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Medical Forum / Diseases and Disorders / Cancer / May 2008Bowel, liver & lung cancer
Hi, I am diabetic and have blood tests done every 3 months. The last 2 tests showed a reduced Fe level in the blood. To find out the cause I have done a colonoscopy, CT scan and a PET scan in last 2 weeks. The Oncologist told me that there was a bleeding polyp almost blocking the bowel, tumours on the liver and a small tumour on the lung. He said that to operate on the bowel would delay the chemotherapy for too long so he proposed 3 actions:- 1. insert a stent in the bowel polyp to keep the bowel open, 2. start the FOLFOX 4 (modified) chemotherapy, and 3. see if he could get me into a trial that would allow him to inject radioactive material and small plastic beads directly into liver tumours - the beads to restrict blood flow into the tumours and the radioactive material to kill off the tumour. He told me that I would have another CT scan after 3 cycles of the chemotherapy to measure what affect the treatment was having. He told me that life expectancy was only a few months if no treatment was undertaken. He didn't give me a figure if treatment is undertaken but reading about the treatment on the web indicates that there is a 10% chance of exceeding 5 years. What amazes me is that I feel well and yet if I don't undertake the treatment I have only a few months left. If I didn't have regular blood tests to check on the diabetes I would not have known I had a problem. I understand that the chemotherapy will make me feel very sick. I am wondering if it is worth enduring the sickness due to the chemo and living against not doing the chemotherapy and living a shorter but happier life. I would appreciate any feedback on the disease and the decision re chemotherapy.  SignatureCheers . . . JC > Hi, > [quoted text clipped - 34 lines] > I would appreciate any feedback on the disease and the decision re > chemotherapy. Hello JC, I'm sorry to hear about your cancer. It sounds like you're in UK? (caling it "bowel" and signing your posts with "Cheers") Your cancer is advanced, as you realize. I''d want the polyp removed for 2 reasons: stop the bleeding to prevent anemia and get the grading (Grade). That should tell an experienced oncologist which chemo to use. Is there a reason (or reasons) you can't have the polyp removed? I'm sorry for the questions, but I'd like to have these informations in order to understand the situation better and look up the UK, if applicable, chemos (approved by Nice). Thanks J >> Hi, >> [quoted text clipped - 49 lines] >chemos (approved by Nice). >Thanks Hi J, I am in Australia. I intend asking about how to stop the bleeding when the stent is installed. I should be talking with the Oncologist in on Tuesday. I gather that the stent is a quick fix to the blockage so that the doc can get on with the chemo ASAP as operating to remove the section of bowel containing the polyp and the affected lymph nodes would mean 5 days in hospital and a 4 week recovery period during which the chemo couldn't be done. I gather that he would operate on the polyp and the other tumours after the chemo has shrunk them somewhat. I am not sure what you mean when you said that "to get the grading (Grade)" was a reason to remove the polyp. What is this grading? SignatureCheers . . . JC > >> Hi, > >> [quoted text clipped - 38 lines] > >I'm sorry to hear about your cancer. > >It sounds like you're in UK? > I am in Australia. > [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > I am not sure what you mean when you said that "to get the grading > (Grade)" was a reason to remove the polyp. What is this grading? Thanks for clarifying Australia, JC. The grading is explained here as follows: http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=96 "You may hear your doctor talk about the 'grade' of your cancer. This means how well developed or mature the cell looks under a microscope. The more the cancer cell looks like a normal cell, the more it will behave like one * The more normal a cancer cell looks, the lower its grade * The more abnormal or less well developed a cancer cell is, the higher its grade Your doctor may call this 'differentiation'. Cells can be well differentiated, moderately differentiated, or poorly differentiated. This is the same as low, medium or high grade. Other doctors may talk about grades 1, 2, or 3, where grade 1 is low grade. Although there are many different ways of talking about this, it all comes down to the same thing. A low grade cancer is likely to be less aggressive in its behaviour than a high grade one. Doctors cannot be certain how the cells will behave. But grade is a useful indicator. Grade is one of the factors doctors use to decide on treatment with some types of cancer." [end quote from webpage] If they biopsied your polyp, they may have it already. Stents can be palliative as well (left in, if the person is not expected to live long, to help things flow), so you'll have to sort out whether surgery is planned (or not) for the bowel and what he intends to have done about the bleeding. I was concerned about the possibility of chemo caused anemia. Combined with the bleeding, can cause more fatigue and breathing problems. Neoadjuvant chemo (before surgery) seems to be a newer method of doing things. I see his point as well. As Fig mentioned pretreatment can help negate side effects. He'll, no doubt, tell you the most frequently expected side effects. I think that FOLFOX is called de Gramont - side effects are shown here < http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Treatments/Chemotherapy/Combinationregimen/deGramont Ignore the cycles there; yours might be different; and then the side effects may be different as well, so really he's the best person to get these questions answered, but it gives you an idea, in case the cycles are the same and/or what questions to ask. Is the tumor higher up or in the small bowel? I suppose I should have asked you that first. I'll see if i can find the clinical trial you've mentioned. I'm not a doctor (obviously), but like the others here, wish you all my best and hope that our posts help you know what questions to ask. As Fig says, post anytime. Vents (getting thoughts and frustrations off your chest) are okay as well. I'll be back later after looking through clinical trials. Best, J >> I am not sure what you mean when you said that "to get the grading >> (Grade)" was a reason to remove the polyp. What is this grading? [quoted text clipped - 55 lines] >I'll be back later after looking through clinical trials. >Best, Hi J Thanks for explaining the grading. I will have to ask the Oncologist what the grading is on the bowel polyp. The bowel polyp is only about 150mm from the end of the bowel. It is blocking the bowel so much that they couldn't get the camera past it. The paperwork about the FOLFOX chemo treatment that I was given says the following:- Day 1: inject drugs including Oxaliplatin, Fluorouracil and Leucovorin. I will be connected to a pump that injects the drug Fluorouracil slowly over 2 days. Day 3: Pump is disconnected and I receive a second dose of Fluorouracil and Leucovorin. This treatment is repeated every 2 weeks. SignatureCheers . . . JC > I'll see if i can find the clinical trial you've mentioned. > > I'll be back later after looking through clinical trials. Hi JC There's so many names for the seeds, I can to expand the search string, then include Australia . http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=Australia+AND+cancer++AND+Yttrium+OR+ spheres+OR+%2Ftherasphere Shows 48 studies but some are primary liver or other cancers and some aren't even cancer. So the ones that are metastatic are as follows. http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00604409 Recruiting Phase I Study of Capecitabine in Combination With SIR-Spheres in Patients With Advanced Cancer Condition: Metastatic Liver Cancer Interventions: Device: Sir-Spheres; Drug: Capecitabine Probably not that one http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00199173 Recruiting Comparing Hepatic Intra-Arterial Injection of Yttrium-90 Microspheres Versus Fluorouracil (5FU) in Colorectal Cancer Metastatic to the Liver Only Conditions: Colorectal Neoplasm; Liver Metastases Intervention: Device: SIR Spheres intra-arterial hepatic Possible http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00511862 Recruiting TheraSphere for the Treatment of Liver Metastases Conditions: Colorectal Cancer; Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine; Neoplasm Metastasis Intervention: Device: