topic Re: Bowel Cancer My Story of Success so Far in Treatments and side effects

Bowel Cancer My Story of Success so Far

dunedigger — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 01:02:37 GMT

I was diagnosed withe VERY early bowel cancer in Feb 2008 but with advanced Mets in the liver. My liver looked like Swiss cheese, and was given 6 months without treatment. I have now had 10 cycles of Folfox6 + Avastin and am now nearly in remission. However I ant to remain on chmo for quite a while just to lick up any lingering nasties However I realize that Chemo only "buys time" You have to prevent it from reoccurring. Surgery was not an option for me as my liver was so badly affected. I have no doubt in my mind I will beat this diagnosis with the fantastic help of my wife and a very well known natuapath, both of whom have made a big difference. I just keep reminding myself that I have to starve the cancer from the nutrients it needs to survive. I immediately changed my diet to being as organic as possable, No Fat, no Preservatives, No sugar and no red meat and a lot more fruit. As I work in a family business, I have been basically wind my work and stress, right back and do only what I want to do which is the best therapy. I also understand that bowel cancer is the easiest to treat. I have plans on being around for another 20 years ! I am 60 but have a LOT to do yet including starting our own organic vegetable garden.Dunedigger

Bowel Cancer My Story of Success so Far

Kaza — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 01:03:37 GMT

Hi Dunedigger You have been through a lot on your journey like many of us and you sound like you have the right frame of mind to beat this. Being positive is the best way to go. I hope you complete your chemo without many side affects and you finally get your organic vegie garden going. If you are in the Sydney metro area I would certainly come and buy some. Stay strong Kaza

Bowel Cancer My Story of Success so Far

dunedigger — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 01:04:37 GMT

Just an update for those who are in the situation I was in . I remain in remission after 11 months of chemo. The last 5 months I have been just on Avastin, which has caused my liver tumors to further shrink. Some of the smaller tumors are no longer visible in a CAT scan along with the original bowel cancer.My oncologist has suggested I continue on Avastin for another 12 months. My Surgeon and another oncologist has suggested I consider having radio ablation of the larger liver tumors. I figure I have not annoyed enough people yet so will have to live for another 20 years to complete this goal !Dunedigger aka Rex

Bowel Cancer My Story of Success so Far

dunedigger — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 01:05:37 GMT

This week I have the blood test that tells me I'm in remission. CEA of 1.7 Ye har. Special thanks to Grace Gawler. I do not plan to have a relapse. Huge diet changes will ensure that. No Sugar, No Preservatives, No Food Colouring and mostly organic foodsDunedigger

Bowel Cancer My Story of Success so Far

Molly — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 01:06:37 GMT

Great to hear about your CEA readings that is wonderful news. Molly

Bowel Cancer My Story of Success so Far

Molly — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 01:07:37 GMT

Hi Rex, I am so pleased to hear your good news. Take care Molly

Bowel Cancer My Story of Success so Far

bev — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 01:08:37 GMT

Sorry that I didn't reply earlier to your postings. Well done on your results, keep up the good work. I have been told that I have/ and will always be very positive about the whole cancer thing. No time for moping around and "why me?". I believe in sharing my stories with others, as sometimes just a little thing that is mentioned could have been a BIG problem for someone and knowing that you are not alone in this helps.

Bowel Cancer My Story of Success so Far

dunedigger — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 01:09:37 GMT

I have had people ask about being positive. I know it is impossible to remain positive especially when sick from chemo or in pain, but one aspect I have discovered about myself is I NEVER doubted that chemo would work for me. I had absolute faith the chemo would work. I also knew that complementary therapies, diet and lifestyle changes was an essential part of treatment. Chemo bought me time and remission, and I now am approaching the end of chemo, the changes I have made will help to remain in remissionI also believe that cancer will never bite me on the bum again. This may be blind faith, but as a hypnotherapist ( in previous decades ) I know the value of faith is very important. That is not to say that I meditate, but my attitude is that cancer will not get me, at least not till I'm ready and that won't be till I'm 80, another 20 yearsCheers for nowDunedigger

Re: Bowel Cancer My Story of Success so Far

dunedigger — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 01:03:08 GMT

I had a colonoscopy done on Monday . . . all clear. Now just have to have the liver fixed Dunedigger

Re: Bowel Cancer My Story of Success so Far

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 04:32:03 GMT

Congratulations dunedigger, that's fantastic news on the colonoscopy. How is the organic vegetable garden going - have you started it yet?

