Just diagnosed: Surgery not an option, looking for hope

Are you sure you had the cologuard test for or 5 years ago? Why did the doctor switch you to a fit test? Was CEA done anytime in the past?

I had been doing Cologuard for 4 or 5 years instead of a colonoscopy, because I live by myself and had no one in my life who would be able to drive me/stay at the hospital for the appointment, and it was negative every time. I started having some odd bowel symptoms (stool odd shape) and she suggested a FIT test which was positive. I have never had cancer prior to December 2024 so my first CEA was done in December which was 58, and my 2nd CEA was done following the 1st round of chemo and was 46.

Are you able to get a second opinion?

I had a second opinion from Moffitt Cancer Center and she agreed with the current treatment plan.

Recent review of A total of 9 studies reported the objective response rate during treatment, and the total number of cases was 700. Among them, there were 358 patients in the BEV + FOLFOX group, a total of 191 patients achieved objective remission, and 342 cases in the FOLFOX group, a total of 95 patients achieved objective remission.

So just to add, You definitely have the right chemo accommodation, suggest you watch carefully adverse effects, but try to stay at the recommended dose and course of treatment until you see a response. Don't be afraid to seek a second opinion during your care especially with regard to following whether or not you're getting control or a response. Moffitt is a great place! Prayers to you.

my husband's situation is almost identical, diagnosed at 69, avoided coloscopies, cancer discovered at stage IV, no surgery and he's nearing 3 years of palliative treatment and stable tumors. Living with cancer isn't easy, but for him it hasn't been a battle for a cure, but rather a plan for an extended, quality life. CEA dropped to 3, back around 7. Tolerating treatment although he's had to adjust dosage, switched to oral Xeloda plus Avastin infusion, and is able to enjoy an active lifestyle despite neuropathy and fatigue. I think your treatment plan is fairly standard. Best wishes as your journey continues.

Is your husband still doing chemo every 2 weeks? I am still a little unclear why surgery is not an option for me. Maybe you have some more information about it since your husband did not have surgery. I'm thinking it is likely the palliative vs. cure route which both of us are on. I keep reading about how surgery is the main treatment, with chemo before or after surgery. Any info you have about that would be appreciated so I can ease my mind as it keeps circulating back to, "Why is that not an option for me?" Thanks.

His rectal/sigmoid area tumor isn't causing blockage and due to the liver mets, surgery would not extend his life. Not worth it for us. We're looking at quality over quantity. The treatment shrunk the tumor enough to increase comfort. But every situation and medical team and individual is different. Sorry you're having to go through this. It's not easy!!

Be positive found out I had correct ok cancer in 2022 in sigmoid 4 cm had operation and was in pain for 8 months after Had to convince drs to give colonoscopy again had surgery in Aug 2023 8 months after first) full of scar tissue and they took many organs out and more of colon ( have bag now) Thought I was fine then in July 2024 pain again ( had hernia and obstruction) Now it’s Feb 2025 I feel like myself but u never know cause cancer is silent I started xeloda in September 2024 and nodules have shrunk so who knows Have faith and get more opinions like in Cleveland and Columbus Ohio Hopefully you get good news soon