Yttrium 90 glass microspheres Possible http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00493883 Recruiting Use of TheraSphere® Yttrium-90 Glass Microspheres for Primary and Metastatic Liver Tumors Conditions: Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Liver Neoplasms Intervention: Device: yttrium Y 90 microspheres (TheraSphere®) http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00532740 Recruiting Radiolabeled Glass Beads in Treating Patients With Metastatic Liver Cancer That Cannot Be Removed by Surgery Conditions: Liver Cancer; Metastatic Cancer Interventions: Drug: yttrium Y 90 glass microspheres; Procedure: brachytherapy; Procedure: intrahepatic infusion procedure; Procedure: radioisotope therapy Possible I'll look through them as soon as I can. In haste, J >> I'll see if i can find the clinical trial you've mentioned. >> [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] >Interventions: Device: Sir-Spheres; Drug: Capecitabine >Probably not that one It is probably this one - the page of notes written by the doc when we first met mentioned SIR spheres however there was no mention of the drug. >http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00199173 > Recruiting Comparing Hepatic Intra-Arterial Injection of Yttrium-90 Microspheres >Versus Fluorouracil (5FU) in Colorectal Cancer Metastatic to the Liver Only >Conditions: Colorectal Neoplasm; Liver Metastases >Intervention: Device: SIR Spheres intra-arterial hepatic >Possible The notes mention direct injection into the tumour rather than intra-arterial. >http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00511862 > Recruiting TheraSphere for the Treatment of Liver Metastases [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] >Procedure: intrahepatic infusion procedure; Procedure: radioisotope therapy >Possible Probably not these three - the doc mentioned plastic spheres. >I'll look through them as soon as I can. >In haste, >J Many thanks for your assistance and knowledge. SignatureCheers . . . JC > >> I'll see if i can find the clinical trial you've mentioned. > >> [quoted text clipped - 52 lines] > > Probably not these three - the doc mentioned plastic spheres. I'm sorry to tell you that none of those are in Australia. So I searrched the same place, but just with "open" (meaning recruiting), Australia and cancer and waded through 6 pages of search results. They are in Australia but not the one you're referring to I also checked the following; http://www.cancercouncil.com.au/ which seems to be NSW and http://www.ctc.usyd.edu.au/trials/cancer/gastrointestinal.htm National Clinical Trials Registry, NHMRC Those are listed in this ADobe file ((2 pages only for those with slow connection). http://www.cancersa.org.au/cms_resources/documents/clinicaltrialsinformationonth einternet.pdf Today's our monday, when's your Tuesday? I may be out of town today, so not much time for searching. Many, not all of the others, are search at each hospital. Jacques, Australia, had trouble with 2 oncologists re; clinical trials. I could be wrong, but if I recall correctly, the ones mentioned to him did not fit his situation. So i don't know if they're pulling what I call 'bait and switch" or if we're not looking in the right places or he's working on getting the trial to the hospital or ones funded by companies aren't listed on the internet. if you feel well enough, you could try searching the other places in that Adobe. And/or print up that one you think it is and ask him for the equivalent form for the trial he mentioned to you. And if he can't produce, ask him why not ? Or we can keep searching after your appointment. If you do search, look at the other trials as well. You haven't mentioned how long for the FOLFox 4 Perhaps it'll be until you can't tolerate it any longer; then switch you to a clinical trial. So know what's available.. Sorry I couldn't help fast enough j >Today's our monday, when's your Tuesday? It's still Monday here. Sydney, New South Wales, where I live, is currently 11 hours ahead of GMT but that will change back to 10 hours ahead of GMT at the end of this month when the Daylight Saving ends. >I may be out of town today, so not much time for searching. >Many, not all of the others, are search at each hospital. You've done heaps already. Time for a rest. >Jacques, Australia, had trouble with 2 oncologists re; clinical trials. >I could be wrong, but if I recall correctly, the ones mentioned to him did not fit his situation. [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > >if you feel well enough, you could try searching the other places in that Adobe. I'll have a look. >And/or print up that one you think it is and ask him for the equivalent form for the trial he mentioned to >you. [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >Perhaps it'll be until you can't tolerate it any longer; then switch you to a clinical trial. >So know what's available.. I don't have an end date as yet. I know that after 3 cycles the doc plans the I have a CT scan to see if the tumours have shrunk at all. I should have the paperwork in tomorrows post about the trial. >Sorry I couldn't help fast enough You've done well! I am impressed. SignatureCheers . . . JC > >JC wrote:> > [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > I should have the paperwork in tomorrows post about the trial. Okay. Thank you, JC 11 hours ahead 3 cycles every 2 weeks, then a scan.. How did things go yesterday? No rush; I'll watch for your update, as you have time. J >> I don't have an end date as yet. I know that after 3 cycles the doc >> plans the I have a CT scan to see if the tumours have shrunk at all. [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > >No rush; I'll watch for your update, as you have time. Hi J Yesterday was pretty laid back with little happening other than my usual stretching regime and then a massage. Today, however, was full on - a visit to a holistic clinic to see what they can do to help. I walked out after some acupuncture with some Curcumin & Quercetin mixture pills and a Chinese herbal anti-malignancy medicine to take twice per day. I arrived home to a message on the answering m/c asking me to go to the hospital to fill in the paperwork and pick up the Picoprep bowel cleanser powders to get things ready to insert the stent on Tuesday afternoon. Sometimes, like today, I wish I had a mobile phone as having one would have saved me about 30Km of driving through afternoon traffic. SignatureCheers . . . JC >>> I don't have an end date as yet. I know that after 3 cycles the doc >>> plans the I have a CT scan to see if the tumours have shrunk at all. [quoted text clipped - 25 lines] >Sometimes, like today, I wish I had a mobile phone as having one would >have saved me about 30Km of driving through afternoon traffic. There have been some developments in the saga. On Tuesday I go into hospital to have the stent installed. On Wednesday I visit the endo to sign the papers to go into the trial - it is called "Randomised comparative study of FOLFOX6m plus SIR-Spheres versus FOLFOX6m alone as first line treatment with non-resectable liver metastases from primary colorectal cancer" Protocol STX026. I may need to do another CT scan and a blood test before the treatment starts. Still no news on when the chemo actually starts but it is getting closer. SignatureCheers . . . JC > >>> I don't have an end date as yet. I know that after 3 cycles the doc > >>> plans the I have a CT scan to see if the tumours have shrunk at all. [quoted text clipped - 39 lines] > getting closer. > - Thanks JC STX026 is a Sirtex number. There's a list of Publications 'Clinical Trial Outcomes" on the Sirtex webpage < http://www.sirtex.com/content.cfm?sec=world&MenuID=A0412601&ID=A0426C1D >, but just the titles, not the outomes and I can't find the trial your speaking of at http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/search/advanced I did find 2 others but not the one you're referring to. The only place I can find it is here http://www.australasianresearch.org/content/view/30/42/ I'm still stuck on your not getting further anemic and the bleeding. Is there radiotherapy there? Seems to me that Steph told us it could stop the bleeding; unless your oncologist has some reason for not arranging it; like lack of knowledge, lack of equipment or technicians or radiation oncologists; forgetting or it's planned for the day of the stent placement. (etc on conjectues) If you haven't seen him ( this past Tuesday?) might be worth putting a call in to him to ask if it's been planned for ? I'd say Good luck about the stent but it's probably