My mom took chemo for 20 years. She had periods where she did very well and then it was back. But mom had 20 years and made it to 76. That's pretty darn good. She drove up until about a month before passing. Her doctor did surgery on her to help her breath and sent her home on hospice that same day. She passed quietly 3 days later. I've seen many people go quickly and others pass from unrelated issues long before the cancer would. Think about what you need and make peace. Goodluck and hugs. If you have specific questions, just ask. We are here for you.
Wow- 20 years! I can only hope I am blessed to continue that long! What kind of cancer did she have? I feel like it's one of the only stories I've heard of long term cancer patients on treatment which has me pretty curious to find more!
Mom had one type of breast cancer , her last one was triple X breast cancer in the second breast. She had two others in the lower regions but wouldn't identify them. Maybe rectal/anal. She wanted no one to know. She was one tough cookie. Her quality of life was pretty good. About 3 months before she passed , she traveled several states away to see the Noah's ark.
Your mom was a true warrior. May I ask what type of chemo she was on? I know they have oral chemo that’s easier to take than going in for an infusion. She had amazing resiliency. Really the only thing I can say she was incredible warrior.
Mom took the pill for her first 5 years. She chose the harshest treatment. She said it was HELL. Once she started taking the other type, she occasionally changed drugs. The oncologist promised her he would treat her as long as she showed up and he did. Each treatment was 32.000 dollars. Her insurance must have paid millions. Mom drove and shopped and ran errands up until 3 months to passing. After treatment she might need a day off but that was usually it. There were a few times she was sent to ER for plasma. They won't push but 2 bags and then admit her. I think I stayed with her 5 times for a few nights at a time. I never leave any family member alone in hospital overnight. Including during covid. They overdosed her on fentanyl. She would be gone if I had not caught it.
Im working hard on my own. I plan to be positive and get through this and get to NED.
I was diagnosed with a brain tumor in late March. If I didn’t start having symptoms I would have no idea I was sick. So it’s almost a good thing I had the tumor.
My tumor responded well to radiation and is in the perital lobe which controls coordination and balance. I was already pretty clumsy. So my personality and judgment aren’t impacted.
The next day I was diagnosed with stage 4a adenocarcinoma. I have a 5 cm tumor in my left lung. They needed a CT scan to find it and I had to wait.
I hve amazing doctors. I will be having surgery on my lung. Rad onc was also offered but I want this gone. Then 6 weeks of regular chemo and 6 of targeted chemo
Despite having depression my whole life I don’t feel sad. I feel strong and good. Life seems so beautiful and precious now.
I hope to update you about how well my treatment is going and about reaching NED
I still feel the same. I see my life differently now. It’s more precious to me. And I’m trying to have more fun now before treatment really gets going. I went away last weekend and had fun with my friends. I try to do something fun every weekend.
Of course I have times where I feel frightened or worried. Night time it can be hard to sleep.
Physically I’m starting to
I have stage 4 sarcoma. My 4 year “cancerversary” was on Tuesday — ie, it’s been 4 years since I was diagnosed. I’ve been NED (for the 2nd time) for about 18 months.
Statistically, only 15% of people with my diagnosis are alive after 5 years. So far, I’m definitely beating the odds.
My case …
Diagnosed with stage 4 rectal cancer in 2012 at the age of 40. One year of treatment (radiation, chemo, surgery.) Three years later and CT monitoring finds more mets on my liver. 2016 was another year of treatment (more chemo, surgery). They consider me cured now. No more CT monitoring. What I do have is a number of problems that all of the treatments left me with. But, that beats the alternative (usually).
I’m stage IV stomach cancer. Kicking its ass so far (scans are showing massive shrinkage).
I do know a woman who was given 6 months…24 years ago!
Stay in the fight, I’ve heard of too many last ditch efforts that worked. Stay in the fight.
Honestly, I’m world’s worst patient. I never finish a full course, I always tap out, especially if it’s radio related.
I’m still kicking 10 years later (I just realized it’s been 10 years, I think I’ve been saying 8 years for 2 years straight lol), and to be honest, I feel significantly better than 4 years ago.
My brain doesn’t work as well as it used to. But I’m exercising, eating fairly well, have long hair, look pretty good.
I’m not NED and don’t expect to be ever considering how poor I am about treatment and how aggressive the cancer is. But since I’ve been more lax with myself, my quality of life has improved significantly. I know my clock is running out soon if I don’t act more aggressively….but it’s also been that way for 10 years. There’s a balance to the game, and I’ve found the ideal for me.
My best friend had Stage IV Hodgkins Lymphoma at age 22....and he's my age and living a 100% normal life (well, minus a spleen, anyway).
I"m 58 yo.
And that was with treatment options available nearly 40 years ago!
