Just Found out Husband has Stage IV BC

Hi All

I have posted a few comments since I found this page. I do want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for all of the wonderful information, prayers, hope, encouragement....the list is long.

My husband (Ben) started getting pains in his periformis muscle, hip, along with numbness in his feet in March. Had an MRI to see what was going on. Ben happened to question a footnote on the MRI report regarding his right kidney. He questioned this because his Mother passed away from brain cancer that was really metastatic kidney cancer.
So... They did a CT scan and on June 25th we were told that he has Stage IV which has invaded the pelvic region and prostrate and more than likely lymph nodes. His right kidney was blocked by the tumor where the ureter enters the bladder. This tumor is different, in that it apparently did not begin inside the bladder, therefore, no blood in urine.

Today was the first day something went right. The urologist was able to (barely) get a stent into the ureter, avoiding a tube in his back. We see the Oncologist on Friday. This has all happened so fast. I have had my PC attached to my hip, and have done extensive research. I am so thankful I found this community, as you all have done so much work already and have so much to share.
OK, I'm losing my train of thought now....

cat22

By Cheyenne
Posted July 1, 2009 at 11:17 pm
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Gosh, that sure is not good news but it sure is fortunate that the side note on the MRI was questioned. I don't have enough of a knowledge base and have no experience with this but other members may be able to offer you more guidance. I can understand that you would be losing your train of though. You must be exhausted. Get some rest and be sure to take of yourself. On my end I will keep you in my prayers. Fortunately we are at t a time in oncology where there have been many advances. Things are being treated now that were not even treatable just ten years ago. So hang in there. Please keep us informed.

By cat22
Posted July 1, 2009 at 11:26 pm
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Thank you, Cheyenne. What I have done recently is changed our diet a lot. Starting to juice (at least once a day), eating more organic foods, sprouted grains, less processed food, no junk food, etc. Trying to do everything diet-wise to boost our immune systems. I am going to introduce a little wheat grass starting tomorrow. It's a good thing Ben loves fruits and vegetables, as he'll be getting a lot!

cat22

By Kyle-MO
Posted July 2, 2009 at 8:42 am
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Cat22,
I will have you and Ben in my prayers also. Like Cheyenne said there have been many advances in treatments that were not ever possible before.

Kyle

By Cheyenne
Posted July 2, 2009 at 9:30 am
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A diet that enhances your immune system is important. Of course be sure that it does not cause a decrease in necessary vitamins and miners. And, in my thinking, it really is OK to treat yourself to something you like now and again, a snack, whatever. So don;t torture yourself with a diet that will make you drool every time you see a Dairy Queen. In Texas it is illegal to drool. Keep us informed.

By cat22
Posted July 2, 2009 at 10:21 am
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Hi Cheyenne,

I'm think I'm covering the bases with the diet, as far as vitamins and minerals. Treats/snacks are in the daily menu. My biggest focus is that we get a good deal of "fresh" quality vitamins daily as I believe that the body absorbs them better than pill form, thus a daily juice with a variety of veggies and fruit, as well as lots of fresh stuff. He gets blueberry pancakes for breakfast a few times a week, ice cream, etc for dessert. If he craves something, it's his!

A big thanks to the rest of you for your wishes and prayers.

cat22

By Ciboney1
Posted July 2, 2009 at 11:24 am
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My thoughts and prayers are there for you. Hoping things will get better. It pays to be viligent; so glad he noticed the footnote on the MRI. Sorry he didn't find this earlier but there are so many advances in treatment there is always hope.. Stay positive and it helps with treatment..take care..
Arlene

By jj803
Posted July 2, 2009 at 3:01 pm
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I am sorry that this was discovered at an advanced state, but we will maintain hope and pray for a positive outcome. I agree with you that nutrients are best obtained through the diet than through supplements. If you are looking at a totally vegetarian diet, however, be very careful to ensure adequate B12 and iron and that the proper mix of amino acids from non meat sources is taken in. Some are not properly utilized unless they are processed with other amino acids. Best wishes,

JJ

By cat22
Posted July 2, 2009 at 3:34 pm
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Hi JJ803
Not going totally vegetarian, but switching to organic eggs, poultry and fresh fish, beans and nuts. Ben is also on a Vitamin B formula for neuropathy. Thanks for the tips!

Cathy

By HighlandGuy
Posted July 2, 2009 at 6:31 pm
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Hi Cathy,

I don't know where you are being treated. You should be aware that with metestatic cancer is not like any other disease, and like extremely few cancers, in your husbands case.

The most disturbing fact to me relating to cancers, is how doctors with extremely limited experience in many cases, no experience, attempt to treat complex cancers.

I would never consider under any circumstances having your husband treaqted other than at a major cancer treatment center. In California that means Comprehensive Cancer Treatment centers like City of Hope in LA, Stanford in Stanford CA, the Fred Hutchison Cancer Research facility in Seattle.

While the CT scan indicates a strong possibility of cancer, has your husband been actually diagnosed (had a biopsy), had his cancer staged?

HighlandGuy

By mfenn1957
Posted July 2, 2009 at 6:31 pm
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Sorry you have joined my club, but we have been told that metastatic cancer can now be treated like a chronic disease. Dave has been "living" with mets to his spine for almost 2 years now.
Michelle

By cat22
Posted July 2, 2009 at 6:54 pm
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Highland Guy,

Ben had a biopsy last week. We were told it would be three or four days to get the results, but we were called the very next day, as they had rushed the biopsy results. Were told over the phone by the Urologist, who had already met with the Oncologists, that it was Stage IV. Ben had a CT scan before the biopsy, which showed something going on in the pelvic and prostate region. The Urologist immediately scheduled the procedure to have a stent inserted, as the tumor is blocking the flow of urine from the kidney to the bladder. When Ben had the stent put in yesterday, I asked the Urologist again how they knew it was Stage IV, and he said it was indicated on the CT Scan. We see the Oncologist tomorrow, so I guess we'll know a little more then. Palo Alto Medical Foundation is near Stanford, so we will definitely be seeking a 2nd opinion either there or UCSF. Believe me, we are praying 24/7 that it is not as serious as we've been told. Will let you all know tomorrow. Thanks again to all of you for your caring words and support.

cathy

By Leslie45
Posted July 3, 2009 at 1:53 am
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Cat,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your husband. Please follow Highland Guy's advise by going to a reputable and major cancer center for a 2nd opinion and treatments.

Going organic is definetly the right way to eat.

Leslie

By cat22
Posted July 3, 2009 at 2:02 am
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Thanks, Leslie,

We will definitely get a second opinion, like I said, probably at Stanford or UCSF. I read about Highland Guys experience with BC in his profile, and it gave me hope. Thank you again Highland Guy!

I am really enjoying the healthier diet, and Ben is totally going for it as well. We've only been seriously on this diet since Saturday, but I feel it is really helping me stay focused and less stressed. We worked in the yard today which was nice. We are both pretty serene tonight. Big news comes tomorrow at 11:15 am. Will be in touch with you all tomorrow evening.

cat22

By HighlandGuy
Posted July 3, 2009 at 4:26 pm
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Hi Cathy,

One comment: CT scans reveal growths, such as tumors. They may or may not be cancer. CT scans at best can show that there is a possibility of cancer. They cannot diagnose the disease. I know this is an issue of samantics, but it can be an important one.

I mentiaon this to encourage you to go to Stanford. They have the experience with many cancer cases that few other cancer treatment centers possess.

We can never afford to take risks when so much is at stake.

Please keep us informed.

HighlandGuy

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