been done a number of times and you're in good hands. Thanks for the info. I'll watch for your updates. Please keep in touch as you able. Best, J >> There have been some developments in the saga. >> [quoted text clipped - 36 lines] >Please keep in touch as you able. >Best, Hi J, I haven't done any further tests for the anaemia but I expect it and the bleeding to be as before. I haven't undertaken any radiotherapy. I guess the oncologist is concentrating on having the stent installed and then starting the trial. I will see him on Wednesday and will ask him about the anaemia and what can be done to stop the bleeding. I talked with the surgeon who will install the stent. He is not expecting problems but he did say that there is a chance that the stent cannot be deployed if the polyp is blocking the bowel too much to get the stent through enough to bracket the polyp. SignatureCheers . . . JC > Hi J, > [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > cannot be deployed if the polyp is blocking the bowel too much to get > the stent through enough to bracket the polyp. Hello JC, I'm a lot baffled as to why you've not been referred to consult with a radiation therapist to discuss both the clinical trial that is planned and the tumor blockage (pros and cons of using RT) and that there's a chance that the stent cannot be deployed. And the bleeding. I think I'd get one, at a different hospital, if possible, before starting the chemo and/or clinical trial. T'were me, the priority would be to slow the growth of the tumor and stop the bleeding as soon as possible. And doing both the chemo and the RT (too close together) can result in more severe side effects from the RT. I'm baffled as to why no comment from Steph. I cannot explain his absence. His last post was March 2nd and I rely on him to double-check what I write to others. Maybe he's lurking, maybe not. If you're wondering where the other colorectal cancer patients are, so am I. However, it's often been that way; posts appeared to go unreplied to and (part of) why I stick around. There's more colorectal patients on the private ACOR mail list. Possibly approximately 800 (patients or caregivers, or survivors or loved ones) Some get support from here and there. Unfortunately, I can't tell you how many because for unexplainable reasons, it's not available at this time. http://www.acor.org/mlists/mlists.html If you're interested, I suggest you open a "throw-away" yahoo email address and use that to email your introduction and treatment plan. Don't forget to mention you're Australian. You might hook up with others there, for tips on 2nd opinions in your area. Unless someone else has the correct and exact email address, best wait and try the mail list later today; then follow the instructions, by clicking on the list name. I hope you'll stay in touch with us as well. Best, J >> Hi J, >> [quoted text clipped - 65 lines] > Best, > J JC's doctor and oncological team have the benefit of a clinical exam. ACOR list is good since there will be similar people with similar problems. Stents for Colonic blockage is not common in the United States and that maybe the reason why nobody is responding. Doesn't mean stents are bad, but for whatever reason it is not commonly used. Best of luck JC, Alex >Hello JC, >I'm a lot baffled as to why you've not been referred to consult with a radiation [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] >And doing both the chemo and the RT (too close together) can result in more severe >side effects from the RT. Hi J, Well, today was a failure. The doc couldn't insert the stent as the polyp was blocking the bowel almost completely. The attempt was made using a wire to guide the stent into position and he was unable, despite trying for 90 minutes, to guide the wire through the polyp. He is going to try again using some form of guided instrument, that he didn't have today, to see if they can get past the polyp. This will probably be Friday or early next week. Great, another 1 1/2 days of cleansing fluids and no real meals. If this second attempt fails my onco agrees that the next step is to surgically remove the polyp and surrounding bowel and tissue. That will delay the onset of chemo by at least 5 weeks - 1 week in hospital and 4 weeks recovery. My onco confirmed that I have stage 4 cancer. I will have to decide after the operation to remove the polyp whether to undergo the chemo or continue living as now going to the gym 3 times per week and walking around the neighbourhood. Which is better - a shorter but much more pleasant life or a longer but unpleasant life under chemo? How sick do cancer patients get if they don't have the chemo? SignatureCheers . . . JC > >Hello JC, > >I'm a lot baffled as to why you've not been referred to consult with a radiation [quoted text clipped - 37 lines] > > Cheers . . . JC Good luck on the second stent attempt. The fact that you're keeping in shape may help you deal with chemo. If you decide to take chemo, ask your onc about continuing your exercise regimen---it took months of FOLFOX before I was unable to exercise. As for the trade-off between quantity and quality of life, you're really the only one that can answer that. Possibly others here, or better yet your onc, can give you some indication of what life would be like without chemo. --- CSM >>Hello JC, >>I'm a lot baffled as to why you've not been referred to consult with a [quoted text clipped - 34 lines] > > How sick do cancer patients get if they don't have the chemo? isi didn't go the chemo route & she had good quality for quite awhile. You can read her in the archives. The decision for or against chemo is not cast in stone. If there is no chance of cure, chemo is for given to increase comfort. So if you choose it & have a really bad experience, you can stop. If you pass on it for now & something happens that chemo can help, such as a tumor causing pain, you can try it then. I really hope the next go with the stent is successful. Fig <snip> > Which is better - a shorter but much more pleasant life or a longer but > unpleasant life under chemo? > > How sick do cancer patients get if they don't have the chemo? I have Stage 4 colo. It was also in my liver and lungs. My radiation and chemo were almost side-effect free. Each person takes the treatment different. I would say that I didn't enjoy my chemo but I did not suffer much either. The surgery sucked but I found that being fit, I was able to recover much quicker then others. Recovery was partly attitude. I did not want or like being sick so I did my best to do as the Doctors wanted to get out quickly. Only you are in control of how you feel. I choose to not let it get me (or the people around me ) down. If I should not live long, I would like to feel that at least I enjoyed the time I had left even though I took the treatments. My wife does not feel abandoned by me not taking the treatment. We have allot of quality time even after 2 years of this battle. Just finished a 4 mile walk! The first few months of diagnose are depressing. But don't let it rule you life. If you don't have a ton of metastases, and your strong, your prognoses is better then the Doctor's can legally tell you. They only can quote statistics that include everybody old, or in worst shape. If you think your sick, your going to feel sick. You have control over that! Save the "feeling sick" for when your really sick. ;-) Hope this helps. > <snip> > > Which is better - a shorter but much more pleasant life or a longer but [quoted text clipped - 26 lines] > > Hope this helps. Amen. Great post. > Well, today was a failure. The doc couldn't insert the stent as the > polyp was blocking the bowel almost completely. The attempt was made [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > > How sick do cancer patients get if they don't have the chemo? And how sick might a patient get, if they do have the chemo? In a metastatic setting the goal of chemo is to reduce tumor sizes; ie to make troublesome tumors shrink. The first 3 courses were supposed to be to shrink the bowel tumor, but if it's removed, you'll be put on the clinical trial ? http://www.australasianresearch.org/content/view/30/42/ Project title: Randomised comparative study of FOLFOX6m plus SIR-Spheres(r) versus FLOFOX6m alone as first line treatment in patients with non-resectable liver metastases from primary colorectal carcinoma. George was diagnosed in Nov/03 ColoRectal and Liver involvement Lung met left lung showed up in July/04, so making him even with you (for Stage) and he just recently posted. (July/07) he had quite a few surgeries. Lots to read, in the