Hi,
My husband was diagnosed a year ago. He started with chemo and radiation. The radiation effects were mild to begin with and got worse toward toward the end. He had side effects from the chemo, but they were relatively mild his first round of chemo. He had surgery in July and started a second round of chemo which made him very ill. It brought him close to death, but we're told the oncologist was very aggressive the second time.

I'm told that the individual's age makes a difference. My husband was 70 when he was diagnosed so it may be why he was hit so hard.

I never asked for a prognosis either. I did not want anyone giving me statistics. If you continue coming to this site you will see that there are people who were diagnosed with all stages. There are people who have survived stage IV.

I think the best thing to to develop your plan of action. Find doctors that are experienced and that you are comfortable with. In our case, the oncologist really coordinated all the healthcare for my husband. He's a wonderful doctor and I don't know what we would have done without him.

My husband is finally doing well, but he had quite a few complications that's caused multiple hospitalizations. It's been quite a year. He's eating almost anything now. He has to take a med to increase his appetite. He lost 80 lbs. He's started doing things around the home and in the garden again. We're able to take day trips again, but he still feels too weak for a long trip.

So, in brief, that's our story. Everyones' story is different. There are wonderful people on this site. I'm glad you found it and I wish you, your husband, and your daughter the best.

Linda

thanks for your encouragement and advice. My husband is 66. He is going to have the chemo/radiation together after the chemo now...3 rounds of this. The Drs. are very kind and informative, if we ask. The regimen appears to be the best offered per my research. I'm sure you feel you were given a gift (maybe wrapped in barbed wire) but sounds like your husband is doing really well.
For us, I just want this all to be worth it, and give us some real time...not just a few more months. We are also going to add Shiatsu massages for him.
I hope you both can continue to heal and enjoy life. Thanks for the response!

Hi Linda - I'm so glad that you found your way to this site - it's amazingly supportive and informative. My stage 3 EC four years ago had me going through 6 weeks of chemo and radiation. I, too, had the FU 5 continuous chemo along with daily radiation. Surprisingly, I had no side effects whatsoever. Not one. I was told that continuous chemo's a lot easier on the system that being slammed with periodic bolus's of chemo infusions. I don't know how many make it through with no side effects, but wanted to let you know that one did!

I am sorry to hear about your husband. My husband just hit the year mark of cancer-free and he was stage III. I too felt I needed to keep the positive front as our children are still in elementaryschool and I wanted to keep my husband's spirits up. I just had to be proud of the alpha-mom/wife role and roll with it. My parents were my relief valve, fortunately, as well as this site. I think the doctors follow the patient's cue. Some people really want to know their odds, others don't. I knew the statistics, but I don't think my husband knew them until after his treatment and surgery. The bottom line is everyone is different anyway. I can tell you I don't think him knowing any earlier would have improved his outlook. Everyone is different. For me, information was power, for others, it was too scary. I will keep you both in my prayers. .

Linda....my diagnosis was the exact same as your husband's...Stage 4A adenocarcinoma. I also had the 24/7 fannie pack and 4 hour infusions every other Monday. This was done in conjunction with 5 days a week radiation. Like Dancing Grandma I escaped with no side effects until the very end. I had nothing from the chemo...but radiation is cumulative and by the end of the 6 weeks of radiation I was pretty spent and had a lot of pain and burning when I ate or drank. That only lasted a few days and then I was back to normal. Your husband should stay fit, stay active and stay positive. He has NOT received a death sentence. In August I will be 5 years cancer free. Good luck...ML.

My brother was on a chemo regimen (no radiation) this past fall. He'd go down to the center every other Thursday for a few hours of IV treatment and then go home with a continuous pump that a visiting nurse would discontinue the next day. The Saturday and Sunday after a treatment were no fun...Brother would spend those days reading, watching TV, and resting...but he'd begin to pick up on Monday morning, and by the evening would feel normal again. Chemo affects everyone differently, of course, but there's no reason to assume that the treatments are going to make your husband feel absolutely miserable.

thanks so much everyone. This week has been bad....but sounds like it could be a lot worse. He is very nauseous and tired, but we are chasing the nausea instead of getting ahead of it. Today has been the best day since before the chemo began. I am so thrilled to hear of all of you that have come through this and are still going strong!! I have never had a lot of patience but I sure am learning to have it. It is hard though. Humor has helped me and Dan (husband). My daughter who has autism looks to the reality couple "The Little Couple". And, I think I am the one with 'chemo brain'....I am so forgetful...I guess that is what being preoccupied does to you. Thanks again for all the comments...I really need these right now as I have no family up here (Michigan) and the support is wonderful.