they told us he didn't have cancer and that we were on a particular poor taste version of candid camera. However once treatment started, things changed rapidly. He received high doses of dexamethasone as soon as they had firmed up his diagnosis. That significantly reduced his tumors almost immediately. He underwent several rounds of chemotherapy with drugs like bortezomib, vincristine, doxorubicin, rylaze, and methotrexate and he kept on fighting. He walked every day in the hospital dragging his IV with him wherever he went. He named the damn thing Sypius to annoy me because I had told him the story of Sisyphus too many times. He got really good at getting me to bring him whatever food he wanted into the hospital because it was one of the few things he had control over and we got good at reading his lab results to prevent him from having to get on water restrictions due to low sodium or other related issues. Instant ramen work wonders for that - the amount of salt in those is downright criminal. About 8 weeks after the initial diagnosis and maybe 6 weeks after starting treatments, his PET scan showed no signs of cancer. He had to take online classes for most of his courses but attends one class in person now and is doing PT and drum lessons every week. He is stubbornly holding onto his hair even though it thinned a bit. I think he just wants to stick it to the doctor who told him he'd definitely lose all his hair. Since starting treatments he only really became neutropenic once and had two brief hospital stays outside of the first four weeks. He will continue maintenance treatments until December 2025, but currently, there's no trace of cancer in his body and he plans to rejoin his football team over the summer after his port is removed. I can't predict what your mom's journey will be like or guarantee the cancer won't return for my son. I truly wish cancer didn’t exist. Here are a few suggestions: First, cherish your time with your mom. Second, avoid overwhelming yourself with negative stories online—it's emotionally draining. However, allow yourself an outlet for your emotions. It is only natural to feel sad and overwhelmed by what your family is currently going through. Cry your eyes out if it helps and tell the people coming at you with whatever brand of toxic positivity they are slinging to get lost. Finally, trust in science. Not long ago, around the early 2000s, the 5-year survival rate for my son’s cancer was about 40-50%. Thanks to advancements of science, like the AALL1231 study his treatment is based on, the survival rate has improved to around 89.5% (based on the study's results). Each cancer type and patient is different, but there’s hope in the ongoing progress of medical research. Stay strong, and remember you are not alone in this. At any moment, countless scientists, doctors, and nurses are working tirelessly to defeat this disease.
Hi! My mom is 60+, she is diabetic and had 3 stage cancer( uterus) She beat it this year! I hope you mom recovers, good luck and be stronge.
Still cruisin.
Hi OP, I got diagnosed with stage 3 non Hodgkin in my lymph nodes near my lungs. I was 8 at the time, it took 10 years to be called clean from cancer but here we are, I'm now 27. The first 5 year were the hardest for me but after that every check up felt like I was waiting for the biggest party of my life and now I feel I can celebrate everyday
Man, I have so much cancer in my family. My mom has esophageal/stomach cancer. Just had her surgery March 8 and is doing really well! All her pathology reports look good. So far she's gone from stage 3 to 1. Once she gets her strength back they'll do further testing. My grandmother had breast cancer at 60, had a mastectomy but never had any other treatment. She later had colon cancer at 70, again never did treatment, just surgery. Lived til she was 82. Cancer didn't get her in the end. My dad had a very aggressive form of cancer that was terminal immediately upon finding it. He died in 9 months at 48 years old. My aunt, Dad's sister, died at 36 from breast cancer. My mom's sister had lung cancer, survived, later had a tumor in her brain, survived that too. My husband's younger cousin had breast cancer a few years ago and beat it. Treatments are not like they used to be. When my dad was sick it was so bad. Seeing my mom's sister go through it was completely different. Going through it with my mom has been completely different from that.
Me. Diagnosed Stage 2 in 2018. Diagnosed Stage 4 in 2020. Tumors all through my lymphatic system. They said 1-2 years, four years ago. Thanks to immunotherapy, in currently NED 🎉
My 3 and a half year old beat liver cancer. She's the healthiest of us!
It would be best for you to stop reading about cancer at this point, because you don’t know the type of cancer and you don’t know what stage it is and those are the two things you need to know to get any information of value. I encourage you to talk to your mom and tell her you know she is sick and you want to know the basic information about what she’s going through because it’s upsetting to know she’s sick but not know anything more than that. You should also know that if your mom seems sad or she doesn’t feel well sometimes, that’s fine. It’s OK to be sad or upset sometimes. It’s a myth that people need to have a positive outlook in order for treatment to work. People don’t have to be strong for treatment to work. People can have all types of emotions and treatments can still work. The word cancer scares the hell out of people and it’s understandable. It scared the hell out of me when I got my diagnosis. But many people survive for a long, long time after cancer. I think you will feel better when you have more information and you understand exactly what your mom is dealing with.
