Endometrial Cancer- 8 months remission-after 4 years trying

[carolleigh]

Hi friends,

As we all worry and deal with covid-19 pandemic, I thought it would be good to share some success I have been having, mostly because I never expected this much success...even though I remain open to the idea that my cancer can recur.

I am in remission about 8 months! My doc always said he felt that it was very possible with me. I have mostly been on chemo since spring 2016! I had an 8 month remission after the first round of chemo (carbo-taxol) then went on carbo gemzar (with a short try at doxil). With the carbo gemzar I was moslty NED while on chemo, but my doc said we should do it for a whole year. So I did. Also Avastin. I am still on Avastin. I was diagnosed stage IV... as some had spread to omentum...and I had some in one lymph node in first recurrence.

Mostly, as any of you in remission, I am scared of having to go back on chemo during this crisis, but oddly, did you know that Avastin is being tested to help severely ill covid-19 patients. (clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show...?

But I don’t think that’s too relevant to actual protection against covid-19. Its more about treating pneumonia issues, if I am reading it right. Still, it comforted me even though I don’t understand it.

In general, it does sound like there are many factors with covid-19, so being on chemo isn’t something I should be very afraid of….trying to be positive.

But anyway, the good news for me is I finally got to remission, so for all of you who have been on chemo several years, and who feel like they might not get there, just saying it can happen sometimes.

In general, I want to resign myself to being on chemo long term…more because I don’t like bad surprises.

Just to add here, for people who like to use other things like from integrative approaches, the other things I am doing are:

As much exercise as I can handle-30 min a day or so, with some aerobics- Nia Dance

The following supplements all supposed to be for cancer:

Reishi mushrooms; Tumeric; Vitamin d3; an odd thing my acupuncturist prescribed Phyto-Cyto (she worked in my docs office and also cancer survivor-swears by it); ALA, Fish oil; Melatonin; astragalus; 6 cups organic green tea; Probiotics.

I also eat things listed on cancer diets like leafy greens. I am more or less on Keto…almost no carbs.

Mostly organic, no red meat, only organic poultry-very low organic dairy. Lots of healthy organic olive and avocado oil.

For whatever it’s worth… sometimes I don’t believe, but I do it anyway. I mean I figure if I do EVERYTHING. As long as it doesn’t hurt, I might as well. It gives me something challenging and positive to obsess about instead of worrying.

Anyway I felt like posting today. I visit here sometimes and it’s so valuable to hear about people’s journeys and I love the support this community offers people… so I just wanted to post. Thanks all, for being there and for your wonderful support!

[sticky3006]

Thats great news and I'm glad you've got some respite from chemo. Keep doing what youre doing! When I was first diagnosed in 2018 I became vegetarian, no sugar etc. but unfortunately had a recurrence in September 2019. I will say though that by exercising each day, eating really healthily and just getting up and getting on I'm sure I coped much better with drug side effects. I'm now a bit more relaxed with what I eat but still feel that daily exercise, a rainbow diet and supplements has helped me get through the second lot of chemo. Good luck and keep up the good work, sticky3006 xx

[carolleigh in reply to sticky3006]

Thanks so much for the support and encouragement! Yes, it sounds like we have similar approaches! Vegetarian sounded a bit hard for me...but it's in the back of my mind as a goal. Yes, I really feel that the exercise made all the difference. More than anything I took. Keep up the good work too!

[Solange]

Thank you for sharing your good news, Carol (Leigh?). I'm so pleased for you and I'm sure a lot of others will be, too. It gives peoplea bit more hope to hear how well some people are doing.

Best wishes, Solange 😊

[carolleigh in reply to Solange]

Thanks very much for responding. It means a lot to me to have the support!

[SUE7777]

I'm really pleased for you and I hope the remission lasts forever you deserve it, I'm only sorry it took so long. Take care Sue xx

[carolleigh in reply to SUE7777]

Ah yes, so long... but I really just try to expect this kind of thing and I always count my blessings. Thanks so much for replying!

[thomas62]

So pleased for you Carol - Keep it up. Best wishes on this Easter Day. Gwen Xx

[carolleigh in reply to thomas62]

Thanks so much and have a good Easter too!

[Maxjor]

That is such great news and a good motivator for many. Congratulations to you and enjoy every minute, day, week, etc.! Here's to remission--best words to hear since the abbreviation NED. oxoox Judy

[carolleigh in reply to Maxjor]

Thanks yes! I am glad it's good to hear... and does offer encouragement. Thanks for the kind note too!

[Mumsie13]

So very pleased for you. Long may your remission last. You are so right about exercise and a healthy diet. I found this went a long way to helping me cope with everything.

Take care and best wishes. Jackie x

[carolleigh]

Thanks so much for leaving that kind message! Yes, I am feeling good after so long a time of frustration. Thanks!