How do you stay positive during stage 4 cancer treatment?

My problems started about 2 years ago when i started having problems keeping food down. Doctor was treating problem as gerd but it was getting worse. Went in Feb 2024 to get endoscopy and found a tumor right at the end of my esophagus that was blocking food getting into the stomach. It ended up being stage 4 because it had spread to lymph nodes. Started opdivo, oxaliplatin and chemo in march of last year once every 2 weeks … was on oxaliplatin for 8 months and that was the roughest with the neuropathy in hands and feet and sensitivity to cold touch. ( still dealing with the neuropathy in my feet) … newest cat and pet scans are inconclusive but not showing cancer so they have me on a break right now from all treatment to see what happens . Tumor in esophagus seems to be gone but still dealing with swelling and scar tissue so food still gets stuck. I have to be very careful what i eat because if it gets stuck i have to make myself throw it up. I had lost about 100 pounds at the height of the problems but have been able to gain some back . I decided that the main thing was to keep doing all the things I love and try to live as normal as possible, some days were harder than others but i was determined to keep going.

Cut from the same cloth I think

That sounds familiar. I'm was on oxaliplatin but had bad response. Dropped it on immunotherapy now. Tumor in liver and esophagus seemed to be response is good . Thanks for your response. Hang in there. Keep praying.

Hey I'm there too. Same song and tune. Hang in there. Praying

What an inspiring mindset and motto to carry through such a challenging journey. Staying positive during advanced cancer treatment often comes from finding purpose in each day, connecting with others who understand, celebrating small victories like those responding lymph nodes, and maintaining hope while being realistic about the path ahead. This community benefits greatly from experienced voices sharing wisdom and offering support to newcomers navigating similar treatments.