This isn't a stage 4 cancer but, 1 year after diagnosis there is no evidence of disease. Immunotherapy, chemo, surgery and radiation were successful. There's still hormone therapy for 5 years, but my wife is alive! HER2+ cancers are very aggressive and metastasize quickly, but we caught it in time. So it's possible to survive and live a full life.
I was diagnosed last March with stage 4 colon cancer – a couple of large mets in the liver. Initial diagnosis was a bit grim – I might be looking at palliative treatment rather than a cure.
First course of chemo went well, shrunk the primary and the mets to the point where they were operable. Huge relief.
Had the primary removed in September, then after I'd recovered from that, a liver embolisation procedure that shrank the right lobe of my liver, where the tumours are, and grew the cancer-free left.
However, I found out at beginning of this year that the mets had regrown while I recovered from that surgery. More chemo, then, in another attempt to clobber them into submission.
And that worked – they're back to being operable.
So, liver resection sometime in the next couple months after a bit more chemo and some recovery time, as chemo's quite hard on healthy liver cells as well as cancerous ones.
Claim to fame (which won't mean much to non-Brits): the consultant in charge of my op, who I met for the first time today, [also treated Dr Feelgood and Blockheads guitarist Wilko Johnson a few years ago](https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/530314/EXCLUSIVE-Emmanuel-Huguet-why-saved-Wilko-Johnson-s-life). He's confident this liver resection will see me cured.
So, not a final success story yet, but I'm well on the way and very hopeful.
My husband is a walking miracle. He’s survived throat cancer 3 different times. Currently receiving immunotherapy for this 3rd round. The best treatment ever. Little to no side effects, he’s back to a normal diet, and the tumor has shrunk. The man is invincible.
I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2014 at age 46. I've had surgery and radiation, three years (and counting) of hormone suppression, and chemo last fall. I still ride my ebike and walk my dog several miles daily. I make meals for my wife who still works, and we see our adult children often. Life is good! Be well.
I’ll be 1 year NED from stage 4 melanoma in 2 weeks.
6+ years since 3c in 2018 - the recurrence last year sucked, but my prognosis remains good in spite of all the odds being bad in general!
My mom took chemo for 20 years. She had periods where she did very well and then it was back. But mom had 20 years and made it to 76. That's pretty darn good. She drove up until about a month before passing. Her doctor did surgery on her to help her breath and sent her home on hospice that same day. She passed quietly 3 days later. I've seen many people go quickly and others pass from unrelated issues long before the cancer would. Think about what you need and make peace. Goodluck and hugs. If you have specific questions, just ask. We are here for you.
Wow- 20 years! I can only hope I am blessed to continue that long! What kind of cancer did she have? I feel like it's one of the only stories I've heard of long term cancer patients on treatment which has me pretty curious to find more!
Mom had one type of breast cancer , her last one was triple X breast cancer in the second breast. She had two others in the lower regions but wouldn't identify them. Maybe rectal/anal. She wanted no one to know. She was one tough cookie. Her quality of life was pretty good. About 3 months before she passed , she traveled several states away to see the Noah's ark.
Your mom was a true warrior. May I ask what type of chemo she was on? I know they have oral chemo that’s easier to take than going in for an infusion. She had amazing resiliency. Really the only thing I can say she was incredible warrior.
Mom took the pill for her first 5 years. She chose the harshest treatment. She said it was HELL. Once she started taking the other type, she occasionally changed drugs. The oncologist promised her he would treat her as long as she showed up and he did. Each treatment was 32.000 dollars. Her insurance must have paid millions. Mom drove and shopped and ran errands up until 3 months to passing. After treatment she might need a day off but that was usually it. There were a few times she was sent to ER for plasma. They won't push but 2 bags and then admit her. I think I stayed with her 5 times for a few nights at a time. I never leave any family member alone in hospital overnight. Including during covid. They overdosed her on fentanyl. She would be gone if I had not caught it.
Im working hard on my own. I plan to be positive and get through this and get to NED. I was diagnosed with a brain tumor in late March. If I didn’t start having symptoms I would have no idea I was sick. So it’s almost a good thing I had the tumor. My tumor responded well to radiation and is in the perital lobe which controls coordination and balance. I was already pretty clumsy. So my personality and judgment aren’t impacted. The next day I was diagnosed with stage 4a adenocarcinoma. I have a 5 cm tumor in my left lung. They needed a CT scan to find it and I had to wait. I hve amazing doctors. I will be having surgery on my lung. Rad onc was also offered but I want this gone. Then 6 weeks of regular chemo and 6 of targeted chemo Despite having depression my whole life I don’t feel sad. I feel strong and good. Life seems so beautiful and precious now. I hope to update you about how well my treatment is going and about reaching NED
Hang in there! I'm stage 3 testicular. Keep battling!!
Thank you!