archives, and some don't mention his details (replies to encourage others) http://preview.tinyurl.com/yqdtvr http://www.australasianresearch.org/content/view/30/42/ Project title: Randomised comparative study of FOLFOX6m plus SIR-Spheres(r) versus FLOFOX6m alone as first line treatment in patients with non-resectable liver metastases from primary colorectal carcinoma. There so much information missing, like pathology from the biopsy, your age, the phase of the clinical trial, the plan of the clinical trial. Originally that type of treatment was used for (usually) large and primary liver tumors. We don't know if theyre planning chemo for during the SirSpheres, after the SirSpheres, or before nor how many tumors you have and sizes. Can you fill in some of this info now? One thing I am fairly certain of, is that, whether through the oncologist or the clinical trial, fi you start having trouble with the chemo, there are options; delay more treatments, lower the dose, eliminate one of the ingredients which might take you out of the clinical trial, but you could continue with the oncologist? There are other treatments for colon cancer (each with its cost, benefits, side effects) which I imagine would be discussed depending on the scan after 3 courses or when the cancer no longer responds to FOLFox 6 or if you decide to pull out. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colorectal_cancer I think you're at risk for neuropathy (but could be wrong) because of the diabetes. Some ways to mitigate that are here http://www.chemocare.com/managing/numbness__tingling.asp Take notes or print the page. Go through some of the other sections of "Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects :" Take notes or print the page. Make a booklet out of them and circle the ones that are of concern that you wish to ask the oncologist or oncologist nurse. Sorry about the stent procedure, JC I'll be back later. I get too long wnded. :) and end up sometimes losing sight of the point I wanted to make. Best J > Well, today was a failure. The doc couldn't insert the stent as the > polyp was blocking the bowel almost completely. The attempt was made [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > will delay the onset of chemo by at least 5 weeks - 1 week in hospital > and 4 weeks recovery. Best wishes, JC. J >> Well, today was a failure. The doc couldn't insert the stent as the >> polyp was blocking the bowel almost completely. The attempt was made [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > >Best wishes, JC. Hi J, Many thanks for your info and best wishes. I am 64. The Oncologist has confirmed that I am at stage 4. I had guessed that judging on the speed that all doctors were responding. The Oncologist has changed the plan. The plan was discussed by a panel of 4 doctors - the Oncologist, the bowel specialist, the stent insertion doctor and now a liver specialist. This is getting bigger than Quo Vadis. The Oncologist told me that one of the drugs used in the chemo would badly affect the neuropathy in my feet. They could use another drug but that would prevent any operations on the tumours. He now proposes to operate on the liver tumours instead of doing the chemo and the trial. If the stent insertion retry fails on Tuesday then they would do the liver surgery and a resection of the bowel to cut out the bowel polyp in the one operation. Either way it looks like I am up for a stay in the hospital for a week or so. They would need to do some follow up chemo to do something for the lung tumour after a recovery period. They can do this because the lung tumour is smaller than the other two. I think I prefer one operation rather than 2 separate ones so that is good. I'm also happier with the operation to remove the tumours as the chemo strikes me as a "try it and see if it works" type of approach. SignatureCheers . . . JC > I am 64. The Oncologist has confirmed that I am at stage 4. I had > guessed that judging on the speed that all doctors were responding. [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > good. I'm also happier with the operation to remove the tumours as the > chemo strikes me as a "try it and see if it works" type of approach. Hi JC, Thank you for answering my question. A switch up of plans. I like that one better than the other for sure. Hopefully will solve the bowel tumor, liver tumors, the bleeding and avoid worsening of the neuropathy. I sure hope it works as well for you as it has for George. If I'm reading this right, if the stent retry fails, they immediately switch to removal and work on the liver (on Tuesday?) So it'll be a week or so, before we hear from you again? The bonus is that you'll be eating real foods very soon. I've had open abdominal surgery and another earlier. My first question, once out of the anesthetic, is usually "when's the food coming?" <smile> I was in hospital for 5 or 6 days (post-surgery) and had pain the first 3 days, moreso because the RN's were too short (making me stretch to reach the ground which pulled on my abdominal incision). I tol them to send me taller people to help me out of bed; from thereon it was a shoe-in, to keep moving and recover. Speak up if something similar happens to you. Yours is much more complex than mine, and I was much younger, so patience, but do get up and moving as soon as they give you the okay to do so. I do hope you had adequate time to ask questions and "what if's". If you have some (more), contact them now; please don't wait until being given anesthetic. Alternatively, have the questions written for when the surgeon sees you at the hospital the day (or night?) before the surgery. I'll be thinking of you and so hope all goes well for you and will be watching for your return. Wishing you success and speedy recovery. J > Hi JC, > Thank you for answering my question. [quoted text clipped - 38 lines] > Wishing you success and speedy recovery. > J JC, Surgery is always changing, things are much better than even a decade ago. I had abdominal surgery this summer that a decade ago I would have been in the hospital but instead it was day surgery ! My pain was minimal. In the past I have had open abdominal surgery ( not the key hole type) and it was also day surgery. Anesthesia has improve and the recovery from it much quicker . Also with better instrumentation the incision is tiny! Getting out of bed is much easier and it is common for people walking independently the day after surgery. Pain control also much more efficient. The use of a PCA ( Patient controlled analgesic) or a block is common. Usually the long hospitalization is waking for the bowel to function which can take up to a week. Here are some good links to prepare for surgery. http://www.generalsurgeonsaustralia.com.au/surgery_procedure.html http://www.usurg.com/Surgery.htm http://www.ohsu.edu/health/health-topics/topic.cfm?id=9405 http://www.ahrq.gov/consumer/cc/cc011608.htm Best of luck, I always found the waiting for surgery the worst part. Good luck and a speedy recovery. Alex xela56 wrote:Date: Sat, 29 Mar 2008 09:09:48 -0500 > From: J Date: Sat, 29 Mar 2008 09:09:48 -0500 > [quoted text clipped - 59 lines] > > http://www.usurg.com/Surgery.htm Yes. Frank was in ICU for "4 -6 days" (his words) after his liver surgery. He had 75% (?) of his liver removed. It's wonderful what they can do with surgery these days. J - Attributions and some of jc's comments reinstated > Yes. Frank was in ICU for "4 -6 days" (his words) after his liver > surgery. > He had 75% (?) of his liver removed. > It's wonderful what they can do with surgery these days. > > J - Attributions and some of jc's comments reinstated I personally find it creepy when you (J) cite examples from people who are deceased. That is why I try to limit my own experiences here since you save them to use at another time. I just find it weird. I don't know how others feel but I think when bits and pieces of what people say years ago are not helpful. When I was initially diagnosed, I wanted to know about the success stories and was horrified when people talked about people who has passed on. I was looking for success stories not horror stories. Cancer is horrible enough! I didn't need to listen to any bad experiences since that fueled my anxiety. JC, I wish you the best. I don't know what point J is trying to make. Fortunately she has not had to deal with a cancer diagnosis and treatment ( her father had a surgical cure from colon cancer, her mother died of lung cancer ( no treatment too advanced) and recently her uncle passed away at a ripe old age of cancer of unknown origin with no cancer treatment ( she