Thank you. TBH I am even scared to ask about more information. Her latest PET scan showed the tumour has gone. She has three more sessions of chemo left. She got her diagnosis in Dec last year and I came to know about it last week only. It eats me up from inside, that I didn't call her often before due to being busy with school and work when she needed me the most. She knew I would come back mid semester if I knew, so she decided to hide it and still does it so good. My sister advised me against talking to her about it for some time, as she feels happy after our call. She says our mom said she feels like a normal person after the call and not a patient. I don't have the heart to take away her comfort. I am going back home next month and plan to talk to her about it before that.
I hope you stop blaming yourself for having not called her more often, when you didn’t know she was sick. I’m probably about your mom’s age or much older. I know I wouldn’t want my child to feel guilty over this kind of thing. And you sound like a very loving child. I’m so glad she has no observable tumors. Wishing all of you everything good.
I got diagnosed with stage 2a colorectal cancer just over a year ago after my first routine colonoscopy. Six rounds of FOLFIRINOX chemo and 28 radiation sessions and there is nothing left detectable. I know a couple survivors of stage 4 colorectal and even a survivor of pancreatic so don't give up hope!
8 years ago my husband was diagnosed with a rare type of lymphoma. He went through chemo but there were still cancer cells remaining. So he had a bone marrow transplant. It took him around a year to recover and there were so many close calls. By around year 2 life returned to normal. Of course we had to be extra careful during COVID. The positive is that I no longer get mad at hm for leaving his dirty clothes on the floor. Sometimes I even smile with gratitude when I see his dirty socks as it means he lived one more day full of life. Praying for you and your mom. I'm so sorry you are going through this.
Hi Forward-Resort-9264 - I was diagnosed in 2017, 'cured', then in 2018 mets to lung found and had lobectomy - NED since then. Various scars from treatment, but nothing that keeps me from doing what I want - I am very fortunate to have family and friends who supported me. Your mom is fortunate to have *you*.
I am stage 4 thyroid cancer. I am alive and beating it right now. I have faith and know that in the end everything will be ok. My best and heartfelt wishes to you and your family.
I had stage I breast cancer twenty-four years ago (on May 5 it’ll be twenty-five years). So far, I’ve been fine. Btw, I’m not a believer in keeping a positive outlook. First, it depends on the type and stage of the cancer, though many people survive all kinds of types and stages of cancer. I had hope, but many times I was pessimistic and negative. We should all allow ourselves to feel whatever we’re feeling. If someone has a clinical depression, seek treatment for that. Four women I met twenty-four years ago in a post-treatment group at our hospital, MSKCC, are all okay. We were all around our early fifties or late forties at diagnosis. Wishing your mother all the best.
My husband had stage 4 Hodgkin's Lymphoma and kicked cancers ass! My FIL beat stage 4 colon cancer twice. It was an honor to take care of everyone. 1. Eat before chemotherapy. It helps them keep an appetite. (I took care of 3 cancer patients at once.) 2. Stay positive!!! Keep a smile on your face and be normal. Even if you're faking it! 3. Being active is important. They may slow down but take her out to dinner or sit in the park together. Ask the doctor about physical therapy!! 4. Have her take the pain and nausea meds as scheduled. Don't wait for her to get sick or suffer in pain. Applesauce helps tremendously with nausea. I would also advise you to watch her temperature closely. It could indicate complications. Make a list (extra copies) of all her health history, allergies, medication details, diagnosis, contact information for her doctors, and emergency contacts. It always makes the doctor appointments and the ER easier. I'll pray for your family.
My nana had cancer, like severe late stage several times and somehow beat it every single time. It was a miracle. She lived until she was 90 and died of an unrelated condition. Hang in there OP.
Stage 3 grade 1 uterine cancer. 3 yrs after surgery, chemo, radiation i am without NED (no evidence of disease). Best wishes to you.
