r/cancer • u/TheEvilSatanist • 18d ago
Patient Just got diagnosed
This weekend was absolute chaos and clusterfuck. I went to the ER on Saturday for what I thought was a persistent stomach bug.
After a CAT scan of my stomach and a battery of tests this weekend, I was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic cancer.
They did a biopsy Sunday, to see if they can determine where the cancer is coming from.
I also have another CAT scan coming up to see if it has expanded into my chest and lungs.
I really have no idea what I'm looking for, I'm still trying to process all this.
Also, I am a Satanist for a reason, so please save all the "just give it to God" or etc bc it's not something I personally believe in.
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u/JRLDH 18d ago
“ really have no idea what I'm looking for, I'm still trying to process all this.”
My late husband had a similar shock diagnosis. His was a worst case. Pancreatic cancer.
Even if you do not have an extreme hopeless primary, what you are looking at is:
Stage 4 any cancer is most often not curable. Some stage 4 cancers can he held in check for a very long time. Very few achieve complete remission but chances are that you will not be cured.
Palliative care is not hospice. All it means treatment that is intended to keep you alive and comfortable.
Many stage 4 cancers are not cut out. That’s because it’s not possible to get all potential seeds (metastases, including microscopic) out with surgery.
Standard of care is often the dreaded “chemo”. This can palliate symptoms and extend life. It’s impossible to predict.
Some cancers respond to immunotherapy. Which can work better than chemo but is very individual.
If you have a slow growing cancer that didn’t respond to standard of care, you could try for clinical trials eventually. Those really aren’t for aggressive cancers that can literally explode when standard of care fails.
Fuck cancer.