hadn't seen him during his diagnosis or treatment). Lucky for her she doesn't have cancer and hasn't had any major surgery in decades. Medicine is changing, surgery that once took months to recover takes weeks. Unless you have had recent surgery you can't appreciate how things have changed. My point being when I was undergoing cancer treatment and accompanied my parents when they were being treated for cancer. The anxiety I had was waiting at the endless appointments ( oncologists, surgeons, team meetings, etc). Trying to find the right treatment for each of the cancer's . Coping with the uncertainty and feelings of being out of control.It is very hard to describe unless you have had a front row seat. What I tried to do is look for hope. Best of luck with your surgery. Hoping for a quick recovery. And let us know how you are when you feel up to it. > > > I am 64. The Oncologist has confirmed that I am at stage 4. I had > > > guessed that judging on the speed that all doctors were responding. [quoted text clipped - 22 lines] > > I don't know what point J is trying to make. He and I are more realistic than you are. I rather doubt his (liver and colon) surgery will be day surgery as you've implied in this thread. J - Attributions and some of jc's comments reinstated > > > > I am 64. The Oncologist has confirmed that I am at stage 4. I had > > > > guessed that judging on the speed that all doctors were responding. [quoted text clipped - 28 lines] > > J - Attributions and some of jc's comments reinstated I never ever said colon surgery is day surgery, but it is getting less and less invasive due to better surgical methods. I can't speak for JC but you seem to have very limited knowledge based on your surgery decades ago. PS I would never touch my toes after surgery, that nurse must have been crazy, I would have asked to speak to a supervisor. If the nurse asked you to jump out the window would you have done that. > > > > > I am 64. The Oncologist has confirmed that I am at stage 4. I had > > > > > guessed that judging on the speed that all doctors were responding. [quoted text clipped - 37 lines] > been crazy, I would have asked to speak to a supervisor. If the nurse > asked you to jump out the window would you have done that. We each misunderstood the other. Reread the posts, instead of my copying here. And information about me that you don't know. Which makes us even on both issues. J > > > > > > I am 64. The Oncologist has confirmed that I am at stage 4. I had > > > > > > guessed that judging on the speed that all doctors were responding. [quoted text clipped - 42 lines] > Which makes us even on both issues. > J The information I know about you I know from your postings You try to give realistic information, but that is flawed since you have no medical background or personal information. Correct on what points I have wrong? Not a cancer survivor. Never a caretaker, Your mother with cancer died in hospital. Your uncle who recently died you never saw after his diagnosis You are not a medical professional, you don't have any medical training, yet you ask people there age , pathology, and chemo treatments. These are questions health professionals ask to formulate a diagnosis and a treatment plan, You copy copyright protected materials without permission. FYI: My dad had extensive bowel surgery in the early 90's, Because of his age Late 80's he was in the ICU for a few days and discharge in less than a week. He had prostate cancer. They also did an exploratory laporatomy and took out 8 feet of bowel. He lived 3 more years, he did not have colon cancer. I cite my examples from personal experience. I'll give you points for trying to control the this Usenet. But it is not your personal usenet group. Why do set up a blog, ask people to come to it for your "answers" and you will have total control on the information you give them. JC... Best of luck let us know how you make out Are we back to character assassinations again? Or you off of your medications? >The information I know about you I know from your postings > [quoted text clipped - 34 lines] > >Best of luck let us know how you make out > On Mon, 31 Mar 2008 09:36:48 -0700 (PDT), Alex > > <usenetg...@gmail.com> wrote: > > Are we back to character assassinations again? Or you off of > your medications? I only spoke truths, correct me if I am wrong, It is makes you feel better insulting me I am strong. I guess you like to read disinformation that J likes to post. I am trying to give a cancer patient or care giver prespective which she doesn't have. > > J wrote: > > Yes. Frank was in ICU for "4 -6 days" (his words) after his liver [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > What I tried to do is look for hope. You sure put your foot in it, this time. J >> I am 64. The Oncologist has confirmed that I am at stage 4. I had >> guessed that judging on the speed that all doctors were responding. [quoted text clipped - 29 lines] >If I'm reading this right, if the stent retry fails, they immediately switch to >removal and work on the liver (on Tuesday?) I learned today that the stent install is a temporary measure to stop the bowel polyp from completely blocking the bowel. The next operation, currently scheduled on either 9th April or 16th April, will take out the bowel polyp and remove the tumours from the liver. I also learned that the lung "spot" is not thought to be a tumour which is good news. I came across this link that you might be interested in:- http://jco.ascopubs.org/cgi/content/full/20/6/1442 >So it'll be a week or so, before we hear from you again? No, I should be home again tomorrow afternoon after the stent insertion retry.. >The bonus is that you'll be eating real foods very soon. >I've had open abdominal surgery and another earlier. My first question, once [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] >you. Yours is much more complex than mine, and I was much younger, so >patience, but do get up and moving as soon as they give you the okay to do so. Thanks for the heads up. I've had nothing to eat all day and my tummy keeps telling me about it. Hopefully, I will be able to sleep through it. My mum had knee replacement surgery and refused to walk as it hurt her so much. As a result she never really walked after the surgery. I have learned from that and won't follow her example on this. >I do hope you had adequate time to ask questions and "what if's". If you have >some (more), contact them now; please don't wait until being given anesthetic. [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >I'll be thinking of you and so hope all goes well for you and will be watching >for your return. Wishing you success and speedy recovery. Many thanks. I appreciate you and the others being here for me. SignatureCheers . . . JC > >> I am 64. The Oncologist has confirmed that I am at stage 4. I had > >> guessed that judging on the speed that all doctors were responding. [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > I also learned that the lung "spot" is not thought to be a tumour which > is good news. That is fabulous news ! > I came across this link that you might be interested in:- > [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > No, I should be home again tomorrow afternoon after the stent insertion > retry.. Yes, I see that now that I see the plan all laid out. > [...] > >I tol them to send me taller people to help me out of bed; from thereon it was [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > keeps telling me about it. Hopefully, I will be able to sleep through > it. I hope so. It's hard to go without eating so long, before tests or surgeries. > My mum had knee replacement surgery and refused to walk as it hurt her > so much. As a result she never really walked after the surgery. I > have learned from that and won't follow her example on this. I hear you. > >I do hope you had adequate time to ask questions and "what if's". If you have > >some (more), contact them now; please don't wait until being given anesthetic. [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > Many thanks. I appreciate you and the others being here for me. You're welcome, JC I read your link. I will try to reread later today, along with these, which may have points of interest for you. I also need time to look up side effects vs success rates of chemos where mentioned. http://www1.wfubmc.edu/articles/CME+Liver+Resection.htm http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1421269 http://www.livercancer.com/treatments/surgery.html Wishing you all my best. See you soon, JC. J >>> Well, today was a failure. The doc couldn't