Monday, November 1, 2010

Have anyone survived stage four colon cancer

Have anyone survived stage four colon cancer?
If so what kind of treatment did you use?
Cancer - 3 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
i have enemas evey day.
2 :
About 8-14% of those diagnosed with and treated for a stage 4 made it to the 5 year mark. A lot depends on the country in which a person resides (medical resources and advancements) and the precise location of the tumor within the colon and any metastases that might exist. Surgical resection, chemo & radiation - any one, two or all three used makes a difference in the overall progosis. Diet & exercise makes a difference too in survival. Not to be overlooked is a strong support system and a positive attitude. These are both vital to survival.
3 :
I'm very sorry to say that stage 4 colon cancer is not curable. Life can be extended by the use of a chemotherapy regimen known as FOLFOX or FOLFIRI. These are great regimens which contain fluorouracil, oxaliplatin and leucovorin for FOLFOX and fluorouracil, leucovorin and irinotecan. Both regimens may also have bevacizumab added which is a new great drug. The side effects include: Fluorouracil - diarrhea, mucositis (sores in mouth), myelosuppression (decreased white blood cells). Oxaliplatin - tingling in fingers and feet (neuropathy), myelosuppression Irinotecan - severe acute and delayed diarrhea For the diarrhea they may give atropine or Imodium, for the neuropathy some people like to use Vitamin B6 or IV methypresdnisolone (steroid). Myelosuppression can be treated with things call colony stimulating factors that can increase your white blood cells so you don't get sick. Another common treatment is surgery where they may remove part of your bowel. You may have a colostomy bag, but this may increase survival significantly since they are removing the primary tumor. If the cancer has spread to the liver, bones or brain they may use radiation therapy. Especially if it has spread to the bones, radiation can help significantly with bone pain. I'm very sorry to hear about the diagnosis. Stay positive, I've seen stage 4 colon cancer patients live years on chemotherapy. Not everyone has bad side effects, some tolerate chemo very well. Enojoy life, don't allow this cancer to take away your mind and joy for life. God bless.

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