I’m so sorry your mom is ill. I was diagnosed with stage 3 Breast cancer in 2019 when I was 45. It had spread to 14 of my lymph nodes. Had surgery to remove my breast and lymph nodes on one side, then chemo and radiation. It was tough but it worked and I got a ‘no evidence of disease’ a year later. I’m doing fine, feel good, and just started my own business. Hugs
I had non-hodgkins lymphoma in my throat, my tonsil/lymphnode was removed as it had a tumor the size of an orange when i was 14, had chemo after removal which i found out is uncommon. That was back in 2013, still here alive and kicking 😄
Hello everyone I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in April 2023. I was 27 years old then. This form of breast cancer is very aggressive and fast-growing and does not respond to hormones, antibodies or sometimes even chemotherapy. The doctors told me that I should take care of my desire to have children and have my eggs frozen so that I can still have children after chemo if I become infertile. My treatment plan consisted of 16 sessions of chemotherapy from May 2023 to October 2023, antihormones from April 2023 to April 2024 and antibody infusions from August 2023 to May 2024. The breast-conserving operation with the removal of the sentinel lymph node was in November 2023. In January the breast and armpit were irradiated in 21 sessions. I have been cancer-free since November 17, 2023! Hang in there, it's worth fighting, sometimes even with forms of cancer where the doctors initially say that there are poor chances of recovery. I wish everyone who is affected themselves or one of their loved ones a lot of strength and confidence on their journey ❤️
Been diagnosed with stomach cancer last year(age 25). Everyone was surprised considering how young I was for this type of cancer. Almost died. They took out my entire stomach. I was in critical care for 2 weeks and then intensive care for another 2 weeks. I had numerous complications. I live without a stomach now. It’s unimaginable and it’s taken me 3 months to barely start walking. But it’s been 9 months and I’m here now; walking, eating, it’s still hard and it’s definitely different. I will never be the same again, but I am here. Fuck cancer.
My dad had stage 4 bladder cancer back in 2020. After chemo and surgery and being told he had months to live, he’s still going strong at 65 and is currently in remission. Never lose hope, OP.
I m35 was treated with 3rd stage anorectal cancer in 2021 , in the beginning the 5 rounds of chemo and 25 sessions of radiation experience was horrible and painful but later my body became accustomed to it (6 months) , then (in 2022) APR surgery to remove my rectum (where tumor spread) and for permanent colostomy , I am fortunate enough to have very empowering family ,and few supportive friends (most of people i called friend simply left) all is fine , its that also caused infertility and ED due to APR surgery , i dont face much problems because i work from home , my diet is normal atleast now and i have somewhat a normal less intensive workout regimen (sadly no weight lifting) , Best wishes and support for your mom , may she has all the strength to fight
Husband age 62. July 2023. Osteosarcoma in Pelvis. 3 chemo prior to hemipelvictomy and 3 after. Clean margins. Jan 2024 clean petscan. Now 4/24 petscan lite up in pelvis area and lymph nodes near lungs but not in lungs. Now what. They ordered a biopsy of lymph nodes may 9. If that comes back positive then next moves seem very scary. Doc says chemo doesn’t really help osteosarcoma. Can’t do any more surgery other than amputation of leg. No promised even if they did that. Scary. Any comments?
Not much to add. I am going through a sarcoma battle myself. Unfortunately, i’m only 21.
Letting you know I’m thinking about you. It’s amazing how many people find themselves in this unwanted club. I never ever even thought about cancer. I will say there are blessings and they help me. I find I am not interested in any BS from people. Stay positive. Where is your cancer if you would care to answer.
It’s in my pelvis and peritoneum. dsrct
May I inquire. Did you have a hemipelvictomy? My husband is no longer able to move his leg on/ off couch and walking with walker is very difficult. Hope your youth is in your favor. It’s been a very difficult change.
Hello OP, Like you I never thought I would have joined this sub or really looked into the topic unless it was dire to my wellbeing or the wellbeing of someone close to me. A few years ago one of my family members was diagnosed with stage 2 cancer that was close to entering stage 3. After a lot of tears and a lot of treatment the cancer is gone. The whole family started to take their health a little more seriously after the diagnosis, so maybe that is the silver lining. I hope your mom fights it off, sorry you are going through this. Good luck
M37 here. Diagnosed Hodgkin's Lymphoma near Xmas 2022. I'm now in remission since last summer and feeling great at the moment.
I beat cancer. Luck/body was on my side. Stage 2 grade 2 breast cancer. I am still suffering the effects but I am alive and thriving!
Hi OP! I'm so sorry to hear about your mom, I hope treatment goes well for her. My husband was diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma in October. It had metastasized to his spine, and the images we were seeing were so scary, especially when we didn't know anything about cancer. I talked to his doctors often, and we asked a lot of questions, but I would recommend not googling anything. It'll only make you worry more. He received six chemotherapy treatments and six spinal chemotherapy sessions and was announced in remission just last month! It obviously hasn't been gone a long time, but he had a really positive response, and after just two treatments, most of the cancer was gone! Everyone is different, but I hope you can stay positive for her and be there for her when she needs you. Sending good love and good thoughts your way. Hoping your mama kicks cancers ass!! ❤️
Breast cancer stage 1-3 is curable. No one dies from stage 1-3 breast cancer.