insert the stent as the >>> polyp was blocking the bowel almost completely. The attempt was made [quoted text clipped - 40 lines] >good. I'm also happier with the operation to remove the tumours as the >chemo strikes me as a "try it and see if it works" type of approach. I am back after the stent install which went well. I was also told today that the bowel & liver operation would be carried out on 9th April so it doesn't look like the stent will be in for long. I had a terrible night with the Picoprep bowel cleanser. I think that the cause was a blockage at the polyp so only trickles made it through until 3AM when the dam wall broke. Not a good preparation for an operation given that I only got 3 hours sleep max. SignatureCheers . . . JC > [...] > >I think I prefer one operation rather than 2 separate ones so that is [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > until 3AM when the dam wall broke. Not a good preparation for an > operation given that I only got 3 hours sleep max. Hello JC It's good to have you back and that the stent install went well. Given what you describe, I think I'd stay on the liquid diet and/or avoid hard to chew or fibrous foods, Until after the April 9th surgery. Just my opinion and/or i may be misunderstanding. All my best, JC. J - hoping you're now getting caught up on sleep. Wonderful news. When I was preparing for surgery my team told me to eat whatever I wanted. I would ask your surgeon or staff what you limitations should be. Your health team is your best source of information...... this is a great place for emotional support. Bad news is that some surgeons like another bowel prep prior to surgery but usually this prep is not as intense. April 9th.....a week to prepare, do something special. Alex >> [...] >> >I think I prefer one operation rather than 2 separate ones so that is [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] >April 9th surgery. Just my opinion and/or i may be misunderstanding. >All my best, JC. Hi J I spoke too soon about the stent install working - it lasted for about 14 hours and then it decided to emerge. Sigh! I called the doctors concerned and they have now firmly scheduled the operation on the 9th - there was some doubt from one of the doctors who wanted it on 30th April. The prospect of the bowel polyp closing the bowel was too big a concern to delay it that long especially after the problems I had with the most recent bowel cleansing. Given the problems with the bowel polyp your advice on the choice of foods is excellent. That should lessen any problems if the polyp does start to close up. SignatureCheers . . . JC > Hi J > [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > foods is excellent. That should lessen any problems if the polyp does > start to close up. Hello JC, I "half" expected there might be a problem with the stent, given the way the bowel works and the location and size of your tumor. Sorry to hear about that. I wish they could get going faster on the surgery. We'll have to be patient. I trust that all will go well for you. Will they be doing the liver at the same time (or defer until later?) There's a section here about coping http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=2800 Within it, there's a section on diet (after surgery). which seems to apply to whether a person has a colostomy or not. My Dad had a colostomy, and he found "work arounds" for every problem. As they say there, it takes some experimenting and time. His problems were his teeth (or lack thereof :); so after the surgery(ies) I hope that you'll get regular dental care and keep your (own) teeth as long as possible. Sorry I'm late replying. A traumatic event occurred and I haven't been on the computer much at all. Things will settle down soon. If you have questions, thoughts to share, please be assured I am here, reading and caring. While we await (the surgery). Best wishes, J > Hello JC, > I "half" expected there might be a problem with the stent, given the way the bowel > works and the location and size of your tumor. Sorry to hear about that. Could you share your personal experiences with colonic stents? I had never heard of them prior to JC's Experience. > I wish they could get going faster on the surgery. We'll have to be patient. Your having surgery to? Best of luck, is it on your elbow? Actually waiting less a few weeks for major surgery is standard( at least here in the USA) since it requires a special surgical team of surgeons, nurses and techs...... also there needs to be an inpatient bed available. > I trust that all will go well for you. Will they be doing the liver at the same > time (or defer until later?) That is a decision the surgical team will make, usually the surgeon will do a exploratory lap to view the whole the abdomen. JC best of luck, ask lots of questions. Alex >> I trust that all will go well for you. Will they be doing the liver at the same >> time (or defer until later?) > >That is a decision the surgical team will make, usually the surgeon >will do a exploratory lap to view the whole the abdomen. I gather that the surgeon will have a good look at the stomach and possibly other organs and only operate on the liver if they are clear. >JC best of luck, ask lots of questions. Thanks, Alex. SignatureCheers . . . JC > >> I trust that all will go well for you. Will they be doing the liver at the same > >> time (or defer until later?) [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > > Cheers . . . JC Sorry an exploratory Lap is a complete look around the internal organs, some surgeons here are doing a combination key hole and incision. Bowel surgery is one of most common major surgeries a general surgeon performs. As I said before waiting is the worst....I had to wait a month when I had my mastectomy. > J wrote: > > >> I trust that all will go well for you. Will they be doing the liver at the same > >> time (or defer until later?) > I gather that the surgeon will have a good look at the stomach and > possibly other organs and only operate on the liver if they are clear. Thanks for clarifying, JC. Only a few days to go now. Have a nice Sunday, J > > Hello JC, > > I "half" expected there might be a problem with the stent, given the way the bowel > > works and the location and size of your tumor. Sorry to hear about that. > > colonic stents? I had never heard of them prior to JC's Experience. You must be a paper-pusher? http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/562457_2 Curr Opin Gastroenterol. 2007;23(05):544-549. New Developments in Colonic Stent Technique and Techniques: How Technique Since its original description by Dohmoto in the early 1990s, the technique of preoperative colonic stenting has remained unchanged.[1 http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/full/176/6/762 CMAJ March 13, 2007; 176 (6). doi:10.1503/cmaj.060843. systematic pooled analysis that included 54 published reports with a total of 1198 patients found a technical success rate of 94% and a median clinical success rate (relief of obstruction) of 91%.3 Major complications included stent migration (11.8%), recurrent obstruction (7.3%), perforation (3.8%) and death (0.58%).3" J > > > Hello JC, > > > I "half" expected there might be a problem with the stent, given the way the bowel [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] > recurrent obstruction (7.3%), perforation (3.8%) and death (0.58%).3" > J You didn't answer my question, what is your personal experience with colonic stents.....I have never seen or heard of one. Have you ever had a friend or family member with one? Internet does not count . You need to learn how to read medical papers I would be happy to teach you, but first you need access to a medical library where you can read the whole paper, and learn how to analyze it. Plus I hold you have taken a recent course in stats. Best of luck on your upcoming surgery J, > You didn't answer my question, what is your personal experience with > colonic stents.....I have never seen or heard of one. Have you ever [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > Best of luck on your upcoming surgery J, Stop being such a pompous a.s, Alex. You'd never seen or heard of pre emptive pinning of femurs either. For someone with such extensive experience, I'd suggest YOU need to spend a bit more time in the medical library >> You didn't answer my question, what is your personal experience with >> colonic stents.....I have never seen or heard of one. Have you ever [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > someone with such extensive experience, I'd suggest YOU need to spend a > bit more time in the medical library This is from a Board certified internal medicine doctor who hasn't heard of the current standard of care for CHF, that was approved in 2001. I guess in Canada, anyone with a computer can diagnosis and give medical advice. I post her as a cancer survivor....... I want to make that clear. J is a health professional want to be, If she is going to do it, she should get the proper education and credentials and post her intentions here. >>> You didn't answer my question, what is your personal experience with >>> colonic stents.....I have never seen or heard of one. Have you ever [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > guess in Canada, anyone with a computer can diagnosis and give medical > advice. I post her as a cancer survivor....... I want to make that clear. What's congestive heart failure got do do with the price of milk on a cancer newsgroup? > J is a health professional want to be, If she is going to do it, she > should get the proper education and credentials and post her intentions > here. And maybe you should stick to posting under your own name and stop being such a silly, vindictive, spoilt brat. >>> You didn't answer my question, what is your personal experience with >>> colonic stents.....I have never seen or heard of one. Have you ever [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] >J is a health professional want to be, If she is going to do it, she should >get the proper education and credentials and post her intentions here. Now you are a sock puppet, or still the phony pompous person you always have been. Get back on your meds. > Now you are a sock puppet, or still the phony pompous person you > always have been. Get back on your meds. Why don't you learn how to manage your meds. By your own admission you overdosed on coumadin.....you need to learn about your meds. I am glad you are cancer free, but you need to speak to a health professional, doctor, nurse or pharmacist on how to manage your meds. Glad to hear you are cancer free. >> Now you are a sock puppet, or still the phony pompous person you >> always have been. Get back on your meds. [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >nurse or pharmacist on how to manage your meds. >Glad to hear you are cancer free. The fact that the Doctor admittedly has not been able to properly regulate coumadin in me, which I have been told is not that rare considering the nature of the beast, does not mean that I have overdosed. If you are told to take a 10 mg tablet, and get a reaction, you did not intentionally overdose, even if the Doctor cuts back on the size of the dose. You can be given the same description as I gave the colonoscopy. Oh yes, your name is Alex, your alias is just as ridiculous. >>> Now you are a sock puppet, or still the phony pompous person you >>> always have been. Get back on your meds. [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] >the same description as I gave the colonoscopy. Oh yes, your >name is Alex, your alias is just as ridiculous. I forgot to mention that he took me off of the coumadin, and put me on Warfarin. Maybe that will work. >>>> Now you are a sock puppet, or still the phony pompous person you >>>> always have been. Get back on your meds. [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] > I forgot to mention that he took me off of the coumadin, and put > me on Warfarin. Maybe that will work. Warfarin is coumadin it is the same thing......speak to your pharmacist you don't seem to understand what you are taking. " Overdoses of drugs or chemicals can be either accidental or intentional. Drug overdoses occur when a person takes more than the medically recommended dose. However, some people may be more sensitive to certain medications so that the high end of the therapeutic range of a drug may be toxic for them. " I would find another doctor to who is more sensitive to your needs. PS....If I took meds I would know what they were and have a doctor who would take the time to explain them to me. >> Hi J >> [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] >I trust that all will go well for you. Will they be doing the liver at the same >time (or defer until later?) I'm impressed with the speed that they have scheduled the operation - the stent was installed on 1st April, failed on 2nd April and the surgery is now scheduled for 9th April. That is fast in my book for anything other than an emergency. >There's a section here about coping >http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=2800 >Within it, there's a section on diet (after surgery). which seems to apply to >whether a person has a colostomy or not. Thanks for that. Will have a good look through the info. >My Dad had a colostomy, and he found "work arounds" for every problem. As they say >there, it takes some experimenting and time. His problems were his teeth (or lack >thereof :); so after the surgery(ies) I hope that you'll get regular dental care >and keep your (own) teeth as long as possible. So far I have all my teeth. >Sorry I'm late replying. A traumatic event occurred and I haven't been on the >computer much at all. Things will settle down soon. I hope so for your sake. I have a favourite saying "nil carborundum illegitemi" - don't let the bastards grind you down. It got me through years of working in a semi government organisation and is helping me get through the current medical problems. I also feel that life is like a hand of cards in a card game - you're dealt the cards and you must play with what you have. There is nothing to be gained by complaining about the poor cards that you have and everything to gain by playing them to the full. >If you have questions, thoughts to share, please be assured I am here, reading and >caring. While we await (the surgery). > >Best wishes, >J And best wishes to you with regard to your recent traumatic event. Remember to keep smiling - they will wonder what you know. <g> SignatureCheers . . . JC > >I'm impressed with the speed that they have scheduled the operation - > the stent was installed on 1st April, failed on 2nd April and the [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] > And best wishes to you with regard to your recent traumatic event. > Remember to keep smiling - they will wonder what you know. <g> Well said, JC Thank you and I hope you're continuing to feel well. J JC <jc@invalid.net> wrote in news:ep2pt3t1ddbdbr48d4a9snlh0dr8raht5n@ 4ax.com: > Hi, > [quoted text clipped - 34 lines] > I would appreciate any feedback on the disease and the decision re > chemotherapy. Hi, JC, I am so sorry to hear of your diagnosis but glad to hear there are things they can do for you. Re chemo: From what I've seen myself & read here, different people tolerate the same drug regimines quite differently. Steph, the oncologist here, says that unless cure is possible, its purpose is to increase comfort. In your case, reading forward, it looks like it could shrink the polyops to make the surgery possible/more successful. Sounds to me like worth considering. My husband usually had a 'bed day' the 2nd day following chemo, needed sleep & felt fluish. The rest of the time, he functioned quite well with an afternoon nap. He had full days & evenings/nights most of the time. We just learned to plan around that day. Once we flew overseas, doing the flying the day after chemo & planned a rest day the one after arriving. Worked well. His nausea was almost entirely controlled by the anti-nausea cancer pills & ginger. Other people have a more dificult time with chemo. If I were you, I would give the chemo a try. If you have any problems with tolerance, talk to the docs about whether adjustments can be made, either to the dosage, drug or timing. Their monitoring sounds reasonable & consistant to what my husband & others here had. My husband's onc told him he had 6 months without chemo & with they could probably double or even triple that. From what I've read since, chemo by itself is not life-prolonging for most cancers, including his, so I do not know what the onc meant. Surgery adds a whole new dimension, so your case is different & hopeful. From Google, you can research posts to alt.support.cancer by key word or words. You do an advanced search. If you want instructions, we will be happy to provide. You will find interesting reading there from many posters at the time they were undergoing certain treatments. You can also search on key words relating to your diagnosis & the drugs they plan to use. Please post back with any questions/concerns/thoughts. Many find this a great place to vent, which is surely acceptable too. Wishing