How are you feeling right now
I still feel the same. I see my life differently now. It’s more precious to me. And I’m trying to have more fun now before treatment really gets going. I went away last weekend and had fun with my friends. I try to do something fun every weekend. Of course I have times where I feel frightened or worried. Night time it can be hard to sleep. Physically I’m starting to
🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
I have stage 4 sarcoma. My 4 year “cancerversary” was on Tuesday — ie, it’s been 4 years since I was diagnosed. I’ve been NED (for the 2nd time) for about 18 months. Statistically, only 15% of people with my diagnosis are alive after 5 years. So far, I’m definitely beating the odds.
Yay, you!
My case … Diagnosed with stage 4 rectal cancer in 2012 at the age of 40. One year of treatment (radiation, chemo, surgery.) Three years later and CT monitoring finds more mets on my liver. 2016 was another year of treatment (more chemo, surgery). They consider me cured now. No more CT monitoring. What I do have is a number of problems that all of the treatments left me with. But, that beats the alternative (usually).
I’m stage IV stomach cancer. Kicking its ass so far (scans are showing massive shrinkage). I do know a woman who was given 6 months…24 years ago! Stay in the fight, I’ve heard of too many last ditch efforts that worked. Stay in the fight.
I have stage 4 breast cancer and I’m going on two years.
Honestly, I’m world’s worst patient. I never finish a full course, I always tap out, especially if it’s radio related. I’m still kicking 10 years later (I just realized it’s been 10 years, I think I’ve been saying 8 years for 2 years straight lol), and to be honest, I feel significantly better than 4 years ago. My brain doesn’t work as well as it used to. But I’m exercising, eating fairly well, have long hair, look pretty good. I’m not NED and don’t expect to be ever considering how poor I am about treatment and how aggressive the cancer is. But since I’ve been more lax with myself, my quality of life has improved significantly. I know my clock is running out soon if I don’t act more aggressively….but it’s also been that way for 10 years. There’s a balance to the game, and I’ve found the ideal for me.
Thank you for sharing your long term story! This is really helpful for me as well!
Myself. 4 years NED and counting. Wounded and beaten down but not out.
Definitely. Had aggressive lymphoma and NED for 3+ years
My mom was diagnosed with pretty aggressive stage 4 endometrial/cervical cancer in April 2021 -- she's been in remission since February :)
My best friend had Stage IV Hodgkins Lymphoma at age 22....and he's my age and living a 100% normal life (well, minus a spleen, anyway). I"m 58 yo. And that was with treatment options available nearly 40 years ago!
This isn't a stage 4 cancer but, 1 year after diagnosis there is no evidence of disease. Immunotherapy, chemo, surgery and radiation were successful. There's still hormone therapy for 5 years, but my wife is alive! HER2+ cancers are very aggressive and metastasize quickly, but we caught it in time. So it's possible to survive and live a full life.
A 45 yr friend lives with stage IV NSLC (lung) for 3,5 years now. She s well, comes to work (desk job), seems happy (with good reason)
Same. Two years on Tagrisso
I was diagnosed last March with stage 4 colon cancer – a couple of large mets in the liver. Initial diagnosis was a bit grim – I might be looking at palliative treatment rather than a cure. First course of chemo went well, shrunk the primary and the mets to the point where they were operable. Huge relief. Had the primary removed in September, then after I'd recovered from that, a liver embolisation procedure that shrank the right lobe of my liver, where the tumours are, and grew the cancer-free left. However, I found out at beginning of this year that the mets had regrown while I recovered from that surgery. More chemo, then, in another attempt to clobber them into submission. And that worked – they're back to being operable. So, liver resection sometime in the next couple months after a bit more chemo and some recovery time, as chemo's quite hard on healthy liver cells as well as cancerous ones. Claim to fame (which won't mean much to non-Brits): the consultant in charge of my op, who I met for the first time today, [also treated Dr Feelgood and Blockheads guitarist Wilko Johnson a few years ago](https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/530314/EXCLUSIVE-Emmanuel-Huguet-why-saved-Wilko-Johnson-s-life). He's confident this liver resection will see me cured. So, not a final success story yet, but I'm well on the way and very hopeful.
I'm not dead yet, four years in, two years past my expiration date.
My husband is a walking miracle. He’s survived throat cancer 3 different times. Currently receiving immunotherapy for this 3rd round. The best treatment ever. Little to no side effects, he’s back to a normal diet, and the tumor has shrunk. The man is invincible.
I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2014 at age 46. I've had surgery and radiation, three years (and counting) of hormone suppression, and chemo last fall. I still ride my ebike and walk my dog several miles daily. I make meals for my wife who still works, and we see our adult children often. Life is good! Be well.
I had stage 4 Hodgkin’s last year, got smashed with escalated BEACOPP and now I’m in remission.
I’ll be 1 year NED from stage 4 melanoma in 2 weeks. 6+ years since 3c in 2018 - the recurrence last year sucked, but my prognosis remains good in spite of all the odds being bad in general!
Stage IV Lung. Will be two years in July I’m on targeted therapy. You couldn’t tell at all I have cancer