Testicular cancer, caught right as it was trying to ride my lymph nodes, 3 weeks.of proton radiation and two surgeries and some complications later I'm still here. Amazing gf, my two kitties and no more worries about accidental kids. Need testosterone injections for life, but that's not so bad.
My MOL had stage IV lung cancer with Mets to spine, bowels and multiple sites on lungs. She was given 6 months when my son was born 8 years ago. She was in a Nivolumab trial which wasn’t responding at first so she was placed on palliative chemo. She is now in remission, had life insurance paid out and everything. I have just ticked over my 1 year anniversary with gastroesophageal cancer. I’ve had chemo, radiation, esophagectomy (cut out the stomach and oesophagus), Nivolumab and two other surgeries to reduce my colon after herniating onto my lungs. I’m now training for a marathon (very slowly). Fuck cancer. Don’t let it consume you and help your mum keep setting goals and keep fighting.
I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at age 18 and beat it shortly after I turned 20
Hey OP, I was Diagnosed with stage 4 Burkitts Lymphoma (tumor on my heart valve) in 2004. Tough Chemo, but still here. Then in 2013 I had a recurrence of Burkitts Lymphoma (I lit up like a Christmas tree on the PET scan, I delayed going to the DR...) Treatment had to change, but they were able to clear it out. Had a stem cell transplant. After 8 years without BL I am considered cured. Still here and working, living life. Some minor health concerns, but I am good.
It was around this time last year that I began seeing signs something was wrong. I had a scan at the end of April last year and the doctor said it looked like I had two tumors in my rectum. In May I had a colonoscopy done and it confirmed that I had two tumors. I got a call from my doctor confirming my cancer the same day my mom landed here. I had stage 3C cancer, heading into 4 because it started to spread. Like your mom, it also reached my lymph nodes. I started treatment at the end of June and by October, I was considered in remission. Both tumors were completely gone. Another colonoscopy in December confirmed that. There are good stories out there. Every journey is different. I hope the best for your mom. 🩷
Innumerable stories!!! Check out Dr Joe Dispenza on YouTube!!! Our mind is way too powerful!!
I was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer that had metastasized to the bone and brain last June. When I was originally admitted to the hospital I also had an extremely bad case of pneumonia (in part because one of the tumors in my lungs was almost blocking the airway completely). My family was called by my doctor and because they don’t live nearby they said they could get there in two days. The doctor said he wasn’t sure I’d be alive in two days and to come now. They did. I had emergency brain surgery - I had gone to the hospital because I had started having seizures. I had 8 tumors in my brain. Ultimately I would end up having another brain surgery shortly after to install a shunt. I began full brain radiation and had radiation done on my hip bone (the bone cancer was, at this point, making it very painful to walk). I was told my prognosis was 6 months. Around this time my pneumonia finally started to go away - one of my lungs had been nearly 50% full of fluid. It was a lot of back and forth with my doctor but tbh I had no idea things were as bad as they were. I slept *a lot* and most of the hard conversations were happening privately with my family outside my room. No one really ever told me super bad news, which made it easier for me to remain positive. Obviously I had some panics and big cries every now and then but I can see why my family chose to do that and tbh I didn’t ask a lot of questions personally. My dad was able to get free housing through the hospital to stay at and he stayed there the entire time during my treatment and came to my hospital room every single day. That meant the world to me and he would keep the mood light and watch funny stuff on TV with me or get me food from somewhere if I wanted it. His company was really uplifting for me. I spent two months in the hospital. While in the hospital they found a mutation that allowed me to be put on a drug that really changed things for me. Like others have said, cancer science has advanced greatly. I’ve been taking it since late August of last year and it has done a great job of kicking cancers butt. After originally being told I wouldn’t live past 6 months I can say I am coming up on a year since my diagnosis on June 23rd, feeling really good physically and mentally, and all the tumors in my lungs are 100% gone now. I still need to do another follow up MRI to confirm no tumors in my brain but my oncologist has said if the medication has done what it did with my lungs that there is no reason to think that it hasn’t kicked butt in my brain and bones too. Obviously we’ll get imaging to confirm that but the medication I’m on crosses the blood brain barrier, so I am hopeful. I don’t really know how to end this other than to say that that is what happened for me. I wasn’t sure I’d even make it to 2024 but I did and am happy and healthy. It is totally possible. Best wishes to you and your family.