you well, Fig >If I were you, I would give the chemo a try. If you have any problems >with tolerance, talk to the docs about whether adjustments can be made, >either to the dosage, drug or timing. Their monitoring sounds reasonable >& consistant to what my husband & others here had. Hi Fig, Thanks for the info on the effects of chemo. I have decided that I will give the chemo a go and also do some of the holistic stuff as well. My Oncologist was happy for me to do the holistic stuff as that would only help keep the body going. SignatureCheers . . . JC JC <jc@invalid.net> wrote in news:b01rt3htuf86g2oe5f434458nk0q9fu2dq@ 4ax.com: >>If I were you, I would give the chemo a try. If you have any problems >>with tolerance, talk to the docs about whether adjustments can be made, [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > holistic stuff as well. My Oncologist was happy for me to do the > holistic stuff as that would only help keep the body going. JC, Glad to hear you are giving it a go. Please keep us in the loop when you feel like posting. Just make sure the docs know exactly what you are taking. My husband, known as Socks here, was told not to take mega-vitamin anti-oxident pills during chemo as they could interfere with the chemo. All foods were OK, Milk thistle was OK. All foods were OK, including blueberries & other healthy things. There are many out there who will try to sell you 'natural cures' & 'holistic potions & treatments.' We see a lot of that here on newsgroup. If you are tempted by any of that stuff, please run it by us here. It's quite sad that they prey on cancer patients, but prey they do. Take good care, Fig > JC <j...@invalid.net> wrote in news:b01rt3htuf86g2oe5f434458nk0q9fu2dq@ > 4ax.com: [quoted text clipped - 35 lines] > Take good care, > Fig Mainly "ditto". I had stage 3 (no known mets) colon cancer, treated with FOLFOX6 w/Avastin, similar to what your onc is planning. The two days per cycle with a pump attached were no fun, but I did most normal things, even mountain biking, with it in place. I don't really get why your onc wants to skip the surgery, but he knows more than we can, so he probably has good reason. I had the surgery first, and started chemo after a few weeks to clean up any strays. The first several treatments had little effect on me, but my onc was surprised, so as Fig says, we all handle it differently. This group is a great source of support and general information. Just avoid the spammers, and remember that your doctors are the professionals with your case information. Welcome to the club, and may you beat the odds. --- CSM >> JC <j...@invalid.net> wrote in news:b01rt3htuf86g2oe5f434458nk0q9fu2dq@ >> 4ax.com: [quoted text clipped - 49 lines] >professionals with your case information. Welcome to the club, and >may you beat the odds. Hi CSM Thanks for the info. At this stage the chemo is still a week or so away. The doc is to install the stent late this week/early next week when he can organise all of the equipment needed including an X-Ray machine in the theatre. Once that is installed the chemo can start. I am feeling confident about the treatment proposed. SignatureCheers . . . JC I will be entering hospital at 6:30AM tomorrow morning. The major part of the operation will be the bowel polyp removal. They will also remove any tumours on the liver (apparently 50% of the liver) if there are no secondary tumours on the stomach. The major risk is bleeding from the liver which will require blood transfusion. Apparently I will be on a bag for about 3 months minimum and possibly the rest of my life depending on how the bowel polyp removal goes. If all goes well I will send you a follow-up letting you all know how it went. If you don't hear from me then I fell into the 6% who don't survive this operation. SignatureCheers . . . JC > I will be entering hospital at 6:30AM tomorrow morning. The major part > of the operation will be the bowel polyp removal. They will also [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > went. If you don't hear from me then I fell into the 6% who don't > survive this operation. Thanks for the warning, JC. I'm stubborn, so I won't give up, until 3 months have passed. Pop us a message, when you can. I will be thinking of you. J > I will be entering hospital at 6:30AM tomorrow morning. The major part > of the operation will be the bowel polyp removal. They will also [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > > Cheers . . . JC Good luck on the op. Don't sweat the follow-up too much---it may take a few days before you feel up to posting. We'll all hope for (and maybe assume) the best, and look forward to confirmation. Don't be shy about pressing that button, either; it can do wonders for your comfort. --- CSM >I will be entering hospital at 6:30AM tomorrow morning. The major part >of the operation will be the bowel polyp removal. They will also [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] >went. If you don't hear from me then I fell into the 6% who don't >survive this operation. Hi everyone, I'm back home so I guess I am one of the 94% who survive this operation. <Grin> The operation went well the docs took out a chunk of the colon and 60% of the liver leaving a scar from below the navel to mid chest. The recovery is going well which the docs and nurses all put down to the fitness level attained by going to the gym 3 days per week. To give the colon time to recover the docs diverted the small intestine to the surface where the matter is collected in a colostomy bag which I have to empty approximately hourly. I will have to wear these bags for the next 6 - 12 weeks which should be fun. The liver apparently re-grows within 6 weeks so that doesn't seem to be much of a problem. Anyway, enough of the gory bits. I'm back and moving about albeit slowly but that should improve. Thanks to all, especially J and CSM, for their help and support in this trying time. SignatureCheers . . . JC > >I will be entering hospital at 6:30AM tomorrow morning. The major part > >of the operation will be the bowel polyp removal. They will also [quoted text clipped - 33 lines] > Thanks to all, especially J and CSM, for their help and support in this > trying time. I'm so happy to hear from you, JC. Big sigh of relief. I was counting the days. Yes, the liver does regenerate faiirly quickly. Wishing you a speedy recovery. You've made my day ! I hope to hear from you often - keep us updated, please. J > >I will be entering hospital at 6:30AM tomorrow morning. The major part > >of the operation will be the bowel polyp removal. They will also [quoted text clipped - 36 lines] > > Cheers . . . JC Sounds like you are doing great, Glad to see you back. There is a person who often posts about a ostomy chat. Glad all is well. Alex > >I will be entering hospital at 6:30AM tomorrow morning. The major part > >of the operation will be the bowel polyp removal. They will also [quoted text clipped - 36 lines] > > Cheers . . . JC You're welcome, and thanks for giving us the update. Too bad about the bag, but that's short term. I imagine the recovery must be tough with a scar that big. I was lucky, and got laproscopic, with a smallish incision and three even smaller ones, but they didn't need to do so much. Keep up the good work, and please keep in touch when you're up to it. --- CSM JC <jc@invalid.net> wrote in news:2a2l04hl4cv8l8o78lsb1fdk17o32pfprl@ 4ax.com: >>I will be entering hospital at 6:30AM tomorrow morning. The major part >>of the operation will be the bowel polyp removal. They will also [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > > The operation went well – the docs took out a chunk of the colon and 60% > of the liver leaving a scar from below the navel to mid chest. The > recovery is going well which the docs and nurses all put down to the [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > Thanks to all, especially J and CSM, for their help and support in this > trying time. Congratulations, JC! So glad to hear your good news. Please keep us updated as you feel like it. Fig >JC <jc@invalid.net> wrote in news:2a2l04hl4cv8l8o78lsb1fdk17o32pfprl@ >4ax.com: >> Anyway, enough of the gory bits. I'm back and moving about albeit >> slowly but that should improve. >> >> Thanks to all, especially J and CSM, for their help and support in >> this trying time. >Congratulations, JC! > >So glad to hear your good news. Please keep us updated as you feel like >it. Hi Fig, It is now a week since I came home from hospital. Things are going ok with gradual improvement. I am going for |
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