Just diagnosed: Surgery not an option, looking for hope

Posted by vcsongradi @vcsongradi, Feb 8 10:11am

Went in for my first colonoscopy in December, F age 58. Had negative Cologuards for the last 4 or 5 years. My PCP gave me a FIT test in September which came back positive. Colonoscopy revealed a rectal mass (close to the sigmoid colon junction) she said was typical cancer presentation. Had some abdominal pain and went to ER. PET scan found mets to liver and both lungs, stage IV. Colorectal surgeon told me that surgery, "would not benefit me." Oncologist gave me 2 to 3 years prognosis, said treatment would be palliative and not curative, and surgery, "would never be an option." Started FOLFOX + Mvasi in January; just finished my 2nd round. CEA was initially 58, and is now 46, so that is good news I think. Don't really have a question, just looking for some hope from the stories of other people.

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vcsongradi | @vcsongradi | May 30 11:23am

Hello everyone! Thank you for the encouragement, prayers and positive stories. I continue to improve! My last CEA on May 20 was 6.4, and I will begin chemo round 10 on Monday. My hair has been thinning which isn't fun, but it is a side effect so I deal with it. I have been having neuropathy in my fingers (numbness), so my oncologist adjusted the dosage of Oxaliplatin, and because of increased fatigue she stopped the 5-FU bolus that the nurses give before attaching the ball. I did finally get an answer to why surgery was not an option initially: it was 1) because of the metastasis to liver and both lungs, and 2) I would have to wait 6 to 8 weeks following surgery before starting chemo and they wanted to start chemo right away to stop the spread. My second opinion rectal cancer oncologist located in Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL, agreed with the plan that I'm currently on. My oncologist here locally did talk about maintenance chemo starting possibly in July after 12 rounds of chemo, and my next CT scan to see exactly how the tumor and mets are measuring. Keep praying and offering encouragement! Sending love and appreciation to all of you!