Re: Bowel Cancer My Story of Success so Far

dunedigger — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 10:18:19 GMT

Hi Louisa, The garden is doing fine.We had lettuce, tomatoes, caspicans ,basil and on another part of the farm the biggest pumpkin patch. Now potatoes, carrots are in. We have hens but the dam things keep digging everything up. Congratulations to all the staff involved in the website upgrade With kind regards, Rex

Re: Bowel Cancer My Story of Success so Far

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:01:03 GMT

It sounds great Rex. I grew up in the city myself but Granny in Sunnybank (Brisbane) had 82 chickens and an emu... vegies and everything too. I'm hoping to get some herbs for the balcony soon 🙂

Re: Bowel Cancer My Story of Success so Far

dunedigger — Thu, 07 May 2009 11:04:18 GMT

Today I had my first PET scan, Previously I have been having CAT scans. Next week I see Professor Morris for Radio Ablation. At least he has agreed to seeing me seeing me. He has some reservations as I have 13 tumors on the liver so I just hope he will treat me. I am feeling that my liver tumors are on the move again, as I have some pain in that region, and that, combined with my rising CEA, has me worried. The following week I see my oncologist for a review. It is hard to believe that chemo has knocked out the cancer in the bowel , but the liver tumors are more resistant Dunedigger

Re: Bowel Cancer My Story of Success so Far

dunedigger — Wed, 13 May 2009 08:56:00 GMT

This has become a blog, so I will continue to post for the info of other people who may read this after a diaganosis if the big 'C' Today, Great news. Saw Professor Morris today, there is a good chance of having liver surgery to remove all liver tumors. My latest PET scan ( like a CAT scan ) shows there is no other cancer in my body. We will know more next week after my case goes to the panel to discuss treatment methods. Dunedigger

Re: Bowel Cancer My Story of Success so Far

Molly — Wed, 13 May 2009 21:59:38 GMT

Great News. Thank you for keeping us posted. take care Molly

Re: Bowel Cancer My Story of Success so Far

dunedigger — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 20:44:28 GMT

I go into hospital in Sydney for liver surgery Saturday 13th June. Hopefully most of the 'buggers' can be removed. I'm fearfull of the recovery phase of surgery, but excited about the prospect that I have a chance of containing the smaller ones. Stay tuned Dunedigger

Re: Bowel Cancer My Story of Success so Far

Molly — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 23:00:17 GMT

Hi Dunedigger, I was very excited and happy about you being able to have the liver surgery. I can relate to your fear, but I feel this fear is a better feeling than the fear of not not being able to have the surgery. You have been given a second chance in life. Will it be with Dr. Morris at St. George Hospital. I will pray that it will all go well and you have a speedy recovery. Take care Molly

Re: Bowel Cancer My Story of Success so Far

bev — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 10:05:09 GMT

All the best for your surgery, hope all goes well and that you have a speedy recovery. We will all be thinking of you.

Re: Bowel Cancer My Story of Success so Far

dunedigger — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 09:20:03 GMT

Hi Everyone, Yep I survived intensive care and now in my private room with views of Botany Bay. I have been told by reliable sources that all my tumors have been dealt with. It seems almost too good to be true. Pathology results will be back in a few days to confirm that the larger tumors were removed cleanly. Pain has been dealt with a little button. I have been up and walking with assistance.

Re: Bowel Cancer My Story of Success so Far

Molly — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 22:09:52 GMT

Hi Dunedigger. I am so pleased that everything has gone well. Knowing that the tumours have been removed is a wonderful thing. I will keep you in my prayers for a speedy receover. take care. Molly